Passage of the Day:
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you,” Luke 6:37-38.
Reflection:
In my early years as a church member, I associated benevolence with an offering that would be taken monthly, quarterly or annually depending upon the congregation. However, the act of benevolence is having goodwill, kindness, and charitableness towards others. After my wife Leanne went through the deaths of her dad and mom, she learned all the intricacies of family trusts and wills. Subsequently, in the past year we’ve been able to set up our own benevolence fund to helps causes and needs dear to our hearts.
Prayerful Action:
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritually Fruit:
Most of my adult life, I lived paycheck to paycheck, unable to participate in activities that I simply couldn’t afford. However, after leaving teaching, God provided me with an amazing opportunity at Amazon two years later. Before moving to South Carolina, I was able to provide for my family like never before. This wealth allowed me to do some of the fun things with my children that my own parents bestowed upon me. Now as I’m nearing retirement in the next five years, it’s time to turn my attention to the needs of others. Like God’s vision of the church in Acts 2:42-47, this is why benevolence exists, to meet the needs of the less fortunate.
Song of the Day:
If the first century church was able to eliminate poverty within their church community, a modern movement to create and give to benevolence funds has the potential to do the same today. May today’s song conceive in you a spirit of benevolence.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 