JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is a generous spirit.
The disciples of the early church were not perfect, but they were committed to Christ and made a difference in their world as they were led by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:45 points out that these first-generation followers of Christ sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
They were sensitive to the needs of those around them, and participated in the sacrifice of sharing. Acts 4:34 tells us that there were no needy persons among them. From time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales, and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
At the heart of these actions is a generous spirit that is willing to share. Hebrews 13:16 instruct us with these words: “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Generosity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Generosity.
This is the quality of being kind and unselfish with our resources, and is moved by a grateful heart toward a gracious God.
Proverbs 22:9 tells us that “the generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Generosity is not measured in the amount of money or resources that we give, but the condition of our heart. There was a poor widow that put a small amount of money in an offering plate, but Jesus noticed what she gave, and commended her offering from a generous heart.
The Apostle Paul told a young pastor in First Timothy 6:18 to command those who are rich in this present world “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Where generosity flows, people’s needs are met and the hungry are fed. The giver and receiver are both refreshed in the process.
Generosity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Second Corinthians 9:7.
“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.”
The Apostle Paul was appealing for generous gifts to help other Christians in need. But he was not appealing to their sense of obligation. Rather, he was appealing to their sense of generosity to give what they wanted to give. If I am forced to give, I am giving out of duty. If I give voluntarily, I am giving out of delight.
In verse 8, he said, “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.”
It is refreshing to know when our offerings to God are building up the church and helping people in need. The Gospel inspires us to consider the needs of others, and to honor God with our wealth.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of generous and cheerful giving in the Year of Vision.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Trust, today’s Focus on God examines His good gifts.
According to Matthew 7:9, God knows how to give good gifts to His children.
Jesus said, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
So then, if it is human nature for moms and dads to want to give good gifts to their children, how much more valuable will God’s good gifts be for His children? God the Father sent Jesus to the world 2,000 years ago, and today, He gives the Holy Spirit to His children. Those are two precious gifts that the world cannot offer us.
He also blesses us with tangible gifts like rain from the sky, crops from the earth, and good friends with whom we can share the journey.
God’s good gifts are reasons to thank God and to trust in God for today and forever.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
