15 Dec, 2010
To give or not to give...
"People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done?" Zuckerberg, who gave $100 million in September to the beleaguered public schools of Newark, New Jersey, said in a statement.
Luke 21:1-4
1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
"Each Man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
What Does God's Story teach us about Giving?
Tis the season for giving, and also the season for hard times for many. God is not in the business of demanding things from the rich or the poor, from those that have or had money. God is in the business of your heart. This widow had some money, probably needed money, and yet she gave from all that she had. I doubt she knew that Jesus was going to point here out, nor did she give reluctantly. She wanted to give, she gave from her heart.
So what does God want us to give?
Some say 10%, Gates says 50%, I am not here to debate the % although I think God has something to say no matter what % you choose. In Corinthians it says that each should give what he has decided in his heart. The more we trust God the easier it is to give without worry. If it is less than two pennies is all you can give, then praise God.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to my life?
While I was a youth pastor I had a jr high student run back into the youth room out of breath after youth group, with her palm clutch tight.
"Here" she said, "Here is what I can give, its for the youth group" she opened her hand and dropped a crumpled dollar bill and two dimes. i looked up and smiled
I think its amazing that all of these billionaires are making a moral commitment to give. It sounds like they are giving based off a challenge put before them.
I am going to take a guess, and say you may not be a billionaire, I am not, my student was not, & the widow was not a billionaire, but God still looked upon her with favor. She gave with all that was within her, and that is all that God asks of you.
Our world says when you don't have money hide it, & save it for a rainy day. Our God says, What you give depends on the conversation you have with Him.
- Take time to ask God What he might have you give.
- If you have never thought about giving, ask God to make you a cheerful giver from the start.
- Be prepared, that what God lays on your heart my be scary, but trust in the LORD. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Ask God to Teach you to give with your heart, not your piggy bank balance.
- will God have you give your crumpled dollar or two coins?
How Can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to my friends lives?
Its pretty common with so many people on facebook, and the social network just in theaters, for a conversation to come up about facebook. Take that opportunity to bring up the "Giving Pledge". Talk about what it means to give. What can you give besides money. Take time to encourage others to be cheerful in whatever God may call them to give.
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