Giving

I think that giving is one of the coolest things that the Lord ever created. He created giving when He first created the universe, the earth and mankind to live here. He also introduced the principle of giving in the Old Testament when He introduced the tithe. He reminded them again right before they entered into the Promised Land. Check this out…

22 Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. 23 Eat the tithe of your corn, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always. (Deuteronomy 14:22-23 NIV)

This tithe was different than the money tithe. I don’t remember noticing this before that the tenth that the crops produced were to be eaten in the Presence of the Lord as a reminder of being blessed by Him.

I’m a big Dave Ramsey fan. I remember when Dave first said, “Live like no one else so that you can Live like no one else.” I started noticing that he added two words to that phrase. He now says: “Live like no one else so that you can Live and Give like now one else!” He obviously has lived that out to be given insight into the principle of giving. In my giving, I feel more blessed to give than maybe even the recipient of my gift.

My family tries to give thanks before every meal acknowledging the provision and blessing of the Lord. I’ve never thought of taking the food grown from the garden or any livestock and eating on the tenth before the Lord. I’ve never noticed that concept before. I do believe it is designed to create a grateful heart inside of me.

Giving to the Lord changes me.

Giving to the Lord reveals my dependence on Him.

Giving to the Lord acknowledges His Provision for me.

Giving to the Lord creates awareness of others needs.

Giving to the Lord blesses my heart in very unique ways.

Giving is so much a part of the DNA and Character of God….”For God so loved the world, that He gave His One and only Son…” (John 3:15 NIV)

I’m never more like my Heavenly Father than when I give.

Pressing On!

Dwayne