“Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea.” (Acts 11:29)
 
This weekend an organization is hosting a workout competition to raise money to support those in recovery. The executive director has put a sign up within the gym that for every dollar donated he will do a burpee. He might end up doing a lot of burpees depending on how much people decide to donate. There is no requirement to donate or how much each person should give it is up to everyone to determine how much they would want to give.

Some people view giving as a waste of money since it is money they could have used for something else either saving, bills, or on fun times. No matter who we are rich or poor, boss or employee everyone can donate something but, it must come willingly and not out of place of “I have to”. When we give generously, and willingly it changes us from the inside out. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and love for others when we give generously. Our generosity is used within the community in all types of ways providing clothing, shelter, food, and even relief in foreign countries.
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We should respond when others are in need, we might not be able to go directly to them and give assistance, but we can donate to trusted organizations to help provide relief. Our expressions of love should be generous and practical within our abilities. Everything that we own is a gift from God it is through God’s grace. When we see others, they are our brothers and sisters in Christ it changes our perspective that those that need relief are not strangers but someone who we should take care of.
 
Heavenly Father, thank you for the possessions that you have given us may you help us to be generous with what we have.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins

“Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” (Acts 5:4)
 
There are only a few things we can do with money we can give, spend, and save it. For many people spend is the most fun but, we often shy away from stating how much we spend on things and dislike the b word (budget) since it feels like a restriction. However, when we learn to budget our money, it gives us permission to spend our money and know where it is going. When we do not know where our money is going, we lie to ourselves about how much we spend on food, entertainment, and bills. The money slips away because we do not know exactly where it went.

The most joy we get with money is giving it away. Blessing others with money whether it is to a local charity, leaving an outrageous tip to a server, or even taking the time to bless a family with a gift. This fills the heart with joy since it furthers God’s kingdom and helps those in need. When we give money away, we must guard our hearts from pride because we might want to say we gave more money away than we did to seem impressive. When we lie to people, we are not lying to people but, to God. The money already belonged to us, and we have the right to spend it how we feel is fitting.

​What we do with our money shows where our heart is at if we lie about how much we give our heart is filled with pride and does not love those around us. When we spend recklessly on alcohol and things that do not give life our hearts are missing love. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts up to generous giving and spending wisely.
 
Heavenly Father, may we spend the money you have given us to steward wisely, may you show us people we can bless with generosity.
 
Walking with you,
Stacy Watkins