Generously Speaking

One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving. As I ponder on this statement, there is a question that arises: what would be the difference between the one that gives without loving and the one that gives because they love? The distinction would be the generosity of the heart. One gives out of obligation while the other gives from the abundance of gratefulness that flows through their heart. 

Generosity is more than an action, it is a character trait. A generous person is free from poverty of the mind where they think little, everything is of an abundant nature. They are liberal in their giving in all areas of their lives because it was first impressed upon them by the One who gave liberally, even to death, out of love. A generous person is also unselfish by nature. How could one hold back anything that was given in the first place? This truth is what abounds and compels them to give more. Finally, a generous person is always rich in spirit. Because they have made seeking God’s kingdom their first priority, they abide in the fruits of the Spirit and they are assured that they will not lack any good thing, so giving will never become a mundane chore, but a joyful celebration.

Our example of generosity and everything that involves Christian living should be Jesus the Christ. He lived an exceedingly generous life. He was unselfish with His time, He loved who the world would consider unlovable, and He healed, taught, and preached out of pure love for us. Allow generosity to rule over your heart so your actions may follow, generously speaking of course!

~ Toni H.

Why The Tithe Is Important

The topical discussion of money within the church has always been a subject matter that is treaded softly upon. The aversion is mostly due to the differing of opinions of whether it is an Old or New Testament teaching.  The fact of the matter is that tithes and offerings are mentioned in both, the Old and New Testament teachings. Simple research with a concordance or an internet search engine will prove this true.

Now let’s get to the core of the matter which is defining what a tithe is and why it is important. A tithe is a tenth of agricultural produce or personal income set apart as an offering to God for the support of the church. The tithe is a fundamental resource that belongs to the Source that is set aside for His will. I want to discuss three reasons why the tithe is important. First, giving the tithe is an act of obedience to God. God asks us to bring all the tithes to His storehouse which is the church. This is an act of obedience. Because our heavenly Father asked, we should do. Secondly, giving the tithe supports the administration, missions, and ministries of the church. Our mission trips help to offer relief to the poor and push the spread of the gospel throughout the nations. Ministry within our church offers outreach in our communities as well as sponsoring events for spiritual growth to the congregation. Finally, giving the tithe is proof that our heart is open to the will of God. God ask for us to give cheerfully and willingly, without a grudge. This proves that we have not allowed money to become the center of our lives, but allow God to direct its use.

The principle of tithing should not be an awkward discussion or talking point. I would like to reiterate that the tithe is a resource that belongs to the Source for the working of His will. So we should evaluate our hearts in regards to the position money plays in our relationship to God and allow the Holy Spirit to direct our giving.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages giving the tithe:

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce (Proverbs 3:9).

~Toni H.   

The Greatest Gift You Can Give

He offers a once in a lifetime opportunity! He came so we can exchange our sorrow for His joy; redeem impending spiritual death for eternal life, convert the hardened heart into a clean heart, and interchange a mediocre life for a more abundant one. How can one take part in this opportunity? The opportunity is open for those who are willing to give their lives to Christ.

The most important decision that we make in life is not what career path to take, where to go to school, or even the selection of a spouse. Although all of these things mentioned are important, the decision to give our lives to Christ is the most important. Why? Our sins will be forgiven and it guarantees the place in which we will be spending eternity. Giving our lives to Christ will also result in receiving wisdom for those important decisions that we have to make in life. We are also afforded the opportunity to participate in the building of His Kingdom; this is where true fulfillment resides: walking in our purpose to advance His will. Finally, we are rewarded with the opportunity of having a true friend and everlasting relationship with God the Father through Christ. Our prayers will be heard, we will receive guidance for the future, comfort will be given during difficult times, and we will receive His protection and strength.

The new life in Christ will come with resistance from the enemy, and we will experience heart aches and setbacks which are inevitable, but we have the assurance of spiritual stability and a God and Friend who will hold our hands along the way; we will never be alone again because He promised it! Give your life over to Christ, it will be the best decision you will ever make.

Meditate on this scripture that expresses the reward of giving your life to Christ:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”(Revelation 3:20)

~Toni H.

Memorial Day

Today we remember those who served In the Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor the men and women who still serve our country and the families they leave behind. May God continue to keep and bless you. We salute you! Let this be a day of reflection. Let it be a day that we not only remember those who give to us but a day we in turn give back to others. Whether it be you time or talent, show someone today that you care. Give by showing the love of Christ that is within you. 

John 15:13 

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends"

Happy Memorial Day! 


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Giving God Praise and Worship

What can we give to God after all He has done for us? How can we express our gratitude for the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus the Christ? What can we offer that will give Him delight? He holds the universe in His hands, so what could we possibly bestow upon Him as a representation of our gratefulness? We can give Praise and Worship!!

Praise can be defined as the act of expressing goodness, approval, or admiration, usually in the form of songs. So we can view praise as singing or any act that expresses our thankfulness for what God has done and for the promises that are soon to come. Here are some ways we can praise God: we can praise Him with our words, we can sing songs of praise as well as hymns, we can lift our hands to the heavens as an act of submission, and we can offer up prayers of gratitude for His continued mercy and grace. God is worthy of our praise.

Worship can be defined as the act of rendering reverence or homage. We can view worship as giving honor to God, solely, for who He is. When we worship, our objective should consist of complete adoration in spirit and in truth. Here are some ways we can worship God: we can worship Him by our obedience to His word, we worship with the giving of our resources, we can worship by serving others, and we can worship by surrendering our hearts, desires, and will to Him. This list is not inclusive; we can worship God in several other ways by just letting the Holy Spirit lead us. God is worthy of our worship.

Giving praise and worship are expectations that God has set for us. Praise and worship are designed for our benefit because it allows us to enter into the presence of God where all blessings, healing, provision and wisdom reside. More importantly, praise and worship deepens our relationship with God through Jesus the Christ. Never forsake the offering of praise and worship for this is how God manifests Himself to us.

Meditate on the scripture which encourages giving praise and worship to God:

“Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name”. (Hebrews 13:15).

~ Toni H.

Practicing the Principle of Giving in the Workplace

       Our place of work or employment takes up a considerable amount of time on a daily basis. Often times, we exert more energy there than in our own homes. Because of the time spent in the workplace, the possibilities are endless when it comes to expending Christ-like influence over others. If we take these things into consideration, we can conclude that our workplace can be used as an instrument to practice the principle of giving.

            While there are many titles and job descriptions, I would like to single out three particular occupations in which giving can be practiced while working. First, customer service positions have great opportunities to practice giving. Sharing a word of inspiration to those persons you assist and to coworkers are great expressions of giving. When you go over and beyond your normal duties to help others, you show the love of Christ within you by helping another in need. Also, being the example by exhibiting great moral character can influence others to act in the same manner. Next, teachers also carry a great deal of opportunities to give. Teachers have the honor of shaping the minds and skills of future leaders. The greatest gifts that a teacher can give are their undivided attention and time. By giving students time and undivided attention when needed, teachers impart in them the confidence to pursue education at a higher level by giving them the tools and skills necessary for them to move to the next phase. Delivering quality education is a pivotal cornerstone in a student’s life, and when a teacher provides expertise, they enhance the student’s capacity to compete for quality careers in the future. Finally, stay at home parents and working parents have the greatest opportunities to give. A parent is a child’s first teacher. Giving your child the knowledge of Christ is very important in their development. Since the role of a parent never ceases, the moral character that is displayed in front of them has the greatest impact over any other person a child will ever encounter. Therefore, living a Christian life, on a continuous basis, is the greatest gift that a parent can give their child.

            The act of giving extends much further than what people normally conceive it to be. Giving in the workplace not only benefits the recipients of our kindness, but it also sharpens our character and it deepens our witness. Let us transform our view of our workplaces into a place that glorifies our Lord.  

Meditate on this Scripture that encourages giving your best effort in your workplace:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”(Colossians 3:23).

~Toni H.

GOD.... The Ultimate Giver

As I ponder on the discussion of giving, it leads me to the One who gave first. Over the last couple of weeks, we have discussed how we, as Christians, can give in various ways. Now, let us focus in on the Ultimate Giver.

First, God created the earth. Before He created us, He created a place that we could inhabit and have dominion over. Not only that, the earth itself gives testimony of our Creator. God loves us so much that He established a residence for us that would protect and feed us; He produced it so we would have a constant reminder of Him. God Gave.

Second, God gave us life. He breathed the spirit of life into Adam and Eve; He created them in the very image of Himself.  Although, now, we are spiritual beings in a physical body, we have the characteristics of Him. We can see because He sees all things. We can hear because He hears all things. We have intellect because He knows all things. Let us never forget that all that we are, including our talents and abilities were given by God. God Gave.

Finally, God gave Christ. God sent Christ to reconcile our relationship with Him. Christ came to teach us the very nature of God, to forgive us for our sins by becoming the sacrificial Lamb of God, and to teach us how to live while we are still on earth. God does not want to be separated from us so He sent His Son to afford the opportunity to us to be united with Him again, in the land of the living as well as in eternity. Remember, God came after us Himself, in the form of Christ. God Gave.

We can NEVER OUT GIVE GOD, but we can show our appreciation with praise and worship on a continuous basis. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!

Meditate on the Scripture which presents God as the Ultimate Giver:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).

~Toni H.