GPS-The Giving Tree

OCT 08  / Sunday – Read 1 John 3:16-18

Overview: Is it really more blessed to give than to receive? Is sacrificial giving sensible? Who would give everything away to ungrateful jerks? (Hint: it’s not a tree.)

09 / Mon – The gift of giving  |  Read Acts 20:35b

In The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, a little boy loves a tree and the tree loves him. The tree gives to the little boy whatever he needs. It eventually comes at a great cost to the tree but it was happy to give of itself. So how do you feel about giving? Jesus’ words here contain a truth we sometimes forget. What is the best gift you ever received? Now think about the most memorable gift you gave to someone else. Compare how you felt both times. Which was more fun for you and why?

10 / Tue – The best gift  |  Read John 3:16 / Romans 5:6-8

The best gift can be one that is completely unexpected, especially when it is something you really need. Has this ever happened to you? And how did you feel about the person who gave it to you? God provided a way for you to be reconciled to Him before you even knew you needed it. What was His motive in v 16? Have you become so familiar with the story of what Jesus did for you that it has lost its impact? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you once again what a wonderful gift you’ve been given.

11 / Wed – First things first  |  Read 1 Jn 4:10-11, 19 / 1 Jn 3:16-18 / Eph 3:14-21

How is it possible to authentically love those in your life who are difficult and seem unlovable? You can only do it when you know how greatly loved you are by your heavenly Father. Is this hard for you to believe at times? Some of the Ephesian Christians struggled too. Read what Paul prayed for them. Personalize it for yourself. Then ask the Lord to pour His love out through you today. You might be amazed at what happens next.

12 / Thu – Too poor to give?  |  Read 2 Cor 8:1-5, 7, 12 / Luke 21:1-4

Paul tells the Corinthian believers how the Macedonian church…“in the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” How was this even possible? See v 5. Then Paul told his readers they already excelled in faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love but he urged them to also “excel in the grace of giving.” Do you ever feel like your gift is too small compared to what others are able to give? In God’s eyes, size does not matter. He is most concerned with the attitude of your heart. Something to think about.

13 / Fri – Trial run  |  Read 2 Cor 9:7-11 / Malachi 3:10

Whenever you consider giving, especially where money is concerned, the devil often tries to plant thoughts in your head: Oh, you better not. You don’t have enough to meet your own needs, let alone give some of it away. Now, you know he is a liar but it is tempting to think you can’t afford to give what God asks you to. How do v 8-11 change your perspective? The Lord knows how hard it can be to give at times so, in Malachi, He invites you to test it out. Would you be willing to do that?

14 / Sat – Reflecting your Holy Father  |  Read Heb 13:16 / Matt 5:44-45 / Rom 2:4b

Giving isn’t just about money. You have many resources at your disposal to share. Your time, your home, your friendship. What are you skilled at doing? Someone probably needs help in that area. God knows giving can be hard at times and He is blessed by your sacrifice. Our God is incredibly generous ‘sending rain on the just and the unjust.’ It is His kindness that brings us to repentance. Your generosity toward others proves you are His child and that you don’t just talk the talk. Who might need your gifts today?