APR 06 / Sunday – Read Matt 10:8b / Luke 6:38 / Acts 20:35b / 2 Cor 9:7
Overview: This game is all about giving an item to others as quickly as possible because if you get stuck with it, you lose. For believers, the same principle holds true: it’s wiser to give than to get.
07 / Mon – Too little? | Read Mark 12:41-44
In the game Hot Potato, it is easy to get rid of something you don’t want. But what about times when what you have barely covers your needs? Widows were some of the poorest people in Israel at that time. Jesus saw what this widow gave in the offering and judged it greater than the largest gift. What could have motivated her to give so sacrificially? Had she learned to trust that God would provide for her needs and she was giving in gratitude? If so, what a great attitude to emulate!
08 / Tue – Too much? | Read Luke 12:15-21
Is it wrong to save for the future? Absolutely not! However, some people think that ‘enough’ is never enough. Here is a case in point. This man prepared the ground and planted the seeds but who provided the harvest? God sent the sun and the rain. He kept the plants healthy so they could produce in such abundance. Did Jesus tell this story because he is against being wealthy? No. He’s interested in our heart’s motivation. We don’t take anything when we leave Earth, so why not share it while we can? It’s called laying up treasure in heaven. How will you apply this to your life today?
09 / Wed – Not just about money | Read Matthew 10:7-8 / Luke 14:12-14
When challenged to give, people usually think of money. They consider giving a tithe to the local church and, beyond that, to support various mission projects. It’s a starting place but there are so many other ways to give: a smiling hello to acknowledge a stranger, a generous tip to a harried waitress, listening and praying for others, forgiving someone who has hurt you, and inviting someone home for lunch after church on Sunday. God has given so freely to you (v8b). Will you actively look for ways to pass along His gifts to you?
10 / Thu – An odd example of generosity | Read Matthew 5:40-42
Some have the gift of generosity. They are always looking for ways to help others and would give the shirt off their back if someone needed it. For others, giving can be a challenge. Why is that? Jesus has a lot to say about the subject and much of it seems contrary to common sense. Speaking of shirts, what did he teach in these verses? Do you think he meant this literally? How might this translate into your everyday life?
11 / Fri – The right attitude | Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 / Acts 20:35b
It’s not only what you give; it’s how you give. Ever needed something and the other person was reluctant to share it? How did that make you feel? No one wants anything that way. Neither does God. He doesn’t need your money, your time, your service, or your gifts. He has it all. Instead, He wants you to discover the joy that comes from generosity. He’s given you everything you have and you get to choose how to use it. Will you let this truth guide your giving?
12 / Sat – Real-life Hot Potatoes | Read Luke 4:1-14
There are some ‘hot potatoes’ you need to toss away as soon as they come. They are called temptations and life is full of them. How did Jesus respond when confronted? Revisit v1, then compare it to v14a. Notice how he went into the wilderness full of the Holy Spirit, and he came out in the power of the Spirit. When you are full of the Holy Spirit, you can toss those hot potatoes right back into the devil’s face and come away stronger. The promise in 1 Cor 10:13 is rock-solid and your strategy comes from 2 Cor. 10:5. How will you prepare yourself ahead of time?
