I need You, Father. I am out of whack on a couple of different levels and don’t feel my best on any of them. Set me straight, hold me close, for I know You will never let me go. Amen.
Acts 11:27-30 (<<click here to read the passage)
My mom, a while back, was inspired to begin crocheting baby caps for newborns. She works in conjunction with volunteers at a local hospital. She also crochets bigger caps for cancer patients who have lost their hair. Her enthusiasm has spread. One of her good friends, a lady by the name of Matsuko has joined her. The last time they dropped off their creations, Matsuko had 30 made to graciously donate! I’d say that was a charitable deed!
At the end of Acts 11, the story is shared of great need soon to come upon the church in Judea. In the course of events, the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. v29-30 NLT
There seemed to be no hesitancy on their part whatsoever, they gave and gave with joy! I would think that this early experience in Saul’s (Paul’s) life had to come to mind as he wrote to the church in Corinth years later.
Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMP
My mom and Matsuko live out this verse. They do not sow (crochet?) sparingly, they do so generously with the sole intent of blessing others. Mom has shared that Matsuko is constantly on the hunt for good prices on yarn to continue her ministry – I would say that giving thoughtfully and with purpose! Every time they wrap up the final stitch, they feel the blessing upon them, knowing that someone else will feel blessed because of the time, love, and as Paul states heart, that they have put into their gift.
Lord Jesus, there is so much need all around us. Inspire us – motivate us – to be cheerful givers. In doing so, may the ripples of Your love spread far and wide, touching innumerable lives! Amen.
Apr 11th, 2022, Mon, 6:11 pm
