“He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.” Psalm 112:9 (KJV)
By now most of us have made our list and checked it more than twice. We have rethought all the gifts we promised ourselves last year. Perhaps we are considering something “special” for our grands or that significant other in our lives. As one man said, “This is my favorite time of the year. Let’s put Christ back in this Christmas. Let’s give him the glory he so richly deserves.”
I received an email recently that is worthy of careful consideration, while thinking about our lists. I share this unknown author’s words today as a simple means of inspiring generosity for the holidays.
* If you woke up this morning with more health than illness: You are more blessed than the million who won’t survive this week.
* If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, the pangs of starvation: You are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
* If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death: You are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.
* If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep: You are richer than 75% of this world’s peoples.
* If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change on a dish some place: You are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
* If your parents are still married and alive: You are very rare… especially in the United States.
* If you hold your head up with a smile on your face and are truly thankful: You are blessed because the majority can but most do not.
* If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder: You are blessed because you can offer God’s healing touch.
* If you can read this message you are more blessed than over two billion in the world that cannot read anything at all: You are so blessed in so many ways you may never even know.
God has dispersed his blessings abundantly. God’s generosity is our example for giving.
Dear Father, thank you for your generous spirit. Empower us with that same spirit of generosity. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s generous example,