God wants you to learn that you can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.
You say, “I really love my kids!” Do you give them your time? “I really love my wife.” Do you give her your attention? This is what love is all about. You become more loving when you become more generous.
Every time you’re generous, a change takes place in you. Every time you give, your heart moves another tweak up the dial toward God. You become more loving every time you give. You become more like Jesus.
Philippians 1:11 says, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (NLT).
What we’re talking about here is extremely countercultural, because our society does not tell you to give. Our culture is constantly telling us to get. It’s all about me. Me, my stuff, my needs—me, me, me. We have a “me” problem!
When you’re generous, it gets the focus off you so that you can stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about others. Philippians 2:4-5 says, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (NLT).
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Talk It Over
What have you learned about God as you have become more generous?
What are some ways you can counteract culture and become more generous?
How has another person’s generosity drawn you closer to Jesus?
*Blessings on the Other Side*: When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. Psalm 84:6, NLT Do you feel like you are walking through a tough place in your life today? The psalmist wrote of “passing through the Valley of Weeping,” but not of “settling in the Valley of Weeping,” or “getting stuck in the Valley,” or “building a house in the Valley.” The Valley is temporary; you’re walking through it, and God is walking with you. He wants to strengthen and empower you to keep moving forward. He is leading you to a place of blessing and refreshing! Be encouraged today that God always causes us to triumph! The Bible says that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning! It also says that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shining brighter until the full day. No matter how dark your circumstance may seem, you are on a path that is shining brighter and brighter. Know today that there is a place of victory on the other side of your challenge. Keep believing and keep expecting. As you continue to meditate on the goodness of God and declare His favor in your life, you will be strengthened and refreshed in your inner man. You will rise higher and higher, and you will live the life of victory the Lord has in store for you! Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for leading me to my place of blessing. I trust that You are faithful and believe that You have a good plan for my life. Help me to always hear Your voice so I can follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. SERMON: Uproot It: by Bishop T.D. Jakes https://bit.ly/2W4dzB1 SONG: Reckless Love of God: Darlene Zschech https://bit.ly/2JdK3nw DAILY DEVOTIONAL: Choose Life by Kenneth Copeland https://bit.ly/33RsQYF Download AbidingTV app on Google Play Store. Donate to AbidingTV: *https://paypal.me/AbidingTV* #BeEngaged4Christ ©AbidingTV
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