Fruitful Thought

  But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity. Isaiah 32:8 NLT. This verse is part of a comparison of mindsets (character) within the chapter. The previous verses in the chapter talk about fools speaking foolishness and making evil plans. Also, how they practice ungodliness and spread false teachings about the Lord. But the generous, some versions use the word noble, people plan to do what is generous or noble. Generous people think about being generous. They look for opportunities to bless others. How can I make someone else’s life better? It’s not self-serving. Unlike the persons in the previous verses who plan foolishness and spread false teachings about the Lord. Planning to bring deception into the lives of others. The second part of that verse says, “they stand firm in their generosity.” Generous people do not waver and are not moved by what others may think or say, and they have a made-up mind. This is important because peop...

  Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44 NLT The story of a poor widow woman is great reminder about being a generous giver despite your circumstances. The woman in this scripture described as a poor widow instead of by her name did just that. I often wondered why in certain books of the bible the author chooses to be so descriptive of a person oppose to using their name. As I study the scriptures for understanding I realize that the description gives more depth of the evidence of the nature of God and allows you to see beyond the obvious. ...

  The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself . Proverbs 11:25 NKJV. Dictionary.com definition of generosity states: readiness or liberality in giving. That says to me, being ready to give without restrictions, freely or abundantly. What this verse says to me is, the person with a soul of generosity, meaning that inner core, the heart to give generously¸ that person will always have it to give. Here’s why, the second part of that says the waterer will be watered. So that person will always have more than enough to give. I also believe when it talks about “ being made rich ,” it’s not just talking about monetarily. How about our gifts and talents. God gives us gifts and talents and I believe as we use them to benefit others, He will increase them. Let me share an example. I have the gift of evangelism. When I initially started evangelizing, I was nervous and unsure if I could speak to people. I would go with the evangelism team but wou...

  Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 This scripture is often taken out of context. It is usually a scripture read before collecting offering in church. As I was researching scriptures for this blog, I was surprised to see this one regarding generosity. I read the two verses prior to get the context of this scripture. 36  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37  “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.   There are so many ways in life to be generous, aren’t there? Like give mercy oppose to judgement, ( generosity of spirit ), give a break oppose to condemnation ( generosity of love ), give forgiveness oppose to grudges ( generosity of your heart). The holiday season enhances a spirit o...

  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:18 NLT This verse of scripture has been in my face so much in the past few weeks, I had to write about how it has touched me. My wife used the same scripture a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t want to be redundant, but I had to use it again. I believe being thankful starts with a grateful heart. I’m learning to show gratitude by giving thanks in whatever situation I’m in. It is about my perspective. How do I see things? I turned 60 years old this month, and that was one of those milestones that made me reflect. As I reflected, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude took over me. A part of that reflecting time was remembering the things I went through, ( we all can go back there from time-to-time, right? ). That feeling of gratitude prompted thanksgiving. I started thanking God for those circumstances, those challenging times. It was not always that way for me. There wer...

  All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.   2 Corinthians 4:15 As I celebrated my husband's 60 th  birthday with family and friends, a spirit of gratefulness filled my heart. It was so amazing to see everyone so excited to celebrate a person who loves people and loves encouraging them. I call him my “social butterfly” because he sows seed in everyone he meets and at times God allow him to receive a harvest of seeing or hearing the impact it may have had in their lives. This was one of those days. I refer to my husband as my good and perfect gift from God. I am so grateful that God chose me to do life with such an amazing spirit-man. My heart was overflowing with gratitude towards God for choosing to give me such a special gift of a spirit filled man that represent Gods character in every encounter he is afforded. I know the word of God say’s a man finds a wife, but G...