Today is Monday, July 9th, 2012; Karen's Korner #2356
I am continuing to read the book "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris. His whole book is talking about how Christians 'givers' are 'blessed" by God for their generosity. Morris writes from experiences, both his and others. Not just 'tippers' or ''tithers' (10% of their income). He refers to huge givers of much higher percentages of their incomes, being given away, as God leads them.
"The Lord makes poor and makes rich.
He brings low and lifts up.
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the beggar from the ash heap."
~ I Samuel 2:7-8
*
*The generous soul will be made rich,
and he who waters will also be watered himself."
~ Proverbs 11:25
**
If it is God who blesses those who have learned His art of giving and receiving, should those (us?) who haven't learned that Godly-principle be envious of those who have?
Morris lists the 'classic signs of a believer with the gift of giving' (with a paragraph or two describing each point):
People who have the gift of giving:
~ respond to strong visions with clear objectives;
`~ have discernment that allows them to determine genuine needs;
~ are very frugal but also very generous;
~ desire to be appreciated but not recognized;
~ want to invest in a stable ship, not a sinking ship;
~ don't want to control their money after they have given it;
~ don't want to be a Band-Aid--they want to be a cure;
~ want to give more than money--they want to give their time, their time, and their wisdom;
~ are often gifted leaders;
~ don't appreciate being put down or criticized for having a successful lifestyle.
When was the last time you wrote a note thanking some generous person, organization, or business for their contribution to a community fundraiser or for a gift/pay raise you have received recently? Someone who is the top of the 'gift giving' leader board for latest fund drive?
Who knows maybe your 'thank you' will prompt another 'gift' for you from God......and in the process change your heart and mind!
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