All in Giving

Do our Souls Long for God, and Thirst for Jesus?

Richard Forbes
Giving, Christian, Daily Devotional , Loving God , Seeking Jesus

Does our Soul thirst for Jesus? Do we love God with a desire that is so strong we feel as though we would die if it were not satisfied? Do we pant for prayer, or long for our need for God to be quenched by immersion in His presence, like the desperate need for water causes desert wanderers to throw themselves into it; gulping mouths full like each might be their last? Can we smell the sweet fragrance of Christ as if we are a desert animal... catching the slightest scent of water from miles away? Does the faint fragrance of Jesus lead us across the parched expanse of life’s deserts as we seek His living water? This is how we should love God, and come to find Jesus.

Withheld Wages, Fraud, and the Coming of the Christ Child

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Goodness, Giving

In this the time of Advent when we wait expectantly for the coming of Christ, we also are in the final days of the financial year for many businesses. In faith we praise God for the birth of His Son, but as workers, and businessmen we are determining the financial success of our store, farm, or business. On the one hand is great joy and anticipation, but on the other is a temptation to increase our earnings, possibly by nefarious means... in the one hand we hold the lamb of God, but with the other we often stroke the head of our selfishness, and greed.

Giving: The Heart of the Giver, the Love in our Gifts

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Giving, Heart

We are not ordered by God to give this, or that, for His causes, but asked to give only what we feel in our heart. For some this might be an everyday offering of oil to keep the lamps in the Church lit at night, while for others it could be a more costly gift such as gold, or onyx stones for the breastplate of the priest. God has a plan, and He speaks to our individual hearts concerning our part in it.

Giving: Tasting the Flavor of God’s Grace

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Giving, Reward

Are we merciful to others? Do we give of ourselves, and our bounty, when it would be easier to take? Sometimes we hold back out of laziness, sometimes stinginess, and others out of selfishness; we can find many reasons not to give, but when we do it rewards us immensely. We are increased spiritually, physically, and in such things as joy, happiness, and peace of mind. By giving we provide a blessing to others, but God works a great miracle within us.

Why Should I give, and what does Giving really mean?

Richard Forbes
Blessing, Giving, Christian, Daily Devotion

Are you wealthy? Maybe you are rich in earthly land, goods, and gold, but then again maybe you have been given much spiritually and your treasure is being amassed in heaven. Whichever our fortune is, we should always remember that all we have comes from God, and that His intention is not for us to horde His gifts but to share them. We are not the owners, but just the managers, or stewards of God’s provision.

Wealthy or Poor; How should we Give of our Gifts?

Richard Forbes
Daily Devotion, Gifts, Christian, Blessings, Giving

Has God provided you with ample wealth and provision? Do you lack for nothing, and thank Him for it each day? Do you go about your work, and ask Him to bless you even more? Well this is good, and some will prosper in this world, but if you look in the shadow that you cast there are many who are in need, and want for the very basic necessities of life... what have you done for them? What is the will of God for you, and how do you manage the wealth He has entrusted you with?

Giving Good Gifts - A Parable

Richard Forbes
Gifts, Giving, Trust, God, Parable, Christian, Father, Daily Devotion

How do you behave at home? I am not talking simply about your physical home on earth, but your spiritual home in heaven. We concentrate a great deal on what a good Father God is, but what kind of daughter or son are you? Do you love Him with all your heart? Do you serve Him and do His will? Do you honor Him, or do you expect Him to honor your prayers and requests without reciprocation? Do you feel that He is obligated to provide all your desires while you do nothing? Are you a spoiled child?

There is no Gift lest it be Received

Richard Forbes
Blessings, Receiving, Daily Devotion, Giving, Christian

How would you classify yourself; are you a giver, or a receiver? When you pray your morning prayers do you ask the Lord to show where you can be of service to Him, or for a need to be filled? When I asked if you were a giver or receiver I’ll bet you immediately felt that being a giver was good, but had a negative feeling about being a receiver. The fact is that both are good.