One who gives to the poor will not lack, but one who shuts his eyes will have many curses. Proverbs 28:27, TLV

Happy Thanksgiving! May today be a great feast of joy, gratitude, and new, sweet memories.

How Do We Know When and Where to Give?     With the cacophony of voices in the media and social media, the images of poverty and need seem overwhelming. A pervasive sense of the impossibility of making a difference can keep us from doing anything. Or worse, we ignore the faces, the needs, the good works that need help. Either way, the results are the same, we do nothing.

So how do we know when and where to give?

Where to Begin

Scripture tells us to begin at home. Our family, our congregation, our neighborhood, our community, and our city. Then, we expand our world of giving to others. However, with thousands of charitable organizations, how do we choose?

Pray. Pray for GOD’s discernment for us. Not for others—for us. If everyone gave to one ministry, thousands of other works would wither away. He has called us to the works He wants us to support. And that’s not necessarily the ones our friends and family give to.

If there are ministries that benefit us personally, then giving back is a sweet way to help. If there are ministries that support us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, of course we want to give back. And then there are those whom GOD has shown us to sow our precious resources into today.

GOD’s nature is to give. Therefore, it stands to reason He calls us to give. After our congregational tithes and offerings, He’s pretty clear about giving to those in need and those working to help those in need. We won’t lack by giving wisely, joyfully, and in obedience. We have that promise, too.

By the way, giving doesn’t have to be monetary. In many ways, time is just as valuable as money—sometimes more. Think about the number of times someone gave of themselves when we were lacking or in need, we can be that person to other people. Beautiful, yes?

Think More About It

How do you give? What is meaningful to you?

Until tomorrow, may we give with no lack, my friends.

Pray for Israel

O may He give Israel’s salvation out of Zion!
When ADONAI [the LORD] restores His captive people,
Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad! Psalm 14:7, TLV

AMEN! We know that our salvation was out of Zion, and we know many of the Jewish people have been restored to the Land. What a great reminder to confirm and affirm God’s promises. Yes? Enjoy your day. God bless you!