For the Right Reason...

I am a jealous person. I will admit it. I get so frustrated when I think about where Jeremy and I are as we are approaching 30 and then look at many of our friends who are 30 and so much more established. The houses, new cars, money to travel, new clothes, very low or no daycare bill-- I hate myself for feeling this way. But, yes, I wake up at least once a week, green with envy that many in our support system have so much.

But what makes me even more frustrated is that, I know better!!  I know that what God will do for one, He'll do it for others. But why does it have to be such a slow process?

Then it dawned on me, over the past few weeks. I don't give, genuinely. I give with the expectation to receive something back-- like I'm loaning my tithes to God. Wow. That concept is so convicting! No-- my tithes are my reimbursement to Him for blessing me with my job (and it's the word!). My offering is my contribution to my church to help the church be blessing the community and to my Pastor.

My motives are so wrong! How can I expect God to provide for me but I give half-heartedly?  Sometimes, my worship is half-hearted; sometimes my loving is half-hearted and yes, sometimes my faith is half-hearted. The bible gives many examples of how to live, generously and I have failed at some of these tasks.

Lord, forgive me for wanting to give to receive. Teach me to give generously and give of my time, tithes and talents..for the right reason. To please You and only You. Thank You that you are merciful and continue to show Yourself.

Examining my heart,
~Mrs. G

Romans 12:7-9  (NLT)--If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.  If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.  Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Luke 6:37-39 (NLT)-Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.