Generosity
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Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
When I was a young ‘un growing up, I will admit (now) that I looked forward to Christmas. I’d like to be spiritual and say that it was because of the focus on the birth of Christ, or I truly believed it was more blessed to give than to receive, but would not be telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I had no idea how cash-strapped my parents were; I just know it was a magical time of the year.
Part of that magic (before I knew better) was SC. No…not Scott Calvin. Santa Claus. The big guy. Part of Christmas Eve in the young Grandi household was watching an animated version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (15 minutes) followed by a 15 minute retelling of the birth of Jesus. Later it was the Peanuts cartoon with Linus’ famous rendition of the Luke 2. I know…I’m really telling my age. 🙂
Anyway, SC was part of the magic. Stories abound in my head of scenes from my childhood of the ghost of Christmas past. SC is intriguing though. Little did I know, as a child, of the history and legacy of his coming to be. The person we know as Saint Nicholas (Saint Nick) was born around AD 270 to a wealthy Grecian family. Tragically, his parents died when he was a boy, and he lived with an uncle to loved him and taught him to follow God. When he was a young man, legend says that he heard of 3 sisters who didn’t have a dowry for marriage and would soon be destitute. Wanting to follow Jesus’ teaching of helping those in need, he took his inheritance and gave each sister a bag of gold coins. Over the years he gave the rest of his money away feeding the poor and caring for others. Down through time he has been honored for his generosity and held up as a standard for giving.
Sadly, many today want to rail against the commercialization of Christmas (with some merit I might add) and SC, the symbol of that commercialization. Rather than rail, let’s refocus on what he represents-giving, and in a sense, the spirit found in Matthew 25:24-40. (Please take a moment to look it up).
It is much better to give than to receive, especially when it is for and to someone less fortunate.
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Again, please let me remind you to check out my other blog (link to the right of this post) and subscribe for totally different content than this daily devotion. Thanks.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Christmas, Compassion, Empathy, Generosity, Humility, Jesus, Kindness, Lifestyle, Mercy, Opinion, Reflection
Wednesday, October 4th, 2023
When I was in college, there was a war going on. In fact, I’m going to date myself with this revelation. The war was in some southeast Asian country. You know…Vietnam.
While in college studying for the ministry, I met some guys who were only at that college for one reason and probably one reason only: they wanted to avoid the war. You see, if you were studying at a Bible college for some type of ministry, you were exempt from military service. I was naive;I didn’t know that. I guess I lived in my own world and didn’t really know much about Vietnam. I knew of the protests and sit-ins. I knew of the songs (“Four Dead in Ohio” by C,S,N,Y is one that sticks out in particular). There was a day or two when I had trouble finding a job for the summer and my uncle took me to a recruiting station (not that he himself would go). Fortunately, the recruiter called my parents to tell them and they talked some sense into me. I wasn’t ready for the military, and wasn’t ready for Vietnam in any way, shape. or form. (Who was?). Anyway, I did find a job-one that reinforced my idea of my life’s vocation. For that, I am forever grateful to God.
Back to the students. Their reason for being at a Bible college had almost nothing to do with the “calling” they sensed on their life to spend it in ministry. And to make matters worse, when they did serve somewhere, their heart and reason were totally out of whack. I’m not judging; I’m stating a fact.
The reason or motive for doing something may be far more important than what is done.
Now, I’m not saying what is done is inconsequential. But when a person serves out of guilt or shame or a sense of obligation, joy disappears. And where there is no joy in whatever one does, the task become mundane. Some people take great pride in what they do. Only that becomes the problem: pride. Not that we shouldn’t care about what we do and work at doing our best. But I’m talking here about having a servant’s heart. No task done because of the joy of service, but perhaps for the accolades or salve a hurting psyche.
Why do you do what you do? If you serve at a soup kitchen, for example. Why? If you help at a homeless shelter. Why? If you support a missionary. Why? If you preach or teach. Why?
Go ahead. Ask yourself that and then give an honest answer. If you deem the motive wrong, take steps to clarify in your own heart, why you do what you do. Then correct it.
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Tags: Christian Living, Generosity, Humility, Kindness, Leadership, Ministry, Motive, Opinion, Questions, Reflection, Service, Truth Telling
Monday, August 28th, 2023
There is an old saying I’m pretty sure we have all heard: “Be sure your sins will find you out.” We read stories-often daily-where this adage plays itself out.
- A church treasurer who decides the church’s money is their personal bank so they begin using the money for themselves and financing ventures for personal gain.
- An accountant who siphons money from a client or clients because of greed.
- A builder who uses cheap materials and takes shortcuts while building.
The sad list goes on. Men and women who are trusted, but end up cheating, lying, and taking advantage of others. All while believing they are not going to get caught.
I Timothy 5:24 says, “The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.” (NASB2020) See that last phrase? My translation: sin will come to roost.
But how about good? You know…there are people who do good but want no recognition. But try as they many, word gets out. I was reminded of that when I continued reading I Timothy 5:25-“Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.” (NASB2020)
Good should never be done for the purpose of recognition. But sometimes it just can’t help itself. But keep this in mind: it is far better to be known for doing good, than to be known for your “sins.”
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We had a good weekend. I know some of you had prayed for that. We celebrated Janna’s birthday. She had a migraine so we brought her food home after eating supper with Braden. We visited Jo’s sister, who did not know me, and I’m thinking barely knew Jo. We watched Braden play football Friday night. He played a good game and even intercepted a pass. We also had a safe trip with all the driving miles. Thanks for all your prayers.
Posted in InTheShadow | 8 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Generosity, Kindness, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection, Right/wrong, Scripture look, Story, Truth Telling
Monday, March 13th, 2023
There is something common to us all-rich or poor, black or white, single or married, famous or not so. We all are good at
COMPLAINING
Here in Indiana we had a wonderful February. Sunny, even somewhat balmy weather. No white stuff falling, but plenty of sun. A little rain. Okay…a lot at times. Somewhat windy. Temps hovering near the 50s for the whole month. I even rode my bike outside on a 70 degree day! Keep in mind that was February. And did I mention there was no white stuff falling?
I determined years ago to never complain about the weather. I have nothing to do with it and have absolutely no way to change it anyway, so I might as well accept it and live with it.
I often quipped during February’s aaaaah factor, “My fear is March will be what February was supposed to be.” Guess what? So far, except for a handful of days, I have been wrong! 🙂 However, not so much the past few. No white stuff has fallen to amount to anything but the temps have turned. There is one common thing though:
COMPLAINING
It seems we are never, or have trouble, being satisfied. The more we complain the more miserable we get. The antidote?
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
That is not just a religious thing; it is a life thing. Being thankful for what we have changes things, especially our perspective. Nothing good ever comes out of bemoaning what you don’t have, or even bemoaning your lot in life.
If you want to beat the blahs; if you want to beat the wear-down that comes from complaining, take time out to count all you have been blessed with. Keep a journal. State your blessings out loud. Make a point each day to be grateful. Catalog your blessings by zeroing in on them.
COUNT NOT COMPLAIN.
Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: Christian Living, Generosity, God, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Thanksgiving
Monday, February 20th, 2023
Alfred Nobel got a chance at something most of us-possibly all of us-never do.
One morning Alfred Nobel was reading the newspaper and he was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary. It was obviously a mistake. He was even more stunned to read that he was being remembered as the man responsible for dynamite. In that time period, dynamite was mainly used for war.
As a result of reading that, he determined to change what he would be remembered for. He committed himself to world peace (a never-ending, daunting, and impossible task if you ask me), and established what became known as the Nobel Peace Prize. Mention his name today and dynamite will not be the first thing on the lips, if mentioned at all.
As I said earlier, he got a chance to do something very few, if any of us, get to do. He changed the course of what he was known for in mid-stream.
The truth is all of us will be known for something. Hatred. Bigotry. Kindness. Peace. Love. Good attitude. Surliness. Selfishness. Big heart. Generosity. (You can add more).
It’s called a legacy. Someday we will have to stand before God-who is a righteous Judge-and give an account to Him of our lives. And while what others think of us down here on earth will not affect that, it behooves us to consider the kind of legacy we want to leave behind.
What will your obituary say and how will your friends and family and co-workers remember you?
Posted in InTheShadow | 10 Responses »
Tags: Choices, Friendship, Generosity, Love, Ministry, Opinion, Questions, Reflection, Story
Tuesday, February 14th, 2023
Today is Valentine’s Day. Shocker! As if you didn’t know that. A trip to any store will reveal that, even if you were Rip Van Winkle and just woke up this morning. Cards. Candy. Stuffed teddy bears with hearts. Candy. All sorts of stuffed animals. Candy. Commercials about love and rings. And did I mention candy? All kinds of candy. (IMHO the only legitimate candy is the one that says “chocolate” on the wrapper).
There are a lot of ways to show love. To a married couple a kiss, an embrace, words, flowers, and of course, other things express love. A hug from a parent to a child. A phone call to a loved one, especially one who doesn’t live that close. The list is endless.
Once a month, I read to 5 different K classes in our local school district. This happens to be the week this month. The book I’m reading is on Kindness from A to Z. Each letter of the alphabet tells something they can do to show kindness. Kindness is a way to show love.
In Deuteronomy 15, the people of Israel were to show kindness to one another, especially to those who were poor. They were warned of 4 dangers:
- A hard heart
- A closed hand
- An evil thought
- A grudging spirit
It is easy to get jaded, especially when there are people who are trying to take advantage of or hijack the system. But like in many things, among the bad are those who legitimately need help.
Let’s not close our eyes and hearts off to those who legitimately need our help, our kindness, and our love. There are those who truly do not like where they are. We may be the one who helps lift them up from their discouragement and the trap they find themselves in.
Don’t stop showing love and kindness. Guard your own heart against getting hardened to others. And when you show love, you don’t even need a card, a bear, or even candy to show it.
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Friendship, Generosity, Humility, Lifestyle, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection
Thursday, December 15th, 2022
This is a hard devotion to write. It’s hard because I know not everyone can celebrate Christmas. I’m not talking about the Jewish person whose disbelief in Messiah stops them. I’m not talking about the atheist whose disbelief in a God speaks volumes. I’m not talking about the progressive politician and activist whose desire for vengeance, violent rhetoric, and anarchy shoots the whole idea of a defenseless baby in a manger who makes a difference in the foot. I’m not talking about the greedy secularist whose only reason for the season is to line his/her pockets.
I’m speaking of someone else. I’m speaking of the one whose holiday is haunted by ugly memories of past Christmases. I’m also speaking about those who have already talked to me this holiday season (started with Thanksgiving) to whom the holiday season is a time of hurt, anguish and loneliness wrapped in grief because of the loss of a loved one. (This song speaks of the reminder a holiday can bring. And yes, it speaks of lost love but the sentiment can be applied to most cases. The lyrics are under the song in Show More if you have trouble understanding…which I don’t think you will).
I’ve had several conversations with people who are facing the Christmas season with an emptiness in their heart. They are facing the holiday without someone they love. The first of every one is the hardest. But even though time moves on and the wound begins to heal, the hurt is still there. The ache and loneliness never leaves.
One family told me yesterday they are helping out a family of 9 with Christmas because they believe their son/grandson/nephew, etc would like that. They are doing it in his honor. That is a phenomenal idea! There may be no better way to deal with hurt than to do something for someone else in honor of one you love.
My heart goes out to those who face this holiday with hurt. Do you know someone who needs a little love this Christmas? Take some of your time to give yourself away. Not only will it be meaningful to them, you will find a satisfaction in your heart you may have never felt before.
And remember the ONE who know your hurt or the ONE whom you can share.
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Friendship, Generosity, God, Kindness, Love, Mercy, Opinion, Reflection, Story
Monday, October 31st, 2022
Have you ever noticed how some people hide well? Some do it on purpose. They don’t want to be seen. Anonymous is the best way. There is both good and bad in that.
There are also those who like to labor behind the scenes. Unseen by many, each week they do “their thing.” Teach children. Work in a nursery. Safety and security. Work the sound board. Do Power Point. Clean up afterwards. Collect garbage. The list could go on.
They like it that way. They want it that way. Praise and accolades is not why they do what they do.
Just before kickoff at Super Bowl XLIII, Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award-a tribute to the player who had best combined on-field excellence with off-field community service. It represents a commitment to giving and sacrificing to others.
Paying homage to those who serve is not a new concept. It isn’t that they clamor for it. A servant doesn’t do that. One who serves does just that: serves. Jesus once said, “I came not be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” He becomes the example the servant follows.
But every once in a while it is nice to be “seen” and recognized. Have you taken the time to let a volunteer know how much you appreciate what they have done? If not, take the time today to drop them a note, text them, call them, or take them out to eat as a treat and a thank you.
You will be glad you did.
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Tags: Christian Living, Friendship, Generosity, Humility, Kindness, Ministry, Opinion, Reflection
Tuesday, July 5th, 2022
The day after. There are a lot of those. The day after Resurrection Sunday. The day after Thanksgiving. The day after Christmas. The day after New Year’s Eve.
Consider:
- The day after Resurrection Sunday we encourage people not to forget the new life we have because Jesus is alive.
- The day after Thanksgiving we encourage people to remember to be thankful, not just one day, but 24/7/365, for all God has given.
- The day after Christmas we encourage people to remember that the spirit of Christmas doesn’t die at 11:59 p.m. on December 25th.
- The day after New Year’s Eve (NY Day) we encourage people to start anew, to consider the new year as a new time to start over.
The day after Independence Day. It was a bloody 4th in many places. The most tragic a deadly shooting in Highland Park, IL. Chicago. LA. NYC. Hollywood elites calling for us to cancel the 4th, to cancel America. I can’t even repeat what some said it is so vile.
I have another reason for celebrating the 4th. Two reasons actually. It reminds of the following:
1.The freedom I enjoy as a citizen of this country. America isn’t perfect; nothing is. To the naysayers I say, “Take a hike. Go Where you think you will have the freedom to speak out against what government. See what it gets you. And I won’t be visiting you in prison.”
2. The freedom I have in Christ. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Free from from the power of sin. Free from the chains of sin. Free from the slavery the enemy wants to hold me under.
So my day after today is celebrating my freedom of living in this nation. But my greatest celebration is living in true freedom found only in Jesus Christ.
And you? What are you celebrating this day after?
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Generosity, God, Opinion, Reflection, Story, Thanksgiving
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
“I want to be dirt poor. I want to have nothing,” said no person ever.
In fact, we do our very best to not be poor. We trade. We invest. We save. No problem here. The converse to that is that we buy to impress. We want people to not see us as poor. So to prove we aren’t poor, we buy things which give the impression we are doing okay. Ironically, it is these very things which sometimes take us down.
It seems strange then that Jesus calls us to be poor. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is how He put it. True that is taking life and looking at it differently, but think this through with me. It is Week #1 of Lent. I confess to you right here that I did not say, “I’m going to give up (fill in the blank).” Sadly, the only things we tend to give up are the things we are better off without anyway: sugar, candy, pop, alcohol, etc. Here is an idea to think about! I have never heard someone say, “I’m going to give up always having to be right.” “I’m going to give up my arrogance and pride.” “I’m going to give up watching TV from…say…7-8:00 and use that time to pray and read my Bible.”
Poor in spirit has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with humility. It has everything to do with the realization that humility is the pathway to a richer, fuller life. It is remembering the One of whom it was said, “He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9)
Lent reminds us to honor the One who gave up so that we might become rich. Perhaps what we should be giving up should actually be used to benefit someone else.
“Father, help me to follow the example of Jesus, in that He was willing to become poor so that I might become rich by knowing the wealth of His salvation.”
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Tags: Choices, Christian Living, Generosity, Humility, Jesus, Lifestyle, Opinion, Reflection, Surrender
