Generosity

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August 8

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Have you ever noticed “Tell no one what I’ve done” does not seem to be common today? It is rarely spoken. Just the opposite really. Many/most want their exploits plastered all over and shouted from the rooftops. There are, of course, times when we wish our deeds were unknown. But that is a topic for another time. 🙂

There is a proverb that says, “Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth-a stranger, not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2 NLT).  Simply put: Don’t toot your own horn. That’s a good practice to follow. A fun movie to watch is The Incredibles. Mr. Incredible is a “retired” superhero now doing insurance, but it is dull and mundane. He never loses his desire to be Mr. Incredible again and he begins to daydream by drawing costumes. For some reason, he wants a cape. But Edna-the designer of costumes-says, “No cape” then shows him vignettes of superheroes having trouble because of capes. Capes are dangerous. One doesn’t need a cape to be a superhero. Actions speak louder than capes.

Capes are unnecessary. What got me thinking of this was my reading this morning from Mark 5. Jairus comes to Jesus asking for help for his dying daughter. Sandwiched between Him saying, “Yes” and the actual event, is the woman who approached Jesus to stop an issue of blood. By the time Jesus gets to Jairus’ daughter she has died. He raises her to life and then tells the parents, “Tell no one.” Yeah right. How do you keep silent about something so miraculous? Jesus didn’t need or want a cape. He just did. And each time He told someone, “Tell no one” most often they did anyway. We aren’t told what Jairus and his wife did. I’m sure they fed their daughter as Jesus told them to do, but I have this sneaking suspicion they told a whole bunch of people. Certainly those who were mourners and laughed at Jesus when He said she was just sleeping let it be known.

Truly humble people-ones I admire-are those who don’t toot their own horn. There is something that happens inside when a deed is done for another without fanfare. The Bible calls it “not letting your right hand know what your left hand is doing.”

It also means not wearing a cape.

February 28

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

We are back! After a 7-day excursion to Gilbert, Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, and the Grand Canyon, we arrived safely home last night…a 1/2 hour early and ahead of the storm (that didn’t come until around 2:00 a.m.). I suspect you may  be expecting a “book” from me about all the stops and shopping and sights…but words fail me. Surprise! Surprise!

Thanks to the graciousness of a friend and his very longsuffering wife, 🙂  Jo and I had the vacation many people dream of. Having the freedom of a car at our disposal allowed us the ability to just come and go. I had a chance on Thursday to meet a long time blogging friend, Floyd, in Scottsdale where Jo and I were treated to lunch (against my protests). We had some of the best pulled pork I have ever tasted, as well as some of the best BBQ sauce, along with the added enjoyment of meeting Dave and Susan’s family and extended family. We spent two nights in Sedona where the stories of the vortex and the center of the hippie/New Age Movement was/is focused. I stayed away from the psychics, etc. 🙂 We took a 5 hour round trip to the Grand Canyon where I felt like I was going to be blown away by a very chilly 20 mph wind and with the grandeur of God’s creation on display. The only words I could think of were “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship.” (Ps.19:1)  “When I look at the night and see the work of Your fingers-the moon and stars you set in place-what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Ps. 8:3-4)  But it wasn’t just the Grand Canyon! Camelback Mountain. “Snoopy Rock.” Tea Pot Rock. Red Rock City. So much more.

You know what I’m praying? That the wonder doesn’t go away. May I be ever mindful of the wonder of God’s creation, the joy of new things, and the value of friendships that will last well into eternity, even when separated by thousands of miles in distance. 

Thank you Dave and Susan for the gift of your friendship and the once in a lifetime trip. And “Thank You, Father, for the incredible display of your creative genius.”

{Note: All Scripture from the New Living Translation}

January 9

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024

“Comparisons are odious”

I remember reading that years ago but I can’t remember where. It just stuck with me. I do know part of it was that “odious” was not a word I used in my vocabulary…like never. 🙂

In Bill-speak that saying would be “comparisons are stupid.” In Oxford-speak that word is defined as “extremely unpleasant, repulsive.”

We have a bad habit of comparing ourselves to others. “He is taller than me.” “He plays baseball or basketball better than me.” What teen girl hasn’t compared her looks, her hair, or her physical characteristics to another? Influencers (the bane of existence) are constantly telling us “How to…” Adults compare houses, cars, and even bank accounts.  There seems to be no end to our comparison.

It certainly happens in the church world. “He is a better preacher, teacher, singer, player, etc than me.” “He/she is wealthier than me so he gives more and what I give doesn’t matter.”

STOP!! HOLD THE PRESSES! SAY WHAT??? I have yet to see anywhere…ANYWHERE…that God’s Word makes that a criteria for serving Him. In fact, I read Luke 21 this morning and I love verses 1-4. It is the story of Jesus standing by and watching people give and a widow comes and gives her two mites (less than a penny in our currency). Pay particular attention to verses 3-4: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (NLT)  Jesus put those “comparison-pickers” in their place. This widow gave all she had in comparison to the religious leaders who were mighty proud of themselves and thought they were all that and more. Looking down their noses at the “lesser givers” gave them a sense of being high and mighty. Jesus said, “Oh no. Not on my watch. This widow gave more.”

You see, it really doesn’t matter how much. It really does come down to your heart and the attitude in which you give. This widow gave all she had. Hang the comparison.

December 28

Thursday, December 28th, 2023

I had some trouble this morning. I had some trouble making a decision. No, it wasn’t whether to get out of bed or not. 🙂 And no, it was not earth-shattering, ground-breaking, or even life-changing. It really should have been a simple one. You see, every other month I read Proverbs. The chapter I read corresponds with the day. In other words, today is the 28th so I read chapter 28. Each time I read I highlight a different verse with a different color. (I recently found Mr. Pen Bible Safe Highlighters to be fantastic with no bleed through). Back to earth, Bill. Proverbs 28 is filled with so many verses I could highlight that I couldn’t make a quick decision. Here are just a couple:

28:2- “When there is moral rot in a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.” Need I say more?

28:6- “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.” Hmmm. That sets your mind back a bit.

28:7- “Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.” Choose friends wisely.

28:13- “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Shades of Psalm 51.

There are more and I would encourage you to read the chapter. Slowly. Savoring it. But, here is the verse I settled on this morning: “Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.” (v.25)

Some would look at that verse and their eyes will light up at the latter part. “See? Prosperity is promised.” But the whole verse must be considered, not just a section. “Greed causes fighting.” Put a nail through that section. “I want.” -> “Step aside.” (or step on/over) -> “I get.” That is a recipe for disaster. And that is exactly the point of that first section. James 4:1-2 says, “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have…”

The core issue is greed, selfishness. The rest of that verse simply says if we take our eyes off ourselves and trust we will know true wealth. Can there be anything better than true reliance on the Source?

December 6

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.

October 4

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.

August 28

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.

March 13

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.

February 20

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?

February 14

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.