Today’s Theme: Measure out Goodness
Today’s Dare: Dare to be Generous in Love and Practical Kindness ( page 205)
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
Yesterday I had two radio interviews about the Faith Dare. And, in both I was asked which dare is my favorite, or which dare was the most important. I honestly did not know how to answer those questions because, as I am doing the pages each day, I am convicted, encouraged and ministered to each and every day.
But, the foundationally important one that all others rest upon might be, Dare to Live as His. And, today’s goes with that as well. When recognizing and remembering we are His, we really do live differently or at least think twice before doing the thing that is not pleasing to God. We have a different focus and a renewed purpose. It’s easy to forget that we are His though and just go flitting about our business as usual.
Today’s dare is for those of us, who are His…and it gives instruction for living. We are to give to others from the resource of who we are as His. We are to be kind as God is kind towards us, forgiving in the same way, loving as the love of God has been poured and lavished on us. Give, Give, Give. These were the words of Jesus Christ, so we better pay attention.
When was the last time you gave? Wow, just last week, a friend was an example of this. She gave and gave…took my shoes to be stretched before my son’s wedding, picked up my dress at the alteration shop, picked up last minute things for the rehersal dinner. She gave and gave some more. God is going to pour back onto her.
Then there was a friend who drove up from Bakersfield ( 4.5 hours) and spent several days putting together the flower arrangements for the reception. She worked alone, tirelessly, and put together award winning looking flowers, out of a heart of love. She gave. God is going to bless her, I just know it.
As if that were not enough, there were friends who ironed the table cloths, took pictures galore, prayed for me and my kids, visited my sister in the hospital because I was busy rushing about. They gave…and gave….and did the Jesus thing.
What about us today? What can we give today?
I am spending the day sitting at a computer writing. It just feels like work, but this morning I realize that I am giving of myself, my time…to give to others later….a resource to help them on their journey of growth. I am giving. That flips my attitude.
Today, give and give some more. Thank God that you have opportunity to give. Trust Him that is from Him, you will receive reward.
He is daring me…and I dare you!
Living up, Loving up, and Giving,
Debbie
My love language is “gifts” and I am remiinded of the giving part of Who I am in Christ when I come from the natural way God designed me….very exciting…I LOVE to give, my time, my prayers, my gifts and resources. But, what about when the receiver is not so excited…and its not their love language? or the person who has just hurt you? not so easy then….but with this dare before me my prayer is that each time I give it is pure, no strings and glorifying to my Abba Dad!! I love this book!!!! and without my helper and source of strength it would be impossible.
To untie our strings is so hard! But that is so true Melanie, we can not have stings attached to love. And, when we do, we will get out of focus really quick! My love language is also gifts, and words of affirmation. I have had to understand that those are mine, and others don’t respond to those things at all……So happy we have Jesus to lead us and guide us through life.
Of course your friends will do anything for you. We are so grateful for your sweet giving spirit – you do so much for all of us and we are blessed. Your encouragement and wonderful example draws us closer to God every day. Your blogs are tops and I appreciate the time you spend writing them. Thank You sweet friend.
The Golden Rule! Except that we should look for ways to treat others the way we want to be treated. This is purpose living life!
One of the most meaningful acts of kindness came when we first became parents. Because of our struggle to become parents and that fact that we found out that Sean would be joining our family the day before we were to pick him up, we were completely unprepared. The only things we had for a baby were two hats! Not one thing more. I didn’t want to get too set up not knowing when an adoption would take place. Things had been hard enough already and I didn’t want to be looking at a baby room with no due date.
After calling family and friends with the news that we would be picking up our son the next day, we were blessed by the outpouring of love and help that we didn’t even know we needed. One friend stopped at a garage sale in the area and bought a changing table. She walked it down the hill and let us borrow it for as long as we needed. Many others put together an assortment of clothes we would need and several more put together a meal schedule so I wouldn’t have to figure out meals. We were totally blown away with their love and kindness that came is such practical ways. I vowed then that I would do the same gift of meals when I had friends have babies.
The way I see today’s dare is for us to look on purpose for people to bless with kindness. Even if our efforts are spurned, the Lord loves a heart that gives out of His love.