A Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

How many times have you helped someone only because you felt obligated to do so or given to someone less fortunate only because you felt it was the "right" thing to do? How many of those times did you give without grumbling?

God loves when we do things and give gifts in good spirits. We are frowned upon when we give gifts with an "attitude". If you went into a homeless shelter to volunteer and became close to a resident in need that was living there, would you give them a gift while mumbling under your breath or would you do so cheerfully?

Look beyond the old saying, "It's better to give than to receive", for a moment. All of the time, the people who may really want to give can only be on the receiving end. If we, as givers, show bad temper when helping others when giving a gift of any size, instead of cheering them up, we may be sending them into deeper depression. However, when we give gladly, even if the gift is small, it will always be better than giving a large gift unwillingly.

- Ayana Elon

Be Obedient

God can use anyone, whether it be to speak a word of encouragment in someone's life or do something most people would believe to be unthinkable. God is God and we are all his people and regardless of our background, religion, or financial status, He loves us.

He wants us to be obedient and to live a righteous and spiritual life. What does it mean to be obedient? It simply means that you are willing to submit to the command of authority : willing to obey.

Psalm 119:44-45 (NIV)
44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. 45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

When the Holy Spirit prompts you to witness, whether through spoken or written words, do so with a daring spirit. Do not be afraid nor ashamed of what God has you to do. Do not worry about what others may think of you. Worrying about what others think of you will only help develop an unhealthy attitude and get in the way of the works God has set before you. Do not be a people-pleaser. Be a God-pleaser. Be obedient and allow Him to work through you so that you may leave behind seeds of blessings.

- Ayana Elon

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Going to work, taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, among so many other things that we do in our daily lives keep us moving. However, there is a time for everything. Some things are just a lot higher on our list of priorities.

How many of us actually put God first in everything we do all the time? Where is God on your list of priorities? Some people don't make time for God at all and the only time they make for Him is when they are crying out after they've made a mess of something. I, for one, am not a big fan of people who only want to call me when they need something. It makes me feel like they're trying to use me. We should make time for God everyday. No excuses should be made. Whether it be a simple prayer, meditation on His Word, fellowship with other believers. Make time for God. Make time for the Word.

Too busy for God? Set aside some time for Him. Get to know him. Share your thoughts, your feelings, your issues with Him. No one should be too busy for God. What if one day you needed help and turned to God and he responded, "My child, I am much too busy for you today. Get with me tomorrow?" You'd frown up for sure!

Spending time with God is a great way to help your relationship grow. When you are still, you can listen. When you listen, you learn. Commune with your Maker. A simple, restful experience in being still with Him will do you a lot of good. Turn off the lights, light some candles, and be still.... with God.

- Ayana Elon