Friday, May 4, 2012
"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Generous
Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.
This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)
Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!
Today's word: generous
What does it mean to be generous?
In what area is it hardest for you to be generous - time, talents, money, possessions - or something else?
How is God generous to us?
Let me know what you think!!
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
(SIDENOTE: Due to popular demand (Debbie), who requested (challenged) me to respond to my "Fan the Flame" word like I used to, I will add my
*2 cents' worth* on Saturday sometime. So, if you're interested, come on back if you want to hear me let you know what I think!)
***I have received word that my blog had some problems - I FIXED THE PROBLEM by removing the buttons/gadgets that were causing issues. My prayer is that the only thing *hacked* now is ME dealing with another thing!!
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
10 comments:
"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)
Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!
(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Generous, to give abundantly of your resources whatever they may be, time, talent, money, etc. Honestly, without bragging (too much LOL) one of my spiritual gifts is giving so it is "easy" for me to be generous. What I'm learning in this particular walk of our lives is that when I wasn't being as generous as I was in "fat" times as opposed to "lean" times I missed that but felt I had to be more careful with our resources. I finally abandoned that idea last October and said "we still have money in the bank so if there's something we want to give for, we're going to go for it and trust God". We still have money in the bank and I feel better that I'm helping more things like I used to in "fatter" times.
ReplyDeleteWe can never out give God and he is WAY too generous with everything he gives us, especially grace!
betty
I would like to begin this by pointing out to everyone that Sharon called me POPULAR.
ReplyDeleteJust didn't want anyone to miss that...
I attach generosity to the concept of giving freely. I think we're generous when we give with no holding back and no expectations or strings attached. To be honest, it's easier to be generous about that which I don't feel I have a "finite" amount. When I'm asked to give of an ability like speaking, writing, editing, or (especially) teaching, I give generously and freely, and I try give it all I've got. When it comes to time or money, I still give, but it doesn't always flow from the same generous heart as when I give of my abilities. I think it's that whole finite issue.
God has given me so many things out of His generosity that I couldn't even begin to number them. His generosity is as infinite as He is.
That's all for me.
I'm busy eating lunch over here at the cool table with the popular people.
The most flame fanning that I have done in the last couple years is to write my Blog. At first it was once in a while. Then the Holy Spirit began to send me thoughts almost daily. I share them as musings, because often that is what they are.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteThink sometimes the hardest thing to give is ourselves.
Will be back to see what you say.
God Bless - Nita
I'm thankful that God loves us SO generously and piles on the blessings far greater than we deserve.
ReplyDeleteOh, God is so generous, it bowls me over! When we see how He pours in and fills us to overflow, it's easier for us to pour out.
ReplyDeleteWe need to overflow with generousity, as God pours into us.
ReplyDeleteMY TWO CENTS:
ReplyDeleteWhat does it mean to be generous?
I think it means to give more than is expected or required. To give out of love and sacrifice, not duty. To give when the recipient isn't necessarily deserving. To give even when you don't have to. To think of the other person's needs more than yourself.
In what area is it hardest for you to be generous?
Hmmm. This is a tough one. I suppose for me it would be my time. I'm pretty generous with my money - I actually enjoy giving that way. My talents? Well, I'd actually like to be MORE generous with them - LOL (C'mon Lord, I'd love more opportunities!!) My possessions? Well, on second thought, I do tend to get a little *attached* to my stuff. But time is the biggest. There are so many things I do because I "HAVE TO" that I can become a little selfish with my free time.
How is God generous to us?
How can I begin to list the many, many generous blessings He bestows?! It would have been enough to come to earth as one of us - but then to die for us? Generous beyond belief!! He encapsulates all that the word generous means to me.
He gives more than is expected or required. He gives out of love and sacrifice, not duty. He gives even though we are not deserving. He gives even when He doesn't have to. He always thinks of our needs, and does what is GOOD for us.
That's my thoughts this Saturday morning.
Thanks for all your thoughts! I love hearing what you think!
GOD BLESS!
Wonderful thoughts, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteIn his sermon this morning the pastor emphasized how important it is to God for us to be generous. Certainly no one can be more generous than God. He also reminded us that everything we have belongs to God. We're just stewards of it for awhile. Good point.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte