Give Your Resources

[00:00:00] When it comes to giving, how can God use all resources to come to the aid of others in need? Let's discuss. So welcome to Walking in Step with God. I'm Steve McDonald. Today we explore the topic

[00:00:45] Give Your Resources, as we continue our series, Give. You know, the world is full of examples of communities that like basic necessities such as shelter, food and water. There are entire populations around the world where the lack of resources, government corruption or war

[00:01:04] and conflict have forced innocent people to be without essential survival needs. Closer to home, there are many around us even on our streets who are suffering from homelessness, hunger and even the lack of the most basic of healthcare. While all of this

[00:01:23] suffering is around us, most of us go about our lives with all of the things that we need to survive day-to-day. There are even those of us who are blessed enough to afford a significantly

[00:01:35] enhanced lifestyle, such as a home and a nicer neighborhood, a nicer car or even cars, a fancy wardrobe or maybe a combination of all of the above. Today, let's explore three ways

[00:01:51] that we can give our resources to others who are in need. Let us give thanks to God for the things in our lives that we take for granted that many do not. Before we go any further, we'll take a quick break. I'll be right back.

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[00:02:50] to order your copy of the standard or special edition today and strengthen your bond with the creator. Again, that's 100 stepsbook.com. Welcome back. Let's continue in our discussion of three ways to give our resources to others in need.

[00:03:12] You do not have to be wealthy to give from your resources. It is more likely than not that all of us have the capacity to give something tangible to an individual, an organization, or a cause

[00:03:24] that can be used to improve the quality of life for someone in our community. Number one, give your money. The most common and practical way to offer your resources is to offer a financial contribution to an organization that can utilize the funds in a way that will

[00:03:44] improve the quality of life for others. There are many trusted and reputable non-profit organizations that use donations to reach populations that most of us will never see a close. Families are provided with housing. Children are provided with educational materials, communities that are

[00:04:04] experiencing hunger or lack of health care are provided with much needed food and medicine. There are also many websites online that can help you find a trustworthy charity that can put your donation to good use. One such website is charitywatch at www.charitywatch.org. That website

[00:04:25] you're on once again for our listeners on our podcast is www.charitywatch.org. This website does the investigative work to find charities that make effective use of donations for a cause. Whatever organization you choose, use wisdom, be thoughtful, use discernment,

[00:04:48] do your research to make sure you know where your money is going before you give. God sees every moment of your giving and God truly loves a cheerful giver. Number two, give your in-kind donations. In-kind donations are non-cash or free

[00:05:11] service donations to a charity or other organization. Do you have gently used items around the house? You know could be a better use than another home? Maybe you're downsizing and have lots of

[00:05:23] great furniture and clothing that you can donate to a thrift store or even give away for free. Are you a business owner? Have you considered providing your service from your company

[00:05:35] for free as a donation to an organization? You may even decide to organize a free giveaway of your service or product to those who are in need within your very own community. Whether you are doing

[00:05:50] some major downsizing of your home or your own a daily and a busy part of town, ask God how you can provide an in-kind donation to a cause that is important to you and important to him.

[00:06:03] Number three, give a planned gift. The last idea may not be a popular subject to bring up but it is nonetheless a powerful way to give your resources. We've all heard the saying

[00:06:18] you can't take it with you and it's true. All of the things that we have built up over the course of our lives will be out of reach once we have passed on. Have you considered making special

[00:06:29] arrangements to donate some of your most valuable possessions to a charity? Do you own a home or property that you could donate when you pass away? What about a financial gift? Why not seek

[00:06:42] out legal advice about donating resources through a will or living trust? Again, as with all big decisions, ask God how you can plan a financial or material gift after you're passing. In today's message we explore three ways. We can give our resources to others in need.

[00:07:03] We discuss the idea that often the simplest way to give is to give our money to a reputable and trustworthy organization that can put the donation to good use and reach the individuals that need it most. We discuss the idea of giving up our possessions especially those

[00:07:18] that may have little to no value to us but may have really high value and impact to someone else in need. Lastly, we discuss the idea that a plan to give through a will or living trust is an

[00:07:31] excellent way for a sizable gift once we have departed. As you will learn across the messages in this series there are so many ways to give. Take some time to date to consider the resources in your

[00:07:44] life that could be given to others. Then pray about it. Seek us guidance as to how he would direct your giving today. Let us close out in prayer. Dear Father, we thank you for the

[00:08:00] day we thank you for the wisdom presented in this message. We thank you Lord for the resources that we have in our lives no matter how much or how little we thank you for all the things

[00:08:14] that you have equipped us to be able to achieve and attain. We come to you today actually asking if there are things in our midst things within our resources that we can give to others.

[00:08:28] You know the areas of our lives that maybe have excess or extra and we come to you asking for you to direct our hearts and minds to the things that we could potentially give to someone or organization.

[00:08:44] That will improve the quality of life for someone that we will likely never meet but nonetheless will actually improve the quality of their life. Please place it on our hearts, help us to know,

[00:08:55] lead us in guidance and all our steps so that we may give freely and happily and experience to joy that comes from giving a minute. Are you interested in learning more about the sources guiding

[00:09:09] this message? I invite you to stay tuned after the break for our going deeper with the word segment. Here we examine how God's word provides clear guidance and direction about giving your resources.

[00:09:20] If your catch in this episode on YouTube or in our Facebook group please be sure to click that like button and also be sure to leave your comments about today's message and giving of your

[00:09:30] resources. If you are new to our ministry please subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow our podcast so that you're notified of future messages. I'll be right back after these messages. Some messages just hit differently and if this message has touched your heart and you want to

[00:09:48] experience it again you can watch the video online at walkinginstepwithgod.org slash messages god bless you. Welcome to going deeper with the word and this segment we welcome people of all backgrounds religious or not to review the word of God. The word of God provides guidance, direction and

[00:10:09] instructions for living our lives and walking with God. Today we examine how God's word provides clear guidance and direction about giving. Let's review examples of God's word that can lead in guide our steps and back up the principles we learned in today's message. I'll be reading

[00:10:27] scripture today from the amplified Bible. By the way if you're watching this message online we invite you to share your comments as review each verse. Here's our first verse. Second Corinthians 9 verses 6 and 7. Now this, he who so sparingly will also reach sparingly

[00:10:55] and he who shows generously will also reap generously. Let each one give just as he is decided in his heart not grudgingly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. In this verse

[00:11:13] it is made quite clear how God rewards the giver. We reminded that if we give sparingly we will also benefit from this giving only sparingly. Those who give generously will benefit greatly. We also learn the importance of giving in a thoughtful and purposeful manner, not as a

[00:11:31] transaction or under some sort of compulsion or pressure. True giving is that which is cheerful and even matter of fact, where nothing is asked in return. This is the giving that we read

[00:11:46] that God truly loves. Do you give freely or do you feel it times that you want something in return when you give? Share your experience in the comments. Let's have a look at another verse. Luke 12 verse 33, sell your possessions, show compassion and give to the poor.

[00:12:16] Provide money belts for yourselves that do not wear out. On unfailing in inexhaustible treasure in heavens, where no thief comes near and no mouth destroys. In this verse Jesus explains the importance of giving to the poor. We notice here the importance of compassion and active

[00:12:38] giving and forming bonds with one another. He makes reference to the fact that the things we accumulate in our lives cannot come with us to heaven. There is nothing wrong with having nice things

[00:12:49] but we see it as verse the more important thing is to be compassionate and giving to others. Would you consider yourselves someone who has nice things? Can you recall an interaction recently

[00:13:02] where someone was in need and you were able to provide compassion in a way that had nothing to do with your nice things? Share with others in the comments. Let's look at one last verse. Acts 20 verse 35. And everything I showed you that by working hard in this way,

[00:13:27] you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus. They he himself said it is more blessed to give than to receive. In this verse we learn of Jesus quote that it is far better

[00:13:43] to give than receive. In this version of the scripture we are also reminded that giving also happens to bring joy. When was the last time you gave your resources? What were the circumstances?

[00:13:57] Did you feel joy? Let us know in the comments. Giving your resources is just one way to give to others in need. If you're feeling unsure of how you can give your resources, I encourage you to

[00:14:12] ask God. I believe God will point you into right direction for the opportunities that are before you to give. Thank you for your time and reviewing this verses with me today and please

[00:14:24] be sure to share in the comments how these are other examples of God's Word have helped you to give your resources. Thank you for the opportunity to share encouragement. Here at Welcome to Step With God, we truly appreciate your support. We are fully committed to Christ

[00:14:40] in the community and we invite you to join us in fellowship and to seek opportunities for fellowship in your local community as well. Have an amazing week and we'll catch you next time. Bless you. Thank you for listening. Please share this podcast with others of this message

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