It’s been a hard year
The winter had been especially difficult in the mountains of North Carolina. Heavy snowfall and cold temperatures had allowed the snow to accumulate to several feet at the higher elevations. The people who lived down in the valley became concerned about an older couple who lived in an isolated cabin up on the mountainside. No one had seen either the husband or the wife for several weeks. Each day, the villagers would watch for smoke coming from the cabin chimney. One day when smoke was no longer apparent, they contemplated how they could give help once they realized the old couple was snowed in. Finally, they decided to call in the Red Cross.
A helicopter flew over the cabin but no sign of life could be seen. Two Red Cross workers equipped with medical supplies and food parachuted into a clearing some distance from the cabin. The two young men made their way through the deep snow, clearing a path to the door of the cabin. One of them knocked. Momentarily an old man appeared at the door. The young rescuer replied, “We are from the Red Cross.” The old man looked at him and said, “Well, you know it has been a right hard winter up here and I just don’t hardly see how we can give anything this year.”
What do you have to give?
How many times when the offering plate is passed at church or when our churches are looking for volunteers or for people to do missions or ministries we quietly say within ourselves, “Lord you know it’s been hard this year and I just don’t hardly see how we can give anything this year.” Or perhaps we give, but grudgingly, wondering how we are going to be able to pay that bill after dropping our tithe into the plate. Some might give out of the idea of “this is what I ought to do” rather than “this is my joy to do.”
Giving is an act of worship
Giving is an act of worship. It’s a way to say thank you to God for all that He has given and provided to us. God knows our hearts and what motivates us to give or not give. What if when the plate was passed each week, there was a scanner that measured our willingness to give? In Exodus 25:2, God told Moses to only accept the offerings that were given willingly. Would our churches still be able to operate if they only accepted the offerings that were given willingly? Would our pastors and other church staff be able to be paid? Or would the lights be on? Would the programs and ministries still operate? Would missionaries be sent out into the world to tell others about Christ?
God doesn’t need our money
God doesn’t need our money – He owns the entire universe. He wants us to give out of our love for Him as an expression of thankfulness and worship for the many blessings He has given to us. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
What motivates you to give and what is the attitude of your heart when you do?
The Valentine’s Collection
Beloved Collection: This Valentine’s Day, let your spouse know how much you love them. Based on the Bible Verse, Song of Solomon 3:4, the bottom line reads, “I have found the one whom my soul loves.”
I have found the one whom my soul loves: Based on Song of Solomon 3:4
God’s Plan: God’s design for marriage is one woman, one man Woven into oneness with Christ – this is God’s plan
Greatest Valentine’s: On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love and there’s no greater love than Christ who laid down His life so that we can have eternal life. Includes John 3:16.
Here are some of our favorite designs
Godfidence 
Anything is possible 
With my song I will praise Him 
All Things New 
Joy of the Lord 
Way Maker 
Walk by Faith 
Script Unstoppable God 
Print Unstoppable God 
Unstoppable Force 
Steps of a Good Man 
Something New 
Seek and Find 
Revive Us Again 
Resist the Devil 
Raise a Hallelujah 
Path of His Commands 
Prayer Warrior 
Beloved- Mr and Mrs 
Mr and Mrs – God’s Plan 
Man of God 
He Left 99 for Me 
Cast All Your Cares 
Giants 
Faith over Fear 
Faith Can Move Mountains 
Don’t Worry 
Don’t Quit 
Created to Praise 
All things are Possible 
What the Lord Requires 
Living for the world to see Jesus 
Face Masks now available! 
All things are possible 
Run with perseverance 
Revive us again, Lord
Need some music to get you through the day? Check out one of our Playlists on YouTube
You can also watch our animated devotionals on the YouTube Channel
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars by Julia M. Bruce
What’s Inside God, Love and Marshmallow Wars?
God, Love and Marshmallow Wars is a book that includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a guided journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
- Scripture to memorize and meditate on.
- Conversation Starters.
- Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages.
- Romance Builders.
- Relationship Builders.
- Personal reflections.
- Date ideas.
- Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples.
Available in hardback, paperback and ebook from Westbow Press Bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Click the icons below to purchase from your preferred bookstore. Now also available at WalMart online.
Bible Studies, Bibles, Books & More
Looking for a Bible Study, Bible, book or Christian gift? We are an affiliate with Christianbook Distributors and receive an 8% commission on any item purchased through one of our links. However, the commission never increases your cost of any item. View some of our favorite items by clicking on the logo and thank you for supporting our ministry.
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