Don’t Miss Your Blessing

Good Morning!

Helping others is one of the purest expressions of God’s love, but the purity of that act is tested by the motives behind it. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us not to practice our righteousness “to be seen by others.” He wasn’t condemning generosity; He was exposing the Pharisee spirit that turns a holy act into a performance.

It’s more important to help those in need than to let others know you helped. 

When we give with the intention of being praised, we trade a heavenly reward for a moment of earthly applause. And that applause fades quickly. But when we give quietly, sincerely, and humbly, God Himself takes notice. He sees the heart behind the hand.

Don’t miss your blessing from God because of ego, greed, or the desire to be recognized. Some people want the picture, the post, the pat on the back. But God wants the posture of your heart. He wants your giving to reflect His character, His selfless, His compassionate, and free of pride.

The Pharisees were experts at looking holy while living empty. They prayed loudly, gave publicly, and served visibly, all to be admired. But Jesus called them out because their hearts were far from God. Their actions were right, but their motives were wrong.

Every day God gives us opportunities to bless someone, through a word, a meal, a ride, a prayer, or a simple act of kindness. The question is not did you help, but why did you help.

Let your giving be between you and God. Let your kindness be a reflection of His grace. Let your service be an overflow of gratitude, not a strategy for attention.

When you give in secret, God rewards openly. And His reward is far greater than anything people can offer.

The Christmas Table: Offer a seat at the table

Read: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 Luke 22:30

The memories of home and my Christmas traditions often come to mind during the Christmas holidays. I enjoyed the preparation of food and The Christmas Table more than Thanksgiving.
 As friends would come by to pick up their gifts, my mother would cook a big breakfast and they would sit, eat, talk, and enjoy each other's company. The evening involved gathering with my Godmother's family for dinner, where the house was bustling with relatives and friends, conversing, standing, eating, and sitting. The Christmas table is the place where we expressed gratitude for life, family, and food.

 Although My Christmas Table was memorable, there are still many people and families sitting at a table that is empty and lonely. No traditional picturesque images are seen by them. Maybe they have encountered loss, damaged relationships, lost their job, or simply have no one to celebrate with.

 As followers of Christ, we need to remember that no family Christmas Table is more significant than God's family. Everyone is welcome at God's table.

When Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth, was lost and forgotten, David reminded him not to be afraid and offered him a seat at the King's table. it signified having the king's permission to sit and have meals for the entirety of one's life. The table of God remains unchanged. By accepting Jesus as our savior, he allows all of us to take a seat at the table.

 This holiday extend an invitation to someone who has lost hope or feels lonely by granting them a seat at your Christmas table. Extend your gratitude of God’s blessings to others besides your family. Give without expecting to get anything back. Your reward will be great and the God of the Most High will be merciful unto you. May this Thanksgiving be filled with joy and many blessings. Be safe and enjoy your family!

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