Deanna in Indiana


I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are enjoying a most Happy New Year!!! We had a great time with family!


Yesterday, I sat beside a little boy in church. He had his cars and transformers out to play with. He kept himself occupied throughout the service. I enjoyed watching him.

When the offering plate came by, he toyed with the dollar bill he had been given. He straightened it out, flipped it over, and held it with pride.

When the plate came to him, he did as he had been trained, and then passed it on.

I remember being that little boy!

When I was little, I was usually given pocket change to put in. That was a lot of years ago, and pocket change was worth a lot more then. Still, I remember being given a dollar bill from time to time. When I held it and then put it in, I felt like I was really contributing!

That was great training for me. My parents, always faithful with their tithe though it was a real stretch (with 4 kids), realized the importance of giving from the first fruits. I watched and saw them do so, and wanted to participate.

My opportunities then, came with what change I could put in the plate, as it passed. I remember wanting to be able to hold the plate unassisted. I knew I was being trusted as a growing young man, when I was allowed to hold it.

Such a small thing had such a large impact in my life. Knowing that my parents found it important to be obedient to the Lord through giving, fostered training in my own heart.

I looked forward to the day I could give.

When that day came, I confess, it found me with a begrudging heart. I did not think I could afford to give. I would soon learn, I could not afford to NOT give.

By that, I do not mean that the Lord holds it over my head if I don't.

I mean that the blessings and miraculous ways He provides for us when we give beyond what we think we can, always amazes me. For me, that meant giving at all.

We serve a mighty God.

I am so thankful to see parents who are investing in the lives of their own children, by teaching them to give.

More is derived from giving, than will ever be experienced by receiving. Yet, so few seem to understand this.

There is not much point in holding our money in tight fists. It already belongs to Him. When we fail to give, we miss out. Receiving should never be the motive for giving, but when we do, the blessings He pours out cannot be measured.

I am thankful for that little boy beside me. He helped me remember how much of a blessing it is to give. He blessed me by giving. He blessed me by just being himself.

I praise the Lord for my godly upbringing.

Parents who know the Word and follow it, pass on Truth. Parents who pretend, don't.


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