Once again I was blessed to prepare a brief homily on the Spirit of Giving. I recalled our Pastor would quote a scripture before the offering saying "it was more blessed to give than to receive." As a young person, it was a good thought, but when it came to sharing with my sisters, it became a challenge.

 Years later, I came across another verse which said : Give and it shall be given unto you. Good measure, pressed down and shaken together, and running over shall men give unto your bosom. The principles of seedtime and harvest became clear to me, how could I gain anything without putting something in; whether it was time, energy, or even finances. Even the process of thought, the seed of the power of the tongue, leading to action the beginning of sowing; was becoming so powerful, that as I wrote, I became overwhelmed. I felt this can't be brief at all. This would be a conversation that had to be lived, there were testimonies that gad to be shared. Thought, word and deed, prayer, faith and a tangible result. A confession came to mind which asked for forgiveness for our thoughts, words, and deeds against God's divine majesty.

How powerful are our thoughts? Do they indeed take flight and have wings? What about our words? The centurian spoke these words saying to Jesus, "Speak the word only and I know my servant is healed." That was a display of faith that still moves me, He didn't need a laying on of hands or touching the hem of his garment; just speak the word only. Wow!

 I sat back and took off my glasses. Was I missing the point about the spirit of giving? Was I going off on a tangent not focusing on what a spirit of giving is al about. We are to be cheerful givers, not expecting anything in return except for the privilege to be a bessing. To pray intercessory prayers before praying for my own needs. To remember to tithe because it's the right thing to do; rather than expect a return , to be in the spirit of giving, led by the Spirit of the living God who will supply all of our need according to His riches in glory.

I had to stop, I was filled with so many thoughts that I signed off and promised to return as I was led . There was no pressing deadline, so I backed away. One night a simple melody cane to me and the words from Matthew 6:33 began to fit with the melody." But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

The homily is still pending, however the gift of music which has been a lifelong gift from on high, blessed me more than words can say. To seek God first, all needs, wants and desires will be added unto us, in the fullness of time.

Blessings always, and in all ways