Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night. Ecclesiastes 11: 1-2 MSG

Spring beckons us to bow, to behold new grits of growth. But what do we do with the new growth? Winter’s gray, decay, and bitter cold had purpose; we learned a thing or two; Truth and wisdom were revealed. However, do we keep it to ourselves?

Spring challenges generosity—to not only clean up debris, but to dig in dirt, fertilize soil, plant seeds, and split our herbs and flowers. We share the fruit of our harvest.

God convicted me of hoarding this year; but not like what is seen on TV reality shows. Since I was an MK, missionary kid, and grew up with little, I struggled to let go of everything . . . “because I just may use or wear it one day.”

Nevertheless, I emptied more than closets!

Timothy gave instructions to those who serve, specifically those who have been blessed with much. He warned not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but to mass the gem of a good foundation. We’re called to ministry—to share our earthly possessions, time, work, and faith . . . that we may take hold of life. We will one day be rewarded for our eternal investments.

We live in a thirsty and hangry-starved world.

People crave Truth and intimacy; yet, they’re left parched and depleted. Social media doesn’t provide true intimacy and friendship. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are a snare that drag us deep into a pit of people pleasing and comparison thinking. We don’t know how much it influences our thought life, distracts and wastes our time, until we fast from it. Consider restricting your usage, or fasting from all on occasion, to regulate its control over you. I also dare you to limit your time on news programs, podcasts, and You-Tube. Even Christian music and sound teaching can become an idol of sorts if we’re not studying the Bible, meditating on God’s Word, and obeying the Holy Spirit’s counsel and direction.  We don’t need a multitude of voices speaking into our life. We need Jesus! 

Please don’t misunderstand! I’m all for having mentors and/or counselors to help process life. Likewise, I occasionally listen to a trustworthy sermon or podcast online to help me prepare to speak. But they are not my crutch. God’s Word, Jesus’ example, and the Holy Spirit’s leadership are what we need.

Again, consider Spring’s bounty and be generous. If you are a person of faith, share your testimony. Tell your story, your love, loss, fears, doubts, and hope. Share your struggles and growth . . . what helped and hindered your healing. Tell how you coped, what worked and/or caused you to cycle, stumble, and get worse.

Absolutely! Clean your closets and wash your windows; open your curtains and let the light of Jesus in. Swing wide your door and plant gospel seeds.

Do good—be generous and ready to share!

Be a blessing,

Lily Mae

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
I Timothy 6:18 NASB