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Girlfriends in God - Feb. 1, 2007

 

February 1, 2007

Giving Back

Sharon Jaynes

 

Today's Truth

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV)

 

Friend to Friend

My husband, Steve sat across the table with a friend who was raising money for their university Alma Mater. The friend was giving a large sum – a very large sum.

 

“The reason I am giving so much to the school building project is because I owe them so much,” he enthusiastically explained.  “If it weren’t for the school, I wouldn’t have this great career and this lifestyle that I enjoy.  No telling what I’d be doing.  The amount I’m giving is the least I can do as my way of saying thanks.  I owe them so much.

 

Steve and I know this person very well.  He’s brilliant and would be successful no matter what school he had attended or what profession he selected.  But he felt an incredible amount of gratitude to his school for the education and training he had received.

 

As I reflected on Steve’s lunch conversation, God spoke to my heart.  See, this man was willing to give because of the education he had received.  How much more should I want to give to God because of the eternal life I have received?  For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son and whoever believes in Him will never perish but have eternal life!  What a sacrifice.  What love.  What an inheritance. What an education.  What an opportunity to receive an abundant life.

 

Jesus said, I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly (John10:10).  More than an academic education, more than a skill to produce a good income, more than any other man-made institution or ideal, it is God to Whom I owe my gratitude.

 

Oh how I love Him! Oh how I appreciate Him!  Oh how I owe Him for all that I am and ever will be. Where would I be without Him?  Thinking about this friend’s burning desire to repay the school for all they had done to contribute to his success has compounded my desire to give to God for all He’s done to secure my position as a child of God and the joy of experiencing the abundant life on this side of eternity.

 

Let's Pray

Dear Father, I am overflowing with gratitude for all You have done for me.  My life is but a breath, and yet, You loved me enough to give Your one and only Son to pay for my debt.  I give You my day.  I give You my life.  May Your incredible gift be ever on my mind today.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

 

Now it's Your Turn

Name a person who has made a big impact in your life for good.

 

What did that person do?  What did he or she give in your behalf?

 

Now, write down what God has done for you.  What did He do on your behalf?

How can you give back to Him?

 

More from the girlfriends

To learn more about God’s incredible gift, see Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes.


G.I.G.

Girlfriends in God, Inc.

P.O. Box 725

Matthews, North Carolina 28106

 

Web site: www.girlfriendsingod.com
Email: info@girlfriendsingod.com