17 April 2024

BLESSED BY THE LORD

A good morning with the peace of the Lord to everyone. For today, Wednesday 17 April 2024, the thought I felt in my heart to share with you has as its key verse:
Proverbs 11:26 (NIV)

“People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.”

What does generosity mean to you? The dictionary defines the word "generous" as:
• Characterized by noble disinterest and courageous altruism.
• Large in rewarding or giving.
Most people only do what is expected of them: at home, at work or in society. They do their best to meet the expectations of their family, colleagues and friends. But giving more than is asked for, doing more than is expected of us…that is generosity.
If you really think about it, you live better than millions of people in the world. If you are fit enough today to get out of bed, have food to eat, access to clean water, a roof over your head and decent clothes to wear, you are better off than at least a billion people.
God blesses us: let's learn to be generous because the God who created us is! Don't hold back something when it's in your power to give. You must apply wisdom in your generosity, but remember, there is always more joy in giving than in receiving.
Don't think about the donation being limited only to your money. Another precious commodity is your time. Give your time to someone who may need a listening ear or a helping hand. Sometimes, simply being generous with your time can be a great blessing to a person in need. Ask the Lord how you can be generous today to those close to you who are in need.

Together we pray to the Lord telling him: God of love, I thank you for your word. Use me to help those in need. I wish to serve you with all my heart. In the name of Jesus... Amen!
With love, Ivano Salerno