Well, we are already over half-way through the month of November if you can believe that! And today brings us to Day Eighteen of the Thirty-Day Challenge to “Give to someone in some fashion, every day in November.” So, how is it going for you? I admit, I could have done better some days, and others I got behind; but nevertheless, it has been a wonderful experience! I am so glad I saw the idea on another blog and decided to do it! In fact, I am even considering keeping it up after November is over. After all, what is my life if it is not giving to others? Of course, God is first, and my time with Him and service for Him are priorities; but that is just it –being Christlike and pleasing God is living by faith and obeying His Word, and part of that is living for others!
I have found many ways to share with others this month. There is a good list of ideas at www.daretobeanangel.com/tasklist.php . As I love to bake, and it is the time of year for it, I have shared lots of baked goods…from Gingerbread Man cookies, to pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, to banana bread and brownies! I have also written cards to loved ones, and even created a smilebox picture card (seen on an earlier post) to send to a friend who has meant much to me. One of my favorite things was giving to the lady ringing her bell for the Salvation Army outside of Walmart. I do not normally give to charities since I give through my local church. I believe that is the way God wants us to give; not only that, but when I give to my church, I know my money goes to a great cause…the Lord’s work! And I can see exactly where that money is spent too! However, having participated in many fundraisers through my life, I know it can be discouraging and tough to stand out there asking for donations. So when I went to Walmart last Saturday, I did not give to the Salvation Army, but I gave a Gospel Tract to the lady with two dollars inside! I told her it was for HER to purchase a hot drink or snack! And ultimately, I pray she will read the Gospel from God’s Word included in that tract, and learn of her own need of a Saviour from sin. May she accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross alone as the payment for her sin, trusting in Him for Salvation! You see, even bey0nd simple giving and sharing, this Thirty-Day Challenge is an opportunity to share things with others, while also sharing the Gospel with them –the most precious Gift you could possibly give to another!
