Happy and Thankful for Giving

"By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice..." Hebrews 11:4

Do you wonder what it must have been like for the guys on the road to Emmaus when they realized that it was Jesus who they were talking to? Have you ever had one of those light bulb moments where it seemed everything you knew was shaken a bit. 

One time after Austin and I had been married for a few years, he sat down at a piano and started playing and it sounded incredible. I was shocked, "How can I not know he plays the piano?!" The feeling of confusion and fear overcame me. "What else do I not know about him?" (Turns out he doesn't really play, he just knows a few chords and has an understanding of how they fit together). 

Today God showed me one of His present day hall of faith-ers. They are people I have known for a few years, but I just learned a secret about them that not many know. Instead of fear and confusion when I found out this truth, I was left in awe. (I have to keep their idenities secret but I just have to tell you about them because I believe like the hall of faith-ers, their faith will build yours.) 

They are average Joe's. Nothing about them would make me think they had money. Nothing! In fact, one might assume otherwise. But it turns out this family has a lot of money and they have special family meetings to plan how to give it away. The mother, saves up quite a bit and on her birthday every year she sits down with a list and just starts calling people to give them money. Wow huh!  But doesn't that totally make sense! The day God brought forth His workmanship (her) from the womb, who He created for good works, she celebrates  by taking initiative to give, to be about the good works the Lord created her for. Oh Lord! What a wonderful thing you have done in this lady! 

These peoples giving is totally in secret. Their offering, an acceptable sacrifice. I believe these people will be well-known in heaven much like the hall of faith-ers in Hebrews 11. I can't believe I get to know a "will be famous in heaven" person right now!

Even More 

Austin and I were in desperate need for a computer (since my old one crashed and Austin's got stolen) and the students all pitched in to buy us a computer! College students. The ones who eat top ramen on a regular basis to save money so they can afford books and tuition. Yeah, them. They bought us a laptop! We are so overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and generosity.

And then get this, the night some of them dropped off the computer a bunch of them went downtown to feed the homeless. On their own initiative. They made a bunch of food and used it to get into conversations with the people and share the gospel with them. Wow huh! 

So on this Thanksgiving Day, I am happy and thankful for these givers. I pray that today as you spend time with the Lord, He gives you a revelation of Himself which produces an attitude of gratitude.

Now What?

Do you love stories?
Do you desire to get more out of the Old Testament?
Do you desire to see the relevance of the Old Testament to today?
Do you desire to see and understand God's heart and character more in the Old Testament?

If so, then this series will be a great one for you to follow. 

Starting tomorrow, I am going to be writing weekday devotionals going through the book of Judges. Last year I led a leadership girls bible study going through Judges and it was  super insightful and even shockingly funny if you can believe that. 

My challenge for you is to read a chapter of Judges each weekday, come on over and share what God showed you that day via comment.
Don't forget to subscribe (using the box on the top right) if you'd like to receive the weekday devotional in your inbox.

I'm linking up with Some Girls Website, the Diaper Diaries, and Canvas Child.