The 30-Day Giving Challenge: Half Way Point

Yesterday marked the half-way point in our 30-Day Giving Challenge. With 15 days of giving behind us, and 15 ahead, I want to encourage everyone to keep on journaling.

My Pastor concluded his series yesterday on giving, which has really helped me stay focused on the importance of generosity.  Some may question the actual reason behind giving.

Do we do it because it “feels good”? Out of obedience? To appear generous in the eyes of others?

Perhaps the greatest passage about giving can be found in 2 Corinthians. Take a few minutes today to read chapters 8 and 9. Here is an excerpt:

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. 2 Cor 8:2-3

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Cor 9:10-11

God supplies us with what we need to be generous. When we give to others, we are simply the middle-man. I know that personally, there is always a bit of fear that if I give too much, there won’t be “enough” for me. But if I trust this promise that He will continue to provide, I can step out in faith and keep on “sowing”.

We give because it ultimately glorifies God. Because giving breaks the hold that money might otherwise have on us. While the Bible doesn’t specifically say so, it is evident that persons who give freely and generously are not controlled by money but have freedom.

I have mentioned several ways throughout the month to give for free. But today, I am asking you to consider a monetary donation for a family in dire need. From my friend Joy’s blog:

I found out today that my cousin and her family are going through a very trying time financially, and they’re in need of help. My cousin is an amazing stay-at-home mom to her six children, ages 4 through 15, each of whom she homeschools. Sadly, her husband has been out of work for the last six months, and although he’s been able to find odd jobs here and there, he has been unable to find employment, and unemployment benefits have run out. They’ve been doing everything they can to cut expenses, but they’re still in dire financial need of money to pay for rent, electricity, gas, etc.

Joy decided to use her talents and resources to raise funds for this family. She is offering an incredible 29-page e-book, Learn the States and Postal Abbreviations, for a donation of any amount, and every penny of that donation will go directly to her cousin and her family to help cover some of their financial needs.

This book is a fabulous homeschooling resource, or would also make a nice gift. I downloaded mine today and although I do not homeschool, I know my 4th grader will enjoy it.

How to Donate and Get the E-Book

To make a donation, just click on the “give” button below. You’ll be taken to PayPal (completely secure) where you can make your donation of any amount, and then you’ll be immediately taken to a page where you can download Learn the States and Postal Abbreviations.

Thanks in advance for your generosity. Even $1.00 will make a difference!

I am sure there are so many families in similar situations right now. This is a great example of getting creative in order to GIVE.

If you have other creative ideas I would love to hear them! Guest posts for The 30-Day Giving Challenge are most welcome. Please submit them by emailing 30daygivingchallenge @ gmail.com (remove spaces).