Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 

Thoughts: The Gentile/Roman thinking shows here, and this is the kind of thinking that is resurrected today.  At the end of the year, are we content?  Materialism- living for pay or money or things or houses or cars does not bring peace.  Nor does a combination of materialism plus faith.  Jesus said we cannot serve God and money.  This is a core teaching, and is why the rich man went away sad who kept the law from his birth (he lacked the ability to be content because he could not let stuff go).  It is why Jesus said it is "hard for the rich to enter e kingdom of heaven."  Learning this does not start when you get rich.  It begins not with a time but with the Spirit prompting you to seek peace over things.  

      John doesn't say don't get pay-but be content and do not extort or be greedy.  We fight greediness by seeking God and seeking ways to be generous.  If we have two coats, share with someone who has none.  In times of disaster (like the floods in South Carolina) I have seen this.  At Christmas I see it too.  But generosity and peace are things we should have throughout the year.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be content with the abundance you give me.  Help me to have a peaceful heart; eyes to see how to help others; strength to give up stuff and even dreams in order to help others. 

7/28/14- 2 Corinithians 9- Generosity

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Thoughts: Paul is giving a New Testament theology of giving. It is based on the idea that God has already given the greatest gift- salvation.  God is able to bless us and provide for us.  If we give generously, God gives generously to us. If we withhold out of fear or selfishness, God withholds His blessing from us.  Yet we do not need to give in order to get or give because we feel compelled.  Giving is a blessing.  

Prayer: Help me to be a generous person God as you have been generous to me.  

Advent Eve- 12/1/12

<sup>The generous will themselves be blessed,    for they share their food with the poor. (Prov. 22:9)

41</sup> But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. (Jesus' words- Matthew 11:41)

(Policeman giving shoes to homeless man in NYC).  

Thoughts: On advent eve, perhaps it is good to think about helping the needy. Today at our church there is a toy drive in memory of Justin Pepper, a young 11 year old who died in a car wreck five years ago.  Justin gave his birthday presents to the needy children of Thornwell Home for Children.  Now hundreds of people bring toys for the needy kids.
    There are so many needs in our world today.  It takes faith to believe that when we are generous to others we will be blessed by God.  

Prayer: Help me to be kind to others as you have been kind to me.