Daily Power #344

But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity. (Isa. 32:8 NLT)

If you’re like me, when you want something, you do your best to figure out how to get it. Whether it’s the best deal on a new tech gadget, the perfect jacket, or a cool new pair of shoes, it has never been easier to surf online and shop for the best deal—and hopefully with free delivery.

If we find what we want but it’s slightly beyond our budget, many will still make plans to get it. Some might open a new credit account. Another person might skip lunches for a week or work extra hours on the job. Bottom line, many of us will make plans and work hard to get what we want.

What if instead of just planning to get, we also planned to give? Today’s verse teaches us that generous people plan their generosity. Instead of just scheming to get what we want, what if we schemed to give what others need? What if you used your clever resourcefulness to meet the needs of others instead of your own?

Imagine sitting down with your spouse or small group and asking, “How can we give more? Who can we help? What do we have that would be a blessing to others?” Think about how our attitudes would change, how we’d become others-focused instead of self-centered, how we would grow to become more like Christ.

Instead of just thinking about what you want, focus on what you can give. How can God use you to bless someone else today? Generous people stand firm in their generosity.

Power Lift

Give me wisdom, God, to plan my generosity so I can show others what a great God you are.