Reach - a 21 Day DevotionalSample

Sent by Jesus to Live Generously

We can’t give what we don’t have. So planned income, in multiple streams, must go hand-in-hand with planned giving. Fifteen years ago when I was 55, I realized I would not be able to retire unless I had a second income. I was meditating on Psalm 1:3 when I realized that I needed the Lord’s wisdom to plant by a river of money. At that time, He gave my wife and I wisdom to borrow against our home and buy a rental house, then another and another. (Don’t do that unless the Lord prompts you and you receive confirmation.) God has a good plan for you. It includes doing all your labor every week. It may be more than 40 hours more than one job, but it’s worth it. Learn to love Mondays and pursue excellence, and you will be able to enjoy it. Decide how much is enough, for us it was (80% with 10% tithe and 10% to invest or reduce debt), so we can practice “grace giving,” which is over and above the tithe. If you are wise enough to set aside money in your budget for vacation and for Christmas presents, why not do the same for “grace giving?” It feels so good to be watching each month for whom the Lord wants you to bless with $100 just because they need it, and $2,400 for The Rock’s 30th birthday, or ISOM, or families of persecuted pastors, or... God loves to meet your needs, and the needs of others through you.

Today’s Reach:

Have a “Jesus talk” with your spouse and God about how much is enough. Make a list of how much you want to be giving monthly next month, next year, and in 5 years. Then ask God how He wants you to work and invest so you can give generously.