GIVE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12 NKJ).

A year begins with such great hope and promise, but often ends with disappointments and regrets. What began with a clean slate and a fresh start, concludes wondering where the time has gone and why we were unable to accomplish more that is meaningful and productive. Rather than face another year of regrets, some choose to avoid reflection at year’s end, and refuse to make any new resolutions at the dawn of another year. 

Regrets and disappointment are understandable; they are often a consequence of life and unexpected challenges that arise. No one knows the future or what tomorrow may bring. While we may hide behind yesterday’s failures, new opportunities may be given just beyond the problems of the past. 

Jesus assured His followers that greater works would be accomplished through them. He enables believers to do more than ever thought possible because He is working through us by the power of His Holy Spirit. Regardless of the setbacks, be assured that greater things are in store for those who believe in Him.

In the New Year or at the beginning of any new season, know that there will be both challenges and opportunities. We will never know what is possible until we step out in faith and look to Jesus for wisdom and guidance along the way. With God, “… nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 NKJ).

Change is inevitable. Nothing is static. New opportunities will be presented in the coming year. There may be negative events, challenging setbacks, and unexpected problems, but there will also be dynamic new opportunities exceeding what we ever thought possible. 

Accept the challenge to change, knowing God is with us, and, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NKJ). In this new season let’s give again of ourselves to the great cause of His Kingdom. 


Theme passage:
“… how much greater will God’s grace and his gracious gift of acceptance overflow to many because of what one man, Jesus, the Messiah, did for us!” (Roman 5:15 TPT).

GIVE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJ).

The birth of Christ was the most important event of history. Not many knew about His arrival. Not many noticed His humble beginnings, outside of a small town, in an out-of-the-way shelter. However, this was the moment upon which all of history hinges. For centuries it was to pivotal point of time: Before His coming (B.C.), or after His appearance, (Anno Domini) (A.D.), in the year of our Lord.

Before the birth of Jesus, He was called Immanuel by the Prophet Isaiah who declared the coming One to be God with Us! (See Isaiah 7:14.) This is the most incredible revelation. Jesus was God among us, revealed in flesh, living with us, becoming one of us, while still maintaining His powerful deity and reigning in the heavenly sphere. In this role He was called the Son of God while He remained the Lord of Glory!

The Gift of Christmas changes everything. God made the ultimate sacrifice to provide salvation for our sins, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ). Because He came, born in Bethlehem, we have hope!

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! A Savior was born, peace and goodwill was promised. All Jesus came to accomplish has been done and continues to this day. His Kingdom has no end. What a God!



Theme passage:
“… how much greater will God’s grace and his gracious gift of acceptance overflow to many because of what one man, Jesus, the Messiah, did for us!” (Roman 5:15 TPT).

GIVE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return” (Luke 6:38 TPT).

Jesus taught the principle of giving with generosity. In fact, He established that the amount of our blessings received will be measured in proportion to the amount we are willing to give. From sowing seed, or showing kindness, to charitable giving, the generosity of our gift determine the return we receive. Paul wrote, “You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion…” (2 Corinthians 9:11 TPT).

This is not to say that God’s grace is dependent on our giving, neither is our salvation earned by good deeds. Grace is abundantly available and freely given to all who respond to His invitation! In reality, we have received so much more than we have given and infinitely more than we deserve. God’s blessings are experienced each day and in many ways besides our ability to earn finances. All around us are evidences of God’s care. His provision is seen in the place we live, the clothes we wear, and the food we eat. Friends, family, and other relationships attest to the blessings of God on our lives.

The Jesus principle is still true, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NKJ). On special occasions, holidays, or for no reason at all, it is a joy to give someone an unexpected gift, a sacrificial favor, or finances for a serious need. Sometimes we give to help others who experience tragedy or trauma. We donate to victims of natural disasters and pitch in to help when a stranger needs assistance. 

As we give we discover this incredible principle. The more we give, the more we find in our resources to give. The greater our generosity, the greater blessings we experience in return. We have truly been blessed to give. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38 NKJ). Let us give, and give again!


Theme passage:
“… how much greater will God’s grace and his gracious gift of acceptance overflow to many because of what one man, Jesus, the Messiah, did for us!” (Roman 5:15 TPT).

GIVE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life” (John 3:16 TPT).

Christmas is such a unique season of the year. For some, it may be all about the parties, celebrations, and excess, but for many there is a renewed resolve to show peace and kindness, and the opportunity to share their blessings with others. Charitable acts and giving to Christian causes become a special part of the season. 

The joy of the season is magnified as we experience that we are, “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 NKJ). The smiles of gratitude for a charitable act, the bounding joy of children on Christmas morning, or the serene satisfaction of donating an anonymous gift are all benefits of this blessing in generosity. 

After all, the story of Christmas is the unwrapping of the ultimate gift to this world: Jesus Christ, the gift of God to all humanity. The plan of redemption was the greatest expression of love. As Paul said, “Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, ‘You are now righteous in my sight.’ And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God” (Romans 5:8-9 TPT).

From God’s example of sacrificial love we are now motivated to give with the same inspiration. Paul encouraged believers, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV). The gift of God’s love continues to influence the entire world as we spread the good news of Jesus and demonstrate His love to others. This season and throughout the year, let us love and give again!


Theme passage:
“… how much greater will God’s grace and his gracious gift of acceptance overflow to many because of what one man, Jesus, the Messiah, did for us!” (Roman 5:15 TPT).