11.18.08 The Gift, Proverbs 18

"A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great."

Proverbs 18:16

Are you generous? Do you look for ways to give? Have you ever given your last dollar to someone in need? Sometimes it is hard to give money, time, or influence, but their is a unique principal in this. God is a giver, plain and simple. He really does give us more than we deserve. Our lot in life is unique to us. For whatever reason, our set of circumstances were given to us. It seems that we are the only people equipped with the ability to help others who really need our help. No matter how big or small our contributions, it can mean the world to only that person or population group (some of us are more blessed with resources than others, whole nations can benefit from their generousity). We may not even be aware of our impact, but God is.

Sure there are deceitful people and they will take advantage of you and the situation. They are takers. Give anyway and see what happens to you. Proverbs promises great things, to be ". . . usher[ed] into the presence of the great!" Powerful!


"Better is One Day in Your House" with Kutless LIVE in Poland

Proverbs 18:24 - "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Do you have a friend that you can call day or night for any reason and he or she will be there (married guys need to be careful about having close female friends)? Have you ever had to call them? Are you the type of friend who "sticks closer than a brother"?

I don't know if I have friends that "stick" closer than a brother or if I have been that kind of friend. This is a great reminder to build and seek out those people now, who are friends in the good times and the bad.

One of my close friends is a formerly homeless guy named Bill Adams. He has my cell phone and I have his. We have made a pact to pray for each other, to keep in touch every week, and be available. He doesn't have much, but his prayers and encouragement mean the world to me. As we pray for each other, we can see God at work in each other's lives.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org