Luke 3:11
* John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one with food should do the same. NIV
* “If you have two coats,” he replied, “give one to the poor. If you have extra food, give it away to those who are hungry.” LB
* “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” NRS

By Inspiremestudios, God gave his ONLY son and shared

While John the Baptist was preaching and “preparing the way for the Lord”, he warned the crowds who came to listen that they should bear fruit “worthy of” or “in keeping with” repentance. They asked him (as we may ask today) how this may be accomplished. We don’t do good deeds in order to earn our way to heaven. Jesus did that for us when He died on the cross. We Lutherans learn way back in Catechism classes that our behavior is an outward reflection of our belief that we are saved. As my pastor told us teenagers back then, how are we to witness to others and convince them that repenting and turning to the Lord is “cool” thing if we don’t act any differently from those who
haven’t been saved?
                                                    By Abbasgirl...I love this one too...
                        http://www.etsy.com/listing/26443159/free-shipping-beautiful-glass-magnet-his
I’ve met so many different people in my life so far.  Some who didn’t go to church or professed having any belief system commented that they have met some Christians who behave no differently from unbelievers. They could not see the awesome benefit of being a Christian because of how they saw certain Christians live their lives. What a sad, missed opportunity for witnessing! We don’t earn our way into heaven; but if we TRULY believe that we are saved, our behavior should reflect our joy, gratitude, and faith.
                                                      By Angelasheartwork,
                                          http://www.etsy.com/listing/39370723/1-corinthians-14-vs-1
Usually by Thanksgiving, the Salvation Army people are already out in the streets, ringing their bells. It’s understandable, for safety reasons, why they make those red pots so small. I like to think that, with a bit of psychology, a small pot serves to remind people that, surely, they can part with their spare change. There’s even much more we can give than mere coins.
While preparing for this new Year, can we spare even one day or even one afternoon to simply look at our closets and decide how much of our accumulated belongings we really use or need!? The Goodwill store in every town is grateful!
By ARareTreasure, SHARING IS THE WORD
Many also need volunteers to help people unload their car and sort through all the donations. At church, we have large bins for food donations. These are collected and given to the local food bank for those who struggle to feed themselves and their families.
My mother took advantage of all those “2 for 1” sales in certain grocery stores. She may only needed one can of carrots. So the other was placed in a bag in her car. When that bag was full of canned goods, it was also full of brotherly love to be donated to the food bank.
In the nearby town, some local leaders recently decided to start a community garden on a piece of unused city property to help supplement the food bank. There are a few fruit trees as well that need tending. What a great use of extra bounty and nice way to spend some free time! It has also attracted the attention of certain “colorful” locals with the auspicious and well-earned title of “Master Gardener”. You can garden for a good cause, meet other people, and receive expert gardening advice.
                                                     By SweetB, I love this one
                  http://www.etsy.com/listing/12419174/plenty-to-share-card-5-x-7-with-envelope
Simple and easy opportunities for sharing abound, some of them even social and entertaining.
Dear Lord, Thank you for EVERYTHING you have provided for us, especially the gift of Your Son. Help us to be GOOD STEWARDS of the bounty you have given us. Amen  

See you next Monday, Monika
http://www.etsy.com/shop/myeuropeantouch

Comments (10)

On February 21, 2011 at 12:20 AM , sweetybird09 said...

Well that is a wonderful post Monika, thanks for reminding us of the ways we can share and show Gods Love.

 
On February 21, 2011 at 7:08 AM , Unknown said...

Great post -- More and more you see people begging for money at intersections -- I usually will try to give something. My daughter doesn't understand and will say why are you giving to that undesirable person you don't know. How do you know what they will do with it. I try to tell her that it doesn't matter what they do with it - that I'm being obedient to the word and the Lord to "give to all who ask".

 
On February 21, 2011 at 8:59 AM , Mechelle said...

Our church does service projects downtown several times a year. It is great to help others less fortunate. It is also good to teach are youth the importance of serving.

 
On February 21, 2011 at 10:07 AM , Sue Runyon said...

Thank you Monika for this reminder at this time of year. Charities are all running low right now. I know our food bank is. We remember at Christmas and forget other times.

 
On February 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM , Tricia said...

Awesome post Monika! Great reminder to us to be good stewards with all He has blessed us with.

 
On February 21, 2011 at 11:41 AM , SHEILA said...

I love how your mother filled the bag in her car, and when it was full, gave it away.
There are so many ways to help those in need, and it's something we always need to think about-thanks for the reminder of one way Christians can reflect Gods love.

 
On February 21, 2011 at 12:19 PM , sammysgrammy said...

It goes without saying: the post is awesome. The items you chose to demonstrate your point......perfect (especially the tomatoes in the garden)

 
On February 21, 2011 at 1:01 PM , MYSAVIOR said...

Thank you for this wonderful post, Monika! We all need reminders. I do try to live this way all year.

♥♥♥
Sue

 
On February 21, 2011 at 1:10 PM , Sharon Baldwin said...

I asked God to provide me with a friend as I make this journey into offering my jewelry online. Now I find that He has answered that prayer ten-fold by providing me with a community of mentors and friends. I am strengthened, when by faith, I am able to open my eyes and to see that cloud of witnesses that walk with me and that cheer me on with encouragement to persevere. I hope that I can be part of that cloud for others in this Christian Community. I received great joy from seeing the artistic works of those featured today. Thank you for highlighting my necklace.

I tried to post this yesterday to say thank you for featuring my site but had trouble posting. The chrome browser did the trick.

 
On February 22, 2011 at 2:25 PM , Art and Sew Forth said...

What a great reminder and great suggestions for practical sharing as well! Thank you!