So, here in the United States, it's full-swing holiday time. We've made it through Thanksgiving and now most people are in Christmas mode. The holidays can bring challenges. However, there is always something we can be thankful for and grateful for. So, let's stay focused on Him and keep the joy in our holidays. Since most of us are probably thinking about Christmas, I really want to focus on giving. Christmas time comes presents, and presents mean we are wanting to give others things or maybe we just want to bless someone.

The Bible has a lot to say about giving. So much about giving, I will only be able to share a few here. The first scripture that came to my mind about giving is, 2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC - Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].  I know this came to mind at first, because, giving shouldn't be stressful! It's what is in your heart that is important. Do you know, God doesn't care about how much? He doesn't care if you give $1 or $1,000. As long as you gave what was in your heart to give, that's what God sees. 

Acts 20:35 TPT - I've left you an example of how you should serve and take care of those who are weak. For we must always cherish the words of our Lord Jesus, who taught, 'Giving brings a far greater blessing than receiving.' We all know it's better to give than receive. In fact, in my BC (Before Christ) days, I heard people say this all the time. It wasn't even church people saying this! It's like we know it's better to give than to receive. So, as true as this statement is, don't let it stress you out. I've been on the side where I didn't have as much to give as I'd like and I've been on the side where I was able to give plenty. Do you know, as long as I stayed focused on what the Word said, it felt good to give? It didn't matter that I couldn't give what I wanted, I still gave. Don't let the enemy make you feel you are less than. That's classic guilt/condemnation/woe is me. That is NOT God!! Again, God sees your heart, He probably knows you want to give more, so believe Him for more next time. He did say we are blessed to be a blessing, so you aren't wrong asking for more if it's your heart's desire to give more.  

John 3:16 NIV - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God gave the greatest gift ever. We are never going to be able to outgive God.  

I understand budgets and I understand the economy isn't the best right now, but don't stress out about it. That isn't what God wants from us. Maybe your budget isn't allowing you to give as much as you want or you are unable to give to as many people as you want. It isn't Christmas yet, if that's what you want keep believing God. And as long as you are giving from your heart, that is the best you can do. Enjoy the Holidays right where you're at. And let's not feel guilty about any of it. Don't stress giving!