Today, I Give Extravagantly

I’m not talking about money.  I’m talking about giving something infinitely more valuable – yourself.

You are special.  You have to know that.  You were created to be a gift to the world.  So today, your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to give yourself away.

Follow this 4 step process to make extravagant giving REAL in your life (Revelation, Encounter, Application, Life/Light).  Let me know how it works for you.

I. Revelation (2 min)

Revelation is a higher truth – God’s truth.

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:12 (NIV)

Holy Spirit, open the following scriptures to me. 

“Jesus, what do you want to say to me today through these scriptures?”  Listen.  Let Him speak to you.

Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. Matthew 10:8 (MSG)

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. 1 John 3:16-19

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38d (NLT)

II. Encounter (2 mins)

“Revelation is intended as an invitation to encounter and experience” Bill Johnson, Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind

“My lord,” he (Abraham) said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while.” Genesis 18:3 (NLT)

Questions for Jesus

Ask Jesus one of these questions.  Wait for a minute or so.  You will see something, have an impression, a scripture or hear His still, small voice.  He will answer you.

• Jesus, what is the greatest gift you have given me to give away?
• Jesus, who needs me today and what can I give them?

III Application (2 mins)

… humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.  But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  James 1:21-22 (NLT)

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”  Acts 2:37 (NLT)

What can I do to make giving my natural response to situations where people make demands on me or I see their sometimes overwhelming neediness?

Renew your mind to who you are and what you are going to do today.

Declare these truths out loud.

• Today, I am an extravagant giver.
• I’m not hoarding my time, my energy or my love. I’m giving them away!
• God is filling me with the fruit of His Spirit so I can give away unlimited love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.
• Like the bread and fishes in Jesus’ miracles, as I give myself away, what I have multiplies and what remains is greater than what I gave.
• Today I give the gift of extravagant listening, caring and understanding.
• Today I give …. (What do you have that makes you a gift to others? Write it down.  Say it.  Give it away.)

Just do it!

People need you. Go give yourself away.

IV Life/Light (2 mins)

You are the Message. You are Light of the World

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Mat 5:16 (NIV)

1. Celebrate what you gave away today!
2. Journal it!

• Write down what God told or showed you.
• Record what God did when you stepped out and gave yourself extravagantly to others.
• Notice how you were changed by this process.

3. Share your light.We would love to hear your experiences! Please post them in the comments on this blog post.

Today, like Jesus, you are giving yourself away.  You are the gift that God made you to be to others.

It’s going to be a great day!