Proverb 3: 27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
I suppose I am feeling the cheer of Christmas for this verse leapt out at me today. Now, it is not an uncommon verse or idea, but I think for many of us its message becomes even more meaningful during this season of celebrating the birth of the Christ.
First, I wish to thank all of you who have sent gifts through this ministry to Deneen and Mike. Your gifts are going to mean much to them, and your kindness and generosity have blessed my heart as well. Thank you! I would have you know that Ivey Ministries contributed to the fund too, as did I personally. Together we have raised a bit over $2000.
It used to be that the church played a significant role in helping people with needs. That role has diminished tremendously, but at this time of year, the joy of Christmas and the pure delight of a savior sent to us, helps us to feel the love of God at a deeper level than at other times of the year. We enjoy doing for others and we feel that warm glow within us. That is the furnace of God burning in our spirits. When fed with acts of charity, it warms us through.
We have so much and are so blessed. I know you support many other organizations. I saw during the MS fund raising campaign how your kindness cannot be contained. There are so many people who need help, so many worthy organizations that sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming. What can any of us do? Maybe we don’t withhold good intentionally but just don’t know how to help sometimes. And, I know that a $20 check doesn’t feel like a lot sometimes, but when we all give, each bit does matter. Because we work as a team, before you know it, we have a sizable amount to give. As I wrote in the initial email regarding Deneen and Mike, Ivey Ministries is not taking out any part of your contribution. There will be no administrative fee or any other cost, not even the cost of the stamp, deducted from your gifts. I want you to know too that this ministry tithes and has since the first dime we received. That means that when you give to Ivey Ministries, at least 10% is moving on to support others.
We do have the power to do good because our Father has blessed us richly. Let us never withhold good from others as long as it is within our power to bless. Let us become known as givers of the highest magnitude. Some people say, “Give until it hurts.” I get it but I say, let’s give until it feels really good, until we feel the blessing of God ignited within us.
For those of you who would still like to join the team in this effort, you can. Send your check to Ivey Ministries at 7726 Amber Forest Lane, Lewisville, NC 27023. Or, to donate through PayPal, click Here.