Unlock Your Way of Experiencing GodEsimerkki

Today, we will discuss Giving as our next way of experiencing God. Some of you reading this feel a deep and profound connection to God when you give to others, ministries, or your local church. You love helping others financially and view your tithes and offerings as a blessing. That's amazing.

I have been blessed beyond measure to have been surrounded by some fantastic, Godly men during the past 10+ years of full-time ministry. One of these men, who I will call “Steve”, is a very dear friend, and I know him well enough that he would not want his name to be used. Steve is one of the most generous men I have ever met. He loves to give and bless others. My wife and I helped Steve & his family move several years ago, and as a thank you, he gave us their elliptical exercise machine. My wife initially said, "No, we can't accept that." I, on the other hand, was like, "That's so generous, thank you!"

He later gave my oldest son computer parts like hard drives and motherboards. He gave me this excellent sword letter opener on my desk today. Steve loves to give! Over the past decade that we have been friends, I have heard dozens of stories of how he has helped out close friends with incredibly generous financial assistance. They have financially blessed numerous ministries and nonprofits and given away so much I do not know about. Giving is indeed a way for Steve to connect with God, and it's beautiful.

Our following way of experiencing God is through Serving. When you do something for someone else, do you absolutely come alive? Do you feel the presence of God when you're helping someone practically, financially, relationally, or spiritually? If so, this is one of your primary ways of experiencing God.

My sweet wife, Amy, is one of you. She loves to serve and help others. God has given her this need to be needed, and it's a beautiful thing. She routinely watches someone's baby, which I cannot personally fathom.

It is amazing how many young mothers will not trust anyone else to watch their new bundle of joy except their parents and my wife. And what's crazier than that is that she loves it! She loves bringing them a meal or a gift to celebrate this new tax deduction. She honestly loves serving others; it draws her closer to Jesus when she does.

For years, I did not understand her deep spiritual connection with serving. I viewed it as her being taken advantage of and used by others. Because she was able and willing to help, others would often ask her to do things for them. This can be taken advantage of. People can knowingly or even unknowingly try to exploit your kindness and need to serve. This can become a legitimate issue that needs to be addressed, but for the most part, serving others meets a deep spiritual desire in Amy's heart that was placed there by God.