1 Cor. 16

Paul proposes a systematic approach to giving when he says, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up … (to give to those in need in Jerusalem).” This was a practical admonition and encouragement for the saints to budget a portion for the poor.

Needy people are placed in your path. How you respond to them will affect your giving profile.

A testimony: Luis came into my path recently. He is a homeless Army veteran who has been living in the back seat of an old Lincoln Town Car. I couldn’t get him off my mind. It’s as if God was saying, “Dean, what are YOU going to do about this?” I shared this situation with several other veterans and they said, “We will chip in to buy him a camper to live in.” Saturday I found a suitable camper for Luis. As I was picking him up to go buy the camper, another homeless man approached my truck window. He too was asking for help. We went and picked up the camper. Luis was SO EXCITED. He was calling everyone he knew to share the good news. I put the other man up in a reasonable motel room overnight. It was a cold rainy night. Yesterday, another needy man told me how his trailer roof is leaking. He needs a tarp to cover it.

Giving opportunities are “blossoming.”