I am giving up all personal shopping for one year. What does this include? Clothes, purses, jewelry, and decor for my home. I will buy necessities such as a broken coffee maker or torn panty hose, if needed. Why am I doing this? I will try to explain below.
I have really felt burdened that I need to give up something for God's kingdom. I need to more than just tithe. I need to sacrifice more. I felt very guilty when I would look around at all the things I have, when so many have nothing. Although, I am not a wealthy person, I am financial sound. I have money to pay my bills, food, and a few other extras. I don't have money for extravangant things, but feel blessed that I have enough, and then some. So, instead of spending money on myself this year, I am going to save this money and give to those who have a real need. I will give ALL the glory to God. It is my prayer that God will use me to draw people to him. These random acts of kindness and gifts will be given annoymously, so that only God will be given the glory.
In Matthew 25, Jesus said:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
It is my prayer that God will work through me and give me the strength I need to stay focused on my committment to Him. I am going to blog my year for two reasons, 1) To keep my focus on God and, 2) I hope to inspire others to grow closer to Christ.
