Life is full of hard choices, and it seems they often have one thing in common: They involve some self-sacrifice, some giving. Even things that might seem petty to others--or to you at other times or under different circumstances--can seem awfully big at the moment. You need a new jacket or a new pair of shoes, but the homeless shelter that just opened across town needs everything--especially your hard-earned cash. Your favorite sports team is playing for the championship tonight, but a friend's wife died recently and he just phoned to ask if he could see you tonight, to talk. You're bone-weary after a hard day at work and you were really looking forward to a restful evening, but your otherwise-housebound neighbor needs a ride to her seniors' club and a ride back home.--Another late night!

One voice says, "Look out for number one." Another says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." The choice is obvious, but not always easy. Where can you get the conviction to do what your heart tells you is right, even while the wisdom of this world tells you you're going to come out the loser?--Only from God's Word!

"Give, and it will be given to you" (Luke 6:38). "The generous soul will be made rich" (Proverbs 11:25). "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). These and a hundred other promises of God are yours every time you give of yourself for Him and others!

We hope that this issue of Activated will boost your faith by helping you to see giving from God's perspective. He has so much He wants to give you in return!

Keith Phillips
For your Activated Family