Giving

Many of you attended Dot Syler’s funeral services this week. We all have special memories of why we loved Dot. For me, it was the welcome I received at Singing Oaks when we placed membership some 9 years ago. Dot and Tom were the first people to invite us into their home. Needless to say, the meal was great thanks to Dot’s culinary arts. Her concern for us continued by helping us get connected to our church family.

She was an important Bible teacher to many in this congregation. Her former Sunday School student, now minister, Danny Hawk, gave her eulogy. Because of her influence in Danny’s life, he was able to put our thoughts and feelings into a great perspective regarding Dot. He said that any time he was speaking to a teacher’s conference or gathering of Bible teachers, Dot’s life and dedication to teaching children was always his first example of what it meant to be a good teacher. This statement was one of the greatest things he could have said about Dot. He told this to 100’s of people and continues to this day to speak of Dot’s devotion to teaching.

Romans 12:8 tells us that if our spiritual gift is giving, then give generously. Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:7 in his compliment to the brethren says: “but since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you-see that you also excel in the grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:5 says they 1st gave themselves to the Lord and by the will of God also to us.

We are in the giving business in our Benevolence Ministry. I continue to pray that what we do will have a positive impact on the lives of our guests who have needs. There are so many ways to become financially broken. To name a few: personal illness; illness of a family member; loss of job; reduction in income that has left us with bills that are too great for our salaries; family emergencies for which we are unable to pay – like a trip to a funeral when you’re broke; being stranded in town with no money to get home on; old age and inability to work; disability income that is just not enough to pay bills; and we must also include slothfulness – some folks are too lazy to work.

As mentioned, often times, when these folks come to us they are hoping we can solve all their financial woes. And, as Brother Delaney told me, you know you can’t solve all their problems but you can try to make them feel better when they leave than when they came in to see you. I will always be grateful for this Godly advice and it has been my guide for doing the work we do.

There are many ways of making folks feel better that have nothing to do with financial considerations. Everyone usually has a story to tell that walks in our doors. The need to share this story – get it off their chests so to speak – only takes a kind and listening ear. Our willingness to pray with folks is of great importance. The food and financial assistance we provide is important, but the non-financial side of the story is where much of the help is needed.

This is why I started off talking about Dot Syler. She understood what it meant to 1st give or yourself. We all are challenged to be the kind of Christian that understands why Jesus talked about giving so much. He knew that we would have to get into the hearts of folks when we give with grace.

We can practice benevolence to our own members. This is the key for people wanting to continue to come to Singing Oaks. When is the last time you invited someone into you home? When was the last time you encouraged a fellow member you know who was grieving or hurting? When was last time you took a meal to a member who was sick? When was the last time you just gave a friendly hello and really meant it? All these and many more examples, are benevolent acts that don’t include a sack of groceries or paying a bill for someone.


Other Posts You Might Like:

Virtue and Charm - Laurie Templeton

Why I Worship - Nic Dunbar

The Bible’s Gift to Language - Don Compton

Overdue Thank You - Rebekah Large

Things I See - Bob Bentley

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Location
McKinney at Cardinal

101 Cardinal Drive
Denton, TX 76209

940.387.4355

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Sunday Worship Schedule
9:30 - Worship (English Service)
10:10 - Bible Class (Birth to 8th grade following the Kid's church time until the end of service)
11:00 - Worship (Spanish Service)

Wednesday Evening Schedule
6:30 - Celebrate Recovery

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