“for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.”

Running nonprofit ministries for almost 45 years has taught me many things. One of the most important lessons is that “poor mouthing” is no way to raise support or impact lives. In fact, it’s a great way to make potential donors walk away. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be accountable or careful with every cent that’s donated. Quite the opposite. A valuable lesson came from a friend on my board who shared that one of our largest donors didn’t want a gift from the ministry to thank him—a simple card was more than enough. The fact that my wife and I had paid for the gifts ourselves only made that revelation more meaningful. On the other hand, we serve a God who gives lavishly. Let me explain: the universe and everything in it is breathtaking. The earth and the intricacies of all its systems are overwhelmingly amazing. The gift of His Son is immeasurable. Eternity with Him will surpass even our wildest idea of abundance—streets of gold, feasts, crystal seas, mansions, and more. God’s desire for His children is never frugal. Likewise, within reason, my desire to bless my family is generous. Not all of God’s gifts are financial, and ours don’t need to be either. It’s a heart issue. I love finding creative ways to give and do kind things for those who bless our ministry. Solomon did too. Being a wise steward doesn’t mean being tight-fisted is godly. Just ask Dave Ramsey or Crown Ministries. Want specifics? Don’t ask me—ask God. Today, take time to figure out how you can bless others. #BeTheEdge

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬