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How to determine if another individual is truly a financial
role model through their personal habits of biblical giving

Inspired Friendly Offerings
by Tracy Young

My Pastor often tells us to look at our friends and the people we hang-out with. They are an indication of who we are and where we are going. So, I decided to take a look at my closest friends. I noticed that God has blessed each and every one of them! Let's look at some of the reasons why:

• They ALL bless other people.
• They all are servants.
• They all give their tithes.
• Even though they do not have to, they all give additional freewill offerings.
• They all give their time and talents for the glory of the Kingdom of God.

That inspires me to want to do the same thing!

Offerings are not always about money, but also include your time and talents. This is not always about the big, huge talents that get a lot of recognition. Some quietly cook for the homeless ministry twice a month. Some teach small groups. Some run cameras at church. Some are ushers or pray for others during altar calls. Even just holding a door open for an elderly couple counts as an offering. There are several different areas where you can give an offering and they all serve as worship towards the Father. Yes, cooking for the homeless is worship! God is honored and He is well pleased with unselfish service.

Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV) says, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given." God will even pay you back for what you offered-up, so you can continue to bless others. God loves to bless His children!

If you are having trouble getting started, or wonder where you can start to bless other people, start hanging out with friends that do bless others. It will FIRE you up. It will inspire you!

If you do not have friends like that, start praying to God to send you Godly friends that will inspire you. Godly friends can also hold you accountable. When I started tithing, I was accountable to a couple who was mentoring me. After several months, tithing became a natural habit. They helped me to stay on track at the beginning.

Godly friends will inspire you and soon you will be an inspiration to others.