Perhaps you’ve heard of churches that did an all out benevolent campaign to help others at Christmas by simply giving members of the church money from their budget, or from a wealthy benefactor, to give to those in need at Christmas.  This is a wonderful idea, and I’m so glad there are churches and people who are able to make this happen.

But it got me thinking – what if instead of me handing out someone else’s money, I handed out my own?

I believe with all of my heart that deep within every person is the desire to be benevolent to others.  The biggest hindrance to that almost always seems to be this: “I want to help, but I just don’t have enough extra in my budget to give and help others.

As part of the Mayfair Discipling initiative, I launched a program on Sunday simply called “Bottles of Blessings.”  The idea is simple – take this bottle, place it in a spot in your home where everyone sees it, and as you have spare change, dollar bills, etc., you place it in this bottle.  At the end of the year, tally it up, and use it to bless someone’s life.

Do you give your kids an allowance?  Give them their allowance in such a way where they can automatically put something in the bottle to bless someone at the end of the year, so they are a part of it.

I set a goal for our members – to save at least $100 for this cause.  They won’t be turning it in to anyone, there won’t be any checks and balances on it – it’s all between them and God.  But it’s always good to have a goal, right?

If you’re a member at Mayfair, we have a few bottles left at the front desk and by the auditorium doors.  If you’re just reading this and you won’t to participate – grab a mason jar or a cup at home, and put it somewhere with a sticker/label on it to remind you to participate.

But here’s the next step – start praying for someone to come into your life that you can help at Christmas in 2020.  Start praying that God will place someone in your life that needs the blessing you have to offer.  That way, when you hand them the blessing, you can tell them “I’ve been praying God would put you in my life so I could help someone.  Let me tell you about the mighty God I serve…”

Blessings to you all.