September is churning to a close. Fall has begun. Yet, it’s still hot here in Big D. October is rolling in. Along with the spooky season, #Blogtober is peeking around the corner. Will I participate in this year’s annual blogging event?
I’ve been resting and recuperating much of September, trying to refresh my heart, mind, and soul. Hence, the lack of regular posts. I have to admit, though, I wasn’t sure about #Blogtober 2023. Posting every day is no easy feat.
That said—I’ve decided to do it!
The theme for #Blogtober 2023 on my blog will focus on the “Joy of Generosity.”
The theme stems from a church event I am speaking at mid-October. The theme is rooted in the recent North Texas Giving Day (#NTXGD) that occurred last Thursday, September 21, from 6 a.m. to midnight. It reminded me of how much joy it gives Terri and I to give to organizations whose mission we support and care about deeply.
Over 97,000 donors raised nearly $64 million dollars in one day. These gifts blessed over 3200 non-profit organizations. The organization I work for, OurCalling, placed in the top ten among large nonprofits. How cool is that?
Charles used to sit in the front row during the chapel service I conducted at UGM back in the day. God has done an incredible work in his life and mine.
What is generosity?
Excellently question!
In his book, Dictionary of Bible Themes, editor Martin Manser defines generosity as follows:
The free and liberal bestowal of wealth, possessions or food upon others. The generosity of God is shown in his free bestowal of grace upon undeserving sinners.
[Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.]
Generosity is the overflow of joy in God that gladly and lovingly meets the need of another person because of the grace God bestowed upon us. That’s right: generosity is an outcome of joy; joy is a by-product of divine grace.
We give out of joy because of God’s grace. God loves a cheerful giver.
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (English Standard Version
So, I hope you’ll join me for our upcoming #Blogtober adventure. May we be equipped and edified through this journey and most importantly—may God be exalted and glorified.
I look forward to seeing you in the “comments”!
Abundant Blessings,
Rainer Bantau
The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Devotional Guy™ 
You’ve provided just the nudge I needed, Rainer. I’m in! My Blogtober posts will be about daily gratitude.
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Go for you, brother. They don’t have to be long posts. They can be brief. Maybe it’s a story that unfolds over several posts…
You’re a such a good storyteller , David. I’ll be praying alongside you.
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I’ll prayerfully consider attempting blogtober, brother. Posting every day is a chore!
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I believe there is something similar in February, but I haven’t participate in it before. I did #blogtober for the first time last year. There are some lists floating around with topics and such if you need little nudge of inspiration.
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Thanks, Alan. It is indeed overlooked. Yet, it’s foundational to who we are in Christ. Yep—you can add the tag #Blogtober. You can also use it in your title/headline. Awesomeness that you’re going to participate!
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Thanks for the reminder. I thought we did this in February..Now, I have to think of a Theme.
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I like your theme for Blogtober Ranier; generosity is an often overlooked part of the Christian life. I had never thought of joining Blogtober but I thought why not, I have been writing daily for quite a while already. Do I just tag everything in October with #Blogtober?
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