“When you open your generous hand, it’s full of blessings, satisfying the longings of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:16
Open hearts and hands are the foundation of HUBs across Oahu. This month, as we give thanks for the blessings Jesus provides, we celebrate the harvest of generosity.
Thanksgiving holds a special place in our hearts, as it symbolizes God’s abundant provision and hope. This year, it’s about sharing all that God has done with open arms, reaching out to others.
As I prepared and prayed over this letter, I envisioned a HUB filled with people welcoming the last, lost, and least into a community of warmth. I was moved to tears thinking about the love extended to those who are hurting, often for the first time in years.
The verse beautifully reminds us that when we open our hands, we extend a unique blessing—Jesus. We don’t need to worry about having enough; by sharing, we offer the one thing truly needed in this world—Jesus. When we give, we satisfy the longings of every living thing.
Wow, this is so powerful. God’s Word to us in His Bible says:
- Open up your generous hand to others.
- Knowing that the blessing has already been given to you, to give to them – through Jesus.
- Watch as all the longings, of every living thing, will be satisfied.
Consider the longings of those on the streets: safety, security, friendship, love, hope. God’s Word tells us we can meet these needs by opening our hands, full of blessings through Jesus.
Recently, we’ve seen remarkable acts of open-handed generosity. One HUB leader, inspired by Jesus, provided a whole pig for houseless guests at Thanksgiving. Another HUB hosts a craft fair to fund Christmas gifts for those in need. Yet another creates a fine dining experience for their guests, filled with joy and conversation.
Your open-handed generosity, especially this season, helps us extend blessings to more people every day.
May God bless you abundantly with joy and happiness this year, overflowing from your giving hands. Together, let’s satisfy the longings of every heart. (Psalm 145:16)
Aloha and Mahalo!
Pastor Paul Gates, Executive Director