Let's take this bull by the horns: Do you give to others? How many times do you give?
(See if you can read right to the end! There's a promise waiting there.)
It's not nice to face this on an empty stomach. But it is important that we force ourselves to check those give books now and then to see what I'm giving and, yes, it's not so easy to give when I myself am struggling to get through the month.
The people of Philippi weren't rich. They struggled to get through the month, but still they felt compelled to support Paul: 15... You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. 16Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out-and not only once, but twice.
When others weren't around and let Paul down, the people of Philippi, who themselves weren't rich, came forward. They were prepared to help. Out of gratitude for what Paul had done for them and the trouble he took to travel that far to bring them the life-saving message, they sent him a few gifts.
To Paul It meant so much. Much, much more than the value of the gifts. Simply the fact people far away were thinking of him and valued him so much that they wanted to thank him, already meant a lot to Paul.
When we give, we should give out of gratitude. Out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Yes, when you realize what Jesus has done for you, you have no choice but to glorify Him through giving to others. And it need not always be hard cash - it can be anything, even your time and energy.
And the people of Philippi did not stop after doing it once. No, the realized that Paul's needs weren't fully met by that one time of giving. Every month needs come knocking on your door - that's why we need to continue giving.
The following verse is, however, the highlight of this section. It's a promise: 17Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
This is so true; I can see it in my own life. God loves those who give freely - yes, the others too, but those who give out of gratitude are blessed even more. Note: out of gratitude. It doesn't work to give just so that you can receive. That one won't fly. However, if you give because you want to thank God for what He has given you, you will receive even more from God.
May you receive abundantly from God because you're giving abundantly out o gratitude.
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:10-20
Reflection
Do you give?
How many times do you give?
Do you believe that God blesses the cheerful giver?
Prayer
Father, it's not always easy for us to give, while we're struggling to make our own figures add up. But we do want to give. We simply can't spend it all on ourselves and those close to us. Please give us the wisdom to bless others in the right way. Amen
For more information go to http://www.crossroad247.com
By Gerjo Ben Van Der Merwe
Article Source: The One Who Gives Will Receive in Abundance
(See if you can read right to the end! There's a promise waiting there.)
It's not nice to face this on an empty stomach. But it is important that we force ourselves to check those give books now and then to see what I'm giving and, yes, it's not so easy to give when I myself am struggling to get through the month.
The people of Philippi weren't rich. They struggled to get through the month, but still they felt compelled to support Paul: 15... You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. 16Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out-and not only once, but twice.
When others weren't around and let Paul down, the people of Philippi, who themselves weren't rich, came forward. They were prepared to help. Out of gratitude for what Paul had done for them and the trouble he took to travel that far to bring them the life-saving message, they sent him a few gifts.
To Paul It meant so much. Much, much more than the value of the gifts. Simply the fact people far away were thinking of him and valued him so much that they wanted to thank him, already meant a lot to Paul.
When we give, we should give out of gratitude. Out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Yes, when you realize what Jesus has done for you, you have no choice but to glorify Him through giving to others. And it need not always be hard cash - it can be anything, even your time and energy.
And the people of Philippi did not stop after doing it once. No, the realized that Paul's needs weren't fully met by that one time of giving. Every month needs come knocking on your door - that's why we need to continue giving.
The following verse is, however, the highlight of this section. It's a promise: 17Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
This is so true; I can see it in my own life. God loves those who give freely - yes, the others too, but those who give out of gratitude are blessed even more. Note: out of gratitude. It doesn't work to give just so that you can receive. That one won't fly. However, if you give because you want to thank God for what He has given you, you will receive even more from God.
May you receive abundantly from God because you're giving abundantly out o gratitude.
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:10-20
Reflection
Do you give?
How many times do you give?
Do you believe that God blesses the cheerful giver?
Prayer
Father, it's not always easy for us to give, while we're struggling to make our own figures add up. But we do want to give. We simply can't spend it all on ourselves and those close to us. Please give us the wisdom to bless others in the right way. Amen
For more information go to http://www.crossroad247.com
By Gerjo Ben Van Der Merwe
Article Source: The One Who Gives Will Receive in Abundance
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