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Rivers and reservoirs (1)
'THE WORLD OF THE GENEROUS GETS LARGER AND LARGER; THE WORLD OF THE STINGY GETS SMALLER AND SMALLER..' PROVERBS 11:24-25
One reason the Dead Sea is a big tourist attraction is because it's got such high mineral concentrations that even non swimmers can stay afloat in its waters. The only problem is the foul smell; because nothing flows out, any fresh water that comes in turns salty and stays there.
Solomon said, 'The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.' We're not supposed to be like reservoirs that just take in and hold water; He called us to be rivers that flow out to bless others.
Something interesting happens when you stop focusing on yourself and get concerned with other people's needs. Paul says, 'A person who gives cheerfully...will...have...plenty left ...to share' (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT). If you want to grow you've got to sow!
When the Macedonian church was 'tested by great troubles, and...very poor...they gave... much...more than they could afford' (2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NCV). These people understood that when you invest in the lives of others, God totally blesses you too. It's a principle that flows against the tide of our me-centred consumerist world. So how might you put this principle into practice? Well, if for example you need a job, volunteer for a charity while you're looking for work.
The Bible says when you 'Give generously...your gifts will return to you later,' plus, 'In the days ahead you yourself may need...help' (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 TLB). Even if you don't have a specific need right now, sow a good seed anyway. Only God knows what the future holds, and one day when you need it the most it'll come back to bless you with a harvest.
written by Bob Gass
'THE WORLD OF THE GENEROUS GETS LARGER AND LARGER; THE WORLD OF THE STINGY GETS SMALLER AND SMALLER..' PROVERBS 11:24-25
One reason the Dead Sea is a big tourist attraction is because it's got such high mineral concentrations that even non swimmers can stay afloat in its waters. The only problem is the foul smell; because nothing flows out, any fresh water that comes in turns salty and stays there.
Solomon said, 'The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.' We're not supposed to be like reservoirs that just take in and hold water; He called us to be rivers that flow out to bless others.
Something interesting happens when you stop focusing on yourself and get concerned with other people's needs. Paul says, 'A person who gives cheerfully...will...have...plenty left ...to share' (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT). If you want to grow you've got to sow!
When the Macedonian church was 'tested by great troubles, and...very poor...they gave... much...more than they could afford' (2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NCV). These people understood that when you invest in the lives of others, God totally blesses you too. It's a principle that flows against the tide of our me-centred consumerist world. So how might you put this principle into practice? Well, if for example you need a job, volunteer for a charity while you're looking for work.
The Bible says when you 'Give generously...your gifts will return to you later,' plus, 'In the days ahead you yourself may need...help' (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 TLB). Even if you don't have a specific need right now, sow a good seed anyway. Only God knows what the future holds, and one day when you need it the most it'll come back to bless you with a harvest.
written by Bob Gass
