GIVING AND RECEIVING

Little Amy was pleased that her teacher came to visit her farm. Taking her through the barn and out into the pasture, she pointed with pride to a cow that was quietly chewing its cud.

Filled with pride she said to her teacher, “That’s my cow!”

“Oh, how wonderful, Amy,” she commented. “Does she give milk?”

“Not really,” replied Amy. “We have to take it from her.”

Some Christians are like Amy’s cow – there is good in them, but it has to be taken from them. This may be true because of the influence of the world rather than the influence of the Word.

All of us are encouraged to hold on to whatever we possess as tightly as possible. We are constantly advised to invest our money wisely or when we advance in age, we will not have enough to survive.

But the writer of Proverbs says, “It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy.” What did he mean?

God always blesses those who give freely of their time, treasures and talents in service to others. When we give, we are simply sharing with others what God has given us and providing space for more of His blessings.

Prayer:  Help us, Lord, to believe in Your Word and trust in Your ways. Open our hearts to share the blessings You have given us with those in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. Proverbs 11:24-25