Giving is the secret of Abundance

What is “The Abundant Life?”  Some may mistakenly believe that it is about wealth or prosperity.  Others may believe it involves health and well being.  However, the abundant life is not about money, health, or success.  It is not about bliss or freedom from suffering.  Nor can we measure it by the quality, quantity of riches, things, material goods we own, or length of a life.  The abundant life is not about what we have, but about our giving from the heart.

I’m serious!   The abundant life is about Loving others, and our giving of self, or what we have.  It involves trust, courage, and sacrifice.  It shows in our willingness to give of ourselves freely, and fully to others without expectations of getting back.  The abundant life reflects God’s gifts of love and life, as they become fully present in our own life.

Anytime you and I are able to reach out and give to another, we are giving of our own abundance.  We must allow our hearts to love one another, and recognize the needs of others and see how we can be a help meet those needs.

I have a picture hanging up-stairs in one of the boy’s room that depicts two boys out in the snow.  The bigger brother is carrying his younger brother on his back…and its obvious that at this point, he is feeling the weight of his brother.  The message at the bottom says, “He ain’t heavy father, he’s my brother.”   Recently I was talking with someone who was doing something selflessly for his brother and I made the comment…You are truly a blessing, and his quick reply was, “Ah, He’s my brother.”  Sounded very much like the quote below the photo to me.  That’s abundant giving. 

In the Bible there are some verses about the abundant life.  Let’s take a moment and look at a verse that just might make 2014 even more abundant if we will take it seriously and make an effort to do as it says.

LUKE 6:38

^38 bGive, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your ^cbosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

What a way to start the New Year out right.  As God has blessed and is blessing you, won’t you have a generous heart.  Look at the verse…First promise…give and it shall be given unto you…how much?  Good measure (has the idea of plenty…not stingy) pressed down and shaken together (I have bought a basket of green beans to can…I would fill it to the top…and then shake it…it settles down and I am able to put more in the basket…that’s the idea here. And that last part…running over…I have had the farmer pile the bean on top…til it’s running over!  Now I love that!  Oh yearh!   That is what God says … you be generous with your giving and that’s how it will be done to you.

I’m keeping this short and to the point this week ladies, and don’t bother trusting what I say…Trust God,  First of all, be sure to give your tithe…that is already God’s…but afterward, give!  You wives out there….check with hubby, and then with his okay…give.  God promises to bless your abundant giving.   I have taken Him at his WORD…he will bless you….as you are a blessing to others.  Next week…A new year, another chance.  Happy New Year!  I remember a family member telling me that they were so deep in debt and couldn’t see anyway they could tithe, but they knew they were stealing from God...so decided to give their 10% first and trust God.  Before they put the tithe in the church offering, they said they “knew” it was impossible now to pay their bills, but the next day, when they went to pay the bills, there was enough and a little more.  They put the “little more” in the offering on Wednesday night, and the next day got a refund (over-payment). She said, Luke 6:38 is absolutely true.  

“Love wasn’t put in your heart to stay.

Love isn’t Love, until you give it away.”

HappyNew Year!