VERSE FOR TODAY: It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35, New International Version).
HYMN FOR TODAY: "Give Of Your Best to the Master"
The word blessed and related words occurs over five hundred times in the Bible. A blessing is sometimes that happens in us. It is experiencing joy in what is good. Christ reminds us that choice of blessing come from God as we are giving rather than getting.
Jesus reminds us that receiving is a blessing. One must be blessed through receiving, or he could not be more blessed through giving. In fact, we cannot live without receiving, so we need offer no apology for enjoying the gifts we get.
Our giving is evidence of our connection to Christ. Giving characterized the life and ministry of Jesus. Paul's portrayal of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-8 sums up the Master's life on earth. Getters say, "What can I get from him?" Givers say, "What can I give to him?"
Givers experience the joy of watching their sharing best fruit. Life moves upward on their shoulder. Givers build churches and school, care for the young and the old. Society may erect monuments to getters, but God honor givers.
Jesus taught that if you keep yourself to yourself you will lose the best of life. If you lose life for His sake, you will find in that decision what it means really to live (Matthew 16:24-25).
PRAYER THOUGHTS: Almighty God give us the wisdom to see that it us in giving that we get. It is in giving ourselves awaythat we grow. May we be wise enough to be generous. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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