"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:38 (NRSV)
Start with an empty Mason jar. Now add some marbles. At first, the jar may seem full, but if you gently shake it, you find there's room for a few more. Once you've added the new marbles, the jar is full, right? Well, no, there is all that space between the marbles. Now add some sand; this may take some time as it sifts to the bottom, filling all the crevices. Tamp the sand down with your fingers. Believe it or not, there's still room left in that jar. There's room for water. It fills any remaining gaps and is absorbed by the sand. Continue to pour water, and you'll see it trickle over the lip -- filled to overflowing. That is how God gives.
Jesus desires us to give generously from all the gifts he's already given us. I'm not talking about financial contributions, although those are necessary, but our talents and time. Whatever we freely give will be returned many times multiplied.
Lord, we want to say thank you. Each day you shower us with gifts. We want for nothing. Please help us in sharing those gifts. May every deed we do, be for your glory. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
