Give and it will be given to you

If you want to be blessed by the Lord you must give unto the Lord. I am a firm believer in sacrifice. I understand that the example, which Christ demonstrated for us by his unselfish act upon the cross, is no less than what he expects out of us as modern day Christians. God first gave up his only begotten Son unto death. Christ then in return and obedience to his Father out of his love for all humanity gave up his life for us. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete, withal it shall be measured to you again." This particular scripture not only could stand as a commandment but a promise of blessing. God does not want us empty, barren or in poverty. Whatever is dear to us, if we give it unto the Lord he in turn will fill the void. We must give all if we are to completely be blessed by him. 2 Corinthians 9:6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

Proverbs 3:9 "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." If you have increase, give unto God. Deuteronomy 16:17 "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee." Whatever a man is able to give then a man should give! If you have substance and you see someone without, give!

This is where the love of Christ comes in. We do not know what is true love without Jesus. Surrendering not only our material things to Christ but also our spiritual things to Christ is part of giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver." As Christ gave his all not out of necessity, but rather out of love then we ought to follow his example. We should love to give! In Malachi God promises that he will "open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

The Lord will rebuke the devourer when he comes and shall honor your gifts. The devil comes to steal and destroy but God will hold him back so that you may receive the blessings of your giving.

We also do not give to be seen by others. Matthew 6:1 "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven." There are a few people who send us gifts and honor God's work here with their substance. Many of them are anonymous because they do not want my recognition but rather they do it out of love to be seen only by God. The unsolicited monetary donations for the ongoing support of the ministry is always welcomed and is met with gratefulness to God for the generosity shown but remember that it is really God to whom you give.

Ecclesiastes 5:13 "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners, therefore to their hurt." It is wrong to hold back that which belongs to God. If we do not yield ourselves to God and resist the devil and give out of the abundance of our heart then it is to our hurt!

In Acts chapter 5 a certain man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit about their giving. Upon being found out by Peter both fell dead because they had attempted to deceive and rob the Holy Spirit.

The world gives unto their own through relief programs for other countries, benefits, charities, etc. How much more should God's people give who are filled with the Holy Spirit and with love to those who are needy? Give of your substance, of your increase, of your time, give your love to others that Christ may be magnified. God will reward those who represent his kingdom.

If you are able, support the work of God in all areas and become a laborer for the harvest. God may lay it upon your heart to give more to your local church, to a poor family in need, to a far away ministry. Allow the Holy Spirit to move you in God's direction of giving and you will be blessed.

In Christ Jesus,

Dale Thompson