Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Abundance (06/08/06)
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TITLE: GIVE IT UP! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rev. Toni Brown
06/15/06 -
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What is abundant living? Jesus said, "...I come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10b NKJV) Jesus desires us to have a life of fulfilled promises and blessings. But the Word of God seems to imply that in order to receive blessings, we must be a blessing; in order to receive, we must give; in order to increase, we must release! And whatever we release, we will receive!
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7 NKJV)
"But I say: 'He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
(2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV)
Give it up!
Abundant life is being able to give to others...Giving of ourselves, including, our finances; our love; our time; our testimonies; our experiences; our knowledge; our gifts; our talents; and our resources, which include everything that God has placed in our care and in our hands. Everything belongs to God, including you. God is looking for people who will take the resources He provides and give so that everyone, everywhere can be blessed and know His love and glorify Him. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17 NKJV)
Abundant life is about sharing, giving and loving. The more we share, give and love, the more we receive of God, because 'God supplies seed to the sower.' "Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God." 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NKJV) Seed is whatever you are giving to others, including God's Word!
Give it up!
When we use what He has given us, for His purpose, He will give more, because we are proving to be good stewards. "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:29-30 NKJV) Don't lose what you already have, just because you will not give of it and share.
If you do not give, then you are not a profitable servant. All of God's resources are to be used for His glory! Give it up!
So let us not be greedy and hoard for ourselves. Abundant life according to Jesus is not in what we hold on to, but what we give...
"And He said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Luke 12:15 NKJV)
"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35 NKJV)
What is abundant life?
Abundance is receiving in order to give!
Give it up!!
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