THURSDAY 7TH SEPT.,2017

TOPIC: START GIVING TO OTHERS
TEXT: Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal
it shall be measured to you again…”

Generosity isn’t just about money. Lots of people say, ‘As soon as I get rich I’ll become more generous.’ but the greatest givers often have the least money. People barely making ends meet are giving to feed the hungry. Retired employees are mentoring younger workers. Single people with limited resources are spending their evenings working with the homeless or families in need. No matter where you are financially, you can begin a lifestyle of giving.
If you can come up with the money for a nice car, dining out, movie tickets, dating, and other leisure activities, chances are you can find something to give if you really want to. Jesus said, ‘Give away your life; you’ll find life … not merely given back – [but] given back with bonus and blessing’ (v. 38 MSG). Do you want a bonus? You want a blessing? Start giving your time, treasure and talent to others. Jesus either lied or He told the truth, and you need to find out which. If you believe He told the truth you’d be foolish to withhold instead of giving.
When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you’ll be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor.’ Jesus said, ‘Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.’ So start giving to others and see what happens.

MEDITATION: James 1:27; Titus 3:8

BIBLE STUDY
2 Sam. 1, 1 Cor. 12, Ezk. 10, Ps. 49