Re-VISION: the power of seeing things anew

“ . . .remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”                  Acts 20:35 (ESV)

Our giving should be spiritual – Romans 12:1-2.  Our giving should be systematic – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.  Our giving should be sacrificial – Luke 21:1-4.  Our giving should be spontaneous – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

When I give money, I’m giving a piece of my life.  My time and talent were exchanged for treasure – money.  It’s a piece of my life when I give it.  It’s spiritual.  I give as I get paid, so it’s systematic.  I can’t all the time, but once in a while, the Lord will call me to give something out of the ordinary – sacrificially.  And, when the grace of giving is on my life, spontaneous needs can be met and bring amazing joy to the giver!  It is more blessed to give than to receive!

“For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.”

Luke 21:4 (ESV)

Jesus talked more about money and its management and effects upon us than He talked about Heaven or Hell or even prayer.  Shocking?  Money and how we use it is far more spiritual than we ever realized.  In Luke 21, Jesus is literally watching the offering plate.  That alone is offensive to most Christians.  Rich people are making a show of dropping in large amounts, yet Jesus is impressed with the two small coins of a poor widow.  Why?  Because he sees what’s left after we’ve given and not just the amount we give.  The widow gave sacrificially.  Have you ever given to God like that?

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”                  John 6:9

The crowd was overwhelming.  Those days, they only counted the men – 5,000 of them.  With women and children, there were probably upwards of 20,000.  Jesus told the disciples to feed them. Now that’s a challenge.  The disciples found a boy with a lunch.  This story amazes me every time.  He came prepared and was also willing to share – but with 20,000 others?  You have to be kidding!  They all learned that little becomes much when you place it in the Master’s hands.  You have something small that God wants to do something big with!  Do you know what it is?  Put it in His hands!  Watch out!

“Give and it will be given to you.  Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.”                  Luke 6:37 (ESV)

A gardener plants seeds.  He expects a crop.  It’s how the process works.  God gave His Son.  He expects a whole family of sons and daughters to be the return on that investment.  But you start talking about expecting something after YOU give and religious people get all up in arms over the concept.  Maybe it’s ok to give and expect love or friendship.  But don’t ever apply it to money.  Why?  Who knows?  It IS how the process works.  Jesus said it right here.  If you give, you will get something in return.  I guess I’m just foolish enough to believe what Jesus said.  Sow – reap.  Plant – harvest.  Give – receive!

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be. . .”

Isaiah 55:10:11a (ESV)

God’s generosity is amazing.  He gives us the success principle and provides us with the substance to make it happen.  Remember in the Garden, God placed Adam and Eve in an environment where everything they needed was provided.  To reap, one has to sow.  To sow, one must have seed.  God shows them how and then says, “Oh by the way, here’s the seed too!”  God gave us the seed we are sowing, so we could obey and trust Him to multiply it back to us so we can do it all over again.  What are you giving?  What kind of return are you expecting and praying over your seed?

“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed. . . and every tree with seed in its fruit.”

Genesis 1:29 (ESV)

When God made Adam and Eve, he set them down in a Garden that was already created and waiting on them.  God GAVE generously to provide for all their needs – food, shelter, companionship.  Realizing some of those required their obedience and work – the garden had to be tended.  Already there in seed form, was the answer to all their needs and wants.   Look around you.  The seeds for your success are within your reach.  You may have to pray and discern them, then get up and plant (GIVE) them.  Your miracle is in your hands!

“For God so loved . . . that He gave . . .” John 3:16

Fresh start.  New opportunity.  Direction change.  Take the first step of your new journey with a firm footing on this truth.  The First Law of LOVE is giving.  God is madly in love with you.  So much so, that He gave Jesus, His uniquely begotten Son.  Do you think He gave without any expectation of a return on His investment?  Huh uh!  He gave with you in mind.  Have you ever asked Him to come into your heart and save you?  Do it now if you haven’t!  If you know Him as Lord and Savior, thank Him for this new season in your life and the gifts He will give to equip you to succeed.