NEED? GIVE!

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

If you need encouragement, give it.

If you need love, give it.

Whatever you need, give it away. - Adrian Rogers

Was just in the bedroom a few minutes ago and heard a Pastor on the television comment about the importance of “GIVING forgiveness” freely and lovingly. 

Then I bumped into Adrian’s little quote about giving things away.

So today must be a “give it away” kind of day.

Don’t hold back—give freely, and you’ll have plenty poured back into your lap—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. You’ll receive in the same measure you give.

Luke 6:38 (V)

Truth is until you start giving, freedom remains a little elusive.

In my line of work, I see multiple folks who were deeply sick with substance use disorder and addiction.  They work like crazy to “get sober” only to find no joy in their sobriety.  They white knuckle their way through problems and their days and even though sober, are miserable.

Why?

Because they forget to give back.

Yet those who include giving in their journey, whether via the 12 steps of recovery or via other means, experience something much more than just sober living, they experience freedom, blessing and joy!

Luke 6:38 becomes real!

As they give of their time, their talents and their treasure they do indeed get more; they get blessing poured back into their lap as the VOICE translates. 

I see them wide eyed and ready to serve another.

I see them brimming with hope and possibility.

I see them no longer seeing recovery as a duty or a job but as a privilege and a blessing.

And I am supremely confident that Luke didn’t just pen that amazing truth for the recovering.

NO.

That verse, that instruction and that promise is for all of us and it was derived and driven from the mouth of Christ Himself.

the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” – Acts 20:25 (NIV)

So, today’s little encouragement is not something new or revelatory. On the contrary, it should just serve as a reminder and something to employ.

Seek ways to give today.

And it will be given to you.

As Adrian surmised, if you are lacking in encouragement, find someone to encourage.  I will guarantee you there is someone today who could use a good boost, a loving word, a timely text, a thoughtful “how are you doing.”

Need love?  Give a little.  Is there someone in your sphere that could use a hug?  Have you been so busy with life and work that you haven’t paused to tell that special someone just how special they are?  Do that! 

The love you seek is waiting in those words and deeds.

Whatever you need?  Start by giving.  Then get ready.

Your lap, your heart, and your spirit will be filled.

We make a life by what we give.” - Churchill

Have a blessed day.

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE