Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Matthew 13:18-23


18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty



Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. Luke 6:38 (NRSV)




As I watched two squirrels jump from branch to branch and tree to tree, I marveled at how the next branch always held the squirrels' weight. When the branches dipped, the squirrels held on. Amazed, I figured they must know instinctively how far they can jump. I wish I had that same skill when it comes to personal decisions.

In these uncertain economic times, our church has been falling short of what we usually receive in offerings. After prayer, my husband and I talked about whether we could give more. Unlike those squirrels that seemed to know how far they could leap, I hesitated to jump ahead with a promise to increase our giving.

Then we reasoned: with our past level of giving, God has always continued to meet our needs. Why should we fear future giving? We don't need to worry about taking another leap of faith. God has given us enough that we can give to others.



Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we fear giving back to you what is yours to begin with. Help us always to give to you with a cheerful heart. Amen


Prayer Focus of Day: To Give with Greater Trust and Joy


Thought for the Day: Our true security is found not in money but in God's eternal Love.

Story shared by: D. Vellines (IL)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 8/9/11