What Is On Your Give-A-Way List?

Acts 20:35 - "...Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

We always hear about what it is that someone wants. Some want a car, a house, a new loan, a husband, or a wife, or a child who would just listen for once in his/her life. 

Would you like a dollar for every time you heard someone say they wanted to win the lottery?

• If You Don't Give What You Have, You Won't Give.

Let me explain what I mean by that statement. If you say you will help so and so if you win the lottery, or you say you will give to the church if you win the lottery. 

I ask, "What are you giving to them now?"

If you say, "Nothing" then guess what? I don't believe you will give to them if you win the lottery.

Why do I say that?
 
It is because we are creatures of habit.
 
We will do what we have always been doing. If you spend everything on yourself now that habit will continue.

• What Jesus Didn't Say

 
Jesus didn't say, It is more blessed to give when you have an abundance. He said, "It was more blessed to give than to receive."

We are to give from what we already have. God has blessed us all.
 
If you don't believe you are rich right now I suggest that you travel to a third world country and see for yourself. Do you have water and electricity in your house? I stayed at a missionary's house in Uganda and they only got electricity every other day.
 

• Unprepared When I Was In Peru

In 2005, while traveling in Peru on a mission trip I saw a naked man begging for a handout. I was riding on a bus at the time and no way to stop and help him. I made a promise to God right then if I ever saw another naked person begging I would help them.

• Promise Kept In Liberia

 
In 2011, I was in Liberia on a mission trip and I was sitting in a vehicle while others in our party were buying some supplies. I saw a man walking down the street in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, totally naked. The promise I made in Peru immediately came to my mind.

I always carried extra underclothes and socks in my computer backpack in case my luggage was lost on an overseas trip.

I pulled out a pair of boxer shorts and a T-shirt from my bag. I approached him holding out the clothes and he accepted them. Before I left Liberia I gave all my clothes to those who were in need. When I gave one man my tennis shoes you would have thought I had given him a $1,000.00.
 

• Jesus' Promise Is True

 
It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. So let me ask you a question, What is on your give-a-way list?

Certainly, you have something to give to others. I am sure you have something in your home that you are not using that could be a blessing in someone else's life. So, why not give it and receive a blessing that comes with giving it away?

If you are a coach can you find one thing to compliment one of your athletes today?

If you are a boss can you find one thing your employee did to receive a compliment from you?

Believe this passage of scripture, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." So start being a giver today, which in turn will make you a receiver. You definitely will not regret it. 

Think on This:

Some of the greatest gifts are not monetary ones. If you have lost a loved one how much money would you give to have 10 minutes with them? Time, we all have time, and others could use some of our time.
 
 Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word