“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
– Luke 6:38
When I started my first church, Tree of Life, we didn’t have much. We had a need – more money, so what did we do? We decided to give all of our money away. We gave 90% of our tithes and offerings to the poor. And then we watched as God blessed us. I have seen over and over that when you need something in your life, investing into your need is a very wise thing to do. The world tells us to be safe, be guarded, protect, hold it, don’t let anybody touch it or see it. But the Lord says give and it’ll be given to you pressed down, shaken together, running over, pouring into your lap. Its either true or it isn’t. It’s one or the other. And I think God’s way is true. |
Prayer
God, I want to do generosity your way. Help me to move from the ways of this world and into your loving arms of provision. I want to invest in my needs.
Reflection
How can you invest in your needs?
One Response
In the mid 1990’s I was an avid TV viewer and admirer of Bobby’s grandfather Robert H. Schuller. In the early 1960’s my mom would take my 2 brothers and I to the Orange Theater to witness his church services. I thought going to church at a Drive-In Theater was cool! I was 5 years old in 1960.
Fast forward to 1995. I was battling an addiction to methamphetamine. I was what is termed a “functioning addict.” I was a decent husband of 17 years, and good father to my 3 young children. I took the drug to keep me awake during the business day making several outside sales calls from San Diego to Glendale, CA, putting in an average of 13 hours a day and driving a couple hundred miles a day. My wife at the time, came across my stash (drug) and stated she wanted a divorce. She was not willing to try and keep the marriage together, promising her I would seek professional help to quit. I did not want my 3 kids to have to go through a contested divorce. They were 12, 10, & 8 yrs old.
I subsequently lost my job and home to foreclosure. My unemployment insurance benefits ended after 6 months, and had no income. I was diligently seeking employment.
After watching one of Bobby’s grandfather’s sermons regarding tithing, I sent the Crystal Cathedral my last $20. I cannot explain what prompted me to do this. I just did. I think it was to help the church stay on the air spreading the word of Jesus around the world. I did not expect any favor from God for giving.
The day after sending the $20 to the church, I got a (great) job.
Since that day, I have established a close personal, loving relationship with my heavenly father and Jesus Christ.
Bobby Schuller, I now enjoy your messages as much as I did your grandpas!
Very refreshing! Stay humble my friend!