Ps Matts Journal Give when its not fair. 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 This passage in Luke 6 is a foundational teaching of Jesus. Hed just done all these miracles in verse 18 it says, Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Ive heard it called the show & tell principle, show people the miracles first, then tell them the truth of the gospel. Jesus then teaches the sermon on the mount & the beatitudes, which is revolutionary teaching! Its all about humbling yourself, & turning the other cheek, praying for those who persecute you, and being generous. He shares the principle that we should, Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Now automatically we think, when we give something we dont have it in our possession anymore, we are worse off because we dont have it anymore. Whether its money, clothes, food or whatever. But we have to think differently. According to this verse. When we give something away, we will actually be blessed back from the creator of the universe! His arm is not too short, he isnt short of cash, he isnt stingy, he is well capable of blessing us in His own way, in his timing. Yet we often hold on to our own possessions as our own. We need a paradigm shift in thinking, and we need to acknowledge that everything we have is Gods and we just have it on loan. It frees you up when you think this way. You dont give to get back for greeds sake, you just give because you have a heart for God and for people and you trust that the Lord will provide! So what does it mean when it says, 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. For example, Grain was measured not by weight but by bulk. So the grain was pressed down and shaken together in a container to get the best deal. Its like if you get a box of cereal thats half empty when you open it, you feel ripped off! The promise is that the Box will be,A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. Jesus is saying that if you are generous, you will get what you give, with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. You cannot outgive God. Lord, thank you for your provision. Forgive me for worrying about finances and things that I call mine. Give me your heart of generosity in all that I do. In Jesus name. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 02:30:10 +0000