“Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”
Most of the pastoral staff was jealous week after week at our staff breakfast. I could order anything I wanted, and still lose weight. I was 21, slender and everyone thought I had a tapeworm. Need I say anymore? But this time, revenge would be sweet for them.
My sweet tooth got the best of me, and I ordered the following:
-chocolate chip pancakes with butter and syrup
-a frosted sweet roll smothered in warm butter
-hot chocolate to wash it all down.
As they watched me eat bite after bite, they all drooled with envy. But 30 minutes later I had to rush to the bathroom.... I had overdosed on sugar! My stomach said, “don’t you ever do that to me again!” I agreed, and I haven’t.
My flesh has an insatiable appetite for more sweets, more money, more recognition, more, more.
I am never satisfied. God made me that way. He made the world for me to enjoy, but wired me to find COMPLETE joy only in giving... giving myself to Him, and giving myself for Him.
Here is God’s secret: ‘Give and it comes back to you.’
No, you might not be rich, but you’ll be satisfied!
I have found that when I share my testimony with someone, I am happier than when I don’t.
I have found that when I live to help others, I help myself.
I have found that when I care about where people will spend eternity, I feel eternally fulfilled.
The American culture tells us: ‘get all the gusto you can get.’
The kingdom culture tells us: ‘if you lose your life, you will find it.’
How about we say a prayer everyday like this:
‘God, please use me today to help point someone to You. Amen.’
Get ready for a ‘giving overdose.’
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelists/President
Oasis World Ministries
