POWER BLOG

Link: http://pofm.org

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."

The scripture above is what you'd call a golden oldie. I'm sure you've heard it a million times before, especially when someone gets ready to pass the offering plate. One thing I can tell you for sure is, when Jesus spoke these words, he was not talking about tithing.

I don't believe he was talking specifically about giving to the Church, but I don't believe he was excluding the Church either. This verse however is more related to giving kindness and helping others, especially the poor.

Another favorite at offering time is: Mark 12:44 - "The widow who put the two small copper coins in the offering box" It was all she had to live on, but what you are never told is: Jesus was not so much praising the widow, he was pointing out the Greed of the scribes and the Church. Read it, but this time put it in context starting at Mark 12:38.

Why do I bother telling you this? Because, I don't want anyone giving to this ministry with the false intention of getting rich beyond their dreams because of it. Will God bless you for giving to this ministry? That will depend strictly on you and your motives for giving. If you are giving because this ministry has helped you in any way, or you believe in the truth of the message we are putting out and want to help spread this message to people all over the world, there is a good chance that you will be greatly blessed. It will also depend on your personal relationship with God.

So, is Luke 6:38 true? You bet it is! But giving has to be a matter of the heart if you want God to bless you. The minute you rationalize it and turn it into a formula or a barter system with God, (I pay 10%, he gives me everything I want) you lose your blessing.

You have to give with "no" motives! Only because you believe in the cause, or you want to help someone, expecting nothing in return. (gasp) Haven't you ever wondered why, out of the millions of people who faithfully tithe every week, only a handful of them have this wonderful testimony about God showering them with riches beyond anything they'd ever dreamed?

And for every one of them, there is a so called "man of God" right there exploiting their story to get "your" money! WAKE UP! And simply give what is in your heart to give. Search your own heart. If there is anything in there even remotely expecting a return on your investment, you would be better off not to give at all.

You can't buy God's blessings and you can't barter for them. No pre planned action on your part can make God bless you. If God likes what he sees in your heart, he'll bless you. You can't fake this and you can't fool God.

If you are giving in accordance with Malachi 3:8 & 9, don't give to this ministry. You would only be giving out of compulsion and making me an unwilling accomplice to crucifying Jesus on the cross again. Give simply because your heart tells you to.