Friday, February 2, 2007

Given to be Given Away


And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. John 6:11 KJV

The kingdom principles that Jesus taught and demonstrated in Bible times are also meant for us today. Our God is unchangeable and so is His ability to work in amazing ways. As I read this verse this morning the theme that literally jumped off the page to me was, “Give away what is given to you. Share with others what I share with you. I still multiply the things that are not hoarded for oneself.”

The disciples saw this truth displayed in a powerful way when Jesus gave them the opportunity to distribute lunch to 5,000 men. The few elements of a small boy’s lunch became a feast of great proportion with leftovers that far exceeded what they even started out with. Their wonderment of how so little could go so far was soon replaced with amazement and evident sufficiency. What could have been kept by a little boy, by Jesus, or even by the disciples was given out and multiplied miraculously.

So what insight can I take with me and apply to my own life?

*God has plans for whatever is placed in His hands.
*Multiplication is the result of giving away what He graciously gives to me.
*Others will benefit from what is passed on to them.
*Hoarding actually causes me to miss out on God’s intended purposes.
*There is no better way to live than to leave the results with God.
*Partnership with God is the doorway to any miracle.

While there are many things I am privileged to receive from my Father and then pass on to others, I have found great joy in seeing this principle work each morning as I send out an email devotional. What started out as private journal notes written on paper eventually became something I desired to share with others. A little over one hundred individuals now become the recipients of what God first shares with me in the quiet morning hours. Some have let me know they forward the devotionals on to others. That touches my heart because I then become a witness of God’s multiplication principle. Indeed it is alive and well today!

Father, Your ways never fail to amaze me. The fact that You allow me to be a distributor of Your truths leaves me in awe. I gladly join You! Amen.