06.09.2023 Lessons from a Spontaneous Banquet: More

And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Answering God’s call to serve others means bringing what we have to Jesus and then giving it away. Some people think that giving to others regularly will leave them physically, emotionally or spiritually poor. However, what the disciples discovered, after they gave away everything they had to feed the crowd, was that there were leftovers. In fact, when they went around picking up what was left after everyone else had eaten their fill was twelve baskets full of pieces. They did not start with even one basket full! When you serve others for God you will often find that after you give all you have for God you have more than you started with. If you encourage others you will end up with more joy. When you comfort another you will have more peace. When you meet another’s physical needs you will have more than enough left for you. What a joy to serve a God who is an incredible giver.

Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your abundant provision. I know I can never out give You. Amen.

Now, God be praised, that to believing souls gives light in darkness, comfort in despair. — William Shakespeare

No one has ever become poor by giving. — Anne Frank