Don’t Stop Up the Blessing
Land sakes, friend, push open that garden gate and settle yourself under the shade of this ol’ front porch before the sun fries us both like okra in a cast iron skillet. There’s lemonade in the pitcher, a lil’ ol’ squirrel committin’ grand theft of pecans over there right by the fence, and an ol’ lesson worth rememberin’. God plum never intended His blessin’s to stop with us like a stubborn ol’ hog planted squarely in the middle of the road.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” That there’s God’s economy. He sho’-nuff’ pours in so we can pour out.
We’re sometimes tempted to clutch blessings tighter than a raccoon holding the last biscuit at a camp meeting. We think, “God gave this to me, so I’d better hang on to every bit of it.”
But 2 Corinthians 9:8 says God sho’-nuff’ provides enough for our needs with plenty left to share. And Luke 6:38 reminds us that generosity has a way of comin’ right on back, pressed down, shaken together, and runnin’ over.
Now that just ain’t no kind of heavenly get rich scheme. God ain’t no vendin’ machine where you put in five dollars and wait for twenty to come tumblin’ out. He’s sho’-nuff’ formin’ generous hearts.
Here’s another beautiful word comin’ from 1 Timothy 6:18 that plum tells believers to “do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” Notice God sho’-nuff’ talks about being rich in what we give, not merely rich in what we keep.
Sometimes the blessin’ is money. Sometimes it’s a meal, an hour of your time, a listenin’ ear, a ride to the doctor, or one encouragin’ phone call.
Father, thank You for every blessing You have placed in my hands. Keep me from clutching what You meant to flow through me. Give me eyes to notice needs, a willing heart to respond, and joy in refreshing others. Make my life an open channel for Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, gather your basket and head right on back down the lane, friend. A creek stays fresh because the water keeps on movin’. A fruit tree don’t eat its own peaches. Even a lil’ ol’ chicken hen lays more eggs than she personally requires. So, open your hands real wide, share what God has given you, and watch how generosity plum keeps joy from goin’ stale in the cupboard.
With joy,
Gwen
