The world says “Save for a rainy day” “Create your own nest egg”.

But God simply says “Give!”

Now there is nothing especially spiritual about being poor or going without. Paul made it clear that he was content in whatever state he was in (I assume that includes whatever state you happen to be living right now in as well!).

The secret is not to become impoverished but understand where our real substance lies. Jesus said “I came to give you life and that more abundantly”. More “life” however, doesn’t necessarily mean more stuff. In fact, when John Wesley was informed that his house had just burned down with everything he owned he immediately replied “Well the Lord’s house burned down. It’s one less thing for me to worry about!” Wow! That’s living with a light grip.

Indeed, God isn’t calling us to austerity as though “poverty is next to godliness”. The Bible says Christ was rich but became poor that we might become rich”. 2 Cor 8:9 So I don’t think the Lord looks down on wealth so much as being greedy of it or being dependent upon it.

God isn’t against investing. Only short-term investing. The man who took all his increase and built bigger barns to hold his future security (401Ks, annuities, pensions) died before enjoying it himself or employing it for anyone’s else’s benefit. Jesus called the man an “air head” (My translation of the Greek word “a-phren” which means literally “No brain!” or “Fool”). I don’t want to be a fool in God’s eyes.

God’s desire is not that you and I would go through life empty, always relying on the generosity of others to get by. We are told to work with our own hands in order to meet our own needs. 1 Thess 4:11-12. We are to work but not just to live like the bumper sticker which reads “I owe I owe so off to work I go!” We are also to work “to Give!”

He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
Eph 4:28

The widow who was destitute and about to have her sons sold into slavery came to the prophet and asked for help. He didn’t give her anything materially. Instead, he told her to give! He asked her “What do you have?” She said I have only one last pot of oil. The prophet of God said “Go collect vessels from all your neighbors and pour out what you have left into their pots.”

She and her sons did this and as long as she poured it out, God poured more in! The miracle only stopped when she stopped pouring out! Jesus said “Give and it will be given to you…in good measure they will pour the blessings into your lap”. Luke 6:38

Is it possible that our poverty is not due to a lack of income but due to a lack of outgo? Oh, I don’t mean we don’t spend enough. Perhaps God would say to us “What do you have?” “Not much of anything Lord” we might reply. “Do you have some time to give to someone who is in need? Can you give someone an ear who is sad or broken? Can you give some encouragement to that neighbor who is all alone or going through a rough time?

Seems God always starts with the little we have that we see as worthless and then asks us to minister to the others around us that have less in order to meet our need…

Moses wants help to validate his ministry. God say’s what’s in your hand?

The multitudes are hungry, the disciples are clueless. “What do you have?” Jesus asks. Just a boy’s lunch Lord. “Bring the little you have to me and give it away and see what I will do.” the Lord directs. “Not only will I meet the needs of others through you, I will also meet all your needs as well”.

“Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured Himself out Isa. 53:12

Hey gang, He’s not asking us to do something He hasn’t done already.

So Pour it out. And just see What happens!