Give and it will given to you

Give, and it will be given to you. 

A good measure, pressed down, 

shaken together, running over, 

will be put into your lap; 

for the measure you give 

will be the measure you get back. 

(Luke 6:38)

Give - and you will have treasure in heaven

Where can you find true peace, security, and happiness? 

A young man who had the best the world could offer - wealth, position, and security - came to Jesus because he lacked one thing. He wanted the kind of lasting peace and happiness which money and possessions could not buy him. The answer he got, however, was not what he was looking for. He protested that he kept all the commandments - but Jesus spoke to the trouble in his heart. One thing kept him from giving himself wholeheartedly to God. While he lacked nothing in material goods, he was nonetheless possessive of what he had. He placed his hope and security in what he possessed. So when Jesus challenged him to make God his one true possession and treasure, he became dismayed.

What do you treasure the most?

Why did he go away from Jesus with sadness rather than with joy? His treasure and his hope for happiness were misplaced. Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. The Lord himself is the greatest treasure we can possibly have. Giving up everything else to have the Lord as our treasure is not sorrowful, but the greatest joy. See Jesus' parable about the treasure hidden in a field ( Matthew 13:44). Selling all that we have could mean many different things - our friends, our job, our style of life, what we do with our free time.

Possessiveness and fear robs us of joy and abundant life 

Jesus challenged the young man because his heart was possessive. He was afraid to give to others for fear that he would lose what he had gained. Those who are generous towards God and others find that they cannot outmatch God in generosity. God blesses us with innumerable spiritual goods - such as long-lasting peace, unspeakable joy, enduring love, abiding relationships and friendship that do not fade or fail - that far outweigh the fleeting joys of material possessions which fail to satisfy us beyond the present moment. God alone can satisfy the deepest longing and desires of our heart. Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from seeking true and everlasting joy with Jesus?

"Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing in my heart. No other treasure can compare with you. Keep me free from all discontentment, possessiveness, greed and selfishness, that I may have joy in knowing that you alone are my true Treasure and my Portion.

source: From the desk of Don Schwager, 

hosted by Kairos Europe and the Middle East

Give and you will have treasure in heaven

What gives hope and satisfaction to our desire for happiness and security? A young man who had the best the world could offer - wealth and security - came to Jesus because he lacked one thing. He wanted the kind of lasting peace and happiness which money could not buy him. The answer he got, however, was not what he was looking for. He protested that he kept all the commandments - but Jesus spoke to the trouble in his heart. One thing kept him from giving himself whole-heartedly to God. While he lacked nothing in material goods, he was nonetheless possessive of what he had. He placed his hope and security in what he possessed. So when Jesus challenged him to make God his one true possession and treasure, he became sad. 

Misplaced hope and treasure

Why did he go away from Jesus with great sorrow and sadness rather than with joy? His treasure and his hope for happiness were misplaced. Jesus challenged the young man because his heart was possessive. He was afraid to give to others for fear that he would lose what he had gained. He sought happiness and security in what he possessed rather than in who he could love and serve and give himself in undivided devotion.

The greatest joy possible

Why does Jesus tell his disciples to "sell all" for the treasure of his kingdom? Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. The Lord himself is the greatest treasure we can have. Giving up everything else to have the Lord as our treasure is not sorrowful, but the greatest joy. [See Jesus' parable about the treasure hidden in a field in Matthew 13:44.] Selling all that we have could mean many different things - letting go of attachments, friendships, influences, jobs, entertainments, styles of life - really anything that might stand in the way of our loving God first and foremost in our lives and giving him the best we can with our time, resources, gifts, and service.

The priceless treasure of God's kingdom

Those who are generous towards God and towards their neighbor find that they cannot outmatch God in his generosity towards us. God blesses us with the priceless treasures of his kingdom - freedom from fear and the griping power of sin, selfishness and pride which block his love and grace in our lives; freedom from loneliness, isolation and rejection which keep his children from living together in love, peace, and unity; and freedom from hopelessness, despair, and disillusionment which blind our vision of God's power to heal every hurt, bind every wound, and remove every blemish which mar the image of God within us. God offers us treasure which money cannot buy. He alone can truly satisfy the deepest longing and desires of our heart. Are you willing to part with anything that might keep you from seeking true joy with Jesus?

Why does Jesus issue such a strong warning to the rich (as well as to the rest of us who desire to be rich)? Was he really against wealth? We know that Jesus was not opposed to wealth per se, nor was he opposed to the wealthy. He had many friends who were well-to-do, including some notorious tax collectors! One even became an apostle! Jesus' warning reiterated the teaching of the Old Testament wisdom: Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways (Proverbs 28:6; see also Psalm 37:16). Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist (Proverbs 23:4).

Where do we find true security?

Jesus seems to say that it is nearly impossible for the rich to live as citizens of God's kingdom. The camel was regarded as the largest animal in Palestine. The "eye of the needle" could be interpreted quite literally or it could figuratively describe the narrow and low gate of the city walls which was used by travelers when the larger public gate was locked after dark. A normal sized man had to "lower" himself to enter that gate. A camel would literally have to knell and crawl through it. 

Why is Jesus so cautious about wealth? Wealth can make us falsely independent. The church at Laodicea was warned about their attitude towards wealth and a false sense of security: "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (Revelation3:17). Wealth can also lead us into hurtful desires and selfishness (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Look at the lesson Jesus gave about the rich man and his sons who refused to aid the poor man Lazarus (see Luke 16:19ff). They also neglected to serve God. 

We lose what we keep - we gain what we give away

The scriptures give us a paradox: we lose what we keep and we gain what we give away. Generosity will be amply repaid, both in this life and in eternity (Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38). Jesus offers us an incomparable treasure which no money can buy and no thief can steal. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. Material wealth will shackle us to this earth unless we guard our hearts and set our treasure on God and his everlasting kingdom. Where is your treasure?

"Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures of heaven. May you always be my treasure and delight and may nothing else keep me from giving you my all." 

source: Kairos-EME, Don's Daily Email

Give Generously to the Church, Tithing and Offering

Tithe is a tenth part of one's annual income contributed voluntarily or due as a tax, especially for the support of the clergy or church. Catholics don't practice tithing, but we give voluntarily as our conscience dictates in response to the Precept of the Catholic Church that requires us to support the needs of the Church according to our ability and our station in life.

Ephesians 5:29-30

for no one ever hated his own flesh, 

but nourishes and cherishes it, 

just as Christ also does the church, 

because we are members of His body.

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 

to which indeed you were called in one body; 

and be thankful.

Support the Church,

• Give what you can and what feels right. “Ideally, giving should feel good and should not be like a chore. It’s entirely up to you to decide how much you can give and what is appropriate given your monthly budget.
• Keep it consistent, no matter what amount you decide on, try to give on a regular basis.
• Keep it discreet, Matthew 6:3 say "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."
• Offer help in other ways instead (eg. like your services, volunteer on the weekends or during church-related events.), if your budget is tight.

Deuteronomy 14:22

You shall tithe all the yield of your seed, 

which comes forth from the field year by year.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each one must do as he has made up his mind, 

not reluctantly or under compulsion, 

for God loves a cheerful giver.

Proverbs 11:24

One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

another withholds what he should give, 

and only suffers want.

Genesis 28:22

This stone, which I have set up for a pillar, 

shall be God’s house; 

and of all that thou givest me 

I will give the tenth to thee.

Six Precept of the Catholic Church (The Duties of a Catholic)

1. To go to Mass and refrain from servile work on Sundays and holy days.
2. To go to Confession at least once a year (traditionally done during Lent).
3. To receive the Eucharist at least once a year, during the Easter Season (known as the "Easter duty"). 
4. To observe the days of fasting and abstinence.
5. To help to provide for the needs of the Church according to one's abilities and station in life.
6. To obey the marriage laws of the Church.

Learn to GIVE (Freely we receive from GOD, freely we GIVE)

I have learn to GIVE 

not because 

I have too much 

but because 

I have known the feeling of 

NOT HAVING.

Give generously and bountifully

St. Paul to the Corinthians;

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Give like you never have given before. And as God sees your faithfulness, He will bless you with abundance in every area of your life, give you perfect health, and cause His face to shine upon you. Remember, it all begins with the prosperity of your soul.

Deuteronomy 8:18

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Christian Giving ....

1. is an expression of the grace of God

2. is inspired by the cross of Christ.

3. reflects our unity in the Spirit.

Psalm 96
1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his faithfulness.

"Freely you received, freely give" Matthew 10:8

Jesus has blessed us and in turn we should share our blessing with others. Jesus' instruction deals with our relationship and attitude toward other people as we are the vessels through which the Father is reaching out to the world. Jesus is filling us with every good thing we need to serve him and we are only bearers of these blessings, and we should also bear the fruit of the Spirit from within us. All things are poured into us, produced in us and we only need to be obedient vessels of God to carry it so others may benefit. We cannot afford to be selfish of these blessing, whether it is love, mercy, forgiveness, time, strength, encouragement, riches, patience, understanding or revelation as was given for us to freely by God and we should also give it freely to others. Therefore, what we need to be doing is anointing, casting out demons, healing the sick, preaching the good news, loving the unlovable, feeding the poor, sharing the light in the darkness and investing in lives that seem worthless. 

We as Christians have received the Word of God (our daily bread) and His only begotten son Jesus Christ our Saviour who died for our sins. Each and everyone of us has been saved by His grace through our faith in Jesus. God freely gives us salvation, but in order for people to receive His gift, they must first hear the Good News through the Words given to us by He alone. God gives us so much in this life and blesses us in so many ways, that the very least we can do is share it with others. 

We should do it in God's will and in abide to his new commandment "Love one another as I have loved you.", and without having a thought of what will gain by doing it. God knows what good we have done and he will bless in His time.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Worship the LORD, 

our Creator and Saviour, 

for He is generous and good beyond our imagination! 

Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 

that He showers us with His abundance blessing 

and empowers us to give along with Him.

Give thanks to Jesus 

for giving Himself so freely for us. 

Thank Him for not only forgiving you 

but also freeing you from captivity 

of the sin in this world.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Generosity Encouraged

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;

their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Don’t be afraid, come to me and I will give you rest

Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Don’t be afraid to pray to God for relief of your burdens. If relief is not in sight, ask Him for the graces you need to endure in these troubled times. 

We can trust in God to hear our prayers and give us the graces we need in troubled times if we ask Him sincerely and with perseverance.

Our Lord did indeed ask us in the Gospels to take up our crosses and follow Him. Jesus wants us to share our worries and troubled times with Him in prayer, to offer them up to Him for the good of our souls.

Our faith teaches us not to consider our sufferings to be meaningless. If we ask for our Lord’s help to get us through troubled times He can indeed strengthen us, give us more compassion for others, and focus us on what’s really important: His will for us, His love for us, and how we reflect that love in how we treat each other.

Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer

Psalms 86: 1 - 6 

1	Incline thy ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
2	Preserve my life, for I am godly; save thy servant who trusts in thee. Thou art my God;
3	be gracious to me, O Lord, for to thee do I cry all the day.
4	Gladden the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5	For thou, O Lord, art good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on thee.
6	Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; hearken to my cry of supplication.