praying effectively: Share (Lk.3, 6, 12)

(Luke 12:16-21)  And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

(Luke 3:10-11)  And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”

(Luke 6:38)  “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are to be giving (6:38)

- that we are to share, and not be greedy and hoard things just for ourselves (12:21)

- that if we have extra, we should give to those who have nothing (3:11)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, You have given everything of Yourself for all people, and everything we have is from You - You are more than generous!  Help us to be more like You.  If we see someone in need, and we are able to help - pique our hearts to action.  

Even before we see someone in need - pique our hearts to search for valid organizations which will dole out the useful things stuffed into the corners of our closets collecting dust.  This should not be in lieu of our tithing.  This should be over and above our tithing.  

Help us to be productive, and to be generous in our giving, and trust that You will continue to provide for all our needs.  Amen.