It warmed my heart.
As
we continued listening to the album I realized that they were all songs that I really
liked and I wondered why it was in his collection of music and not mine?
A particular
song came on and it took me to my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College
(they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling
it that…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who
performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big
stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate
objects.
The
music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it
also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do
something different. You know, like backup singers.
The
song that brought back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.”[i]
The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38 and if you haven’t heard it in a
while, just Google it and find yourself singing along to this tune.
Ecclesiastes
11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon
the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”
But
another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “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.”
Oh
how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted
this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on
multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are
immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could
ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we
need to give yet again.
There
are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money,
ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to
give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.
So
how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to.
Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it,
God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and
see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and
invitations.
I
work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the
minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these
words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve
Jesus. It is my pleasure.
God
wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our
spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our
lives. And then, we simply need to wait.
Keep
on casting…
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
Bread Upon the Water
Well there are people who think they're not receiving
Anything from God at all
Oh they are shaken from their believin'
When they don't see results they quickly fall
But don't you waiver keep on living
In the way God wants you to
Don't get discouraged keep on giving
Soon it will come back to you
Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom
Instead of working for your needs
Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus
You know growing comes from planting seeds
Keep on casting your bread upon the water
Soon it's going to come back home on every wave
Keep on casting your bread upon the water
Soon it's going to come back home on every wave
[i] © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bread
Upon The Water Lyrics by Gaither Vocal Band, music composed by Grein
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