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Give OR Take :: Wednesday E-Devotion

John 10:10 (The Message) --- A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
 
There are two kinds of people in the world.  Plain and simple.  Either you are a giver or a taker.  Either you add to people or you take away from them.  You either are part of the increase or robbing and a decrease.  It could be money.  It be vision.  Could be relationships.  Even could be time.  So what about you?
 
Watched this video as I got to the office this morning.  Funny.  But true. (another deposit from Craig and the team at Lifechurch.tv)
 
I am amazed that many of the people we admire and many of the things we pour ourselves into are the things that keep us poor and rob us blind.  Back to the story of the 12 Spies in Numbers 13 who went to check out the land God promised His people.  All 12 were 'movers and shackers' in their own tribes and worlds.  10 of them robbed God's people of blessing, of comfort, of peace and much more.  Just think about it.  God's got a huge plan and wants to give it away.  But their stubborn, hard, scared hearts wouldn't allow it.
 
Are we taking away from people and don't recognize what we are doing?  Our families who need and love us.  Are we stealing time from them?  Our churches that we are committed to.  Are we taking resources (money or talents) from the church?  Ourselves.  Are we canceling out the best we're offered?  Make that call.  It ain't easy.
 
Malachi 3:8 (nlt) --- Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! "But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?' "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.
Proverbs 3:27 (nlt) --- Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.
 
Ok.  I have a choice.  Press the church forward OR just sit back, relax and enjoy what I have.  That choice means I am robbing from people and robbing from God.  The status quo or keeping us with the Jones only keeps the church and God's people,us, deeper in spiritual poverty.
 
Here is the point: it is time to KICK the walls out from around us and let the world and especially those near us see what God is doing.  Shut your mouth and you are a taker.  Speak up and stand up and you are a giver.  There is no middle group.  Give or take.

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