Guaranteed Return

November 15, 2005

Author: Rev. Kip B. Banks, Sr.

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38)

Greetings Beloved,

Today's devotion, excerpted from the "33 Laws of Stewardship" is about God's law of Guaranteed Return.

"The Principle of Guaranteed Return"

Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you." This is God's principle of "Guaranteed Return" and it transcends time and place and circumstances. It is always true!

If you give, it will be given to you. And not just an equal exchange. The return will be overflowing, superabundant, bigger and better.

The purpose behind this promise is that we be motivated to give because it's a sensible investment. Spiritually speaking, there's virtually no risk but all reward. Better than a bond that's backed up by the full faith and credit of the United States Government, any gift given for God's glory is backed by the infinite resources of the Bank of Heaven.

Whether the gift is money or some other form of contribution, God keeps perfect records. His promise is backed by His Word, and it's truly worth the book it's written in. Give in His name and you will be blessed accordingly. There is no doubt about it, no cause for concern, no conditions under which the return is held back or held up. Following are some tips for putting this promise into practice.

Check you eternal investment portfolio - In a financial portfolio there are investments that pay off and others that don't. Not so with spiritual investments -- they all pay a handsome return. Remember Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:32)

Don't allow worry to control your thoughts - Immediately before and immediately after His words about seeking the first the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed the problem of worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and you heavenly Father knows you need them. Then He concludes, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." The bottom line is clear: Banish worry from your mind and keep it out of you heart.

Don't give in order to get - Instead, give in order to bless, and you'll be blessed in return. That's a promise!

Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Kip Banks

East Washngton Heights Baptist Church