“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.” Luke 6:38

It was a church dinner. Jesus (via the Church) was providing the sandwiches while the individual Church Members were asked to bring a side or dessert. It’s a formula that works because the MAIN thing is guaranteed to be there. I took it upon myself to order and pick up the sandwiches and some other items. I had picked up some coleslaw for my offering. Then… forgot to take it!

It’s been my experience that people today are more busy than ever, and time is not something that is easy to carve away. Church dinners USED to be called Pot-Luck dinners because people would bring what their favorite recipe happened to be. Mary was famous for Fried Chicken. Martha for meatloaf! Tables would be overflowing with main courses and fancy desserts. But fewer sides.

Over the years, as time became harder to find, main courses slowly disappeared and sides, made and purchased at a store, became the norm. A decision was made to have the Church provide the main dish (sandwiches, pizza, spaghetti etc.) and the attendees bring sides and desserts. Coleslaw was quick and easy. Since I had a lot to do to arrange getting the main things, I grabbed it! Easy right??!

Life was crazy for me the day of the dinner, and time was slipping by quickly. I’d already been to the church to turn on the AC so it would be cool. But time was approaching to get everything together and to pick up the sandwiches, ice and tea. It wasn’t until I got to the church that I realized I had forgotten the coleslaw at home! I felt horrible. My attempt at an offering… nadda!

I tell people one of the greatest lessons and blessings that I have learned in following Jesus over the years. “Give Jesus your time and your money, and HE will make sure YOU have plenty of time and money!” It’s a synopsis from several Bible verses, from which today’s verse is included. After the dinner, I felt a nudge that Jesus has some room to play with when it comes to giving!

The dinner was a success. The sandwiches were all gone and all that were left was sides. I realized that, in retrospect, my coleslaw would have made zero difference. But I was VERY content and pleased that the dinner went well. I even felt better when Jesus nudged me with the thought, “thanks for the gift of your time!

Are YOU giving God top priority in your life? Are you reaping His blessings in the form of ‘overflow’ as proof? Because Jesus’ way is a GREAT way to live!