You are the Maker featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album Love is the Way recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

When I first became a Christian, a colleague of mine at Crofton School, Dave Stevens, asked if I had considered tithing – giving 10% of my income away to those less well of than myself – perhaps through church. He went on to say that somehow God would ensure that I ended up better off – that did not make a lot of sense to me, but Dave explained that God’s maths are somewhat different to ours. Well at the time I struggled with the idea but thought I would give it a try by giving away any monies I made from the “Heat” disco to some charities I selected. Now at the end of each disco I was having trouble with local lads turning up and, well let’s say displaying “challenging” behaviour to our youngsters as they were leaving with their parents in cars to return to Stubbington. Do you know what? As soon as I gave any profit away those lads stopped turning up- coincidence possibly but I believe it was a “God instance.”
I remembered that story when I recently read the below in “Word for Today” written by Bob and Debbie Gass. I was particularly drawn to the words …..“think of yourself as a river rather instead of a reservoir.”
If you want to become a giver, think of yourself as a river instead of a reservoir. Reservoirs continually take in water, but only to fill themselves up. In contrast, a river flows. Whatever water it receives, it gives away. Note what Jesus said about giving: ‘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: 38 NIV).
When you give your time, expertise, and resources without expecting anything in return, you’re practising what Jesus preached. And here is an interesting truth: when you focus more on the wants and needs of others, more of your own wants and needs are met. In contrast, when you choose to hoard what you have rather than give, you become the centre of your own lonely universe. And you become less content, not more. As a result, you repel both people and potential blessing.
Recalling God’s goodness to you leads to gratitude (see Psalm 103:1-5). And gratitude leads to giving. Ungrateful people aren’t givers. They seldom think about others; they just think of themselves. Their days comprise searching for others to assist them, give to them, and wait on them. And whenever others fail to meet those expectations, they wonder why. Their selfishness prevents them from sowing, and their ingratitude causes them to question why they don’t reap. In what way can you show gratitude? By taking a portion of the blessings God has poured into your life and pouring them into the lives of others. In other words, be a giver.

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