When the Giving is More Blessed Than the Receiving

Yesterday was our Salvation Army Day. This little group of women (and children) cook and serve the Saturday lunch once a quarter. It's no small job to prepare a meal for more than 100 people, but we divide the work and get it done.

We served green beans, spaghetti, bread, fruit, dessert, and tea. As we've done before, we looked at the number of people serving and the amount of food we'd prepared (both less than usual) and worried that it wouldn't be enough. 

In the interest of truth, we could probably have given one serving of spaghetti to everyone, but we like to give those who come for the meal enough food so that they leave with full bellies.

Since Jesus is always enough, and we're serving in His name, we like for the food to be enough, too. Yesterday, we weren't sure, so we did what we always do - prayed that God would stretch the food and that all that was done would please Him as a sweet-smelling sacrifice.

When the last person had finished eating, we'd served more than 110 people. Those who wanted it had a second helping, and some had a third. A few took plates of food with them. 

There was enough left over for the Celebrate Recovery meal on Monday evening, where they will feed 80 people. 

Yep. Once again, God stretched the food so that it was more than enough.

We never doubted that He would.

If you haven't served at the Salvation Army, you're missing a blessing. It's a great opportunity for a Sunday School class or small group to serve together. I don't know many things that will bond you quicker than being the hands and feet of Jesus. (Leave a comment or message me if you want to know how you, too, can serve.)

Salvation Army is not the only ministry in need of wiling hands. Take a look around. If you're willing to serve, God has a place for you. 

Actually, God has a place for you, whether you're willing to serve or not. That's a sobering thought, isn't it?

Today, let's offer our hands and feet as a living sacrifice and ask God where He wants us to serve. Don't just ask. Put action with your asking. 

When Jesus said, "It's more blessed to give than to receive," He wasn't kidding. Yesterday, we saw that truth all over again. Step up. Step out. Serve. 

"The King will reply, 'Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me." Matthew 25:40 niv 

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When What We Expect Is Not What We Get 

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
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