I recently read something that someone had learned through personal Bible study. She related the unique placement of the sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Less than 100 miles apart, both are located in the area region of the Jordan River Valley and both are far below sea level.
Yet, their similarities end there.
One body of water teams with life and activity, and the other is completely dead. The reason? Both seas have an inflow of fresh water, but only one has an overflow. Only one pours back out from the wealth that has been poured within.
Only one streams out its abundance in the form of a river. In doing so, the sea of Galilee flourishes with fish, wildlife and humanity. While the Dead Sea, with no outlet, is toxic choking out life with an overabundance of salt and minerals.
Life is full of choices. What's happening to the abundance poured into your life?
The truth of Jesus repeated in Acts 20:35 is clear, it is better to give than to receive. Once we received the life-giving grace of our Lord, We get to choose, hmmm if were going to live this life like a river or a lake. One stores, one pours. One risks inactivity toxicity, even death, and one rushes to deliver life, carrying hope to everyplace it can reach.
Daily, we each get to choose if we'll live like a lake by keeping our gifts; if you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it Luke 9:24a. Or, we can choose to live like a river by giving our wealth to those around us in hardship; But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life Luke 9:24b.
Joy really is found in giving what we have to those who need hope. I saw this simple truth in action years ago when I was a 14 year old kid in a broken home. Our neighbour across the alley came over one summer morning and offered me a job. During the summer months he taught me life and plumbing skills that I had never seen, and as he was a Christian man I saw a way of life like never before. Today after 36 years of being a plumber we have four sons that are also very good plumbers with strong solid families, and two beautiful daughters and nine grandchildren. Thank you Jim Hingston for giving what you had to make a difference in a kids life.
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving large or small it will be used to measure what is given back to you Luke 6:38
If God's creation so clearly examples this truth, shouldn't we as well? Are we living like a lake or river? Which are you? Which am I? Are we hoarding the gifts freely poured into our lives, or, are we carrying the hope of Christ to those in need around us?
Offering hope for the family is one of the missions of the battle River Ranch. This last year it was our great joy to allow the gifts you poured into this ranch, to flow right on through to the families in our midst who needed help. Because of your selfless generosity and the abundance of God, the flood gates were opened wider than ever and the life-giving hope and provision of Jesus poured out Like a river too many.
Thank you, dear family, for sharing with us. Together like a rush of individual tributaries, you've united through the Battle River Ranch. Now, the Lord is releasing this extraordinary confidence and hope as part of his beautiful plan. And from his perspective I'm pretty sure the ranch looks just like a river.
THANK YOU once again for taking the time to view our blog. The Battle River Ranch Camp is a non profit organization that is focused on developing trades, life skills and training opportunities for men and women that are searching and find it difficult to get the opportunities needed to develop a productive and positive life skill.
If you are able to and would like to make a very needed and appreciated donation to this worthy project that is changing lives now and forever right here at home PLEASE consider making a donation to:CROSSMAN MINISTRIES / BRRC, (Battle River Ranch Camp) or visit our web site for direct donating and more information, thank you very much we cannot do it alone. Please consider becoming a $25.00 a month donor. Thank you so much
Be a blessing to someone today.
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