Give And Expect

Many of us are familiar with the Apostle Paul stating "It is more blessed to give than to receive." in Acts 20:35. However, I'm realizing my thinking needs to expand to align with how God thinks as evidenced in Romans 8:15 (MSG) "This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"" The reality is that I've received so much from God in my new life, that as I give out of that blessing, I MUST expect to receive more from God. We can look at this in one of two ways: a container being refilled, or a pipeline being supplied. I lean more towards the pipeline, but scripture easily supports the container. Bottom line: both have a source - God.

Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

Erwin McManus writes in "An Unstoppable Force": “The Spirit of God moves like the wind, leaving a still silence where He once blew, and beckoning us to where He now stirs. The church must raise her sails and move with the Spirit if we are not to be left behind. It is not enough to simply hang on; we must boldly move forward.”

The mindset in which I give to others plays hugely in how I give to others.  Papa, where do I go next?  To whom will I give next?  What will I give next?  You are my Source ... I have nothing without You ... I am nothing without You ... I can do nothing without You.