Blessed to be a blessing

 Along time ago we had someone share with us that they recognised that God had blessed them so that they could  be a blessing to others , and when giving they looked for people who would receive the
blessing and in return bless others.   This has always stuck with me .  Since then we have always looked for ways we can bless as many as possible with each transaction , like purchasing chickens from Teen challenge for the food hampers or knitting from seniors to give away so that they are blessed as well . Until recently I always looked down the line at the blessing, all the people who are impacted , but have you ever stopped and looked back ? 

I have always felt so blessed when I could pass the blessing along , many times brought to tears by the power of giving .  This last few weeks , with coal, seeds, Christmas, and truck repairs and so many other needs , something has stood out .. where it is us that are the appreciative ones, the response from the sponsors blows me away ..

 " Thank you for letting us be a part of this " 

 " Thank you for all you are doing " 

" So grateful that we could help" 

"Thank you Jesus for giving us this opportunity" 

"This makes my heart happy"

"Jehovah Jireh. Our Provider! 🙏🏻"

I think this happens because  when we follow Gods direction , we are blessed .. it is a form of worship and brings us closer to him .  but there is another reason.. With out fail, every one  we help responds with "God bless you" .. it seems to be a built in response , believer and non believer alike , they respond the same way ." God bless you ". I know I do the same , so in the same way  as the blessings flow down and multiply , the prayers and blessings like wise flow up and multiply , finishing at Gods feet. ..  I think that's why in the end,  it is more blessed to give then to receive . 

2 Corinthians 9: 8-11 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. 

 12-15 Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!