The Bible Speaks - Pressed Down, Shaken Together, Running Over

[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now here's Elgin.

[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, to another edition of The Bible Speaks, where we explore the truth of God's word and how they apply to our lives every day.

[00:01:19] And in today's episode, we'll be talking about living a life of abundance through the principle of giving.

[00:01:26] The Bible Speaks is a little bit of a story inspired by Luke chapter 6, verse 38 and Ephesians chapter 4, verse 29, which reads,

[00:01:38] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

[00:01:53] You might be wondering how Ephesians 4 and 29 connects with the idea of pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

[00:02:05] So today we'll explore how our words, actions, and generosity are deeply tied to the blessing God wants to pour into our lives.

[00:02:15] Many of us desire the abundant life that Jesus promised.

[00:02:22] We want overflowing joy, peace, and provision.

[00:02:26] But what we often forget is that God's blessings are conditional.

[00:02:32] The abundant life isn't simply handed to us.

[00:02:36] It's tied to the principle of giving and serving with a pure heart.

[00:02:41] Luke 6 and 38 reminds us,

[00:02:45] Give, and it shall be given unto you.

[00:02:48] Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom.

[00:02:56] For with the same measure that you meet with all, it shall be measured to you again.

[00:03:04] This verse isn't just talking about material blessings.

[00:03:08] It's about living in a way that reflects God's generous heart.

[00:03:12] When we give generously, whether it's our resources, time, or even kind words,

[00:03:19] we open the door for God to bless us abundantly.

[00:03:24] But here's the key.

[00:03:26] The giving God desires is not transactional.

[00:03:30] It's not about giving to get something in return.

[00:03:34] The Bible emphasizes that our motives matter.

[00:03:41] Ephesians 4 and 29 speaks to this by encouraging us to use our words for building others up.

[00:03:48] If our words and actions come from a place of genuine love and generosity, they honor God.

[00:03:56] God calls us to give with a pure heart,

[00:03:59] whether it's in our speech, service, or finances.

[00:04:03] When we bless others without expecting anything in return,

[00:04:08] God blesses us abundantly.

[00:04:11] Press down, shaken together, and running over.

[00:04:15] It's a natural outpouring of living a life that aligns with his principles.

[00:04:22] The phrase, pressed down, shaken together, and running over,

[00:04:26] paints a vivid picture of overflowing abundance.

[00:04:30] It's like filling a basket to the rim,

[00:04:33] pressing it down to make more room,

[00:04:36] shaking it to settle it,

[00:04:37] and then pouring in even more until it overflows.

[00:04:42] That's the kind of blessing God wants to give us,

[00:04:45] but it's tied to how we treat others.

[00:04:49] When you pour into others' lives through encouragement, support, and generosity,

[00:04:55] you align yourself with God's heart.

[00:04:58] And when you do that,

[00:05:00] God's blessings naturally flow into your life.

[00:05:04] Proverbs 11 and 25 says,

[00:05:07] A generous person will prosper.

[00:05:09] Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

[00:05:15] So how do we apply this principle to our daily lives?

[00:05:19] Here are a few practical steps.

[00:05:22] Number one, speak life into others.

[00:05:26] Use your words to build others up,

[00:05:29] as Ephesians 4 and 29 instructs.

[00:05:32] Look for opportunities to encourage,

[00:05:35] uplift, and speak truth.

[00:05:38] Number two, give without expecting.

[00:05:42] Whether it's giving your time, resources, or a listening ear,

[00:05:47] do it with a pure heart.

[00:05:49] Give because it honors God,

[00:05:52] not because you're expecting something in return.

[00:05:55] Number three, practice gratitude.

[00:06:00] Cultivate a heart of gratitude for what you've already received.

[00:06:05] When we appreciate God's blessings,

[00:06:08] we're more inclined to share them with others.

[00:06:12] And finally, trust God's timing.

[00:06:16] Remember, God's blessings come in His timing.

[00:06:20] When you live generously,

[00:06:22] trust that God will provide for your needs and more,

[00:06:25] even if it doesn't happen immediately.

[00:06:29] Brothers and sisters,

[00:06:31] as we reflect on Luke 6 and 38,

[00:06:34] and Ephesians 4 and 29,

[00:06:37] let's remember that the path to an abundant life

[00:06:40] is paved with generosity,

[00:06:42] pure intentions,

[00:06:44] and a heart that seeks to honor God.

[00:06:46] When we give freely and generously,

[00:06:49] God responds with blessings that are pressed down,

[00:06:53] shaken together,

[00:06:54] and running over.

[00:06:56] It's not about what we can get,

[00:06:59] but about how we can live in a way

[00:07:01] that reflects God's love to the world.

[00:07:06] I hope this message has encouraged you

[00:07:08] to embrace a life of generous giving,

[00:07:11] not for what you can gain,

[00:07:14] but for how it brings glory to God.

[00:07:17] If this episode has blessed you,

[00:07:20] share it with someone who needs to hear it.

[00:07:24] I thank you for spending time with me on today,

[00:07:27] and I look forward to our time on tomorrow.

[00:07:30] Until then, God bless.

[00:07:39] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by

[00:07:42] C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group

[00:07:46] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.

[00:07:50] If anything you've heard poured into your life,

[00:07:54] please share it with someone.

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[00:08:07] at The Bible Speaks Online.

[00:08:09] You may contact Elgin at

[00:08:13] P.O. Box 5582,

[00:08:16] Ocala, Florida,

[00:08:19] 34478,

[00:08:21] or by email at

[00:08:25] thebiblespeaksonline

[00:08:26] at gmail.com.

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[00:08:30] Thank you.