"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." --JESUS CHRIST

       Show me a giving, sharing person, and I'll show you a happy person! On the other hand, a stingy individual is usually taken up with himself and others of "the same ilk", and soon tires of both himself and them!

       Those kind of people are most often selfish, grabby and critical of others.  They are usually insecure because they trust only in themselves, rather than having faith in God and their fellowmen!  After a time of self-adulation, the "self-made man" loses faith in his own ability and the system that "created him"! Consequently, such a person is most unhappy, depressed and a candidate for ulcers!

       Some of the happiest people I have met, are dedicated seniors who live only for their families, doting on the "little ones", counseling their children or entertaining guests who "drop by"!

       What makes this country function, is not the bloated beurocrat or politician, but the dedicated moms and dads who rise early in the morning to help their kids deliver newspapers and who spend countless hours driving them to music lessons, hockey or baseball practice and Sunday School!

       Let's not forget the thousands of community workers who continually give their time, money and effort in working to help the under-privileged, and be a blessing to their fellowman!

       I've met a lot of these special people - during four decades of Christian Ministry - many of which are unheralded and unsung.  And without doubt, these are the real backbone of Canada's homes, churches and communities!

              KATIE KUTRYK: ONE IN A MILLION!

I'm referring to people like Katie Kutryk, who passed away a number of years ago at 88 years of age.  A woman who never missed a beat for Jesus, the Church or her family!

       Katie was "always there" for us all; an example extra-ordinaire, of Christian loving, giving and sharing the gospel of Christ in her daily living.  She utilized every opportunity to testify, give to missions and support her Church and pastor!  We all miss her dearly!

       My son Ken, director of pastoral counseling for the Alberta District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, put Katie's life in perspective by sharing the following at her funeral:

       "Several years ago, a number of Edmonton Churches united for a gospel outreach.  The weather turned bitterly cold and attendance was poor.  As I was hurrying towards the auditorium, a lone figure stepped off the bus and headed against the wind, in the same direction.

       "It was Katie Kutryk.  While others had stayed home to enjoy their fireplaces, Katie had come to serve!"

       Here's a little poem which I hope will be an inspiration to you.  We found it inscribed on a restaurant place mat.  The last six lines were added by myself.

GIFTS

To your enemy....forgiveness
To your opponent....tolerance
To a friend....your heart
To a customer....service
To all men....charity

To every child....a good example
To yourself....respect
To your spouse....trust
To your employer....loyalty
To elected officials....your prayers
To your Minister....dedication
To Jesus Christ....your life
To your fellowman....your best!

       Jesus said, "...Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you". (Matt. 5:44)

       It is difficult to be tolerant and caring to those who misunderstand or abuse us, but the Holy Spirit gives the necessary help to do so.  To be tolerant however, does not mean that you must compromise your principles!

       Let us all seek to be servers and givers, rather than always demanding others to serve us.  And remember that true charity or 'agape' love goes the "second mile"! Bible Articles >Bible articles Secret to success >Bible articles on Giving receiving secrets >Bible articles Secret to Success > to Receiving >Bible sermons >Give and you will receive
THE YOUTH ARE WATCHING US!

What our young people need today, is a definite example of godly principles exhibited by adults.  There is nothing worse than being a hypocrite! Bible Articles >Bible articles Secret to success >Bible articles on Giving receiving secrets >Bible articles Secret to Success > to Receiving >Bible sermons >Give and you will receive >BIBLE Messages
The Bible says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." (Prov. 22:1)  In order to respect others, their property and their rights, we must first respect ourselves and our own property!

       Building strong families, requires husbands and wives to show love, affection and trust toward one another, in public and private! Something that is sadly lacking in Canada today, is the old fashioned "Protestant work ethic" that built this country!

       It is important for employees to be loyal to their employers, by putting in a good day's work, and those who pay the salaries must be fair to their employees! Our government leaders and elected officials need our prayers and support, as do our pastors and gospel ministers who labour among us for the common good of all!

       To follow Jesus Christ and His teachings is not easy, but so rewarding!  He said, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me". (Mark 8:34)

       In my opinion, if all Christians in Canada would begin to practice the gospel of Christ, we would not only solve our own problems but those of other nations as well.