Two-Minute Manna

You just can’t out-give God. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego gave themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord and what happened? They found favor with both God and man. When you give God your energy, talent, money, or ability, He will not “owe you one.” He’ll give back to you exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

The disciples certainly didn’t lose out by loaning their boat to use as a floating pulpit, for in return He blessed them with so many fish their boat almost sank (Luke 5). When the little boy gave his lunch to the Lord, he was one of the five thousand in attendance who were filled to overflowing (Mark 6). When the widow gave her last bit of meal and oil to Elijah, she never lacked again (1 Kings 17).

One of the great lies of Satan is to try and get kids to think that if they serve Him, they will be unpopular and ostracized. That’s just not true. Parents, show your kids the example of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Say, “Here are some young men who refused to give in to the pressures and pleasures of the world - and they found favor with God and with men as well.” Yes, you will experience persecution if you give your life to the Lord, but there will be a sterling quality about your life and an attractiveness that comes only from walking with God. Violate that and you’ll miss out on so much that God wants to do in your life.