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On January 21, 2012 I wrote down a quote by Richard Foster that I have gone back to repeatedly. I knew at some point I would share it. But for these few months, I have kept it to myself, allowing God to do what He must in me through it.

Just the very act of letting go of money, or some other treasure, does something within us. It destroys the demon “greed”. (Richard Foster).

It is a powerful statement.

Foe some time, I thought, “That is why I tithe”. Tithing is a discipline that truly teaches us to give back to God that which He gave us to begin with. Through the discipline of tithing, we learn to loosen our grip a little.

As the weeks passed, I realized that this “letting go” is truly a letting go of even so much more than just money. It is a letting go of ourselves. It is a letting go of time. It is a letting go of possessions.

And it is taking hold of what concerns the heart of God – people.

A few weeks ago, I read Mark Batterson’s book, “The Circle Maker”. Great book. Challenging on so many planes. But today I am brought back to a few statements he makes in the book:

  • “You’ll never outgive God. In the grand scheme of eternity, He will always give back more than you gave up.”
  • “When you live in obedience, you position yourself for blessing.”
  • “If you give beyond your ability, God will bless you beyond your ability.”Â 
  • “Have vision beyond your resources.”

The author is not only speaking of financial giving but giving in whatever way God asks of you. I have been thinking about all this since reading the quote by Foster in January. I am not even sure exactly what God would have me do with all that I am mulling. I do know this – I do not want to be stingy with God or with people. I do not want to withhold from God. I want to pry open my fingers, hold onto things loosely.

And I want to, with open hands, palms raised up, receive from Him as well.

“Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure-pressed down, shaken together, and running over-will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”Â  (Luke 6:38 HCSB).