My husband loves music and he loves to listen to music. He had upgraded the speakers and stereo in every vehicle he’s owned. Some of his music likes surprise me and some just warm my heart. One of his favorite groups to listen to are the Imperials.

A particular song that the Imperials sang reminds me of my freshman year at Cincinnati Bible College (they’ve changed the name of this school, but I have such difficultly calling it that…sorry Cincinnati Christian University). I joined a group of people who performed with puppets and muppets. We traveled around the area, set up our big stage and equipment, and then proceeded to share God’s message through these inanimate objects.

The music we used was always fun and lively, had a great message to tell, but it also needed to have some different parts going on so that each muppet could do something different. You know, like backup singers.

The song that brings back these memories is “Bread Upon the Water.” The lyrics are taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 and Luke 6:38 and if you haven’t heard it in a while, just Google it and find yourself singing along to this tune.

Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NIV) says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.”

But another section of the song quotes Jesus from Luke 6:38 (NIV). Jesus said, “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 to you.”

Oh how I wish I had been sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear these words. He wanted this crowd to get the message…give! We know Jesus shared this message on multiple occasions, but not like this. The results of our giving are immeasurable. The blessings we receive when we give go beyond anything we could ever imagine. So much so that we are unable to keep them confined. And then we need to give yet again.

There are many ways to give. We can give of our time, our talents, our money, ourselves. Maybe you can only give in one of these areas. Maybe you’re able to give in all of these areas. Whatever the case, Jesus tells us to give.

So how are you giving? Do you volunteer in your local church? If not, you need to. Your church needs you. And regardless of your talents, if your heart is in it, God will bless it. If you don’t know where to start, start by asking around and see where there is a need. I’m certain you’ll receive plenty of ideas and invitations.

I used to work with a team of ladies to plan women’s events for our church and the minister’s wife heads up this team. She closes each email to us with these words. “It’s a pleasure serving Jesus with you.” Yes, it is a pleasure to serve Jesus. It’s my pleasure.

God wants us, urges us to give. As Christ-followers, giving is part of our spiritual DNA. We cannot deny it. We must embrace and develop this area of our lives. And then we simply need to wait.

So as you listen to this song today, think of ways you can be serving Jesus!

“Bread Upon the Water”

Well there are people who think they’re not receiving

Anything from God at all

Oh they are shaken from their believin’

When they don’t see results they quickly fall

But don’t you waiver keep on living

In the way God wants you to

Don’t get discouraged keep on giving

Soon it will come back to you

Oh keep on working seeking the kingdom

Instead of working for your needs

Just keep on sharing the love of Jesus

You know growing comes from planting seeds

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave

Keep on casting your bread upon the water

Soon it’s going to come back home on every wave[i]

To listen to this song as recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band, click here!

Keep on casting…

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna