with every promise there is a premise...

it is so important for us to see that in the bible with every promise that GOD gives to us there is a premise that we must meet.

here is the great promise from GOD in philippians 4 that paul gives, verse 19 (ms), you can be sure that GOD will take care of everything you need, HIS generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from JESUS

and here is the premise, verse 18 (ms), i do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity. and now i have it all—and keep getting more!

the promise, I will meet all your needs; the premise, i must be generous to others.

proverbs 11.25 (niv), a generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. when you're generous to others, GOD is going to be generous with you.

luke 6.38 (ms), giving, not getting, is the way. generosity begets generosity. (niv), give to others, and GOD will give to you...the measure you use for others is the one GOD will use for you. you be generous and GOD will bless you.

the premise of this promise is that we first must be generous with others. paul tells us that unless i'm obeying GOD in the matter of giving, GOD doesn't give any guarantee to meet my needs. GOD is not obligated to meet my needs if i'm not obeying what HE's told me to do. GOD says we can short circuit the power and the promise in our life. we can block the flow of blessing by being
stingy.

just a thought from the front porch…