Today was my day to bake. On Wednesdays, I make the desserts for FBC Cafe. Today I made chocolate chip cookies. My friend Michele Green gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread, so I decided to go ahead and bake that, as well. This recipe requires some persistence, because each day for ten days there is something that must be done to the starter to prepare it for its final end product, bread batter. In the process of making the batter, you have to divide a portion of it to make starters for other friends, hence the name.
The idea is intriguing: Before you make the bread, you set aside a portion for someone else. Sound familiar? It is like giving a portion of what we've received to the Lord. The beauty of this bread, and how it further illustrates giving to the Lord (or tithing) is that you start with a small portion of what you've been given and this small portion multiplies and benefits others. What Michele gave me benefits me and my family, and three other families that I will give starters to. We give a portion of what God has given to us, and others receive the benefit of this. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
I certainly welcome God's outpouring. To receive it, though, I have to give generously. I could keep all of my Friendship Bread starters for myself, and I would have more bread than I need. But, I don't want to hoard the blessing. I want to pass it along. I would much rather be a conduit of God's blessings than a hoarder of blessings only for myself. It is truly better to give than to receive.
I hope that you'll allow God to use you to bless others. Who wants a slice of Friendship Bread?
Blessings and peace to you,
Jennifer
