file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread/: db940623.txt
--------------------------------------------------------

Our Daily Bread                                       Thursday, June 23 1994

                            HAVE WE LEARNED?
Read: Luke 24:44-53

You shall be witnesses to Me. -- Acts 1:8

What happens when we keep to ourselves something that, if shared with others,
would enrich their lives? We not only fail to increase their happiness, but
we rob ourselves of the joy that generosity brings.

Luigi Tarisio, who loved violins passionately, never learned that lesson. He
spent his limited income buying the finest instruments he could find. He
owned 246 exquisite violins, which were crammed into every corner of his
otherwise barren little house. And they were never played! His obsession
prevented those instruments from bringing pleasure and inspiration to other
music lovers.

Instead of following Luigi's example, we need to be motivated by the admon-
ition of Proverbs 3:27 to keep ourselves free from the guilt of witholding
good. Even more, we should be motivated by grateful obedience to Jesus Christ.
And obedience, the Savior assures us, brings joy (John 15:10-11).

As Christians, we have a message that makes the melodies of heaven flood our
souls. Our Lord gave us the mandate to share that message with everybody
everywhere (Mark 16:15). Are we keeping the heavenly harmonies of saving
grace sealed up inside ourselves, or are we obediently letting them ring out
through our lips and lives? --VCG

                          O you who are trusting Jesus,
                            Redeemed at infinite cost,
                          Are you showing Christ to others
                         And seeking to win the lost? --Gilmore

Bible in one year: 2 Kings 4-6

Thought for the day:

Joy is a byproduct of obedience

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------