Sunday, December 20th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Two boys who were working their way through Leland Stanford University found themselves almost without funds. One of them conceived the idea of engaging the great Polish pianist, Paderewski, for a piano recital, and devoting the profits to their board and tuition. The pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of $2,000.

The boys proceeded to stage the concert, but the proceeds totaled only $1,600. The boys sought the great artist and told him of their efforts. They gave him the entire $1,600 and a promissory note for the $400, explaining that they would earn the balance and pay it off at the earliest possible moment.

“No, boys, that won’t do,” said Paderewski. Then, tearing up the note, he returned the money to them, saying, “Now take out of the $1,600 all of your expenses, and keep ten percent of the balance for each of you for your work, and let me have the rest.”

The years rolled by. The war came, and Paderewski was striving with might and main to feed the starving thousands in his beloved Poland. There was only one man in the world who could help Paderewski.

Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution. After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent them.

“That’s quite all right, Mr. Paderewski,” was Mr. Hoover’s reply. “Besides, you don’t remember how you helped me once when I was a student working my way through Leland Stanford, and I was in a hole.”

Remember the words of the Master,

“With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
(Matt. 7:2)

At this time of year, many of us are tenderhearted toward giving. As we give, it should not be to receive, but we ultimately do get the blessing from giving.

"God, thank You for the many ways You love me and return to me as I share.
Amen."

Let Him be real in you.