Apr 30 - Be a Cheerful Giver "Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (that is, He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, prompt-to-do-it) giver.... And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance." (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Addison, Some people say you need to "give till it hurts." Don't you believe it. God doesn't want gifts given in pain. He wants gifts given in joy! In fact, those are the only kinds of gifts that please Him. That's why He tacked His promise of abundance onto His command about cheerful giving. The two are connected. Cheerful, full of faith, even hilarious, giving--that is the key that unlocks the treasure house of God. Have you ever seen a group of people give that way? I have. I'll never forget it. I was at a camp meeting years ago when offering time turned into a spontaneous, supernatural celebration. Ken was singing "Cast your bread upon the waters," and the people were just dancing their way down the aisles to give their money. The joy in that place was wonderful. Great healings and miracles were done that night. But what stood out to me above all was how joyously and hilariously the people brought their offerings to God. The offering wasn't extracted from them like a dentist extracts teeth. It was brought forth gladly. The concept of "giving till it hurts" didn't come from God. He would rather you give $10 with that kind of joy than $20 grudgingly. In 2 Corinthians 8:11-12, the Apostle Paul urges the church in Corinth to give with eager willingness. Eager willingness. That's what God looks for! If you haven't given that way in the past, make a firm commitment to start. Repent for the times you've given grudgingly. Then spend some serious time with God and His Word in your prayer closet, so when you give again, you can give from a willing heart. Put the "pain" of giving behind. Become a cheerful, joyous, prompt-to-do-it giver, and believe me, your blessings will abound! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture Study: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] Twitter URL www.twitter.com/OAddisonGethers -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en.
