GOD Loves A Cheerful Giver!

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7

Today, being Monday, the first busy day of your week, we pray that you get your 'JOY' ON and praise the LORD with us, the whole week long!

Paul is speaking about giving gifts to the LORD'S Ministers such as HIS Evangelists, Missionaries, Pastors, Teachers and Apostles. This was not a new or special teaching since it has been GOD'S standard long before Abraham.

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give...." The 'JOY' of giving is only experienced when you go beyond the requirement of giving tithe and offerings. You should always give out of your love and devotion to your LORD. The giving Christian who is living the lifestyle of giving, is living near the heart of the FATHER.

Don't become legalistic in your giving. Never give reluctantly (feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness). Never give under compulsion, (an act of compelling : the state of being compelled). The 'JOY' of giving sets you free from the love of money.

Giving to the LORD'S Ministers who are working around the world to bring the gospel of JESUS CHRIST to those who have never heard HIS Good News is the will of your HEAVENLY FATHER. The biblical gift of giving Paul referred to made it possible for him to do the work of an Apostle, just as it makes it possible for GOD'S Apostle's today.

Don't be like these people!
An Evangelist visited a church one Sunday Morning
and preached the very best sermon of his ministry.
Seeing with his own eyes that the people had been
quite blessed as the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts,
he decided today was the day the people would bless him
with an Offering covering his expenses and hopefully,
an additional blessing as well. The Evangelist took off his hat
and had an Usher pass it around the Church to one person after another.
A few minutes later, the hat returned to the Evangelist.
With excitement, he looked inside the hat only to find it empty.
Getting over the initial shock, the Evangelist lifted his hat above his head
and was heard praying in front of the entire Church;
"LORD, thank you for making the people give my hat back!"

"for GOD loves a cheerful giver" The LORD is more concerned about the size of your heart toward HIM than the size of our wallet and check book. You are blessed in special ways whenever your gifts, no matter the amount, are given with a cheerful heart. HIS 'JOY' will overtake the cheerful giver. Today and everyday, live your life in the 'JOY' of the LORD!