Give till You Smile!

2 Corinthians 9 encourages us to remember: "A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving".

I am trying to be generous on every occasion. Some time ago at our church we made a decision in the fall that every time we came to the church for worship we would be prepared to give something. It occupied our mind and was a priority to us. It was the most fruitful season we ever had at our church! In order to be fruitful my priorities must be right. There have been many times in my life when I gave my time, talent and treasure to the Lord only after I had used them for something else. It was not my first thought. One day that all changed:)

There is a biblical principle that encourages us to give to the Lord first. It should be easy as He has already given to you and me...he gave his life! Recognize that whatever we plant in what God is doing is going to produce a harvest. If I am short on time I need to invest some volunteer hours to help out a ministry or business. If I am lacking financially then it only stands to reason that I would need to plant some finances. How much? 

That's something to pray about. But really pray about it. I say just give generously. Do the best you can with what you have and as the Lord adds to you, give more. We must keep going through thick and thin, feast and famine for it is God who will bring us exactly what we need. Be consistent.

Take some time to think it over today. Are you a giver? Do you give your offerings reluctantly or with joy? God loves a cheerful giver! Don't give till it hurts: give till you smile! Make up your mind today to be a blessing to someone else. Be a delightful giver and bless your church, your friends...even your boss! Whatever you plant will come back to you!