Good Day To You,

When I was going to my Sunday school class as a 6 and 7 year old at our church, there was a special cool gadget that the teacher used every Sunday. When it was time for the weekly collection of our small coins for the missions offering, our teacher would bring out a single room, church chapel with a tall steeple, a well-made metal model. When you inserted your quarter or dime into the slot in the roof of the chapel, it would complete the electrical circuit inside and the beacon at the top of the steeple would light up. My goodness it was exciting and fun to give each Sunday.

“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Cor. 9:7

This scripture shows that my Sunday school teacher was on to something all along. That when you give to the things of God’s work, make sure that it's from a place of gratitude and joy in your heart. To cheerfully give your gift implies that you look forward to the act and that you’re not doing it under duress or legalism. Seems to me that giving with gratitude not only releases the funds to further the Kingdom, but fosters the right mental and emotional experience in the giver, for a lasting fulfillment. No wonder then that Jesus said; “It is more blessed (happy) to give than to receive.”

We also see that God the Father loves this kind of giving. He loves and approves of these acts of generosity coupled with joy. And if he loves something he tends to reward it so that it takes place again.

So let’s make sure that our generosity to our church and its ministries is coming from a grateful heart, and we will enjoy wonderful fulfillment and witness the approval of Heaven.

Q: What arcade game swallowed your quarters when you were a kid?

Q: Who or what has brought about a greater grace or freedom into your life that you are so grateful for and should cause you to complete the circle with generosity ?