LAST CHANCE

I received many emails towards the end of 2013 reminding me it was the "last chance " to donate for the year for tax purposes. Over and over these emails and snail mail reminders came. But really truly we always have a chance to make a difference in God's kingdom. Do not do it just in tax season. Every season is an opportunity to give in God's kingdom.

We give because we want to give or at least that is the way it should be. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7(NIV) we are told of the cheerful giver. It says in those verses 'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'

Hopefully you do "sow" financially into God's kingdom and not just for the tax benefit. Your heavenly benefits are much greater than anything our tax system will do for us. But remember to do it cheerfully and not be thinking "I hate having to give this". If you have trouble giving what is really God's blessing to you anyway, check your heart and see if He, in fact, really does have first place.

PRAYER: I thank you for all your blessings give us in abundance each and every day. It is easy to let money consume us and then to forget to give you any of what we have earned. Thank you that I know it all belongs to you anyway. Give me a generous heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CHEERFUL GIVER

Christmas is more than gifts, although it seems many people hyper focus on that aspect of it. They feel bad if someone gives them a gift and they have nothing to give them back. The whole point is to do what is in your heart and not stress over it. If you don't feel like buying gifts then don't. But if you do give gifts, do it cheerfully and not in a mandatory frame of mind. Also when you are given a gift receive it with joy and do not feel bad.

It is sort of like offering time in church. There may be those who feel obligated to give but in their hearts do not want to. When it comes to money and offerings in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7(NIV) it says 'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'

Enjoy the Christmas season for what it truly is, Jesus' birthday celebration. The Life is Good company has a motto that says "Do What You Like, Like What You Do" and that sort of goes for gift giving. Do not try to live up to someone else's expectations but relax and enjoy this time of year and try to keep the peace of God in your heat. Step back and ask what is truly important.

PRAYER: Thank you for the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. At this time of year help me Lord not get so wound tight that I can not truly celebrate. Help me receive joyfully and give joyfully but best of all to not worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.