Way #16: GIVE CHEERFULLY

 
GIVE CHEERFULLY. Rejoice, you get to give!  Think of giving as a privilege rather than an obligation, a joy instead of a burden. As you consider all that’s been entrusted to you—time, abilities and money – ask, “How is God calling me to share what I’ve been given?” 
 
a You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (2 Corinthians 9: 7)
 
b “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6: 38)
 
Ideas for Action: Consider making a special financial gift this week to the church or one of our mission partners. What else, besides money, can you give this week? How about your time or your forgiveness?

 

Daily Devotionals

 
MONDAY:
Luke 6:38
This might not be ground breaking information, but the hardest thing about giving is that you don’t have anymore. Money given cannot be re-spent. When you Give Cheerfully though, there is a return on investment. This passage doesn’t mean God will pay you back, but that what you receive when you Give Cheerfully will be far greater than what you gave.
PRAY: with God about what you currently use as your measure.
TUESDAY:
Luke 21:1-4
Giving Cheerfully is not about the amount. $10 or $10,000 is not the goal. The man gave for his own pride. The widow gave though she was in need. Most of us would describe it as a financially irresponsible decision, but sometimes Giving Cheerfully is a statement and question of trust. What does your giving say about you?
PRAY: through what you trust God with and what you trust money for.
WEDNESDAY:
 John 6:9
If you know the story, you know God does BIG things with those loaves and fishes. It’s easy in our math to figure out how many that would feed, how many meals a gift of $20 can buy, or how much work can be done by volunteering one morning. God must not use our math though because when we Give Cheerfully, he multiplies the effects.
PRAY: that God would multiply the gifts offered by Christians in our area.
THURSDAY:
 1 Chr. 29:6-9
The Temple was a place where for generations Israelites worshipped and found God. Each of these gifts did not merely buy something, but provided a space for God’s people to find him. We are blessed with a wonderful church building and property that has provided a space for people to meet God. When you Give Cheerfully you play a part in each of those people’s stories.
PRAY: God would show you how your gifts have impacted other’s faith.
FRIDAY:
Romans 12:1
Often money is the focus of giving and of stewardship. Scripture talks about money for good reason, but it pales in comparison to what is actually asked of us: “a living sacrifice.” All that we have and all that we are is living gift to God. If he could feed 5k with some buns and sardines, imagine what he can do with a life lived for him.
PRAY: the Spirit would grow a need and desire to give yourself to God.

SATURDAY:

Gen. 4: 3-5
Cain gave “some” fruits, Abel gave the “firstborn.” Abel gave his best to God and it was taken. How often do we give “some” instead of “first?” When you Give Cheerfully, you don’t give God your leftovers or your excess. You give Him your first and you give Him your best, not as a duty but as a joy because He is worth it and He is Lord.
PRAY: God would show you his greatness so you can see how good and mighty He is.

Devotional Guides

SERIES ONE  Printable copy of Way #16 Devotionals (Small Group Guide)
 
SERIES TWO Printable copy of Way #16 Devotionals (Series Two)