it's the willingness that counts...

what is the spirit of CHRISTmas? it's giving. GOD gave. the wise men gave. we give. how do
you maintain the spirit of CHRISTmas the year around? become a giver. become a generous
person, helping those in need. see a need, find a need, fill it. find a hurt, heal it. share with those
around you. in a giving contest guess who wins? you can't out give GOD.

it's not by accident that the book of philippians has two major themes: joy and giving. they go
together. the happiest people are the most generous people. the most miserable people are
those who are stingy.

2 corinthians 8 is what paul said about the philippians to another group. he compares one church to another church. verses 1-9 (ms) 12 (niv), now, friends, i want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which GOD is working in the churches in macedonia (philippi) province. fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. the trial exposed their true colors: they were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. the pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. i was there and saw it for myself. they gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor CHRISTians. this was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. what explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to GOD and to us. the other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of GOD working in their lives. that's what prompted us to ask titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up. you do so well in so many things—you trust GOD, you're articulate, you're insightful, you're passionate, you love us—now, do your best in this, too. i'm not trying to order you around against your will. but by bringing in the macedonians' enthusiasm as a stimulus to your love, i am hoping to bring the best out of you. you are familiar with the generosity of our MASTER, JESUS CHRIST. rich as HE was, HE gave it all away for us—in one stroke HE became poor and we became rich... for if the willingness is there then the gift is acceptable according to what one has not according to what one does not have.

giving is a matter of willingness, not wealth. GOD couldn't care less about the amount that you
give. what HE cares about is the attitude of giving. it's the willingness not the wealth. some of you haven't learned the joy of giving yet. you give but you don't get any joy out of it. it is fun to give, because you know that you cannot out give GOD. HE more than blesses us back. i challenge you to practically discover the power and principles of this promise. become a faithful, generous person with everybody and watch what GOD does in your life. this applies to churches as well as persons. the church that gives itself away and is interested in others (missions) GOD takes care of their needs.

just a thought from the front porch…