Have a wonderful day

Let each one give as he purposes his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

After admiring a painting in a woman’s home, I was surprised by her generosity when she took it down and gave it to me.

I’ve seen many similar acts of kindness. For years, my mother-in-law hung on to her archaic-looking refrigerator so she could give more money to the Lord’s work.

A Christian family I know had saved money to buy a new card. But when they heard of a desperate need on a mission field, they kept their old car and gave to missions instead.

I’ve also heard of a Christian businessman in Ohio who puts something in his pocket every morning to give away – a pen, a trinket, even a ten-dollar bill. As the day unfolds, he looks for someone who would be blessed by receiving a gift. "By constantly looking for an opportunity to give," he says, "I have a wonderful day."

The old saying "Takers eat well, but givers sleep well" is only partially true. According to Proverbs 11:25, givers also eat well: "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself."

We must not give grudgingly or merely out of a sense of duty but from the heart. It’s the generous, cheerful giver whom God loves (2 Corinthians 9:7). – Joanie Yoder

Give as you would to the Master

If you met His searching look;

Give as you would of your substance

If His hand the offering took. – Anon.

READ: Proverbs 11:24-31

Many people readily give

God credit, but few cheerfully give Him cash.

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 34-36

• Colossians 2