Did you know that Jesus talked a lot about money? It wasn't because He needed any, it was because He knew that to human beings, money is an extremely important part of life. Jesus also knew that if we weren't careful, money could become a "god" to us.

The best way to keep your attitude right about money is to give it away. Generosity is a greed-killer. It takes the focus of your life off of yourself and on to God and others.

How does the Bible say I should give?

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7)

Giving isn't some chore we are forced to perform, it is a joy! God loves a cheerful giver! Pray and ask God to help you decide what you should give. Many people have found that giving a certain percentage of their income is a good way to practice generosity.

What should I give to?

- People I know who are in need. Do you have a family member or friend who is struggling? Exercise your generosity by giving them a "secret" gift.

- Your church. Churches help people learn about God and provide a place where people can worship Him. It's a good idea to contribute to your church regularly.

- Mission groups. Mission groups help share the message of Jesus with people around the world, by printing Bibles in different languages, broadcasting the gospel on the radio, sharing Jesus in places where people don't know about Him (missionaries), helping the poor, etc. Often after you give you a mission group, they'll send you reports of how things are going. (Need some ideas of good mission groups? See the end of this email.)

What if I don't have much to give?

"If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have" (2 Cor. 8:12).

In other words, God isn't impressed by the amount you give, He's impressed by your heart attitude of generosity, even if you don't have much to start with!

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Mission Groups to Check Out

Gospel for Asia -- takes the message Jesus to people who have never heard about Him before in places like India.

Open Doors -- distributes Bibles and helps believers in countries where Christianity has been outlawed or where believers face persecution.

Trans World Radio -- has stations all across the world that broadcast the Bible's message in many different languages.

Christian Blind Mission -- helps people across the world who are struggling with eye problems and blindness to get the medical attention they need, and to share Jesus with them.

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Email Archive by Daniel W.Jarvis, Issue 2.66
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