God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Under the Old Testament law, there was a required and specific amount of one's possessions and money that had to be given. This was called a "tithe" which literally means "10%" and that is what they were required to give of their income.

Many churches today still ask for a tithe, but it is not actually a New Testament term, it is never used once and is not a requirement as in Old Testament times. Under the law one had to give a tithe, but now, under grace, we give from the overflow of our heart and lives. Today, there is not a specific amount we are required to give but because God freely gave to us His Son we freely give to those in need.

Giving looked like this in the early church: And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need...and they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.

The joy of knowing Christ caused them to want to give. The joy of knowing Christ does the same thing for us today.

There are two ministries that I want to suggest to you as excellent places for you to give.

World Vision

You've probably heard of World Vision, and, yes you can sponsor a child through them, but did you know there are other ways they care for the poor, hungry and sick around the world?

You can give chickens, goats, sheep, camels, building, wells, education, health care and much more with just a small contribution. By providing the poor with resources to raise their own crops and flocks we are "teaching them to fish" rather than giving them fish. Oh, and you can give a pond with fish and fishing gear too.

This is an amazing and wonderful AND financially responsible organization that is making a significant impact on the world. You are encouraged to check this organization out. To go to their web site click here.

Voice of the Martyrs

Did you know that Christians are being persecuted, killed and imprisoned all over the world? They are and there is a way to help from here. By giving to Voice of the Martyrs we are helping our fellow brothers and sisters wherever they live.

Here is what they do from their web site:

• - "To encourage and empower Christians to fulfill the Great Commission in areas of the world where they are persecuted for their involvement in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ. We accomplish this by providing Bibles, literature, radio broadcasts, and other forms of aid.
• - To give relief to the families of Christian martyrs in these areas of the world.
• - To equip local Christians to win to Christ their enemies who are opposed to the gospel in countries where believers are actively persecuted for their Christian witness.
• - To undertake projects of encouragement, helping believers rebuild their lives and Christian witness in countries that have formerly suffered Communist oppression.
• - To emphasize the fellowship of all believers by informing the world of atrocities committed against Christians and by remembering their courage and faith."

You can sign up for their daily devotional too which is short, powerful and life-changing. To go to their web site click here.

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We support and wholeheartedly encourage you to support these two ministries. We believe that supporting our Christian family all over the world who are being persecuted and helping the poor worldwide whatever their faith is exactly what Christ would have us do.

Whatever you can give to these ministries will be joined with what others give to make the biggest impact.

We can make a difference together.

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