Willing and Able

2 Corinthians 8:12 (NIV)

12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

When people lose their why, they lose their way.  

This is why I love to give.  Christianity is not a "Got to".  It is a "Get to".

1. I am obedient because I love doing what God says.

2. I have joy in giving because it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

3. I have a covenant with God and you.

4.  I believe in the vision of my church.

5.  I position myself for God's blessings and protection.

6. I want to be an example.

7. I want to hear "well done" by Jesus one day.     

2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 11 (NIV)

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver...11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

How to Give

1.   I give intentionally. 

Mark 12:43-44  (NIV)

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

2. I give a percentage. 

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NIV)

12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

3. I give with eternity in mind. 

God has blessed me with more than I need, so I can make an eternal difference in the lives of others. 

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/willing-and-able