Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:7-8, 11-15 (day one) God is a GIVER. Generosity is one of his attributes. “For God so loved the world that he GAVE his only son.” He GIVES the Holy Spirit. He GIVES us “gifts” that equip us for service. Those who follow Christ become givers too. A selfish Christian is a contradiction in terms. It is a transformation that does not begin with money. First we give ourselves to God. (time, talent, money, attention) Second we give ourselves to the leaders that God provides. (prayers and support). “First they gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God” (vs 5) This coming Sunday we will adopt the 2012 budget for our fellowship. It is either a boring document that only an accountant could love, or it is the testimony and pledge of people who have received God’s gifts and are therefore glad to answer with gifts of our own. The wallet is never first with God. What he wants is you.
