Attitude and Joy

1 Samuel 6,7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9

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

Observation:
Serving God should always be a joy, no matter what. Whether it is in giving of finances, time, energy or act of kindness, we can never out give the Lord. God gave His on and only son for me. He gave it all for my salvation. As Easter approaches, I am reminded of the incredible suffering Jesus Christ willingly went through for my salvation. He endured the taunting, the beating, the humiliation, the betrayal and finally the cross, and He did it all for me.

Application:
There is not much I can do to even come close to what He gave me. Someone once told me that the greatest gift I can give God is my life. To live for Him, to serve Him, to obey Him. This passage in 2 Corinthians 9, reminds me to live with an attitude of gratitude. Whether giving of my tithe and offering, to serving the extra mile, to loving the unlovely, to helping my bothers and sisters. I am to go all of these wholeheartedly unto the Lord, that's when its blesses Him. I want to b a cheerful giver, not a stingy person. I pray this day I will serve with a godly attitude and point people to Jesus.

Prayer:
Father thank You for sending Jesus to die for me. I thank You for this weekend and the reminder of all You did for a sinner like me. I thank You Jesus for the attitude You showed in serving me on the cross. You were beaten, bruised, mocked and humiliated for me. I ask You to search my heart Holy Spirit and convict me of attitudes that do not please You. I pray for the spirit of Christ to grow in me. I pray for opportunity to serve others this day and to point them to Christ. Father bless me and make me a blessing to all. I pray for favor today, wisdom, discernment and success. I thank You for promotion, elevation and restoration. I pray for protection for my wife, myself and our home. Bless my team today and refresh them. Unite us and keep us from the deceptions of the enemy. I pray for every volunteer leader and ask You to bless them and refresh them. Be with our students today and keep them from the snares of the enemy. I pray Your angels around them and a conviction that draws them closer to You. Bless my pastors today and our Jubilee staff. Bless our church members and lead them in these tough economic times. Bring hope to the hopeless. I pray all these in the Name Above All Names, Jesus!
Amen.