I think I got it*

All, these years of being a Christian, some 28 years since that night in January 1984 when I recommitted my life to God. I grew up in church, was taught from an early age to tithe. I believe I have been blessed because of that practice. I remember trying to be a cheerful giver and giving anyway hoping God would bring the Joy later. I remember one time thinking that it is actually a form of worship etc. But one of the key verses of the Bible that almost everyone has heard, tells us "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We hear the story of the good samaritan, that took care of the man left for dead at the side of the road, then left money to care for him until he returned. We hear of the rich young ruler, whom Jesus told " sell all you have and give it to the poor". Example after example of financial giving. This financial giving is oftimes used to demonstrate love for others. I saw a video clip of I think it was Dave Ramsey, talking about this subject. He was saying when he started out as a Christian, and people were telling him to give, that God needs my money, he didn't understand it came from God. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and created the hills underneath them. He created the stars, the galaxy, etc. and he laughs, how funny is that God doesn't need my money. Then the church needs my money, and just like me you may be a trustee or even a treasurer of a church and you see the bills that need to need to be paid, and you think the church needs my money. Then you see a church with a budget 100 times or more than my measly budget and you realize the church don't need my money. They have more than I have already and God always takes care of their needs. I remember Pastor Johns saying if the church needed a battleship it will be in the harbor. We are created in the image of God, the Bible is there to help us become more like Jesus. As we read John 3:16 above, greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. God gave his only begotten Son. God feeds the sparrows. God provides for us day by day. Who is a better giver than God? Who can out give God? He already owns it, if he decided to take me there would just be a grease spot where I was. It is actually funny, God needs my money. He wants us to be givers, followers of his example. That is who God is, a giver. Noone on earth can compare with, or even come close to his giving. That is part of being like him, a giver. Think of some of the greatest examples you know of, they were givers, not selfish. God doesn't need our money, he wants us to be like him. It is funny to think about it, to think God needs our money. God bless, LVZ.