2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

After Mt. St. Helens blew up in 1980, one church needed a great deal of cleaning up. Ash was in the parking lot and all over the inside because of open windows. A woman met the pastor in the hallway on Friday and asked "Why don't we get the High School and College kids to come in and help poor Fred clean this place up? Let's get them involved." "Great idea," he said, "Would you be willing to get some women together to cook lunch for us?" "Well actually, we had plans tomorrow and I don't know when we'll be back…"

Hmmm. We always want to volunteer someone else for a job needing done, don't we? My wife tells a story about a different pastor who once said "What? You don't feel led to help clean the church? I'll tell you what, here's a pencil — come up here and feel lead!"

It's so easy to get into the mindset that serving God is a chore, it's our job, our duty — we give "valuable consideration" to our giving, as Webster describes it. The fact of the matter is that God loves a cheerful giver. He loves a volunteer. When I think of that verse, the first thing that comes to my mind is monetary giving, but God wants us to cheerfully volunteer every good thing He has so mercifully allowed us to have — things we often take for granted — our time, our energy, our abilities, our talents, our homes, our cars, our families — all that we have – all that He has cheerfully given to us!

Let's make a point to volunteer some of these things to the Lord this week. Let's begin to bless the Lord and those around us!

A wise man once said, "There's nothing more powerful than the heart of a volunteer". Webster describes a volunteer this way — one who renders a service or receives a conveyance or transfer of property without giving valuable consideration.

It's so easy to get into the mindset that serving God is a chore, it's our job, our duty — we give valuable consideration to our giving. The fact of the matter is that God loves a cheerful giver. He loves a volunteer. When I think of that verse, the first thing that comes to my mind is monetary giving, but God wants us to cheerfully volunteer every good thing He has so mercifully allowed us to have –- things we often take for granted — our time, our energy, our abilities, our talents, our homes, our cars, our families –- all that we have – all that He has cheerfully given to us!

Let's make a point to volunteer some of these things to the Lord this week. Let’s begin to bless the Lord and those around us!

by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions

Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) started last week, and it's customary to say to everyone this week — Chag Sameach, which literally means joyous festival! As we mentioned, the feast of Sukkot commemorates the time in which God led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years, providing them with every need on a daily basis — shelter, food, water and clothing. You may know that a during Sukkot, a portion of Ecclesiastes is read in the synagogues. Interestingly enough, it speaks of the vanity of materialism.

Hmm. If our focus lies on all of our abundance without acknowledging the Provider, then it is all vanity! But if our focus is on the Lord and His desire for our lives, then He will provide us with all that is pure and holy.

Let's feast in the Lord today, for all that He has provided for us this season! Let's take the time to recognize and appreciate all of the abundance God has poured upon us this past year and allow our hearts to overflow with the measure of gratitude that is appropriate given His great generosity!

by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions

Rivka, my sweet wife and wonderful mother, once said to me that she feels that she's not doing enough for the Lord. So I told her a story that I once heard.

A woman came in to see her Pastor with the very same concern. She said "Pastor, I just don't feel like I've done much for the Lord with my life…and now I'm old and tired and probably don't have much time left, or energy for that matter, to do anything great for Him."

This particular woman had raised four boys in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, three of which were doing full time missionary work in different countries and one in Bible college aspiring to the the same. "Sister," he said, I'll be lucky to get a small mansion next to your palace in Paradise".

We may not be pastors or world traveling missionaries but one thing is for sure. We each have been given gifts and abilities by the Lord for use in His Kingdom. Right now, Rivka is called to be a full-time wife and mother and do those things whole-heartedly unto the Lord. And you, perhaps, are called to minister to the Lord by being a light to your co-workers at your secular job, being available for a family member or friend in trouble, financially supporting missions around the world, or even cleaning the toilets after services at your local church.

Whatever the case, rejoice in the Lord and do it as though you're doing it for Him!

by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions

This is a sweet story we came across.

When our son Pete was six, it was a Depression year and the bare essentials were all we could afford. We felt we were richer than most people, though, in things of the mind and imagination and spirit. That was a comfort of sorts to us, but nothing a six-year-old could understand.

With Christmas a week off, we told Pete that there could not be any store-bought presents this year–for any of us. "But I'll tell you what we can do," said his father with an inspiration born of heartbreak. "We can make pictures of the presents we'd like to give each other."

For the next few days each of us worked secretly, with smirks and giggles. Somehow we did scrape together enough to buy a small tree. But we had pitifully few decorations to trim it with. Yet, on Christmas morning, never was a tree heaped with such riches! The gifts were only pictures of gifts, to be sure, cut out or drawn and colored and painted, nailed and hammered and pasted and sewed. But they were presents, luxurious beyond our dreams: A slinky black limousine and a red motor boat for Daddy. A diamond bracelet and a fur coat for me. Pete's presents were the most expensive toys cut from advertisements. Our best present to him was a picture of a fabulous camping tent, complete with Indian designs, painted, of course, by Daddy, and magnificent pictures of a swimming pool, with funny remarks by me. Daddy's best present to me was a watercolor he had painted of our dream house, white with green shutters and forsythia bushes on the lawn.

Naturally we didn't expect any "best present" from Pete. But with squeals of delight, he gave us a crayon drawing of flashy colors and the most modernistic technique. But it was unmistakably the picture of three people laughing–a man, a woman, and a little boy. They had their arms around one another and were, in a sense, one person. Under the picture he had printed just one word: US. For many years we have looked back at that day as the richest, most satisfying Christmas we have ever had. — Margery Tallcott

The most precious things in life cannot be bought with money. Let's focus on the wonderful gifts we've been given this season — family, friends and most of all, God's grace toward us in sending His Son Jesus to die in our place. Merry, merry Christmas.

During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in a bind. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia if they would bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. Each piece of jewelry he received, he would exchange for a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. These decorations would be inscribed, 'I gave gold for iron, 18l3'.

The response was overwhelming. But more importantly, the women prized these gifts from the king even more highly than their former jewelry! The reason, of course, is clear. They were proof that they had sacrificed for their king.

When we come to know our King, we, too should want to exchange the flourishes of our former life for Him. The amazing thing about our King is that He not only takes our jewels but He takes our rags too — and uses them for the good of His Kingdom!

Perhaps there are some things we need to sacrifice to him today. Let's pray and ask for His revelation. There are great things awaiting those who give.

There was a knock on Megan's door but she opened it only to find a note. It read:

I'm going to be in your neighborhood today and I would like to visit you.
Love Jesus

She couldn't believe her eyes. Jesus was coming to visit her? But her place was a mess, she still needed to shower and she didn't even have anything good to serve Him in the house. She quickly hurried out to the corner grocery store, bought a few items and headed back to clean and prepare.

On her way home, a homeless man called out. "Hey lady, I'm hungry, got anything in there for me?" She contemplated for a moment, and then replied "Really, sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm having a very important guest to prepare for — maybe next time." "No problem — thanks anyway," He said.

A part of her felt bad for the poor guy, but the feeling passed quickly. The Lord was coming and she had so much to do! As she approached her house, she noticed another note on the door.

Dearest Meg,
It was good seeing you today on your way home. I was really hungry, and hoping to have a meal with you, but maybe next time.
Loving you always,
Jesus

Let's open our eyes! There are so many needs around us and if we have not done it to the very least of His brethren, we've not done it unto Him! The Lord is visiting us today and we don't want to miss Him!

Have you ever noticed that when people are in love, they tend to forget everything else? Everything becomes secondary — cars, houses, money — nothing matters — it is all secondary to love. Then, when they fall out of love, as in a divorce, all of a sudden those things mean everything! They argue about all the little meaningless things they ever owned together. Each wants it all for himself.

The same is true with the Lord. Before we know Him, all we really have are possessions. But when we come to know God — truly know Him — those things mean very little — we're in love! We're willing to give up everything. Those people who are most in love with God and filled with His love are the least possessive and the least materialistic.

If we have been wrapped up in our possessions, we've lost sight of our greatest treasure! All that stuff means nothing. Let go of it. Return to your first love. Lighten your heart and fall in love again with the love of God!

One Sunday, a mother wanted to teach her daughter a lesson. She gave her a quarter and a dollar. "Put whichever one you want in the offering and keep the other for yourself," she told the girl. Later, the mother asked her little daughter which she had given to the Lord, the dollar or the quarter. "Well," said the girl, "I was just about to put in the dollar when the pastor said that we should all be cheerful givers. I knew I'd be a lot more cheerful if I gave the quarter, so I did."

Can you relate? Uggh. I can. We like to make sure we're all taken care of. Then, if there's more left over after that, we're cheerful to give it. This is a desire I think all of us fight. But God has called us as Christians to a much greater faith. He has called us to think creatively about the ways we can give to further His Kingdom. He's called us to give beyond our means at times — to take a step of faith and allow Him to show His faithfulness to us in return. He has called us to seek His wisdom and hear His voice in every situation – not just give the loose change that happens to be left over in our pockets from our latest lunch outing.

Let's strive to seek God about our giving. Perhaps the Lord is calling us to give in other ways than we've ever thought — of our time and effort or our possessions, an open home to a neighbor in need? Perhaps He's calling us to give more than our regular tithe to our local church body. Perhaps He is calling you to partner with us to do the work of the Lord here in Israel? Whatever the case, let's give cheerfully! There's so much work to be done!

Living by faith financially can be a wonderful thing. Back in Jesus' day, people didn't have savings and money market accounts, mutual funds, and IRA's. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that those things are bad to have. What I'm saying is that those of us who live without them have an opportunity — an opportunity to see God provide in miraculous ways!

One month when we first came to Israel, we had reached the end of our finances on a consecutive number of unexpected crises. Now we had to pay our rent and our bank account was almost totally depleted and we were getting a little nervous. "Lord!" we cried. "We came here to Israel to be a light and to do your work, what's going on?! We need a miracle!"

I kid you not. The next day, our phone rang. Someone who didn't know a thing about our ministry called to let us know that while he had been traveling in Europe he met a woman who found out he was coming to the Land soon and gave him an envelope to give us as soon as he could. Wouldn't you know it, that money was the exact figure we needed and it came just in time to pay our rent.

It wasn't long before we realized that living by faith would become a way of life for us. After a few miracles like this one, we stopped getting nervous. We knew that God would always come through.

John Guest said that "It is remarkable to think that God has given us a partnership with him in directing the course of human events. It is extraordinary to realize that our prayer can change events and circumstances in the world around us. But what is just as remarkable is that when we pray, we change. More often than not we become the answer to our own prayers as we open up ourselves to God in prayer.

If you're struggling today, struggle no longer! God is faithful! Let's ask the Lord to help us begin to see our needs as opportunities to see His miracle working power!

I heard a story once, of a chaplain who was speaking to a loyal soldier in the hospital. "Bless you son, you saved a fellow soldier’s life — and lost an arm in the great cause doing it," the chaplain said. "No," said the soldier with a smile. "I didn't lose it … I gave it.

We have so much. The Lord has blessed many of us with good health, the use of our eyes, ears, mouths, hands, feet and minds. He’s given us various talents of sorts. He’s blessed many of us with homes, cars and good paying jobs. Most importantly, He’s bestowed upon us the wonderful knowledge of His Son, Jesus.

We are all soldiers in God’s great army. In the same way this young soldier gave his arm to save a life, we should be offering our gifts toward God’s great cause of salvation for the world.

Let's make it a point to start giving consistently of the gifts God has given us, whatever they may be. After all, Jesus did not lose His life — He gave it purposefully for us, no strings attached. And there’s so much work to be done!

Our most fervent prayer for Elianna, our sweet two year old girl, is that Jesus would reveal Himself and His salvation to her in a way she can understand. Today, just before her nap, Elianna said to my wife, "I love Yeshua" ( that's Jesus in Hebrew). Elianna repeated this two or three times, clear as day. Rivka was absolutely stunned. But why should she be? The Lord hears and answers prayer.

Among those in the court of Alexander the Great was a philosopher of outstanding ability but little money. He asked Alexander for financial help and was told to draw whatever he needed from the imperial treasury. But when the man requested an amount equal to $50,000, he was refused — the treasurer needed to verify that such a large sum was authorized. When he asked Alexander, the ruler replied, "Pay the money at once. The philosopher has done me a singular honor. By the largeness of his request he shows that he has understood both my wealth and generosity."

In the same way we honor the Lord when we come to Him humbly and ask for great things.

Be encouraged and believe for great things! God has wonderful answers in store!

The following is not a true story but it's worthwhile and too good not to share!

There once was a wealthy man from upstate New York. Among other things, he owned much land, property and cattle. His beautiful estate was worth many millions. Even with all his wealth, however, he was very unhappy. His wife was growing old and the couple was childless. He had always wanted a son to carry on the family legacy.

Years later, his wife miraculously became pregnant and gave birth to a little boy. The boy was severely handicapped but the man loved him with his whole heart. When the little one was five, his mother died of cancer. Through this difficult time, his father drew closer to his special son. At thirteen, the boy's birth defects cost him his life and sadly his father, too, died shortly after, from a broken heart.

When the estate was auctioned, hundreds of bidders came from all over, as there were many beautiful antiques and such to be auctioned. Everyone sat and waited with expectancy. However, the first item offered was only a simple painting of the boy. No one was interested. They waited like vultures for the riches.

Finally, one of the housemaids, a sweet woman who helped raise the boy, offered the little she had for the picture and easily took the bid. "Wait a moment, — there's something here." he said. Everyone watched as the auctioneer ripped off an envelope taped to the back of the picture. In it was a hand written will which said: "To the person who thinks enough of my son to buy this painting, to this person I give my entire estate."

The auction was over and the greedy crowd left in an uproar.

How many of us have sought after what we thought were true riches only to find out later that our Father was prepared to give us His entire estate if we had only sought after His Son alone?

All of us are guilty of seeking out things other than Jesus alone. May God forgive us! And may we choose today, to let go of our own desires and cling to His! God has such amazing things prepared for those who do.

My wife has had an interesting life. Here, she shares a small portion of her past:

I was born in Israel. My parents divorced when I was a toddler and my mother met and married a hippie American tourist who was searching his roots in Israel at the time. Later, we went back to the States with him. Little did we realize that he was heavily addicted to drugs and this among other things made for a very unhappy family and little on which to live.

Every once in a while my father in Israel would send money for my mother to buy an airline ticket for me to visit him and the rest of my family. One particular year when I about eleven or twelve, he gave me a nice chunk of spending money for the duration of my trip, the equivalence of two hundred and fifty dollars or so. When my time in Israel that summer was coming to an end and I realized I had hardly touched that money, I decided keep it and not tell him or anyone else.  I mean, my dad had assumed I'd spent it, right? No one would have to know, "I reasoned." I'd take it back with me and have lots of money to spend when I returned to Israel the next time.

When I got back to America, I put that stash away in a little jewelry box on my dresser. No matter how poor we were, I always secretly felt rich knowing that stash was there. The next summer, my father sent for me again. Before I left, I was sure not to forget to put my saved shekels deep in my pocket, as not to lose them. I was the richest girl in the world!

But when I reached Israel this time, my father gave me money unlike the kind I had in my pocket. It looked funny — not at all like my long-awaited spending stash. It was different in color and had a different design. "That's strange," I thought, "How could this be?"

To my great dismay, the currency had changed to the New Israeli Shekel while I was away. The money I had was absolutely worthless now. I was sick to my stomach.

What a waste! And worse, I couldn't even tell my dad.

A wise man once said, "Greed is the logical result of the belief that there is no life after death. We grab what we can while we can however we can and then hold on to it hard."

Our Father has given us some spending money, hasn't He? And sadly, it is our tendency as human beings to want to keep it to ourselves. Let's not hoard what He has freely given us. Let's freely bless people around us in need, whether it is with our finances, our possessions, our time and energy or comfort. There is a lot more where those came from. And we can't take it with us anyway – the currency is different in heaven!

This Year both Christmas and Chanukah fell on the exact same date, one of only four times in the past century this has occurred. Between the two holidays, can you imagine how many gifts were given yesterday?!

However, there are many gifts we can give this holiday season, that are better than any material gift. Here's some holiday food for thought:

How about these gifts? Forgive someone who's hurt us. Ask someone we've hurt for forgiveness. Do something nice for a neighbor. Give an anonymous gift. Visit someone in the hospital or in an old age home and tell them a story or sing them a song. Invite someone for dinner who you've never thought of inviting before, like our faithful check out lady at the grocery store and her family. Freely give as God has given us. Share the greatest gifts ever, the Gospel of our Lord and the testimony of how He's worked in our lives!

Wherever or however we celebrate this holiday season, let's strive to make it FRUITful for God's Kingdom!