Garage Sale for GBC

We are having our first garage sale this Saturday (at this house). All proceeds are going directly to Grace Bible College of India. People have really responded to God's call to give- it's exciting! So far, we have a 50-inch plasma HD TV, a few nice gaming stations, an elliptical glider, and an HD camcorder, along with several families' worth of clothes, furniture, and knick-knacks. God is moving among the hearts of his people. Christians feel joyful and thankful to be able to give freely back to the Lord. Two hundred dollars is a lot to give as many believers tithe and already give to missions, but those same people feel blessed to be able to sacrifice material things to give money. Giving together increases our sense of community and God's purpose for our lives, to the praise of His glorious grace.

It is nevertheless tempting to think of what that money could be used for in our own lives. My mind reflects on Ananias and Sapphira and the fatal sin they committed in trying to hide their share of the profit from the Lord. That pretty much puts to rest any thought my sinful heart entertained about keeping some of the money!

My friend Deb had us reflect on the story of David and the Israelites building the temple in 1 Chronicles. It is a beautiful reminder of how we can take joy in glorifying the Lord through giving. Much of the joy of giving is lost in ritualistic tithing. I feel like this fundraising campaign has really given Beau and I our joy back as we give and plan to give and talk about giving.

Here's one of the verses we have been meditating on: "Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with awhole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly". (1 Chron 29:9)