2 Corinthians 9

Paul encourages the Corinthian church about their ministry and sends brothers of the faith (Titus and two other men, referenced in 2 Cor 8:16-24). He wants the church to be ready and to demonstrate to the Macedonians that they are ready, willing and able to provide financially for the church in Jerusalem.

Verse 7 is a great verse to consider right now during our LAUNCH campaign.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

This should be a theme verse for everyone in our church body right now, as they pray through what they are considering giving to the campaign. God doesn't want people to give to this campaign reluctantly or with bitterness. He wants people to love Him so much that, out of that abundance of love, they are exciting to be a part of this campaign. God wants people to look at this opportunity and worship Him by giving with a cheerful heart -- a heart that is excited to be a part of what God is doing at Hutto Bible Church.

Finally, Paul closes with a reminder that by providing generously, not only would the church be able to meet the needs of those around them, it would serve as an expression of thanksgiving to God.

As I am praying through the first fruits and two-year commitment to our church, this chapter is especially relevant. God has a plan for Hutto Bible Church in the city of Hutto. He doesn't need my money to accomplish His goals in this city. He can do far more abundantly than I can even conceive. I need to prayerfully consider what makes sense for me to give to God in context of my personal situation. I shouldn't feel compelled to give based on some percentage (tithing from Old Testament) or some arbitrary number that someone else has mentioned to me in passing. This is something between the Lord and my family. God loves a cheerful giver and I want to be part of what He is doing in this community.

Lord, thanks for giving me an opportunity to worship You through my giving. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you at Hutto Bible. You have instructed us to be faithful with what You have given us and I hope to be found faithful in my giving. I want to reach the community and the next generation of believers in Hutto. Please guide me in my decision on giving where I am giving with a cheerful heart and out of my love for You. In Jesus name, Amen.

JASON WORTHEN | Elder

Jason and Larissa were part of the founding members of Hutto Bible Church in 2007. Previously, they attended Hill County Bible Church Pflugerville for nearly six years. They have been married for 16 years and have three daughters: Elisabeth, Sarah and Rebekah. Jason is employed by General Motors and Larissa is a stay-at-home mom who works three times as hard. Jason put his trust in Christ in 2003 when he was attending Bible Study Fellowship in Austin. Both Jason and Larissa have served in Children’s Ministry, Student Ministry and in an elder capacity.