Deuteronomy 12:7 There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.

I noticed quite a few years ago that in the Law of Moses, the tithe was often consumed by the people giving it. The thing is, God doesn’t need our money, or anything else material we could give Him, but we need to acknowledge Him as our Source. Of course, buildings and such need to be maintained, and full-time workers need to be supported, and there is no end to worthy causes, but the most important factor is the awareness that “This is given to God.” And God wants us to have a good time doing it! At the very least, there is to be a sense of satisfaction that we are able to give to God, that He has blessed us with abilities and we have made use of them. In the New Testament, Paul famously stated that “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) In that case, Paul was talking about financial gifts for those in need elsewhere, but the principle is actually the same. We are to give because God has given to us, and we are to have a good time doing it. As Paul quoted Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

I think we do fairly well about this here. Several years ago someone commented, after looking at our church website, “Do you do anything besides eat?” We do like to eat together! That has cut back in recent years because of my wife’s physical issues, since she has been the chief cook around here, but every 5^th Sunday we have a potluck dinner that is a real delight. On the 11^th we will be having a BBQ in the church parking lot, and I’ve already taken fliers around to the neighbors to invite them to participate. Rejoicing before the Lord is powerful evangelism! Repentance is serious business indeed, but it opens the door to joy and laughter, and that can be a powerful incentive. Dour Christians are anti-evangelistic! I am to express God’s love and grace in fully attractive ways, not hiding the elements of repentance and commitment, but letting people know that following God is ultimately the best course, whatever might happen along the way.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the BBQ we have planned. Help me be obedient and effective in delegation, not feeling like I have to do it all. That gets old very quickly! May we indeed rejoice before You, and in the process draw others into Your family as well, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!