Eric Liddell's famous quote from Chariots of Fire was, "when I run, I feel God's pleasure."

When we manage God's resources well, we are able to be givers, and we may feel God's pleasure. Consider the following verses and write down any reflections on God's pleasure in our giving.

1. God's Pleasure

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- He gave his son: willingly, cheerfully, expectantly

2. Jesus' Pleasure

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

"for the joy set before him ,endured the cross"

Luke 9:57-58
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

Jesus chose a lifestyle that was challenging, even by choosing to come here rather than stay in heaven.

3. Our Pleasure

Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Blessed = exceedingly happy

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

"God loves a cheerful giver." Giving is our pleasure.

What do you picture when you think about God's pleasure in giving?

Addendum: Making a Cash Flow Plan (Budget)

A budget tells your money where to go rather than you wondering where it went!

- If you make Rs.20,000 plus per month for 10 years, you have more than Rs.24 lakhs going through your account!

- Make a budget. For every Rupee of income you must be assign a category for spending so that income - expenses = ZERO.

- The challenge is to balance your budget - every month!

- If you need help, talk to your leader and get a monthly budget sheet. Fill it out with every expense for the month

- Expenses includes: Contribution, House rent, School Fees, Water, Electricity, Gas, Petrol, Travel, Groceries, Clothing, EMI, Eating Out, Personal Care (hair, nails, etc.), Medical, Entertainment (movies, sports), Gifts, and Savings.

- None of us are good at budgeting when we start!

- Don't get discouraged! It typically takes three months to get "good" at budgeting

- You work too hard to earn your lakhs only to let that money be lost!

- Take help. Get an accountability partner!