God's Coaching #232

God's Coaching #232

Have you ever tried sailing without the water? It doesn’t sound fun . . . or even possible. But at the annual Henley-On-Todd Regatta in Alice Springs, Australia, they have a blast! The whole series of boat races takes place in a sandy bed of the dried-up Todd River. When the bring-your-own-boat competition runs, it really runs. Racers run on foot and carry their homemade watercraft. Of course, there are also rowboats on train tracks, boogie-board towing, and sand skis that four people try to walk on at once. And the Battle Boat Spectacular is always a crowd favorite. It’s a massive water fight between Pirates, Vikings, and the Navy.

As you can probably tell, no part of the Henley-On-Todd takes itself too seriously. The whole event is about having fun and raising money for charity. The local Rotary Club sponsors the regatta to raise money for local, national, and international charity projects. Since 1962, the regatta has raised more than $1 million!

What’s the Score?

If the Henley-On-Todd Regatta teaches us anything, it’s that earning money to give to others can be fun. That’s something that God agrees with. The Bible tells us that “God loves a person who gives cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Have you ever gotten a birthday gift from someone who really didn’t want to give it to you? Maybe he threw it at you and snarled, “Take it!” Or maybe you had to pry the gift-wrapped box out of her hands. Greedy attitudes like that make you not even want the gift.

How’s your attitude when you give to God? He doesn’t need our money. Giving to his work is for our own good, not God’s. It helps us remember who really owns all our stuff. And it helps us to be thankful to God and generous toward others. Check your attitude the next time the offering plate passes at church. Plan ahead how much of your allowance you will give. Picture all the good your money can help a church or ministry do. Picture the kids or families it can help. Worship God in your heart as you hand over your cash . . . and get excited about giving.

On the Ball

List three ways you’d like to see the money you give help people. Then give it.

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2.

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Coach’s Comment

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7