I don’t daydream or worry about money as much as I once did.  I have had distinct “money phases” in my life.  First, I wanted it—and spent it as fast as I earned it.  Then, I got married and worried about it—and tried to save it to no avail.  Then, I daydreamed about it—thinking about what I would do when I finally had some.  Then, God taught me to give.  It wasn’t a direct lesson from Him to me.  He used a lot of people to help me understand the good advice of Jesus about making money a servant rather than a master.  My parents, my in-laws, my wife and even my children taught me many lessons about the importance of holding “stuff” loosely.  King David reminded me that “the earth is the Lord’s and everything that is in it.”  Paul reminded me that “God loves a cheerful giver.”  Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Fellow students in college reminded me that I couldn’t afford to not tithe.  Generous people in Waterloo, IA and in Lakeland, FL and in Greenville, MI all testified to God’s gracious care and I have heard many, many stories of God’s faithfulness and present reward and care.  I really love our missions weekends now because of faith promise missions giving.  I truly believe our gifts to our missions fund have made us partners with people around the world.  Their reports are an update on our global investments.  As a church family we are investing in the people of Mexico City through the Navarrete family and November 8 we’ll hear what our friends are doing to represent our wonderful God to that vast populace.  I’m looking forward to Heaven so that I can meet people from Taiwan, Laos, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Costa Rica, South Africa and other places around the world that have been reached through our missionary partners.  Giving has not only been a great tool for eternal investments but it has liberated me from constant concern about the here and now.  My Father knows what my needs are!  Giving keeps money in its proper place and our faithful Father has always cared for us.  Diane and I have some “provision stories” of our own that are unexplainable apart from God’s good care.  I think we could probably do better in giving but we are still growing and learning and God is wonderfully patient with us.  This Sunday we’ll be looking at why giving is so reasonable, I hope and pray you think so too.