Heartfelt

 “Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly.” (1 Chronicles 29:9, NASB95)Even under the days of Old Testament Law, nothing satisfied like good works done from the heart.  This seems to be a reality which is built into the very being of man.In legalism, it is possible to be technically right and spiritually wrong.  This is why Jesus said the Pharisees were like whitewashed tombs, or like vessels which were cleaned on the outside and filthy on the inside.A willing spirit is a giving spirit that springs forth from a blessed heart.A willing spirit is a rejoicing spirit.  Nothing will satisfy your own heart like the satisfaction of giving from your heart.A willing spirit causes others to rejoice.  In Jerusalem “the people,” along with King David, all “rejoiced greatly” because each had given “so willingly” and “with a whole heart.”In the New Testament we are taught that it is this kind of giving—not grudgingly or under compulsion—that satisfies both God and man (2 Cor. 9:7).To fulfill the law may have some noteworthy ramifications, but to serve, give, and witness from the overflow of grace is the kind of service, giving, and witness that will be truly fulfilling.  To serve from this overflow, invest in that which fills the heart to overflowing:  prayer, Bible Study, personal Worship. In His Grace,Dr. Randy White