What gives?

However we choose to label it, collection, offering, tithe...when it comes to giving God our money this is a question that I believe we in the Body need to ask ourselves: "what gives, selfish ambition or selfless gratitude"?
Recently I was at a church service where there was a message given just for the offering. This is not at all uncommon, in fact, many churches choose to devote a good portion of the time to giving a 'mini' message in preparation for the offering. It seems this time is devoted to enticing the congregation to give, an attempt to convince people to be generous. I know people who label those who give these talks 'professional beggars', and personally, it's not hard to see why that is the opinion of some.
My question is, should people need convincing in order to give, and what is the motive of those who are making the plea?
I believe the act of giving money is a very important part of worship, money generally is what people hold onto the tightest, it can certainly be a master, and so to give to the Lord can be a sincere and powerful method of exspressing love, gratitude, adoration and trust to our God. However, if one is needed to be convinced to give or to give more by some preacher, is it a true offering? Can an offering or worship be genuine if it takes a preacher to play on peoples emotions (particularly guilt or shame) rather then coming from ones heart. Should we not come prepared to give, and if not, then does it impress the Lord to give becasue some person in a suit told us to?
I genuinly belive that if we give to the Lord he will bless us, in abudance, for what is given. I may even go as far to say that it is a spiritual law that if we give we will recieve what is given in return in increase, we simply cannot out - give God! However, the problem with the prosperity doctrine is not the principle, but the heart behind it. Although I belive if we give we will get, we should NEVER give to get. Unfortuanly this line has been blurred and very often we are told to 'sow in', to give that we may be blessed or recieve a greater abundance. This is ridiculous, evil, and the antithesis of the Gospel. Freely we have recieved, freely give.
Although we should not give to recieve, it is easy to see how many people choose to give at such a temptation. Is the God who gave His Son impressed when we empty our wallets so that He will refill them again? We should be on our knees in gratitude for His person and generousity, He owes us nothing and we owe Him everything! And He gives to us DESPITE of us.
Motive of the heart is so important, and I hope peoplel will prayfully consider when paying a huge sum to see some preacher come by; even if it is a conference, I simply don't belive in paying to go to church! Surely a homeless person has the right to attend a church conference? If preachers have faith for our finances when we give where is there faith for there finances rather then begging the people for it? Perhaps some people are happy to pay for a word or experience but in my unprofessional opinion this is lunacy!!
Why I am ranting, I understand itinarant ministers need support, but love offerings should be the essence of that they preach. Further, why is it that we must give to a particlar ministriy or church alone when we are in there services, that God will bless us if we give to them alone? Give your offering to aids research or to human trafficking instead, and give what is on your heart, even if it hurts.
Ask youself...'what gives?!"