Courageous Giving

One little girl wrote this letter to her pastor: Dear pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the offering plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance.

Well this little girl kind of reflects what many of us think about money. If I had more I'd give more. That principal is true and false. It is true if you are committed to give 10% of your income, then more money means giving more. It is also false because anyone can be a giver and giving is an attitude of the heart.

When we consider giving we are not just talking about money we are talking about our time, our talents, our resources and our things. We need to hold lightly the things we have and make them available to His kingdom.

Tithing is not a money issue. It is 100% a matter of trust, trust in God. Do we really believe that if we give to Him that He can take care of us with less. The reality is giving to God does not take money from our account, it actually is an investment in His account which is sewing good seed. God loves it when we are cheerful givers.

 

Here are some great versus and principals about giving. Study them and see what God has to say to your heart:

Acts 20:35
John 3:16
Acts 3:3-6
Matt 25:31-46
Malachi 3:8-12
2 Cor 9:6-7  
Principal 1 We should be generous in what we give
Principal 2 We should give cheerfully
Principal 3 Giving is a heart issue
Acts 11:29
Principal 4 Tithes and offerings are a blessing for others
1 Cor 16:1-4
Principal 5 Giving requires sacrifice
2 Cor 8:1-4
Principal 6 Anyone can be a giver, its not based on what you have.

As a practical application of giving we had an amazing night with 15 students from STU. We have been inviting students to come and have a hot meal every month with us and a time of fellowship. We had so much food and so much fun. The students commented on how this is something they look forward to every month as they get to eat great food. We look forward to it as well.

Jesus was teaching those around Him about giving. He said that when we do it unto the least of these, we do it unto Him. He said when you see the hungry feed them, when we see... I know you've already the scripture, right!

Here is the challenge! Are you and I willing to be courageous in our giving. We need to be! Let's stretch our faith together and impact this world for Jesus!

Upcoming event: Courageous Movie, Friday March 30th @7:00

Take this opportunity to invite a friend to a life changing night!