Generosity is at the very foundation of God’s character. If generosity is an afterthought in your life, you have missed the heart of God. God’s desire is for our hearts to give cheerfully and full of joy. It also is that we give to Him FIRST, not as an afterthought or if there is anything left over. In fact, it is the only teaching in Scripture where God encourages us to “test Him in this.” (Malachi 3). Where is your heart and attitude when it comes to giving financially to God?
Pastor Adam reminded us today that all of us have some idea of how much money will make us “secure” and will be “enough” for us. But that amount will always move around. Generosity is not waiting until we feel financially secure and then giving. Financial generosity needs to be purposed and planned. That elusive perfect place will never be reached because there will always be something “more” or “better” regarding our financial position and security.
Finances really come down to who or what is truly Lord in your life and heart. Whose money is it really? Who gave you the resources to earn the money? Who gave you the air to breath to live another day to have earning capacity? It ALL belongs to God. How might God be calling you in the area of generosity?
INVITATION: God has shown his generosity toward you by sending His son to die on your behalf. Are you going to hold back from Him in regard to your generosity and your attitude toward generosity? It is a topic that always sounds good in theory, but its so easy for it to never become a reality and a spiritual practice. God almost DARES us to try giving to Him. Are you ready to be pro-active and begin to give to God and quit relying on that elusive place when it will be more convenient? Ask God to give you HIS heart regarding generosity as you participate in the study this week.
MONDAY: John 3:16-17 & I John 4:19: God was and continues to be pro-active in His love for you and His invitation in your life. How will you respond today and this week in regard to your attitude toward finances and who they belong to? Don’t wait until you “feel” like it, trust what God almost dares you to do in His word! Ask God to give you HIS heart toward giving.
TUESDAY: Matthew 6:8: God knows what you need. How does that bring you comfort today? How might you begin to give your burdens and needs to God on a daily basis (and then leave them with God)?
WEDNESDAY: I Timothy 6:6-10: These verses are often mis-quoted as “money is the root of all evil.” The verses state the "LOVE of money is a root of ALL SORTS of evil." What is your attitude toward money? It makes a cruel master but a wonderful servant. How might you pray today for your heart’s attitude to begin changing? What actions might you take if you are convicted that money is a master in your life? God is with you and will help you.
THURSDAY: I Timothy 6:17-18: This verse talks about the rich not putting their hope in wealth. It's sometimes easy to discount these verses by believing you’re not rich. However, if you live in the USA, you are VERY wealthy by global standards. Are you willing to ask God to show you where you place your hope?
FRIDAY: 2 Corinthians 8:11-12 & Proverbs 3:9-10: We are to give in proportion to our means and do so willingly. Some versions say “eagerly.” Does willing and/or eager describe your attitude about generosity toward God? Pastor Adam taught about giving God our “yes” BEFORE we “figure things out” and then decide about giving back to God. First fruits (from the Proverbs verse) means off the top and in the beginning. What will be your “yes” to God this week and this month?
SATURDAY: 2 Corinthians 9:10-11: What do you sense God is telling you in these verses about giving generously and with a good attitude?