Be Generous!

I try to be generous when I hear about causes and issues that need money.  Mind you, I'm not extravagant, nor do I give to every cause I hear about.  I'm rather picky actually.

As hear the Salvation Army bells, read year-end letters asking for one more "tax-deductible" gift, and watching many people struggling in a down economy, my desire grows.  I want to help, but how?  Who should I help?  How much should I give?

Sometimes I have "misgiving giving."  Whenever I am haphazard (have no plan), ignorant of how trustworthy the organization is, or when I am wondering if this will keep me from fulfilling my prior donation commitments.  I'm also uneasy whenever I feel manipulated or made to feel guilty by people asking me for money.  I want to enjoy giving!

So here are some Generosity Practices I try to live out, based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-5:
1.  Don't dwell on my circumstances-  I will never have enough money to give away, nor do I never have any money to give away.  Generosity is not about how much I have.

2.  Give according to my ability-  I can't wait for a financial windfall to become generous.  God is asking me what I'm going to do with what I already have.  My pledges and gifts must be worked out within my current budget.

3.  Give beyond my ability-  Even the poorest person can be generous.  I need to be willing to give "beyond my abilities" and watch how God enables me to do it!  I must be willing to become financially poor in order for others to become spiritually rich.

4.  Give to trustworthy people-  If I don't trust you, I won't give to you.  You may be a great person.  Your organization may be the best solution to a current problem.  But, I need to know you a bit, to trust you with my money!

That said, I start my giving by contributing at least 10% to my local church.  Here are some reasons why:
1.  I believe God tells us in Malachi 3:10 to give a tithe (10th or 10%) to the "storehouse" and test whether or not He will bless us.  I have and He has!  My storehouse is the local church, the place I get "fed" so to speak.

2.  Jesus said "I will build my church" in Matthew 16:18.  I want in on what Jesus is doing!

3.  Trust-  I believe in my church, her vision, the people, the leadership, and God's ability  to use our church to fulfill His purposes

4.  Our church focused locally and globally-  we give away at least 10% to missions  beyond ourselves.

5.  Fun-  I enjoy watching God use my money to help people spiritually and physically!

6.  Helps me grow-  I trust God more when I give, and I appreciate the accountability to our church to ensure I am keeping up to date in my giving obedience to God.  That little "giving report" I receive at the end of the year reminds me of how well I am staying committed to this.

In conclusion, here are the steps I go through when starting to give:
1.  Give myself to God first!  Pray, read God's Word,  remember that He owns everything and I am simply His manager of the resources He gave me.

2.  Give to trustworthy causes-  do my homework

3.  Give voluntarily-  2 Corinthians 9:7 says to give as I have determined in my heart, and to give cheerfully!

4.  Start with what I already have- I need to plan my giving into my current budget, according to what I have right now

5.  Live for spiritual riches-  2 Corinthians 8:9 says Jesus became poor so that I might become rich!  Giving to meet people's needs physically and spiritually in Christ's name is the only investment with an eternal reward.

Give generously and be blessed!

Occupy till I come

Luke 19:13 KJV.   Occupy in this passage means to engage in business or improve on what has been entrusted to you.  I must actively take care of all God has entrusted to me, my freedom in Christ, my marriage, my children, all my possessions, my time and health,my calling as pastor and the church God has entrusted me with to serve. 

I can't do it!  But obviously Jesus thinks I can.  Otherwise He would never have left these to my care.  So Lord, I can't,  but I believe by faith you will enable me to fulfill my responsibilities until You come.

Jesus help me!  And thank you for such a high privilege of serving You.  Forgive my absentmindedness and willful disobedience when I do not embrace my responsibility.   Have mercy on me, that I may have more time to prove my faithfulness to the task, so that You may receive more glory and many more find and follow You fully!