generosity

Give it Away

Give it Away

A Different Approach to Giving

Our world faces a growing gap between the wealthy and the less fortunate. Society calls for justice and equality.

Some propose redistributing wealth, like Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. However, this approach raises questions of fairness, especially when considering those who earned their wealth through hard work.

As Christians, shouldn’t we take personal responsibility for caring for our neighbors instead of relying solely on the government?

A Bold Idea: Giving It All Away

To demonstrate the joy of giving, I had an idea: we would collect the Sunday morning offering as usual, but the following Sunday, we would give it all away.

After discussing it with our church leadership, we received an offering of just over $1600. The next Sunday, we prepared 80 envelopes with $20 each and gave one to everyone who attended; if you were old enough to walk, you got an envelope!

Biblical Foundation of Giving

I shared a message on giving, focusing on Matthew 6:1-4

Impact of Secret Giving

We challenged our congregation to secretly give the $20 to someone in need. Stories soon emerged: some used the money to provide meals for families, others bought groceries for those struggling.

One young boy secretly gave his $20 to an elderly woman in a grocery store. The impact of these acts of kindness was profound.

Rewards of Generosity

While giving away the offering seemed impractical at the time, God more than compensated for what we gave.

As followers of Jesus, we are Ambassadors of His Kingdom. We are called to demonstrate His love, not delegate it to a broken government.

Practical Ways to Practice Generous Giving

Here are some practical ways to start practicing generous giving:

Simple Acts of Kindness

  • If you can afford to dine out, consider setting aside a larger tip to bless your server; perhaps nearly as much as your dinner bill.
  • Pray for guidance to identify a family in need and then follow through with a blessing.

Thoughtful Gifts

  • Place one or two hundred dollar bills in a “Thinking of You” card with a simple message of encouragement; and and an ambassador of Jesus; sign His Name to the card.

The Gift of Time

Remember, your time is also valuable. Offering friendship and support can be a priceless blessing too.

Conclusion: Be an Ambassador of Generosity

As ambassadors of Christ, we have the authority to act in His name.

Embrace generosity and experience the joy of blessing others.

Be a blessing, and you will be blessed.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

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Heavenly Treasure

Heavenly Treasure

In a world often obsessed with material wealth, Jesus offers a different perspective. Luke 12:33 reads:

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” (NIV)

Luke 12:33

This verse challenges our understanding of true wealth and where our priorities should lie.

Earthly vs. Heavenly Riches

Jesus contrasts two types of wealth:

  • Earthly Possessions: These are temporary and can be lost or stolen.
  • Heavenly Treasure: This refers to spiritual riches, which are eternal and secure.

Investing in Eternity

This verse isn’t a call for literal poverty, but a challenge to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions. It encourages us to:

  • Reevaluate Our Priorities: Consider what truly matters in life and realign our spending accordingly.
  • Practice Generosity: Give freely to those in need, recognizing that our true wealth is in heaven.
  • Seek Spiritual Riches: Invest time and energy in building our relationship with God.

Living with Eternal Perspective

Living with a heavenly perspective doesn’t mean ignoring earthly needs. It means finding balance between material and spiritual pursuits. By focusing on building our heavenly treasure, we find lasting peace and fulfillment.

Luke 12:33 is a call to action. It challenges us to consider our priorities and to invest in what truly matters: our relationship with God and the eternal riches of His kingdom.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Trust
Riches to Relationship

Riches to Relationship

Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

What’s Holding You Back?

When the rich young ruler sought Jesus, Christ perceived the hidden barrier keeping him from full surrender – his wealth. Though morally upright, money owned his heart.

Jesus longs for our absolute affection and willingness to leave everything to gain Him.

What comfort, possession, or dream might you struggle to release? Identify potential competitors to God’s reign.

Trading Earthly Treasures

Jesus invites the young man to exchange fleeting riches for eternal reward by liquidating assets to bless the poor.

Helping the needy reflects Christlike compassion that stores up heavenly treasure.

As we detach from materialism, we gain deeper intimacy with God. He fills the gaps left by forfeited idols. The trade is always worth it!

Lord, You’re My Greatest Treasure

Jesus, reveal any subtle thing wrestling within me to lay everything at Your feet. Riches mean nothing compared to knowing and following You. Give me grace to cling to You alone as my greatest treasure and joy.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
For the Love of Money

For the Love of Money

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Money is the root of all evil”?

It’s a common saying that often gets misquoted. In reality, the Bible tells us something slightly different. In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

Notice that it’s not money itself that is the root of evil, but rather the love of money. This distinction is important to understand.

Money, in and of itself, is a neutral tool that can be used for good or for harm. It’s our attitude and relationship toward money that can lead to destructive outcomes.

When we become consumed by the love of money, it can distort our priorities and values.

We may become driven by greed, envy, and selfishness, which can lead to all sorts of harmful behaviors and attitudes.

Paul’s warning serves as a reminder for us to examine our hearts and attitudes toward money. Instead of letting it control us, we are called to be good stewards of the resources we have been given.

It’s about recognizing that our ultimate security and satisfaction come from God, not from material possessions.

Cultivating a heart of generosity, contentment, and wise financial management, we can ensure that money serves as a means to bless others and advance God’s kingdom, rather than a source of corruption and evil.

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Giving