I feel like I haven't been at my church much this summer. Between going to India, visiting family in Illinois, going to World Race training, and visiting a buddy in Dallas, I have missed quite a few Sundays. I was so excited to be back at Harvest Bible Chapel a couple of weeks ago when Pastor Jeff shared from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 in a series called Passages that Pump Me Up. The title of the message was Rags to Righteousness.
The timing of this message was perfect for me. I have never liked fundraising or asking people for money and I think this was God's way of showing me that fundraising is a good thing. It allows others to be generous to God and be a part of what He is doing and it causes me to humble myself and ask for help. I would like to thank everyone that has donated to my Race so far. Your generosity has truly humbled and blessed me! I'm so grateful that I have met my first two financial deadlines and will be launching in less than 2 weeks.
I encourage you to take some time and listen to the message linked above. If you don't have time, I've included some of my notes from the sermon below.
Understanding Generosity to God…
1. It is reciprocal to the amount shown (v.6) – Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2. Your motivation matters (v.7) – Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
3. It multiplies kingdom opportunities and grows Christ-like character (v. 8-11) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
-If you've made money (prosperity), you're not less spiritual, if you're poor, you're not more spiritual. -You can be poor and selfish or rich and generous.
-God is more interested in your standard of giving than of your living.
-It's about your heart. We are generous because Christ has been generous to us.
-God will always provide for our needs. His goal is the great commission.
4. Meets needs and brings God glory (v. 12-13) This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
5. Increases Christian friendships (v. 14) And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
-Don't wait until you have more or make more, do it now. If you don't give now, you won't when you make more either.
-You can't out give God.
6. Creates gratefulness (v. 15) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
-Generosity looks for opportunity to give, selfishness looks for a reason not to give.
-Ask God how you should give and where to give.
Thanks again to all of you that have supported me and helped me meet my financial deadlines! You have been a huge blessing and I am so grateful for you! If you would still like to give, there is time. You can make donations until Feb. 28, 2014. I have a couple of more deadlines to meet to reach my fundraising goals. To make a donation, please click here or on the Support Me! link on the left. All gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you. God bless.
