simple steps

giving

GOD IS A GIVER, NOT A TAKER

SIMPLE INSIGHT: God is a giver, not a taker.  In a world where people are weary of being ripped off, God stands as One who gives freely without strings attached.  Because He is that way, we want to be that way as well.  We want people to see the change Jesus has done through us.  We want to help meet people’s needs outside the church (called offerings), as well as give to our church home where we come to worship together (called tithes or a tenth).  Those “tithes” are used to support the ministers & ministry done through that local church.  It’s not about us, but about Him!  Check out Matthew 6:1-4

SIMPLE PRACTICE:  Give to someone in need this week or to your home church.  You’ll find God blessing your heart through it.  It’s partly what He’s made you for!

“Lord, I want to be a giver just like You are to me.  Help me to be a blessing to others and to my church that I may live for something more than me.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen
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GIVING IS NOT A "HAVE TO", BUT A "GET TO"

SIMPLE INSIGHT: Giving is not a “have to”, but a “get to”.  God doesn’t need your money to survive.  He owns everything.  What He’s after is your heart in the matter.  When we see giving in the right perspective it is a wonderful & honorable thing.  I “get to” give and be a blessing to others!  I “get to” give and see God work through my church!  I “get to” give that others may come to know Jesus like I have!  Check out 2 Corinthians 8:9

SIMPLE PRACTICE: find a “get to” moment in your giving this week.  Give your time to serve, your talents to help, your finances to support, etc.  There is incredible joy in giving rightly.

“Lord, I want to be excited about giving.  That through it I am doing great things in the lives of others.  You came and gave to me so joyously.  Work that joy in my heart.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen

GIVING FINANCIALLY IS NOT A CEILING TO REACH,

BUT A STARTING POINT TO LAUNCH FROM

SIMPLE INSIGHT: Giving financially is not a ceiling to reach, but a starting point to launch from.  For some it’s hard to think about giving a certain percentage away.  Money doesn’t grow on trees!  For many it’s hard to think of giving 10% when they aren’t used to it.  So start small and work up from there.  Make every year a bit more.  Giving is a sacrifice and should cost us something.  But let the Spirit lead you in what that amount is.  Were not paying dues or earning God’s favor through it.  We are simply responding in a practical way to His wonderful love and care for us.  Check out 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

SIMPLE PRACTICE: This week, start small in your giving and grow it from there as the Spirit of God leads you.  Often you’ll find that as you start to give, God blesses you for it.  And then you’ll want to be used in that way more and more!

“Lord, you know I struggle with giving sometimes.  Help me to let go of that grip on my heart.  I want to be Your conduit to bless others with what You’ve put in my hands.  I want to grow in my giving to my church and others.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen"