Generosity Matters...

It is undeniable that the nation's economy is in freak out mode. This morning, I was reading a pastor's blog about the letter he sent out to his congregation reminding them to continue to give sacrifically because the past few months offerings have dropped but attendance has stayed the same.

This morning coming into the office I was listening to a podcasted lesson from Andy Stanley. So far he is talking about our need to continue to be generous regardless of our 401k's, instability of the economy and the uncertainty of a breakthrough (which I believe will happen, this isn't the end of the world....I think).

We are in the last stages of securing a lease on a property that I believe whole heartedly will be our new church home. But it goes without saying, THIS IS AN UPHILL CLIMB. At this point the funds we were raising for renovation have needed to be diverted to securing the lease. At times this seems to be a confusing mess. However, I have a few thoughts that guide me as a light in these uncertain waters.

1. God is good and it is impossible to thwart His plans.
2. The deadlines of man are sometimes motivators for action other times ways for God to work miracles on our behalf.
3. I have an opportunity to show love to people and that doesn't usually cost any money.
4. When I give sacrificially and joyfully, God has a way taking care of me abundantly.
5. I give, not out of obligation, but out of a heart longing to see the unleashed love of God in Lake Worth.
6. Life is a journey, adventure, battle. God stretches us to grow us. He is still God in the challenging days and the easy ones.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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