The POWER of Generosity
Today has to rank up there as one of the highlights in ministry for me. Only God deserves the credit for sowing this seed in my heart and then affirming it through the visionary spirit of the fantastic leaders He has raised up to serve with me. Sometimes when I have thoughts about doing something “out of the box” from the ‘norm’ of Christian experience, I think: “God, are you telling us to do that?” Sometimes I wait a little and God sends further confirmation. Trust me, there is nothing quite like hearing a clear message from God and being able with confidence to say — “This is what God wants us to do!” This is why and this is how we will get it done!
A few people thought I really lost my mind today! You should have seen the looks on people’s faces when I said: “Today, I am going to do something I’ve never done in over 20 years of ministry.” Then when I began to explain that we were going to reverse the ‘giving’ and people were to take money out of the offering bags, some people wrinkled their brow and looked like someone just hit them in the head with a pool stick! I also saw a number of people wiping tears from their eyes as I shared why we were doing this. I think it made people feel good to know that we were trusting them to DO the right things with God’s money.
I just read a comment on the blog site from Corrie and Carrie! They had an incredible opportunity to help someone today because they were entrusted with God’s resources. WAY TO GO GUYS! That’s what its all about. I immediately thought, isn’t it amazing how this man’s life was touched today because the money was given in Jesus’ name! He would not have taken it if they had not shared why they were giving it! That’s incredible. Don’t forget to go to the site and share your stories (and read the ones that are posted this week). The address is: payitforward.cc.
The most exciting thing that is going to happen is how people will have the chance to see God and His people in a whole new way because of our generosity. As Clayton King said: “The greatest tool of evangelism is generosity.” As this money goes out into the various places where we all live, God is going to show people that He is alive and well and is able to take care of their needs. Pray for the salvation of many and the total transformation of those who have left God for other pursuits.
And don’t forget — PAY IT FORWARD!!!!!!!
Chuck,
I just ran across your blog today. I am excited to see all that God is doing at Washington Avenue. I am part of a team that just planted a church in Acworth GA at the end of January.
Maybe next time I am in town, we can hang out. I am very glad to see all that God is doing there!