Hidden Treasure

Generosity is a matter of the heart. We invest in what we value and believe in. As followers of Christ we are meant to care about what He cares about and to give and live like we do. Talk is cheap but action isn’t. Living our ourselves and our resources back to God is an unbelievable blessing. After all He gave all He had for us and we can never hope to out give our gracious God! (Proverbs 19:17)Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV Acceptable worship is living and giving our lives back to the God who gave us life in the first place. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. Mark 8:35The more we try to hold on to what we have the less we have to hold on to. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24 ESV - - - The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLTWe are called to be stewards not owners.1) Together - Generous living and giving are how we operate as a family! And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. Acts 2:44-45 NLTBring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don't open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. Malachi 3:10 MSG - The storehouse isn’t for hoarding but for helping. 2) StrategicallyRemember this, a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT3) Intentionally and SacrificiallyDon’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16 NLTWe are called to give cheerfully not fearfully! Generosity has little to do with finances and everything to do with our faith.And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 NLT4) Compassionately - Unless your heart is engaged in your giving you won’t give for long. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17 NLT True compassion always leads to generosity. - - Give out of compassion not compulsion! 5) Unconditionally - Surrender is the only path to true Christ-centered generosity. God took our Hands full of broken and gave back hearts that were Healed! At the end of it generosity is trusting God with who you are and what you have, completely, obediently…This life I have isn’t mine anymore, if it ever was. I already gave it away, and I’m not asking for it back.