This document discusses the importance of generosity and being a wise steward of the resources God provides. It makes several key points: 1. True generosity comes from understanding that everything belongs to God and we are responsible for using our resources for His purposes. 2. Generous giving brings joy, as investing in God's work on earth allows us to partner with Him and spend eternity with those whose lives were touched. 3. Leaders should cultivate generosity in others by setting a godly example, teaching biblical principles of stewardship, and motivating people with stories of how generosity impacts lives.

1. "Truly I say to you that this poor window has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty has put in all the livelihood that she had.” LUKE 21:1-4Growing in Generosity

2. The Biblical giver should always asking important questionsHow much should I give?To whom or what should I give?How much should I keep?How much do I really need?

3. Joy in GenerosityThere is joy in generosity – perhaps no greater joy than to invest God – given resources into God’s goals and objectives for this hour in human history. The most generous people seem to be the most joyful people. Some people seem to think that joy is found accumulating wealth while others would argue that joy is found in the stuff of money can buy.

4. A wonderful plan God has designed:God provides all our resources. Everything is a gift from His hand.His word guides us in the wise use of those resourcesGiving generously brings us immeasurable joy.We become partners with God in His redemptive work on earth.We spend eternity with God and with every person we helped to reach with the gospel.

5. The generosity, joyful giver embraces the following principles:God is the greatest giver of all. Everything we receive is from His hand.Great blessings bring great responsibility.God commands all Christians to be wise, generous stewards.Biblical stewards understand the link between our possessions and our faith

6. can GOD TRUST US WITH HIS RESOURCES?In Luke 19, Jesus tells a story about a landowner who gave tree men some funds to spend, save, or invest. Each acted as he saw fit. When he the owner returned, each man (steward) gave an account of what he had done with the resources entrusted to him.

7. Noticed the difference between the scarcity mindset and the abundance mindset:SCARCITY MINDSETABUNDACE MINDSETReactiveLoves status quoHolds to my rightsHoardsMaintainsThinks win/lose StagnatesFocuses on the problems Enslave to the past Lives in fearProactiveEmbraces changeEmpowers others InvestAdvancesThinks win/winMultipliesFocuses on possibilities Envisions the futureLives by faith

8. Note a few facts about the churches in Macedonia and their generous giving:1. They had very limited financial resources.2. They gave joyfully3. They gave beyond their ability.4. They gave willingly , no coercion.5. They desired partnership with Paul in the gospel.6. They became an example for others to follow

9. Two Rich MenIn Luke, Chapter 18, we read an account of a rich young man who approached Jesus with a question about eternal life. The advice from Jesus seemed quite radical: Sell all you possess and give it to the poor, then come and follow Me. Jesus knew this man was possessed by greed. Notice his journey:He wisely came to Jesus with a question.Jesus provided the answer to his question.Greed prevented him from making the commitment he desperately needed to make.He held tightly to what he had and forfeited the greater gift that could have been his.Earthly possessions were more important to him than eternal life.In the next chapter, Luke 19, we read about Zacchaeus, the chief collector. Like young ruler in Chapter 18, Zacchaeus was also rich. Notice his journey:Zacchaeusdesire to see Jesus.He climbed into a tree for a good view.Jesus saw him.Jesus called to have fellowship with him.He desired the gift of salvation.`He welcomed to give other generously.

10. Growing Generous GiversAs a Christian leader, it is your responsibility and privilege to help your people develop generous, giving hearts. There are several key steps on this journey:Ask God for wisdom received.Lead by example. Be volunteered to give.Teach stewardship from the Word of God.Share first about other generous givers.Motivate with stories of the fruit of generous living:needs metproblems solvedlives transformedProvide specific opportunities for partnership in the gospel.