The Adventure of Generous Living: An Interview with David Green, Founder of Hobby Lobby (Generosity Series)

If you are new here, our pastor has been leading us through a series on the topic of generosity.  This post, The Adventure of Generous Living, is the final installment in the series and this particular lesson provided quiet a treat.  We were told that we would have a special guest for this Sunday but it would be a surprise.  To be quiet honest, I expected it to be Dave Ramsey since the topic is a financial one and we were told this special quest is well known nationally.  However, I was not at all disappointed to learn that our special guest was David Green.  Just in case you are not familiar with him, David Green is the founder of Hobby Lobby.  Many years ago, I was blessed enough to meet and have a short conversation with Truett Cathy who was the founder of Chick-Fil-A.  On this memorable day, I was blessed enough to sit in the presence of David Green.  Our pastor sat with him and conducted an interview as part of our Sunday morning worship time.  Mr. Green's demeanor was humble and sweet.  Please take time to watch the entire video below so that you can learn about the adventure of generous living from someone who started out making photo frames in his garage with his wife.  They borrowed $600 in 1970 to begin and then they turned it into a huge business.  The Greens have been blessed, but they share in their abundance with others.  They care for their employees and many have come to know Jesus through their leadership.

The Adventure of Generous Living

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 

The Adventure Of Generosity | February 23, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook And David Green from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Generous living is about increasingly sharing God's heart to a lost world.  Generosity is more about what God wants for you than from you.

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;  as it is written,

“He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.” 

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;  you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Several years ago, I learned about the construction of a new museum called the Museum of the Bible.  I used to receive emails about the different phases.  At some point I stopped receiving the emails but decided that I would like to visit the museum some day.  Today we learned that the the Museum of the Bible is actually the Greens' project.  Now I want to see it even more.  Mr. Green says the museum is 5 blocks from the US Capitol and I think that's awesome.  What a great place to build a museum all about the Bible.  

David Green has written a book titled More Than A Hobby.  I plan to read it soon and I hope you will read it too.  You can get that book here.

More Than a Hobby by David Green is available here.

PIN ME!

  You can read all posts in this series here.

Stories of Dogs (Read with Usborne, Level 3)

Stories of Dogs Book Review

Stories of Dogs by Russell Punter is a book for confident readers.  This book is part of the Read With Usborne Reading Program.  I previously shared with you two other books in the Read with Usborne Reading Program, The Chilly Little Penguin in the Level 1 group for new readers and Elephants from the Level 2 group for developing readers.  Stories of Dogs is in the level 3 group for confident readers.  Later this week, I'll be sharing a book from the level 4 group which is intended as a step to chapter books.  Stories of Dogs is not part of the chapter book group but it does have 3 chapters so you can go ahead and introduce your young confident readers to chapters and teach them how to read a table of contents like the one shown in the photo below.

Stories of Dogs, Table of Contents

Stories of Dogs

Stories of Dogs tells three different stories about three different dogs.  The first dog in the story, Sprite, is on his way to a dog show at the park.  His owner, Nick, wants to stop by the pet shop on their way to the park.  We are not told what Nick buys inside the store, but Sprite waits patiently outside licking his lips with high hopes that his owner returns with doggie chews.  While Nick is inside the store, a scruffy, smelly man steps on Sprite's paw.

Stories of Dogs, Sample Page

Stories of Dogs, Sample Page

At the dog show, Sprite meets other dogs including a snooty poodle named Lady Fifi Bonbon.  During the show, a judge notices the mud on Sprite's paw, reminding him of his encounter with the scruffy, smelly man.  Poor Sprite hobbles through the show with a less than desirable performance due to his sore, muddy paw.  Finally, when it is time to award the trophy to the winner, the judges discover that the trophy is missing.

Maybe Sprite will get his chance to show the judges what he can do after all.  You'll have to read the book to find out.  :)

The next story is about a dog named Titch who wants to be a top sheepdog like his dad.  His dad, Bryn, has won lots of medals but every time Titch tries to round up sheep, things go wrong.  Poor Titch is met with all kinds of troubles while trying to round up sheep.  One day, the shepherd whose name is Owen takes Bryn and Titch for a walk.  Titch tells his dad that he doesn't think he will ever be as good of a sheep dog as he is.  When a thick fog develops all around them, Titch loses sight of Bryn and Owen.  Titch hears a shout and a yelp.  Bryn and Owen are in trouble.

When the stakes are high, can Titch put his dad's sheep-herding tricks to use in order to save Bryn and Owen?  At the end of the story, Titch doesn't get an award for sheep-herding.  He gets an award for something else, something more valuable.  You'll have to read the book to find out what happens to Bryn and Owen and to find out what kind of award Titch gets.

The third story in Stories of Dogs is about a group of rescue dogs who live at a shelter owned by Mr. Tike.  Mr. Tike's dog home is all creaky but he can't afford to repair it so he must sell the dog home along with the dogs who live there.  Bob the collie and Pip the pointer hope the new owner is as nice as Mr. Tike.  One day, Mr. Wink and Mrs. Hood show up to buy the doggy home.  The dogs notice Mrs. Hood's sickly smile.  Will Mr. Wink and Mrs. Hood treat the dogs as well as Mr. Tike had treated them?  They certainly make some changes . . . changes that Mr. Tike never would have made.  The dogs need to get away.  Heidi the dachshund manages to squeeze through the cage.

Can Heidi free the other dogs?  Who are Mr. Wink and Mrs Hood?  Why did they want to buy Mr. Tike's doggy home if they don't even like dogs?

The story of Mr. Tike's home for dogs has a heart-warming ending that will make every dog-loving child want to read it over and over again.

Stories of Dogs mentions several different breeds of dogs.  Either before or after the story, take a few minutes to talk with your child about different dog breeds and the unique characteristics of each one.  There are many things you can do to teach your children about dogs and how to properly care for them.  Here are several that I found around the internet.

Learn How to Care for Dogs

Teach your children to be kind to animals and learn to make special dog treats.

Print out a dog parent checklist to help you become a better pet parent.

Learn about super foods that are good for your dog.

Find out about the best chews and toys for your Doodle mixed breed.

Here are 10 life hacks for dog owners.

Essential oils are all the craze right now.  Learn which oils are safe for your pets and which ones are harmful.

Learn how to properly bathe your dog.

Read about how to protect your dog's feet.

Here are several great tips about keeping your dog's teeth healthy.

Dogs need exercise.  Make your dog an obstacle course.  Here's how.

Dog Crafts and Activities for Kids

Make a cute little puppy face from paper plates and paints.

Doggie Hand Puppets

Sort and Classify Dogs. (This one is PERFECT to go along with Stories of Dogs)

Start a Dog Park and  Print Out a Dog BINGO Sheet . . . wait, make that a B-A-R-K-O sheet.

Dog Color Matching Activity for Preschool and Pre-K Kiddos

Play Feed the Dog.

Build a Dog Kennel (a STEM activity).

Enjoy Dog Color by Number Printables.

Make Shape Dogs and a Few Other Fun Doggie Things.

Train Up a Future Veterinarian Using These Animal Clinic Printables

More Dog Books from Usborne Books

Usborne Books are high quality educational books for children across a wide range of ages, grade levels, and reading levels. 

All Better

All Better

Dog hurt his foot, Sheep scratched her tummy and Bear sat on a splinter! What will make everything all better? Clean it, kiss it and put a bandage on it! Young readers will delight in the five animal friends’ misadventures and be eager to help make things “all better” with the five reusable and repositionable stickers. 

Dogs

Dogs

How do dogs say hello? Which kind of dog can't bark? Why do some dogs bury their toys? Find the answers and more in this charming beginning reader, with recommended web sites.

Dogs in Space

Dogs in Space

Meet Belka and Strelka, two stray dogs from Moscow who, in1960, became the first animals to orbit Earth and return home safely. Including additional information about the space race and other animals in orbit, this is an ideal STEM title for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. 

Dogs, Dogs

Dogs, Dogs

Dogs, dogs are everywhere.

Look at all the dogs out there!

Little, sad, pretty lazy, fast, dirty - there are as many different kinds of dogs as there are kinds of kids! Which one are you like? Check the mirror in the back of the book to see. Are you shaggy? Stubborn? Or just doggone happy to have a new dog book to share?

Please visit kanemiller.com for more resources (games, puzzles, activities etc.) to accompany the books. 

Visit Usborne Books and More here for more books about dogs for your child's home library.

Generosity is a Choice (Generosity Series)

Generosity is a choice.  When we are blessed with an abundance of something, whether it be money or something else, we choose to keep it all to ourselves or we choose to share our God-given abundance with others.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 

Generosity Is A Choice | February 16, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul encouraged the church to be generous.

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written,

“He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.”

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Paul also wrote about generosity in his letter to Timothy.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. - 1 Timothy 6:17-19

This is the devotional we are using for this series on generosity.  Grab one for yourself  here and then come back and go through the entire series.

Generosity is a Choice

What does generosity look like?

1.  Choose to sow seeds.

You only reap what you sow.  You will only reap what you have planted.  This is true of all of life, not just money.  If you sow a bad habit, you will reap a bad outcome.  Don't invest in sin (disobedient living).  Invest in your relationship with the Lord.  Invest in your marriage, your children, and your other relationships.

Sometimes others will reap what you sow.  Perhaps you reap what someone else sows.  In this way, We are benefiting from someone else's generosity.

2.  Choose willing deeds.

God loves a cheerful giver.

Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9

Generosity is not reluctant.  Generosity is about giving freely.  Generosity is not forced.  Paul uses "grace language," not "law language."

Is tithing the gold standard for living generously?

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. - 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Think of it this way.  Instead of asking, "How much should I give?" ask "How much should I keep?"  It all belongs to God.  God is more interested in your heart.   

3.  Choose to meet needs.

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. - 2 Corinthians 9:10

The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. - Proverbs 11:25

4.  Choose to kill greed.

One method of decision making is to create a list of pros and cons.  There is never a pro side to greed.  There are, however, lots of cons.  

Greed will always enslave us.  Generosity will set you free. 

 You can read all posts in this series here.

The Genesis of Generosity (Generosity Series)

The Genesis of Generosity

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

The Genesis of Generosity | February 9, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. - James 1:17

Generosity is not about what God wants from us, but for us.  In the last session, we learned that living generously means that we are increasingly representing God's heart in the world. In the previous session, I listed 3 levels of giving, but I failed to mention the first two, the two that happen before actual tithing.  Here are all five levels.  Take a moment to decide in which level you are currently living.

1.  Beginning Give:  You are just learning about giving.  You give a little here and there.

2.  Consistent Giver:  You give an amount that you have decided to give regularly and you give it consistently.

3.  Tither:  You now consistently give 10% of your income.

4.  Expanding Giver: You consistently give 10% of your income.  Occasionally you give more and you also give freely to others.  You might also give more of your additional resources such as time and other belongings.

5.  Extravagant Giver:  You consistently give far more than 10% of your income.  You consistently give to other causes inside the church and your community.  You have reached a point where you give generously and freely.  Perhaps you love giving so much that you can't seem to give enough.

This is the devotional we are using at my church for this serious on generosity.  Get yours here and then come back and join us.  This is session 2.  You can start with us on session one here.

This Whole-Life Generosity Devotional is available here.

Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.
 
But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

How do you accomplish generosity in your life?

1.  Preach to yourself.  

We need to continually learn to live out the gospel.  We are recipients of God's generous grace.  We are sinners in need of a Savior.  Jesus came to us so that we can receive God's grace.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

 
Generosity is not about money.  It's about the heart of the giver.

2.  Simplify your life.

Many of us cannot be generous because our lives are filled with clutter.  Our priorities are not in the right place.  We need to reorganize and simplify so that we can become more generous people. 

Simplify your time.  We need to free up time.  We can't go out and meet people if we are too busy.

Simplify your finances.  If we consume too much of our income ourselves, we don't have enough left over to be generous.

Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God. - Leviticus 19:9-10

Leave extra for others.  We have no idea how God might use our service and resources for His kingdom. 

3.  Live like everything belongs to God . . . because it does . . . not just 10% but all of it . . . everything.

But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given You. - 1 Chronicles 29:14

Give all your stuff to God or your stuff will become your god.

4.  Keep open hands.  

Selfishness will trap us so that we never know what it is like to experience the heart of God.  We cannot receive or distribute if our hands remain closed.

Martin Luther said:

"I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but everything I have placed in God's hand, I still possess." 

Position your heart to hear God's voice.  Be prepared to do whatever God tells you to do.

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
 
Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. - Acts 4:34-37

 





   You can read all posts in this series here.

Live Generously (Generosity Series)

Live generously.  Generosity is more about what God wants for you than from you.

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. - Luke 6:38

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Generosity is the Best Kept Secret."  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Generosity Is The Best Kept Secret! | February 2, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Live Generously

God is a generous provider.  He wants us to mirror His generosity.  Living generously is a powerful witness to God's love in action.   Generous living increasingly represents God's heart in the world.  We should live so that we are increasingly growing and maturing in generosity.

You will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all. - 2 Corinthians 9:11-13

This is the devotional we are using at out church through this series on generous living:  Whole-Life Generosity Devotional by Skye Jethani.  Order yours now and then come back here to go through the entire serious with us.

The Whole-Life Generosity Devotional is available here.

Paul taught, challenged, and encouraged the Corinthians to live generously.

We are called to authenticity.  When we give generously with a generous heart, we live in authentic obedience.  

If we are obedient, we are willing to position our hearts to hear God's voice and we are prepared to do whatever God says.

But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. - 2 Corinthians 8:7-8

When tithing, be consistent.  Consider growing in the following levels of giving through tithing.  

1.  Tithing your 10%.
2.  Expanding - giving more than 10%.
3.  Extravagant - giving abundantly out of your gift of abundance.

 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Are you living a life of obedience?

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You can read all posts in this series here.

Love Where You Are (from the Love Where You Live Series)

Love Where You Are is the last installment in our Love Where You Live series.  In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we are to be His witnesses in areas all around us and beyond; even to the remotest parts of the earth.  God is clear about what He wants us to do.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Love Where You Are."  You are invited to watch, listen and worship with us here.

Love Where You Are | January 26, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Wherever we live and work, God has placed us there.  We are to take the message of Jesus to dark places.  How do we do this?

How to Love Where You Are

1.  Be present.

Wherever you are, be all there!  Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God. - Jim Elliot

 
Let's not be preoccupied or distant.  Be ready for whatever God wants you to do wherver you are right now.

As born again believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit.

Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” - John 16:17

When Jesus went up, the Holy Spirit came down.