Generosity is more about what God wants for you than from you.  If I refuse to be generous, God will not go bankrupt.  Everything belongs to God anyway.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "When Generosity Becomes a Movement."

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When Generosity Becomes a Movement

One of the ways we reflect God in our lives is through generous living.  How do we live a generous life?  It begins with our resources.  There are several different levels of giving.


1.  Beginning Giver
2.  Consistent Giver
3.  Tither
4.  Expanding Giver
5.  Extravagant Giver

While deciding what kind of giver you are, consider who has your heart.  Does God have all of you?

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:20-21

Also, consider the question, "Who is your leader?"

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. - Matthew 6:24

Are there other ways to be generous?  Yes.  We can be generous with:

*Gratitude:  Place a gift card in a note or generously tip your servers.

*Affirmation:  Praise others.

*Time:  Be where you are supposed to be and be on time.

*Serving:  Serve people.  Serve outside of your gifted areas.  

Generous living is not the act we do but it is in the way we live.  When you are growing in generosity, God is growing you up.  


Read John 6 (yep, the whole chapter).  You'll find it here at Bible Gateway.

Generosity is an opportunity to test our faith.  In John 6, Jesus was testing Philip.  Jesus knew what He was going to do but He wanted to see if Philip trusted Him.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. - Malachi 3:10

Generosity is not in the amount you give.

There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people? - John 6:9

And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. - 2 Corinthians 8:5

Generosity always multiplies. 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish fed thousands.

There are two types of people:  Those who come to God for a handout and those who come to God to be a handout.

We can't out-generous God.

When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. - John 6:12-13

There were leftovers!  There were lots of leftovers.  You cannot out-generous God.  He will always multiply.

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

Remember the 3 Ps.

1.  Priority:  Make giving a priority.

2.  Percentage:  Change your percentages of giving if you need to as you follow God's leading.

3.  Progressive:  Always taking steps to give more. 

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***Read all posts in the generosity series here.

Easter is almost here!  Are you looking for educational gifts for your kids?  Usborne Books has a great selection of Easter books for your child's Easter basket.  Make sure your kids understand the real meaning of Easter by giving them Bible story books.  You can also choose from several cute, educational, and interesting spring themed books.

Easter Books for Your Child's Easter Basket

The Easter Story

The dramatic events of the Easter story sensitively retold for young children. When Jesus rides into Jerusalem he is welcomed by cheering crowds. But soon the temple priests are plotting against him... A lovely book to read together or for new readers to enjoy alone.

Easter Bunny Flap Book

In this delightful book there are pages of cute little bunnies and flaps to raise. Lots of surprises waiting for little ones, under the flaps. 

 Bible Stories with CD

This engaging collection of Bible stories has been written, with the help of a language expert, for young children who are just starting to read. Each story is told word for word, with delightful sound effects, on the CD included with this book. By following the words across the page as they hear them, beginner readers will gain confidence and soon be able to achieve the pleasure and satisfaction of reading a whole story by themselves. 

Butterflies and Bugs

Decorate the scenes with beautiful rub-downs in this beautifully detailed keepsake book! The card pocket in the inside front cover holds eight sheets of rub-down transfers. There are jungle, pond, meadow, honeybee garden, butterfly house and many more scenes to decorate — half of the spread is colored, and the other half is labeled line drawings ready to be colored. The beautifully detailed rub-downs can be added anywhere you like! 

Illustrated Bible Stories

A fully illustrated collection of stories from the Bible, retold for young readers. Including Joseph and the Dreams, The Story of Baby Jesus, The Easter Story, Jonah and the Whale, Noah's Ark and more. A beautiful gift book that children will love to receive on any special occasion.

Little Stickers Easter

Celebrate springtime with little lambs, bouncing bunnies, fluffy chicks and an Easter egg hunt. There are over 250 stickers to add to the delightful scenes.

Poppy and Sam's Easter Egg Hunt

Poppy and Sam are searching for Easter eggs on Apple Tree Farm. Children will love looking through the holes in this charming book to discover the colorful eggs, following fingertrails to trace the flight of a butterfly or bee, and spotting Daisy the cow, Clucky the hen, and Rusty the pig along the way.

Are You There Little Bunny?

In this beautifully illustrated hide-and-seek series, children can “spot” the bunny through a hole on each page... but when they turn the page, it isn’t the bunny at all! Very young children will love searching for the elusive bunny, and all the charming details and other animals they discover along the way.

Baby Animals

Baby Animals is part of an exciting reading series for young children, with lots of pictures and very simple, easy text.

Baby Animals Flap Book

Little children will enjoy matching the baby animals to their mommies and daddies in this sweet lift-the-flap book. With warm and friendly illustrations by Rosalinde Bonnet that will appeal to the very young.

Farm Animals

How do pigs keep cool? Why do farmers shear their sheep? Which farm animals live underwater? In this book you’ll find the answers and lots more facts about farm animals around the world.

How Do Flowers Grow? 

Lift the Flap First Questions and Answers

This stylish, highly illustrated, interactive book is perfect for sharing with young children, and introduces science using a friendly lift-the-flap format. A great introduction to one of the fundamental themes of biology, perfect for curious young minds.

Poppy and Sam and the Bunny

Finger Puppet Book

In this irresistible puppet book, Poppy and Sam spot a rabbit and follow it around Apple Tree Farm. Each page has a different action for you to do with the rabbit, from sneezing in the flowers to snuggling up with the other bunnies at the end. 

That's Not My Bunny

This delightful series of board books is aimed at very young children. The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and touching the feely patches.

That's Not My Chick

Meet five adorable chicks in this delightful addition to the much-loved "That’s Not My..." series. Babies and toddlers will love touching the textured patches as they meet chicks with soft wings, fuzzy tummies, and rough feet.

That's Not My Lamb

A sweet touchy-feely board book with five adorable little lambs for young children to meet. Features a tactile patch for little fingers to explore on every page, including a fuzzy back, a woolly tail, and soft ears.

If you want to add a little toy treat to your child's Easter basket, Usborne Books can help you with that too.

Hush-A-Bye Bunny 

This charming two-sided cloth book combines a variety of touch-and-feel fabrics with a gentle, rhyming text, making it the perfect book for night and day, sleep and play.

Hush-A-Bye Rabbit

This adorable two-sided bunny cloth book combines a variety of touch-and-feel textures with a sweet, rhyme for the perfect “I love you.”

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Confessing Doubt

Is there room for doubt in the heart of a follower of Christ?  The short answer is "yes."  Doubt is not the opposite of faith.  Disbelief is the opposite of faith.  Disbelief and Doubt are not the same thing.

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

(VIDEO COMING SOON)

There is an honest doubt and a dishonest doubt.  In scripture, Thomas was a doubter.  Doubt can work for us or against us.  It's where we take our doubt that matters.  We need to confess our doubt to the Lord.

Our scripture passage is John 20:19-29.

So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”
 
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” - John 20:19-29

Why do we need to confess our doubt to the Lord?

1.  Doubt grows in isolation.

In fact, doubt flourishes in isolation.  Finding ways to stay connected to other strong believers is important.

And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. - John 20:20

They rejoiced together.  We need to keep discipling on another.

2.  Doubt can result in stubbornness.  

Stubbornness is a form of pride. 

So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” - John 20:25

Stubbornness causes us to become demanding.  We want answers and we want them now, but we don't live by explanations.  We live by promises.   The more God's promises are hidden in our hearts, the less room there is for doubt to grow.

3.  Doubt should drive us to Jesus.

Take your questions to the Lord and make them your prayers.  Hold onto the promises of God.

When you don't know what to do, do what you do know to do.  In our search for answers, our search will lead us to Jesus.   The answer to everything is in Jesus.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. - Colossians 1:17

 

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Believe Jesus.

Jesus loves you.  He will come to you.

Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." - John 20:27

Stop doubting and believe.

4.  Doubt can bring us to new heights.

Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!" - John 20:28

Thomas said, "My Lord and my God!"  His faith was personal.  In uncertain times, we forge our own faith rather than someone else's faith.  What Tomas thought was over was the beginning of something new and beautiful.  Is God opening you eyes to something new and beautiful through an indestructible faith?

Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” - John 20:29 

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Read all posts in my pastor's series on "Confession" here.

We are currently in unprecedented times.  I'm 50 years old and never in my lifetime has the entire world come together to fight a virus as a common enemy, at least not at this worldwide level.  My parents say the same and they are entering their 70s.  Granted, in pandemics of the past, we didn't have the technology we have now which allows us to watch the world at work in real time.  I've always said that modern technology, particularly social media, is both a curse and a blessing.  Social media has made people less social in the real word.  Sometimes it brings out the worst in people as people will argue and say mean things to "friends" and people they don't even know while sitting behind a computer screen.  Some of those same people spewing rudeness and meanness would never treat people like that in person.  Modern technology has probably contributed to our collective fear of sickness.  However, in the midst of our current COVID19 crisis, modern technology has allowed loved ones to stay in touch and encourage one another while the new term "social distancing" is our daily reality.

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People are utilizing FaceTime on their iPhones and Skype on computers more than usual.  For those of us self quarantining due to underlying health issues or possible exposure to COVID19, seeing actual faces is such a blessing.  My family has recently learned to use Zoom for business and personal group "gatherings."  My social media network is sharing scripture verses throughout the day to encourage one another as we navigate the daily uncertainty of this crisis and the anxieties many of us are experiencing as a result of the very real fear of catching this virus.

Many of you are probably experiencing the same anxieties and fears if not over the COVID19 crisis, then perhaps another illness.  Here is a list of Bible verses to help you combat the fear of sickness.  These verses are from the New International Version (NIV).

Bible Verses to Combat the Fear of Sickness

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. - Proverbs 17:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. - Psalm 107:20

Even though I walk through the valley of death^, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4



And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. - 3 John 1:2

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philipians 4:6-8 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6

I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? - Jeremiah 32:27

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Life can be overwhelming and sometimes we need simple reminders from God's Word to overcome our fear and anxiety. These petite-sized Scripture cards are the perfect tool to redirect our thoughts and encourage a peaceful and confident spirit on the go. Flip through these easy-to-use Bible memory cards to deepen your relationship with God and encourage living without worry.

Get yours here. 

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For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. - Psalm 91:1-6

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27



I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. - Revelation 21:4

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. - Proverbs 4:20-22

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. - Deuteronomy 31:8

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

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Like sipping a cool drink of water when you’re dying of thirst, concentrating on God’s word as you color is a simple way to let the truth of Scripture seep down into the dry, hidden places of your soul. Get your copy here.

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There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" - Hebrews 13:6

Anxiety weighs down the heart,  but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. - Psalm 34:17-20

 

  

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

[Video Coming Soon]

 Confessing Fear

Confessing fear is not an easy thing for me to do, but when an unhealthy fear interferes with my faith in God's sovereignty, it's a fear I need to confess to God and let Him take over.  Let's start with a few Bible verses about fear. 

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:27

So that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” - Hebrews 13:6

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:6-9

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 Joshua was afraid and jolted.  We need to hear what Joshua heard.  We need to be strong and courageous.  When we confess our fear, we are confessing our faith in God.  God is our leader.

In Joshua 1, God was in charge.  

4 Places Where God was in Charge:

Egypt

The Wilderness

The Promised Land

Babylon

God is always leading us.  He uses hardships to sanctify us.  Look for God's leadership.

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. - Joshua 1:5

God keeps His promises.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. - Zachariah 4:6

Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts. - Jeremiah 15:16

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. - 1 John 4:4

God was faithful then and He is faithful now.

So the Lord gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hand.  Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. - Joshua 21:43-45

Confess to God that He is faithful and keeps His promises.  Confess obedience to Him.

Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. - Joshua 1:7-8

Obedience to God is the gateway to God's blessings.  Remember that God's definition of success is not the same as the world's definition of success.  

True success = Favor of God

Whatever is going on around us, we can have the peace of God within us.  

God, you are my leader.

God, you keep your promises.

God, I will obey you.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?  He wants to be your forgiver and your leader.

Cast all your cares on Him.  

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Read all posts in my pastor's series on "Confession" here.