Giving is a risk, but a great risk. It is the risk of becoming part of something larger than yourself or what you are capable of doing on your own.
“How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in Him. Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love.” —Ephesians 1:3 MSG
Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we’re a free people – free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free either. We are ABUNDANTLY free!
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. It is in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation and the life God offers) you found yourselves home free – signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit….” —Ephesians 1:11-14
Your generosity and sharing in our ministry, helping us travel the world (and using online tools) to share the gospel of God’s grace and peace, is no small thing. Giving is no small thing!
Cathy and I were recently considering what giving means and the benefits of giving.
We want to give because we want others to get to know this wonderful life God has prepared!
When you give, you:
- SEE LIVES CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL.
- SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE THE HEART TO GO AND PREACH.
- MAINTAIN THE FACILITIES WE NEED HERE AT HOME AND OUR FAMILY LIFE.
- ENLARGE THE CAPACITY OF OUR HEARTS BECAUSE THE MORE WE GIVE, THE MORE WE RECEIVE. (When we let go of what’s in our hands, we can reach out and take what God gives.)
- ALLOW GOD TO BE A VITAL PART OF OUR LIVES AND MAKE US THE PEOPLE HE HAS DESIGNED US TO BE.
- SEE GOD’S LOVE IN ACTION.
- INVEST IN THE YOUR OWN FUTURE.
During the past couple of months, we have been in South Africa (the land that we love), visiting family and friends, ministering in five Charis Bible Colleges, and four churches and traveling thousands of miles. We have had tremendous good reports about lives and hearts being changed.
This is our purpose:
- We want people to enjoy God and enjoy life—today.
- We want them to know they are the center of God’s affection.
- We want people to know that God is good.
- We want them to know that his love was not cautious but extravagant. He loved to give everything of himself to us (Eph 5:1-2 MSG).
- We want people to know the good news does not point out what is wrong with you. It is about what is RIGHT with you because of the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ, despite what seems to be wrong with you!
Your giving makes all of this possible!
Remember, what you give never leaves your life; it simply enters your future and multiplies. When you give you become part of what that gift does in someone’s life and how it will ultimately affect others.
We are so grateful for you!
