Three weeks ago I tried to practice generosity on a Sunday morning.  Many of you joined me in the moment.  But the story that followed that is even more astounding.

A woman in our church family had heard stories from others of how God provides, but angrily wondered why he didn’t provide for her.  Despite her prayers for God’s provision, she still suffered great financial need.  She seriously considered not even attending the week of January 31^st.  But when she did, and when she heard me ask those who needed funds for groceries, gas, or medication to stand up, this woman bravely stood and acknowledged her need.

You may have been one of those people who were part of answering her prayers for God’s provision.  Your generosity broke down the doubts she’d had.  But do you know what happened after that?  This woman took to heart the message on generosity, and reached out to someone else at Seneca Creek, someone who had been out of work for many months.  And she took from the gifts she received and gave part of that money to this other person right there on the spot.

I can’t help but think of Paul’s words to the church in Corinth:

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  (2 Corinthians 8:1-3)

Their joy and poverty welled up in rich generosity.  That’s it.  Out of what God HAS given, we can give.  It might be giving our time, it might be finances, it might be our serving one another.  Rich generosity doesn’t have to spring up out of abundance.  It only requires joy—joy that starts with God’s grace.

How will God demonstrate his generosity thru you this week?

-Pastor Mark

P.S. If you missed last Sunday, you may still have junk in your closet that breeds regrets.  To learn how to clean out your closet, check out the podcast here.  See you Sunday!