Generosity

Dealing With The Problem of Hospitality

This letter talks about having an attitude of generosity and dealing with the problem of hospitality and specifically to those who are refusing to give it to brothers in Christ. The bond of affection between John and Gaius is based on the truth of God’s Word (v. 1). Gaius was ev …

Abundant Provision of Harvest

It seems that the psalmist is inspired to write about the abundant harvest and give thanks to God. He summarizes the generosity of God’s care of the land (v. 9), and develops the theme of blessing on the land (vv. 10-13).God’s rain showers prepare the land for production (v. 10). …

God Helps Those Who Help Others

Solomon reigned in what has been referred to as Israel’s golden age. He built the magnificent temple, and even the pots and pans in the kitchen were made of gold. However he had pity on the poor and the weak and helped everyone who was poor and needy (vv. 12-13). He cared f …

The Cheerful Giver

If you want spiritual enrichment from your giving (v. 11) you must practice enjoyment and be glad for opportunities to give. In these verses Paul points out principles found in the Word of God as well as those drawn from experience to show why and how we are to give. Look at God’s promises …

Boundries of the tribes

God had already given the eastern bank of Jordan to the two and one-half tribes. In those days there were no survey crews with scientific instruments for determining the property lines. People cited towns and geographical features when they wanted to determine boundaries. The Jew …

IllustrationHead of Kraft Cheese Gives 25%

L. Kraft, head of the Kraft Cheese Corp., who had given approximately 25% of his enormous …

IllustrationHow Generous Are You?

Have you heard that story of the guy who died and was being given a tour of heaven and he saw a friend of his drive by in a beautiful Mercedes. And he said, “Boy, this is great!” “Oh, yes,” St. Peter said, “your friend was really generous on earth, we had …

IllustrationLittle boy gives half a cherrio

I once heard the story of a preacher at a small church in Northwest Indiana. Sometimes he would take his two small sons to the Thursday morning Bible study. George, an elderly gentleman, would split his donut with the littlest brother. One Sunday the little boy came to chur …

IllustrationShould we give copper or gold?

The story is told that one day a beggar by the roadside asked for alms from Alexander the Great as he passed by. The man was poor and wretched and had no claim upon the ruler, no right even to lift a solicitous hand. Yet the Emperor threw him several gold coins. A courtier was as …

IllustrationPastor and farmer talk over the fence

A pastor had a farmer friend in his congregation and they were talking over the fence one day. The pastor asked the farmer, “Abe, if you had one hundred horses, would you give me fifty?” Abe said, “Certainly.” The pastor asked, “If you had one hundred cow …