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Generous Giving
Philippians 2:17 'But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.'
 Thank God, there's been a restoration of teaching in the church on giving! But I think God wants to take us even further than that. He's calling this generation not just to give – and to give generously – he's also leading us toward sacrifice. That's what the church in Philippi was doing: making sacrifices in their giving, so that the ministry of Paul could move ahead. What's the difference between giving and sacrifice? I think it is all about control. Some people will give, and even give generously, so long as they have some control over what happens with their gift. Some people sow into the work of another Christian and then wait for that Christian to bless them in return. That's not sowing – it's just swapping! Sacrifice, on the other hand, says, 'I will give even when I can't control the outcome, just because God told me to do it!' It's that sacrificial spirit that has enabled heroic Christians to change whole nations in bygone days. In fact, the whole of our faith has been built on one great sacrifice – the death of God's Son for us on a Roman cross. That act wasn't just generous – it was sacrificial! Jesus offered his life, releasing control over his own destiny into the hands of others – not for his own sake but because it was the will of his Father.
Prayer: 'Dear Lord, thank you for your sacrifice for me. Please help me to live and give sacrificially and without always wanting to control the outcome!'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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Mal might be interested by this interview with MTV's Mark Crispin Miller about media & marketing. Thanks for your ministry
Paul Hockley, Norway
Mal, great show on on generations!! Keep the teachings going. I think the biggest problem with generations is the turning away from God's way & doing it ourselves.
Rob, USA
The Daily Recharge has really changed my life!
Nosi Mayan, South Africa
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