3 Week Daily Devotional & 99 Day Challenge

Transcription

1 3 Week Daily Devotional & 99 Day Challenge

2 To First Baptist Church That we may be encouraged to be Building a loving community of devoted followers of Jesus Christ, offering hope and new life in Him, reaching beyond our walls in downtown Timmins. First Baptist Church 100 Second Avenue Timmins, ON

3 Welcome to Living Generously! Our goal over these next 4 months is to have you think through what it means to be blessed to be a blessing and to make necessary changes in your life so we are living generously. God has blessed us immensely. The reality is we give because God first gave. There is zero reason for us to give anything of ourselves, especially money, if God isn t a God who gives. But because He gives, we give. If we really have a relationship with the God who gives, that will be reflected in our lives and in what we give. We give of our talent, our time and our treasures. The goal is to learn how to do that with joy! Guilt isn t a motivator to give, but joy is! The more we experience the joy of the Lord, the more we will give and it becomes a cyclical pattern of repeat. The more we give, the more joy we experience, because God is a giver! What living generously is all about is helping people to be more generous by bringing blessing into their lives. I hope that you join us on this journey of what it looks like for us as followers of Jesus and as a church to learn what it means to be living generously. More than that I hope you learn more of who God is, and become more like who He is, a joyful giver! Blessings, Pastor Kevin Furtney

4 Table of Contents Part 1: 3 Week Daily Devotional Part 2: 99 Day Challenge Part 3: Giving to FBC with Tithe.ly

5 5 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 1, Day 1 More blessed to give than to receive remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NLT) The question that I ask myself is this: Is this really true? Is it really more blessed to give than to receive? That s the truth God s Word give us. It s the truth that Jesus himself taught because he believed it and lived it out. John 3:16 tells us for God so loved the world that he gave Jesus gave his very life as a gift for those who would receive him. That s a gift that is priceless. Its hard for many of us to wrap our minds around the truth that it s more blessed to give than receive. Our whole lives we are taught the opposite. From the moment we are born, we re taught it s actually more blessed to receive than give. What in the world am I talking about? Because people love, they give gifts, and there s nothing wrong with that. The danger is for those who receive the gifts. We can set up our children into thinking its better for me to get and collect stuff than it is to give it away. It can create an I deserve this

6 P a r t 1 6 mentality. Something good can become something dangerous in that we create consumers. For many, that attitude follows right into adulthood and becomes a way of life. For some, it consumes them and all they become are consumers who lives are consumed with stuff, stuff and more stuff. It is in fact the message our culture is obsessed with. You deserve a break today. You need this. You must have it to be happy. Our media is saturated with this. The paradox is that real life, real happiness, comes from blessing others, not being a consumer. To experience joy and happiness is not to have it all, but to give it all away! Now you might think this is crazy talk, but tomorrow you re going to be challenged to learn to experience the joy of being obedient to God s commands when it comes to generosity in some very practical ways. Could it be that God wants you to trust in him more than some number in your bank account? Could it be that God wants you to give instead of hoard because he wants you to become more Christ-like? Learning what it means to be blessed to give rather than receive is a process and a journey. For many of us it might be a life-long journey. Why not start that journey today?

7 7 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 1, Day 2 Practice blessing by giving Memorize and then meditate on Acts 20:35: You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NLT) Begin a stuff audit in your home. The idea is to start becoming less of a consumer and more of a giver. This is a practical way to start by getting rid of stuff that may have a hold on you. This might take some time, so don t expect it to happen overnight. Start one room at a time and make your way through your home one room at a time. You ll need to determine if each item you come across something that needs to get chucked, or whether it s in decent enough shape to give away. Here s some places to start: 1. Toy room: Take your kids through their toys and ask what they no longer play with and would like to give away. This helps teach them that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

8 P a r t 1 8 Tip: Don t just have them give away broken toys, but toys that actually matter to them. 2. Closets or dressers: We all have clothes we no longer wear because they re out of style or no longer fit (perhaps your body shape has changed recently). Go through your closets and dressers and give away clothes to those who may have a better use for them than you do. 3. Forgotten hobbies: If you still have your son s hockey equipment or your daughter s guitar from 10 years ago, it s time to give that stuff away! 4. Books: Don t just collect books to look smart to your guests when they come over to your home. Give them away for others to read and learn. 5. Entertainment: How about that DVD or CD you never watch or listen to anymore, and probably shouldn t watch or listen to anymore. It s time to give it away. Think of people in your Community Group who might benefit from your clothing or items that you don t need anymore. Other possible destinations for these donations include friends, family members, or clothing banks. As you give stuff away, you will learn to become more like God who is a giver and you ll become less of a consumer!

9 9 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 1, Day 3 The God who Gives Matthew 7:7-11 reminds us that we serve a God who gives. 7 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 You parents if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:7-11 (NLT) Because God is a giver, He wants to give good gifts to his children. Asking, seeking and knocking are all forms of coming to God with requests. If humans can give good things to each other, how much more will our heavenly Father give good things to us? There are two keys to unlocking those gifts. First and most importantly, you ve got to be his child. Although God gives to all

10 P a r t 1 10 generously, he gives abundantly more to his children. You are a child of God when you believe and receive Jesus (John 1:12). Because God is a giver, he wants to give good gifts to his children Secondly, we need to ask and keep on asking. This is a continual thing. God won t be annoyed by our continual asking. That s not how He works. But he does want to teach us perseverance in our asking. As we get to seek God more in His Word, through prayer and in His creation, we will come to see the God who loves to lavishly give good gifts to his kids.

11 11 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 1, Day 4 Give it away, give it away, give it away now The bible seems to have an awful lot of backwards thinking in it. Chief among it is this idea that the more I give away, the better off I ll be. That sounds weird to our ears, but the truth of it is found in the wisdom sayings of Proverbs. If you want to live skillfully, you ll learn to be generous. One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. Proverbs 11:24-26 (NLT) Three sayings summed up in this principle: generosity, by God s blessing leads to more, while hoarding leads to poverty and cursing and the one who gives ends up receiving far more in return. This seems like a weird investment strategy, but if we think of building God s kingdom, it makes perfect sense.

12 P a r t 1 12 As we give of our time, our money and our resources, we invest into people s lives, which are then changed to see and know the same Jesus we know and by extension they experience the greatest treasure ever, a treasure that lasts; eternal life. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) Giving it away is an opportunity to invest in a treasure that returns not just 30 years from now, but 30 million years from now and for the rest of eternity. Beat that investment strategy, Wall Street!

13 13 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 1, Day 5 Start prospering by Giving Yesterday we looked at how a generous person prospers. Today we want to be practical in helping you prosper by being generous. Start your day by asking God to change your heart from hoarding to charitable. Ask him to help you have eyes to see how you have been blessed and where you can be a blessing. Ask him to direct you to whom you can be a blessing to today. To be generous, you must be intentional. You must think ahead, plan ahead, and pray ahead. Generally, if its spontaneous its impulsive and that isn t being a wise steward of the resources God gave you. To be generous, you must be intentional So, plan ahead by buying a gift card from Tim Hortons, or a grocery gift card. Start off with one, but plan to make this a regular and consistent habit.

14 P a r t 1 14 Spend a few moments of your day walking downtown or walking your neighbourhood asking God to direct someone whom you can bless. Someone may ask you to give them change. This is a perfect opportunity to whip out the card and bless them. Whether its someone in physical need, or an emotional pick up, this is a great way to live generously! They may ask you why you re doing this. 1 Peter reminds us to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have within us. This could be a great way to introduce the love of Jesus to people as well. As you learn to live generously and to live with an open hand rather than a closed fist, God will bless and you will prosper!

15 15 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 1, Day 6 God who Gives I used to think that the good gifts I received came from the people who gave them. I did thank them, but I ve come to realize that birthday or Christmas presents, or just because presents come from those God chooses to use. He has blessed them to be a blessing. In other words, those good gifts come from God. Don t be deceived my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights James 1:16-17 (NIV) Every good gift comes from our Heavenly Father who loves to give good gifts! Whether it s sunshine or rain, our children, jobs or hanging out with your friends. It all comes from God! James helps remind us we can easily get tricked about this reality. Some people think good things happen to good people. Nope, don t be deceived, good things happen because God is good. Others think they get lucky when good things happen to them. Nope, good things happen because God is good.

16 P a r t 1 16 Good things happen because God is good The next time the sun shines on your face, remember God is good! The next time you get to hold a newborn baby, remember God is good. The next time you eat a great meal, remember God is good. The next time you watch a great game, remember God is good. The next time technology saves you time or makes your work easier, remember God is good. Every good thing comes from God, let s be sure to thank the One from whom those gifts come and the One who teaches us to live generously by setting the example for us!

17 17 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 2, Day 1 Giving sacrificially scares me! If giving sacrificially scares you, join the club! Trusting God completely with my finances is a daunting task. It takes faith to trust him, especially if it means giving until it hurts. That s giving sacrificially. Giving until the point I can no longer trust my bank account or my credit cards, but I have to trust God to provide. The good news is that he promised to provide all our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19) Can you imagine being the widow in Mark 12:41-44? I have a hard time picturing myself in her shoes. She was poor, and not many of us know really what that s all about. She had 2 small copper coins worth about an 1/8 th of a cent each or about 1/64 th of a days wage. She wasn t just poor, she was dirt poor. But she was also generous with what God had entrusted her. She clearly gave sacrificially because she put in everything all she had to live on. Imagine coming to a place where your options were to buy groceries or give your money to the Lord. What would you do? I know what I would do. I d be buying the groceries. But that s missing the point of what Jesus was attempting to make. Most of us give out of our abundance. We give and it doesn t really cause us to think about it, or even worship while we are doing it. That s something Jesus wants us to think about with this story.

18 P a r t 1 18 The widow gave everything. She had to think and pray about what she gave. She also gave sacrificially, until she could no longer trust her money, but she was left trusting God alone. Giving sacrificially allows me to stop trusting in money and start trusting in God more If giving sacrificially scares you, as it does me, maybe its time to live a little bit more generously and trust God a little bit more as we learn to give not from our abundance but out of worship.

19 19 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 2, Day 2 Be Generous with your Time to Serve Others Spend some time brainstorming with your family some ideas of where you can serve your community. Then come up with a family service project where you generously give of your time and talent to serve your city. Some ideas to be thinking about: 1. Grab a garbage bag and head to a local park and clean up the neighbourhood simply by picking up some trash. 2. Make some cards for seniors in a nearby nursing home and spend an hour visiting with them. 3. Contact the principle at your kid s school and ask how you can best serve their school and then do that together. 4. Look at the city s list of community events and find out how you can serve at it. 5. Ask someone in your community group or church or neighbourhood if you can take care of their kids so the couple can go on a date night together. You can probably come up with a lot more ideas as a family, or as an individual. The point is together to look for ideas to serve and give generously of your time to someone else so that you can be a blessing and can show the love of Jesus to those around you.

20 P a r t 1 20 Fill this space with details about what your family service project will be. Task: Location: Date and Time: Write a few points about your experience once you have completed the project:

21 21 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 2, Day 3 Do you believe God is able? 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us that God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times having all you need, you will abound in every good work. (NIV) God is able is perhaps the greatest understatement in the history of the world. God is able is like saying you can squish an ant, or you can breathe. God is able, he is more than able to provide for us. What is God able to do? Think about that for a moment. God is able to bless you abundantly He is able to speak things into existence. He is able to forgive. He is able to hold the world in the palm of his hand. He is able to love the worst of sinners.

22 P a r t 1 22 He is also able to bless you abundantly. Look closer at 2 Corinthians 9:8; God blesses us in the following ways: God blesses us in all things. God blesses us at all times God blesses us so we have all we need. The God who is able, enables us to live generously because he s given everything we need. You will never find yourself in a situation where you are truly lacking. You might think you lack money, for example, at certain times in your life. But Paul says that in all things you will not lack anything. This promise is worth putting your trust in because it is God s Word, his inspired truth. His grace abounds so much so that we can then abound in every good work! So that we can excel in all good works. Our blessing that has come abundantly from God is not meant for us to hoard on our own. The purpose behind your blessing from God, in every format, is meant so that you will abound in every good work. These good works are acts of generosity that are purposed towards benefitting others. What God has blessed you with is simultaneously a blessing to others. In other words, the God who gives, blesses us, so we can give and live generously!

23 23 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 2, Day 4 Rediscovering the Joy of Giving Perhaps you ve fallen into the trap of your giving becoming automatic. In other words, you ve lost the joy of giving. It s become monotonous. You stick an envelope in a plate. You donate online. Something comes out of your bank account without you even flinching. Living generously is aimed at helping you rediscover the joy of giving. Perhaps you re saying you never had it in the first place. In that case, we want to help you find it! Giving can, and is supposed to be, joyful. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV) The word reluctantly literally means with sorrow or in pain. God doesn t want us to give with regret or unhappiness. He doesn t want us to give with a grudging spirit, unwilling to let the money go.

24 P a r t 1 24 God doesn t want us to be forced to give out of guilt or pressure. He wants us to give willingly and cheerfully. To give as though it is enjoyable to do so. Giving can, and is supposed to be, joyful Here s the key: God loves generosity. He loves a cheerful giver. It s not that he doesn t love those who aren t cheerful, but joy in giving is the heart behind giving. This is how God gives. He gives willingly. He gives cheerfully and he wants us to experience the joy in that. That s why He loves when we live generously because it comes from a heart of joy. It comes from the heart of God. As we get to know the God who gives more and more, we become more like him. And we begin to realize we are stewards, not owners. As we learn to live generously we experience what makes life enjoyable, not hoarding our lives, our talents or our treasures, but in blessing others as God has blessed us. God doesn t prize the size of the gift, but the attitude behind the gift. An attitude that is sincere and joyful.

25 25 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 2, Day 5 Developing an Attitude of Joy Today, we want to help you develop an attitude of joy in the normal routines of your life. So, you re not going to do anything different than your normal routine, with a couple of minor exceptions to help you develop an attitude of joy in the normal, mundane routines of life. Begin your day asking God to help you develop an attitude or mindset or joy. Pray this: Father, I ask today in Jesus name that you would transform my mind into thinking joyfully. That no matter what I do today, I might do it in the strength and the joy of the Lord, for your glory. For the joy of the Lord is my strength. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen Also, ask God to direct you to one task today that is particularly hard for you to take joy in.

26 P a r t 1 26 Maybe it s changing diapers. Maybe it s putting up with that annoying employee or boss. Maybe it s the chores you do. Maybe its homework, or preparing dinner or vacuuming or doing laundry or driving the kids to practice. The joy of the Lord is your strength Take a sticky note with you and write on it the following words: Do This with Joy. Put the note on the difficult task at hand earlier in the day, or just before you do it. This will help remind you to do the mundane, to do the routine, to do the normal with the joy of the Lord as your strength. Here s a great reminder of where our joy comes from. I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of his salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels. Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)

27 27 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 2, Day 6 God Rejoices over Me One of the most popular worship songs over the past decade or so is Mighty To Save. The chorus goes like this: Saviour, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, He is might to save, Forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave. This song is taken directly from Zephaniah 3:17. In case you didn t know, that is a book of the bible from the Old Testament. This verse reveals an amazing truth to us. God rejoices over you! The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV) God expresses joy over the ultimate part of his creation. In Genesis, he called humanity s creation very good. Here he rejoices over you with gladness.

28 P a r t 1 28 What an amazing and humbling thought. So many things in this world could bring God joy, but he in fact rejoices over you! Have you ever wondered how a holy God can delight in sinful people? It s because he is a God of mercy and he takes delight in those he has redeemed from the slavery of sin! So many things could bring God joy, but he rejoices over you As we are overwhelmed by temptation and sin and the burdens of life, instead be swamped by the love of the King who rejoices over his people with singing. The God of the universe has composed a love song for each of his children, unique to them, that he sings over each one of us as a lullaby of his love. As we know the God who rejoices over us, let s follow his example and find our joy in him!

29 29 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 3, Day 1 Hoping in God, not in Cash One of the most difficult things to do as a Christian, is to not rely on our money to get us through each day. When we have a need or even a want, it s so easy to throw it on a credit card or line of credit, instead of praying to God about it and asking his direction and waiting for him to provide. We often run ahead of God and in so doing prevent him from providing in the way that only He can. 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us not to put our hope in wealth but to put our hope in God (NIV). What if we actually believed the promises of God and lived accordingly? When a need arises, we wait on the Lord to provide. Instead of wanting it right now, or the next day. Instead of expecting God to answer right now, why not wait on the Lord instead. These verses tell us not to hope in wealth. Hope means that we look forward expectantly to something happening. Instead of hoping wealth will get us out of our problems, hope is best placed in God, who actually comes through time and again.

30 P a r t 1 30 If God is indeed generous. If God is indeed the owner of the world. If God is indeed our Father who loves to give us good gifts, why are we so quick to trust in wealth? Why are we so quick to think money will solve all of our problems? Maybe you ve thought something like the following: If only I could get a raise. If only I could get a new job. If only I could get a job. If only I could work again. Then everything would be better. The problem with that is that we are hoping in wealth when we think these things. Instead we re called to hope in What if we actually believed the promises of God and lived accordingly? God. Expect him to provide. Yes, get a job and work hard. Yes, give wisely as a good steward. But as God calls us to give generously, we are also called to hope and expect God to provide for us.

31 31 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 3, Day 2 Where the Money Goes One of the ways we can live generously is by looking at where the money you have been entrusted with goes. Whether you have a good handle on your money or not, you need to have a budget. Why? Because your budget is a tool that tells the money where to go instead of the money telling you where to go. Budgeting is a good way to be a good steward of your money because you are the one who is in control. My wife and I review our budget at least twice a year as changes happen to ensure things are set up well. If you don t have a budget, it makes it very difficult to live generously because the money is in control. Bills take over. Budgets are necessary to make sure that money is not in control of your life As followers of Jesus we re called to give generously to charitable donations as well as our local churches.

32 P a r t 1 32 One way to do this is to tell my money to go to my local church first. Instead of going over all your bills and living expenses and then giving God the leftovers, the Bible calls us consistently, time and time again, to give the Lord our first fruits. "The best of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God." Exodus 23:19 (ESV) Yes, this is a farming analogy given to the Israelites. But the principle remains we should give to God off the top, trusting him to live on the rest. The first thing you use your money for, the first of your fruit blessing from God, is intended to go back to God through the church. So, as you do your budget, or re-do your budget, start by giving to God first. Next, ensure that the remaining income is spent wisely. Thirdly, try to live with margin so that your budget allows your live generously and not selfishly.

33 33 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 3, Day 3 Looking at the God who loves the poor Proverbs 19:17 says whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him, for his deed. (ESV) God is a God of justice. He will do the right thing. And when we give, he rewards those who give. Some people take this too far and suggest that God promises wealth to those who are generous to him. That God wants nothing else than to make you rich and happy. That s bogus. But God does promise to bless those who are generous. He does give rewards for those who give. Sometimes that s financial, but more often than not, its more ethereal like having peace or joy in our hearts because we re generous. Sometimes that s here and now, but it may be a reward we receive in heaven. Regardless, reward or repayment is something that God gives to those who give. This shouldn t be our chief motivation. Our chief motivation in giving generously is to worship the Lord. To be like

34 P a r t 1 34 our God who gives. But it doesn t hurt knowing that as we give, God will return. Notice who this repayment is attached to, the poor. God s heart is for the poor. He has a special eye for those who are in need. Our chief motivation in giving generously is to worship the Lord Proverbs 31: 8-9 calls us to defend the rights of the poor and need. (ESV) He asks those whom he has blessed financially to have an eye for those in need. One of the ways we serve the Lord is by helping the poor. We do that by giving generously of our time, talents and treasure. As we are generous to the poor, we love the Lord.

35 35 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 3, Day 4 Every Spending Decision is a Spiritual Decision Today I want you to explore an interesting and scary concept: that every spending decision is in fact a spiritual decision. Jesus says this: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up or yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there you heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) God isn t concerned with one aspect of who we are he s concerned with our whole lives. For most people, how they spend, where they spend and what they spend is a big part of their lives. As you learn to be more like God, you will learn what it means to live generously with your time, talents and treasures. Regardless of what you think about money, you can certainly track your spending to see if you invest treasure where moth and rust destroy and where thieves steal, or if you are investing in

36 heaven. The truth is simple: nothing can steal or destroy investments in heaven. P a r t 1 36 God is concerned with your whole life, not just your money In becoming like Christ, we should look to God s Word for what generosity looks like and how it was modelled by Jesus. John 3:16 tells us because God so loved the world he gave his only son. God gave us His very best. His sacrifice shows us the way and the why we ought to be generous. Van Moody said it this way: ultimately, it s not just giving 10%. It s how you manage the 100%. That s really what we re talking about. If you re a tither, yes, that 10% goes to the Lord, but He s still looking at how you spend the 90%. 1 You re not an owner of the 90% to do whatever you want to, you re still a steward of the 100% God has generously given you, and He asks you to live generously with it all! 1 Van Moody. Inside the Offering. Kindred, Sept. 26, 2016.

37 37 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 3, Day 5 Be Generous to Those in Need One of the best ways we ve found to engage our family in living generously is to sponsor a child in a third-world country through a para-church organization. Our family presently sponsors three children. It works out to just over a $1 per day for each child. It s a great teaching opportunity to help our children see the needs of those around the world and to teach how we can be a blessing to those in need. Our children regularly pray for our sponsor kids. Occasionally they write letters to them as well. One of the practical ways you can be generous is by sponsoring a child. A great organization to do that with is Compassion. Why? Because they take seriously the child s physical and spiritual needs. You can go directly to their website ( to sponsor a child. Consider and pray about the possibility of sponsoring a child as a family. In the meantime, look at giving a gift of compassion to give a life changing gift to those in need. This could be done on behalf of someone s birthday or Christmas gift or wedding gift, or just

38 P a r t 1 38 instead of having a coffee at Tim s for one week. You can give chickens, or fill up the barn yard. Go to to give a gift of compassion.

39 39 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Week 3, Day 6 God Gives Graciously Exodus 34:6-7 has long been one of my favourite verses that help give a bigger picture of who God is. In introducing himself to Moses, God gave the following description: And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV) God introduces himself as compassionate and gracious. The word compassionate is the Hebrew word hesed which has the idea of loyal love and mercy. In other words, he actually withholds what we deserve, immediate judgment, because he is fiercely loyal and loving towards us. The fact that God is gracious should blow your mind. This is a part of God s very nature. In other words, he can t help but be gracious. Showing grace is actually living generously. It s the very definition of living generously. Grace is defined as giving a benefit when that said benefit isn t deserved or earned.

40 P a r t 1 40 He is so generous. He gives even when and even though we don t deserve any of his gifts. It s like a parent giving a spoiled rotten, disobedient, brat of a child a gift, not because their behaviour warrants it, but because the parent simply loves the child. Showing grace is actually living generously The reality is this: Love caused God to give. His very character caused him to give undeserved gifts to us. We don t deserve to have the salvation God gives us, which is life forever. Yet, he still gave us that through his Son Jesus. As we get to know the God who is compassionate and gracious, our love for him should cause us to give. Not only that, it will cause us to give generously.

41 41 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Part 2 99 Day Challenge

42 P a r t Day Living Generously Challenge Part of this 99-day living generously challenge is learning how to live generously everyday and learning how to give to God in an act of worship and trust. Over the course of these next 99 days, from June to the beginning of September, we would like to challenge you in three ways. First, we re challenging you to participate in a 13-week devotional intentionally focusing our thoughts on what God s Word says about giving. Would you join us as we journey one week at a time learning together what it means to live generously? The goal is that as we journey together, we will learn what God has to say about our time, talent and treasure. That we will learn to trust Him and grow closer to each other at the same time and experience freedom from the love of money. So, join us as we look at the God who gives; as we learn to meditate and focus on God s Word; as we pray His Word together; and as we learn to make Jesus the master of our lives and not money. Secondly, we re challenging you to be present at church over the summer. Many of you head to cottages and go away for much of the summer, which can be healthy in short bursts, but unhealthy over long periods of absence.

43 43 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Whether you re at your home church, or at a church near whatever town you find yourself in, be present with the body of Christ. It s never healthy when an arm, or leg or finger tries to separate itself from the body for long periods of time. The goal is that as you are present, you will continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and you ll be present to serve and build God s kingdom here in Timmins. So, join us over the summer. Wake up a few minutes earlier and drive in from the camp. Say yes to serving your church over the summer. Be available with a heart to serve the Lord. The final challenge is the most challenging of them all. Welcome to the 99-day Living Generously Challenge. For many believers, this is their approach: Jesus can be Lord over every aspect of my life except my money. Lordship means He s Lord over every area of my life, including my money. Let s not let money be our Master, let s choose to have Jesus be our master. One way to do that is to take the 99-day Living Generously Challenge. The Bible talks a lot about money and a lot about tithing. The Old Testament has a lot to say about tithing and Jesus spent upwards of 1/3 rd of his teaching on money.

44 P a r t 2 44 Tithing is the only area the bible tells us we can test God in. In fact, tithing is the only area the bible encourages us to test God. Deuteronomy 6:16 says do not put the Lord your God to the test (NIV) But in Malachi, God says you can try it. Put me to the test. (Mal.3:10, NLT). He says this in relation to tithing. God challenges us to test it out and see if he won t bless you if you do. Why does God say to test him in the area of our finances? Because for many of us giving and money are areas of struggle. So, he says, test me out. That s a challenge. And that s a challenge we want to issue to you over these next 90 days. To test God out in the area of your finances. The challenge is this: Trust God and give 10% of your income to the Lord to bless your church. If you re already doing that, why not take these next 90 days to consider an increase in that amount; perhaps a 2 %, 5 %, or even 10 % increase to see what God will do with that. 99 Days allows you to wrap your minds around a big concept and to try it for three months. It also allows you to measure the blessing that comes your way. If it doesn t work, you can always go back to living the way you were living before, no harm, no foul.

45 45 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y But, let s just see what God will do. If you test God in this and it does work, wouldn t that be an awesome way to learn to live? Could God so move that tithing becomes a lifestyle instead of just a challenge for you? To learn to live in freedom? Not having money as your Master, but having Jesus as Master over your entire life, including your wallet? The goal of this entire exercise is to learn to trust the Promises of God and to learn to live in the freedom and joy He promises to His children when they live generously. So not only can we test God in this, we can check the test results. Over the next 99 days we want to help you walk through this sensitive area and learn to trust God. Be sharing with others the things God is showing you. Be asking others to pray for you as you struggle through this. If you re an average Canadian you give 0.56% of your income away. If you re an average Canadian Christian that number jumps to 2.43%. So, for many of you this will be a big increase. We understand that this challenge will be hard; hence, challenge. But the blessings God will bring through learning to trust Him and His promises far outweigh any challenges you may face. God is good. He is worth trusting. Take the challenge and test Him at His Word. I guarantee, you won t regret it!

46 P a r t 2 46 Days 1-7, June Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Sunday 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) Over lunch, talk with somebody about the sermon you just heard. Share your point of view and what impacted you the most and hear what your friend has to say. Monday In addition to the NIV version above, read the verse above in the ESV, NLT, and The Message Bible versions. Mobile apps or computers are very convenient for this. Tuesday Memorize 2 Corinthians 9:6 in a version of your choice. Wednesday Each week you will be following the Living Generously study on RightNow Media. To make a free login through FBC s subscription, admin@firstb.ca. Go to this link and watch sessions 1 and 2 (it will take less than 10 minutes). Thursday Think of a friend who is not a Christian and does not attend First Baptist Church. You will be challenged on a weekly basis to practice your generosity with this person. Don t give it too much

47 47 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y thought, anyone will benefit from your generosity. Today, commit to praying for this person by name. Pray that God will provide opportunities for you to love them. Write their name here: Friday Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:6. Pray this: Father, You are so rich in love and mercy; yet, you desire me to be generous with all that you have blessed me with. By the work of your Spirit, please soften my heart in my attitude towards being generous with all of what you have given me. Make me aware of my selfishness so that your Word may encourage a generous heart within me. In Jesus Name, Amen. Saturday In the following space onto the next page, write about what you hope for in this 98 Day Challenge? What are some specific issues in your own heart that you recognize need to change now? Do you think your attitude of generosity in all means (time, talent, and treasure) is healthy? Why or why not? _

48 P a r t 2 48

49 49 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 8-14, June The earth is the LORD s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1 (NLT) Sunday On your way home from church, tell someone you came to church what you learned from today s sermon. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read Psalm 24:1 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Commit Psalm 24:1 to memory. Wednesday Watch sessions 3 and 4 in Living Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Remember the name of the person you wrote on page 45? Pray for them as well by name. Connect with your Community Group and plan to serve at the Stars and Thunder- Timmins International Fireworks Competition

50 P a r t 2 50 and Music Festival next week (June 24-July 1). Register online at: Friday Meditate on Psalm 24:1. Pray this: Lord Jesus, There is nothing that is on this earth that does not belong to you your Word tells me so! Your name is so great and worthy to be praised. As I am challenged with generosity, let your name be glorified in all that I do. Stir me to act in a way which recognizes that all of my talents, time, and treasure belong to you. Please keep my heart from being greedy this day, so that your Name will be glorified. In Your Name, Amen. Saturday Record some thoughts on how you are going to volunteer next week and be the light of Jesus. What will set you apart from the other volunteers?

51 51 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 15-21, June 25-July 1 Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions Luke 12:15 (NIV) Sunday After church today, ask someone what challenged them the most about the sermon. Share your thoughts as well. Monday In addition to the NIV version above, read Luke 12:15 in the ESV, NLT, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Meditate (think long and carefully) on Luke 12:15. Wednesday Watch sessions 5 and 6 in Living Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Volunteer at the Stars and Thunder- Timmins International Fireworks Competition and Music Festival. Remember to pray for the specific person you wrote on page 45. Starting next week, you will be interacting with them on a regular basis.

52 P a r t 2 52 Friday Meditate on Luke 12:15. Repeat this prayer in your heart: Jesus, You warned me about the traps and lies in this world about material possessions oh, how much you care for me! I bring myself to you not fully aware of the deceit that lies in my heart. Please remove my heart that is charmed by greed and replace it with the truth that life does not consist simply of possessions. I praise you for all that you have given me; more than all I deserve. I value you the most out of anything. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen. Saturday In the following space, describe your interaction with your friend so far.

53 53 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 22-28, July 2-July 8 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. Sunday 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) Tell someone two things that you are rejoicing in today from church today! Monday In addition to the NIV version above, read 1 Peter 1:3-5 in the ESV, NLT, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Think carefully about what 1 Peter 1:3-5 really means. Wednesday Watch sessions 7 and 8 in Living Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Remember your friend from page 45? Connect that person by the most reliable and convenient means (ie. Text message, phone call, , etc.). Let them know that you were thinking of them and take the opportunity to catch-up with one another.

54 P a r t 2 54 Friday Meditate on Luke 12:15. Pray this prayer: My Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth: Your mercy is unending and you have given me something immensely valuable hope through your Son Jesus. This inheritance that is ahead of me is far beyond anything I could even ask. Your generosity cannot be compared to anything. Teach me to live today, and the rest of my life, with this promise of eternal life always on my horizon. From that, please increase my generosity towards everyone that I encounter today. In the power of Jesus Name, Amen. Saturday Journal on how you have seen your generosity increase so far. If it hasn t, write out some barriers that are holding you back.

55 55 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 29-35, July 9-July 15 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 (NIV) Sunday On your way home from church, discuss with someone how the sermon challenged the practical way you are living. Monday In addition to the NIV version above, read Proverbs 3:5,6 in the ESV, NLT, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Memorize Proverbs 3:5,6. Wednesday Watch sessions 9 and 10 in Living Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Follow up with your friend from page 45. Reach out to them and ask them if there is something that you can be praying for them. It might go something like this: Hey, I was thinking about

56 P a r t 2 56 our conversation last week and I realized that I d like to pray for you. What is something that you d like me to pray for? Friday Meditate on Proverbs 3:5,6. Let this prayer sit in your mind today: Great and Mighty God, Because you are good, you ask me to trust in you because only you are worth trusting in. You are so faithful to provide for all of my needs and my family around me. Today, stir in my heart so that the trust I ve placed in myself would be supplanted with trusting in you. Thank you that you have made the path to you, through Jesus, straight. Thank you that you are a trustworthy anchor for my soul. Teach me to increase in boldness and love for others so that they would hear of your Great Name. Amen. Saturday Reflect on a time where God has provided for one of your needs (physical, emotional, financial, family, etc.):

57 57 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 36-42, July 16-July 22 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Mark 8:35-37 (NIV) Sunday Share with a friend how the Sunday message impacted you. Monday In addition to the NIV version above, read Mark 8:35-37 in the ESV, NLT, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Mediate on Mark 8: Wednesday Watch sessions 1 and 2 of Loving Generously on RightNow Media (this is a new series): Thursday Remember your friend from last week? Offer to take them out for coffee or ice-cream. This generosity is inexpensive in time and money, and you will be richly blessed with joy!

58 P a r t 2 58 Friday Pray this prayer and read Mark 8:37-35 three times: Jesus, my King: You willingly came to earth giving up your throne in heaven so that I might have life for my soul. Praise your Name! I ask today for eyes to see people near me like you do: as lost souls in desperate need to be brought to you through your death and resurrection. Teach me the worth of my soul and to not sacrifice it for any riches of this world. I desire to lose my life for the sake of your gospel. Now, please guide me in practically changing the way I see the belongings you have given me my time, talents, and treasure. I pray that they will be used only for your glory so that your Name will be made known in Timmins. In your Name, Amen. Saturday Journal about 3 barriers that are preventing you from increasing in generosity.

59 59 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 43-49, July 23-July 29 Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil. Proverbs 15:16 (NLT) Sunday Talk about the Sunday sermon you heard on your way home from church with a friend or family member. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read Proverbs 15:16 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Memorize Proverbs 15:16 Wednesday Watch sessions 3 and 4 of Loving Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Send an encouragement note to your special friend. Thank them for taking the time to spend together last week. Let them know how much you enjoyed their company and encourage them for the rest of their week.

60 P a r t 2 60 Friday Reflect on Proverbs 15:16 and pray this: Heavenly Father, Please shape my heart, mind, and practices to pursue you above any riches that the world can possibly offer. Your Word tells me that it s better to little wealth on this earth and to know you than to be rich. All things on this earth belong to you. I desire that all of my life be yours as well. Please remove my selfishness in trying to control the money that I have; it is not even mine to begin with, but yours! Amen. Saturday Journal about the joy you have experienced as you have been journeying throughout this challenge.

61 61 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 50-56, July 30-August 5 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) Sunday Share with a friend what impacted you the most about the message you hear at church. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read 1 Timothy 6:10 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Think carefully about what 1 Timothy 6:10 really means. Wednesday Watch sessions 5 and 6 of Loving Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Reach out to your friend from page 45 and offer your time to benefit them. This may be offering to use your tools to fix up their deck or offering to babysit their kids so that they can have a break. You know them well; use something that you have to bless them generously.

62 P a r t 2 62 Friday Reflect on 1 Timothy 6:10 and pray this: Jesus, There are many evils in this world. All of which you have freed me from in the end yet they still wage war against me. Money can pollute many good things as it leads to evil. But, You have given me a light to my feet so that I may remain faithful to You. I ask that you guard me from the love of money and replace with a deep love for You and the things that You love. I shout for joy that you have given me Your Son! A trustworthy anchor for my soul is worth singing for joy today you are so good! I thank you in Jesus Name, Amen. Saturday Write about the things that God has blessed you with today beyond money and material possessions:

63 63 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 57-63, August 6-12 Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring. Proverbs 11:28 (NLT) Sunday Engage a friend on your way home from church in a conversation about the joyful truth you heard in the sermon this morning. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read Proverbs 11:28 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Memorize Proverbs 11:28. Wednesday Watch sessions 7 and 8 of Loving Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Plan to connect with your friend today or tomorrow. Be very intentional to use the 9-word sentence in your conversation. Here s how it goes to remind you: I would like to invite you to my church. Simple. 9 words have the possible to change their life.

64 P a r t 2 64 Friday Reflect on Proverbs 11:28 and pray this: Gracious God, Praise your name for you are great! Praise your name for you have generously supplied my greatest need through Jesus Christ your Son. I thank you that I have received your grace through faith alone. Teach me today to place more of my trust in you and not in money. I desire to follow your Word more today. Teach me your ways so that I may not stumble among the dangers of this world. Create in me a burning desire to obey your commands so that I may flourish as your Spirit dwells in me and shapes me more in Christ s image. Thank you, Jesus, for hearing me today. Amen. Saturday Write about your encounter inviting your friend to church on Thursday:

65 65 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 64-70, August Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (NLT) Sunday Share with a friend what impacted you the most about the message you hear at church. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Spend time meditating on 1 Chronicles 29: Wednesday Watch sessions 9 and 10 of Loving Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Remember when you offered to pray for your friend (page 52)? Follow up with that prayer request. Encourage them to tell them

66 P a r t 2 66 you have been praying for them and ask what else you can be praying for. Friday Reflect on 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 and pray this: Heavenly Father, You have created all things and remain above all things. Everything in the earth is yours! I trust that all of my life is under your gracious power. Increase my faith in your promises that you will provide all that I need. Put 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 at the front of my mind today. I ask that you increase my capacity to be generous with the perspective of your powerful presence in my life. I ask this in Jesus Name, Amen. Saturday Express how your generosity with your time has changed over the course of this challenge:

67 67 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 71-77, August If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD and he will repay you! Proverbs 19:17 (NLT) Sunday Share with a friend what impacted you the most about the message you hear at church. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read Proverbs 19:17 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Memorize Proverbs 19:17. Wednesday Watch sessions 1 and 2 of Leading Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Pray for your special friend and their request last week. Make plans to have them (and family if they have one) over to your house/apartment for dinner next week. Plan for next Thursday, but be flexible with your schedule. Invite them today. You don t need to make dinner particularly fancy; they will see your generosity and be wonderfully blessed by it! Don t worry about your house not being clean or nice enough. Love them sincerely by sharing your life with them.

68 P a r t 2 68 Friday Reflect on Proverbs 19:17 and pray this: Jesus, You have been powerfully changing my heart and mind to view everything that you give me differently. Please continue to increase my generosity in all aspects of my life. I pray for (friend you invited to dinner). I ask that they will be able to come to dinner next week. I pray for an opportunity to share with them about your great generosity in giving Jesus to die for us. Thank you for you love. Please show your love through my actions next week. In the power of Jesus Name I pray, Amen. Saturday Create your plan for having your friend over for dinner next week (ie. What are you making? Are schedule re-arrangements necessary? Dietary restrictions? What day/time?)

69 69 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 78-84, August 27-September 2 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples John 13:35 (NLT) Sunday Ask someone after church how the sermon challenged them to live differently this week. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read John 13:35 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Memorize John 13:35. Wednesday Watch sessions 3 and 4 of Leading Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Today s the day! Be excited about sharing dinner with your friend. Prepare your mind beforehand by praying and asking God to give you intentionality with your words to share the love of Jesus with them. Friday Reflect on John 13:35 and pray this:

70 P a r t 2 70 Jesus my Lord, I thank you for generously giving me joy in sharing a meal with yesterday! I thank you that you have been giving me opportunities to increase in intentional generosity with them. Please continue to soften their heart so that they may know that I am your disciple by the love that I have for them. As the summer closes, I look back and trust that you are in control. Please increase my willingness to share all that you are for me with those who I interact with. Everyone needs to hear of your saving grace and you have tasked with loving others in completing this mission. Continue to provide all that I need as I seek to become a more devoted follower of you. In your gracious Name I pray, Amen. Saturday What have you learned most from this 90-day challenge so far?

71 71 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 85-91, September 3-9 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. Psalm 62:10 (ESV) Sunday Share with a friend how you are committing to live out the Word of God you heard preached in the sermon at church. Monday In addition to the ESV version above, read Psalm 62:10 in the NLT, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Think carefully about the truth behind Psalm 62:10. Wednesday Watch sessions 5 and 6 of Leading Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday Get in contact with your friend and thank them for coming to dinner with you the other night. Write them an encouraging note as the summer is over to prevent their discouragement back at work/school. Remember to pray for them.

72 P a r t 2 72 Friday Reflect on Psalm 62:10 and pray this: Lord Jesus, Please remove the wickedness that is deeply rooted in my heart. From this, my selfish behavior flows. Teach me, according to your grace, to not set my heart on material riches. Instead, guide my heart to rest in the glorious riches that you have abundantly provided for me. You have given me an inheritance that is waiting in heaven one day which trumps anything else I could imagine! Please make that the horizon I focus on all of my days. Spirit, lead me away from the trap of idolizing earthly blessing and teach me to be joyful in all that you have already given me. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen. Saturday Return to page 55 and read what you wrote that day. Comment on how those barriers have been overcome. If not, ask God to do so:

73 73 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Days 92-99, September Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21 (NLT) Sunday Share with a friend how you are committing to live out the Word of God you heard preached in the sermon at church. Monday In addition to the NLT version above, read Matthew 6:21 in the ESV, NIV, and The Message Bible versions. Tuesday Commit to memorize Matthew 6:21. Wednesday Watch sessions 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Leading Generously on RightNow Media: Thursday If you haven t done this already, extend a special invitation to your friend to church this Sunday. This would be a perfect opportunity to tell them that among all of the things you have shared with this this past 99 days, there is nothing more that you want them to know than Jesus love for them. Make the most of this opportunity to shine your light brightly into their life!

74 P a r t 2 74 Friday Reflect on Matthew 6:21 and pray this: Heavenly Father, I have seen your work take place in my heart. You have been stirring generosity within me as I understand more of the grace you have extended towards me. Continue to show me where I fall short in my love and kindness towards others. Make me aware of how I have hidden your blessings in my heart with selfishness. I ask that your Spirit release my grip on what you have given me so that I will overflow with love for others. I praise you that you continue to work within me, making me more into the example Jesus set for me. I ask this in your name, Amen. Saturday Commit a portion of time now, free from distraction, to journal everything that has changed in your heart over the last 97 days. Thank God for the new joys you have experienced and any liberation from selfishness.

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77 P a r t 2 77 Thank you for journeying with us! As we prepared this resource for you, we were praying that God would use it to explode the hearts of First Baptist Church with generosity. We trust that you were challenged, encouraged, and changed throughout the last four months. Don t ever forget the purpose behind living generously: God first gave his Son Jesus, out of love for you, to die so that you might be saved and enjoy life eternal with him! But, this book is not the end: simply the beginning. You now have a lifetime ahead of you of continuing to increase in your generosity. If y0u pursue this, the gain of knowing God as a joyful giver is far greater than anything else on this earth. Now that you have clearer understanding of living generously as a follower of Jesus and part of the church it s time for you to use that for the good of others and the glory of God. Much peace and blessings, Pastor Kevin Furtney & Pastoral Intern Parker Arnold

78 78 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y Part 3 Giving to FBC with Tithe.ly

79 Installing the App & Setting Up Your Account P a r t 3 79 The Tithe.ly app allows you to easily donate to First Baptist Church. Whether you have an iphone or Android phone, the Tithe.ly app is available to you as a free download. Here s how to download and install the app: 1. Grab your smartphone or tablet and open the app store. 2. In the app store do a search for Tithe.ly and select it to download on your phone. 3. Once the download is complete, Tithe.ly will automatically be installed on your smartphone. Open the app by pressing on the icon for it on your smartphone, which looks like this: 4. When Tithe.ly opens on your phone, click Create Account 5. Fill in all the fields, asking for information such as your name, address, and payment methods. Please note that the Tithe.ly app currently only accepts credit cards as a form of payment.

80 80 L i v i n g G e n e r o u s l y 6. Once your account has been setup, locate and save FBC as your home church by pressing in the Find a church bar (see below) and type First Baptist Church Timmins. 7. Once you ve selected First Baptist Church as your church in Tithe.ly, you re ready to give to FBC anytime using Tithe.ly! For details on how to give a one-time or recurring gift, refer to the other instruction sheets in this packet. How to Give a One-time or Recurring Gift Once you ve downloaded the Tithe.ly app and have setup your account, you are ready to start giving one-time or recurring gifts to FBC. Here s how it s done: 1. Open the Tithe.ly app on your smartphone. 2. Make sure you see First Baptist Church listed as your home church when you open the app (see below). Press on the Give Now button.