Building a Legacy: Generosity and God's Principles

Devotional

Day 1: Investing in the Next Generation

The importance of the next generation cannot be overstated. Jesus emphasized the value of children and the next generation, reminding us that they are integral to the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Legacy Center project is a tangible way to invest in our youth, ensuring they have a space to grow in their faith. Supporting this vision is a way to honor Jesus' teaching and invest in the future of our church community. By contributing to this project, we are not only providing a physical space but also nurturing the spiritual growth of our children, who will carry forward the message of Christ.

Jesus' words in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these," serve as a powerful reminder of the value of the next generation. As a church, we are called to create environments where children can encounter God, learn His ways, and grow in their faith. The Legacy Center is a step in this direction, and your support can make a significant impact on the lives of our youth. [27:51]

Matthew 19:14 (ESV): "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of the next generation in your community? What steps can you take this week to support the Legacy Center project or other youth-focused initiatives?

Day 2: Building on God's Principles

Dave and Christy's story illustrates the power of living by God's principles. They faced significant challenges but remained steadfast in their faith by practicing tithing, creating financial margin, and living generously. These principles provided a strong foundation that sustained them through difficult times and allowed them to be a blessing to others. Their testimony is a powerful reminder that God's principles are not just theoretical but practical guidelines that can help us navigate life's challenges.

By building our lives on God's principles, we can weather any storm and live generously, impacting those around us. Dave and Christy's commitment to tithing, creating financial margin, and living generously enabled them to support others and contribute to God's work both locally and globally. Their story challenges us to evaluate our own lives and consider how we can align our actions with God's principles. [41:31]

Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."

Reflection: What are some specific ways you can build your life on God's principles? How can you incorporate tithing, creating financial margin, and living generously into your daily routine?

Day 3: Creating Financial Margin

One of the key lessons from Dave and Christy's story is the importance of creating financial margin. By cutting back and living within their means, they were able to build a stable financial foundation. This not only helped them navigate their own challenges but also enabled them to be more generous and support God's work. Financial margin provides the freedom to respond to God's call and support various causes and ministries.

Creating financial margin requires intentionality and discipline. It involves making conscious decisions to live within our means, avoid unnecessary debt, and prioritize our spending. By doing so, we can build a stable financial foundation that allows us to be more generous and support God's work. Dave and Christy's story is a testament to the power of financial margin and its impact on their ability to live generously. [52:27]

Proverbs 21:20 (ESV): "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."

Reflection: What steps can you take to create financial margin in your life? How can you adjust your spending habits to live within your means and build a stable financial foundation?

Day 4: Living Generously

Generosity is a core value that Dave and Christy embraced, even during difficult times. They decided to live with an open hand, supporting various causes and ministries. Their story challenges us to evaluate our own lives and find ways to live generously, whether through financial giving, volunteering, or other acts of service. Living generously is not just about giving money but also about sharing our time, talents, and resources with others.

Generosity reflects the heart of God and His desire for us to be a blessing to others. By living generously, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those around us and contribute to God's work in the world. Dave and Christy's commitment to generosity, even in the face of challenges, serves as an inspiration for us to live with an open hand and support various causes and ministries. [53:09]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: How can you live more generously in your daily life? What are some specific ways you can share your time, talents, and resources with others this week?

Day 5: Responding to God's Call

Every one of us is called to respond to God's Word in our lives. Whether it's through tithing, creating financial margin, or living generously, we must take actionable steps to align our lives with His principles. Reflect on what God is saying to you today and determine what you will do about it this week. Responding to God's call requires intentionality and a willingness to take action.

God's call is unique for each of us, and it is important to seek His guidance and direction in our lives. By responding to His call, we can align our actions with His principles and make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Take time to reflect on what God is saying to you and consider how you can take actionable steps to respond to His call this week. [57:42]

James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Reflection: What is God calling you to do this week? How can you take actionable steps to respond to His call and align your life with His principles?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the importance of giving and living by God's principles. We began by focusing on Matthew 19:14, where Jesus emphasizes the significance of children and the next generation. This ties into our Legacy Center project, which aims to create a space for our youth ministries. We encourage everyone to contribute to this vision, believing that God will provide the necessary resources.

We also highlighted the story of Dave and Christy, members of our church who have faced significant challenges but have built their lives on God's principles. Their story serves as a powerful testimony of how living by God's Word can sustain us through difficult times. They practiced three key principles: tithing, creating financial margin, and living generously. These principles not only helped them navigate their struggles but also enabled them to support others and contribute to God's work both locally and globally.

As we reflect on their story, we are reminded that God does not promise a life free of trials but assures us of His presence and help during those times. By building our lives on His principles, we can weather any storm and live generously, impacting those around us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of the Next Generation: Jesus emphasized the value of children and the next generation, reminding us that they are integral to the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Legacy Center project is a tangible way to invest in our youth, ensuring they have a space to grow in their faith. Supporting this vision is a way to honor Jesus' teaching and invest in the future of our church community. [27:51]
2. Building on God's Principles: Dave and Christy's story illustrates the power of living by God's principles. They faced significant challenges but remained steadfast in their faith by practicing tithing, creating financial margin, and living generously. These principles provided a strong foundation that sustained them through difficult times and allowed them to be a blessing to others. [41:31]
3. Creating Financial Margin: One of the key lessons from Dave and Christy's story is the importance of creating financial margin. By cutting back and living within their means, they were able to build a stable financial foundation. This not only helped them navigate their own challenges but also enabled them to be more generous and support God's work. [52:27]
4. Living Generously: Generosity is a core value that Dave and Christy embraced, even during difficult times. They decided to live with an open hand, supporting various causes and ministries. Their story challenges us to evaluate our own lives and find ways to live generously, whether through financial giving, volunteering, or other acts of service. [53:09]
5. Responding to God's Call: Every one of us is called to respond to God's Word in our lives. Whether it's through tithing, creating financial margin, or living generously, we must take actionable steps to align our lives with His principles. Reflect on what God is saying to you today and determine what you will do about it this week. [57:42]
### [57:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:51] - Importance of the Next Generation
[28:47] - Legacy Center Vision
[33:54] - Announcements and Meal for Rwanda Trip
[36:17] - Introduction to "Our Stories" Series
[41:31] - Dave and Christy's Story: Facing Challenges
[50:48] - Principle of Tithing
[52:27] - Creating Financial Margin
[53:09] - Living Generously
[54:56] - Encouragement and Call to Action
[57:42] - Responding to God's Call
[58:12] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What did Jesus emphasize about children and the next generation in Matthew 19:14? How does this relate to the Legacy Center project at Harvest Church? [27:51]
According to Psalm 46:1, what is God’s role during times of trouble? How does this verse challenge the idea that faith should keep us from experiencing difficulties? [41:31]
What are the three key principles that Dave and Christy practiced to build their lives on God's Word? [50:48]
How did Dave and Christy create financial margin in their lives, and what impact did it have on their ability to live generously? [52:27]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus place such importance on children and the next generation in Matthew 19:14? How can this perspective influence our priorities in church and community projects? [27:51]
How does Psalm 46:1 provide comfort during difficult times? What does it mean for God to be our refuge and strength? [41:31]
In Malachi 3:10, what does God promise to those who bring the full tithe into the storehouse? How does this principle of tithing reflect trust in God’s provision? [50:48]
How did living by the principles of tithing, creating financial margin, and living generously help Dave and Christy navigate their challenges? What can we learn from their story about applying these principles in our own lives? [53:09]

Application Questions

Reflecting on Matthew 19:14, how can you personally contribute to the Legacy Center project or other initiatives that invest in the next generation? What steps can you take this week to support these efforts? [27:51]
Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s help during a difficult situation? How did it impact your faith? [41:31]
Considering Malachi 3:10, are you currently practicing tithing? If not, what steps can you take to start trusting God with your finances? If you are, how have you seen God’s provision in your life? [50:48]
Dave and Christy created financial margin by cutting back and living within their means. What are some practical ways you can create financial margin in your own life? How might this enable you to be more generous? [52:27]
Generosity was a core value for Dave and Christy. Identify one specific way you can practice generosity this week, whether through financial giving, volunteering, or acts of service. [53:09]
Reflect on the call to respond to God’s Word. What is one actionable step you can take this week to align your life more closely with God’s principles, whether it’s tithing, creating financial margin, or living generously? [57:42]
How can you involve your family or close friends in these principles? Discuss with them the importance of tithing, financial margin, and generosity, and plan together how you can implement these in your collective lives. [57:14]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Hey, everybody. So, if you're like me, too often we approach faith as if there's some kind of divine force field, right? That really should keep difficulty away from us. But Psalm 46 and 1 in the New Living Translation says this. It says, God is our refuge and strength. Always ready to help in times of trouble. He doesn't actually say we get out of trouble. just says when you're in it, He's always there to help you. Actually, Jesus said it this way. He said, in this life, you will have trials. Right? And so, we often approach faith like that. Like it's some kind of force field that will keep it away from us. But God doesn't promise a life of ease without trials and tribulations. What He does offer... ...is to be with us through the storms of life." [41:31] (310 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Dave and Christy's story shows us that that not one of us is. Is exempt from difficulty. But what it also shows us is that. When you build your life on the principles of God's word. That those principles can sustain you through your difficult seasons. We also saw that they learned some principles during that time, right? They begin to practice and they continue to this day to practice. Three of those are this. Who would have thought I would have broke it into three? Three of those are this. Number one, they're tithers. They built their life on the principle of tithing from God's word." [50:48] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Their story serves as an encouragement. For everyone that's facing a difficult time. In a crowd this size. More than likely there's someone in this room. That's facing difficulty in their lives at this moment. You can look at their story. And see God can still move. God will see you through it. And He's giving you the relationships and principles that you need. To come out on the other side." [54:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So what do we learn from their story? We learn build your life on the principles of God's word. To create margin to live in. So that you're not living beyond your means. But you can do exactly what God's called you to do. And when you get there. Number three. Live your life generously." [54:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Maybe you're in this room. And you're going through a difficult time right now. And you go man. I listen to their story. I listen to what you said. And I realize that I need to do this. Maybe it's. You're not a tither. And you need to become a tither. You need to build your life on the principles of God's word. If that's what it is. What are you going to do about it this week?" [55:40] (0 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We started last week a brand new series. Now, let me give you kind of the thought behind this because, really, 1 Thessalonians 5 and 12 says this in the King James Version. It says, we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you. Our stories is a series that we literally could do every year, and we may do it for multiple years. Like, we may do it once a month or one month out of the year for a few years. Because what it does is it allows us to hear from others within our church, within our community, that we may not necessarily have been privileged to go and have a meal with or to go and sit down and have a cup of coffee with. And so, we may not know their stories." [36:17] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Dave and Christy were tithers. They built their life on that. And they trusted in the Lord. And that really is what the principle of the tithe is. It is you saying to the Lord, you've given me everything that I have. And I'm going to trust you with everything that you've given me. They were tithers. And they testified to seeing the provision of God. Throughout the story. The second lesson that they learned. Was that they needed to create margin in their finances. Now, if I really wanted to preach this. I'm pretty sure most every one of us in this room. Could testify to the fact that at some point or another in our lives. And maybe even today. We live our lives to the edge. Of our income. And let's be honest. A lot of times over that." [51:41] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "They decided to stop living beyond their means. So that they could become generous givers. Which is number three. I know you're sitting back going. I can't believe he's at number three already. This series is designed to let them preach their story. Not me. Right? Number three is they practice generosity. Now we have a core value here at Harvest Church. That says we will live generously with our time. With our talent. And with our treasure. And Dave and Christy decided in that difficult season. That they were going to create. The margin necessary. So that they could live their lives generously. And that's exactly what they've done." [53:09] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Maybe you're in here and you go. I'm there and I need to live generously. If that's you. What are you going to do about it? This week. For some of us it may just be. You know. Giving an offering at a church. For others it may be volunteering at. At a food shelter. Or an outreach event. I don't know what it is for you. But I do know. That if God ever speaks to an issue in your life. He always calls us to respond. So I don't know how you need to respond today. But I do believe. That every one of us in this room. Are being called to respond. On some level." [57:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "For some of you. You need to go home. And you need to have a conversation with your spouse. You need to have a conversation if you're single. You need to go home. And you need to. Make a decision. And go ahead and put that into your budget. To go ahead and begin to live by the principle of God's word. For others of you. You need to go home. And you need to revisit your budget. And you need to. Maybe like Dave and Christy. Start looking at some stuff that you can sell off. That you can gain provision. So that you can get out of debt. And live within the margins that you want to set. So that you can thirdly live generously." [57:14] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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