11.13.24 Generosity

Around this time of year, topics of thankfulness and giving become popular. But why are we expected to be so generous and give without expectations? The simple answer is because God gives so freely to us and is so generous even when we do not deserve. For anyone that attends church regularly, giving is not a new concept. In the Bible, God asks us to give ten percent of what we have, and He blesses the return. We have to consider not just giving, but giving with a pure heart.

In 1 Kings 3:5, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him that He will grant whatever Solomon requests. Can you imagine God coming to you and saying, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you." Why was this offered to Solomon?

Earlier that day, Solomon had gone to worship the Lord and make a sacrifice. At this time in the Bible, a sacrifice of one bull was the custom or norm. However, Solomon sacrificed 1,000 bulls. This was because he was willing to give God what he thought God deserved. Later that night, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said “ask for whatever you want.” God asked Solomon this question because of his heart posture, and the fact that he was an extravagant giver, going above and beyond what others had done.

The more extravagant your gifts to the Lord, the more extravagant your requests may be! Solomon then asked the Lord to give him the wisdom and understanding to lead a great nation, as he had just been made a king shortly before. Not only did God give him this, but He gave Solomon abundance and prosperity.

It wasn't just about the 1,000 burnt offerings - it was about the motive of Solomon's heart. Solomon's request of the Lord wasn't for himself, but for others....

GO ABOVE AND BEYOND

- People are stingy with ATTITUDE

- Give LOVE, GRACE, MERCY

- Be willing to give the encouraging words

ALL OF THIS STARTED WITH WORSHIP

- When Solomon poured all of his stuff out and gave abundantly, God blessed him a thousand times more

- Have this attitude - “God whatever you decide to do with it, it was yours anyways”

We are GENEROUS because HE is GENEROUS!