Reflection.  A great thing to do as we start a new year.  I’ve been reflecting on one of the concepts that Bob teaches around the world:


You can blame it on me being a woman or maybe even my age, but tears come readily to my eyes when I witness acts of generosity.  It can be as simple as reading about someone who purchased a cup of coffee for a stranger to watching an episode of Extreme Makeover. An unexpected 5 dollar bill sent from a friend.  A birthday gift that includes a surprise visit from a sister in North Carolina. Hearing about a group of college students that chipped in to buy a friend a much needed new cell phone. All these acts of generosity challenge me to continue to look for opportunities that God is giving me to be generous with all I have.

The people in Macedonia are a great example of how generosity changes everything. In 2 Corinthians 8 we find out that even though they were going through some extreme trials, “their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity......they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” (verses 2 & 3)  These people gave with joy and as much as they were able--even more.  What does that even mean?  Did they give up eating out twice a week?  Or did they decide to eat rice and beans for the week?  Last year’s clothes are fine for this year?  I don’t really know, except that these people really lived out generosity and as I reflect on these verses I realize I have a long way to go.

In verse 7 Paul challenges the Corinthians saying “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 

GENEROSITY CHANGES EVERYTHING.  Bob teaches this around the world.  Please pray for us as we attempt to live it out daily.

Thank you for generously giving so we can continue the work God has called us to do.