Terry Storch

Writing about life, leadership, faith, and anything else I find interesting.

Generosity

 

Generosity - 2 Corinthians 8

I am not sure it coincidence that I am in 2 Cor 8, and the financial markets are in turmoil, and the crypto markets have plunged in the last few hours. The global markets are being shaken to the core because of the Coronavirus scare and the unknown oil war between the Russians and Saudi’s. Personally, watching our net worth drop significantly leaves me feeling bleak. I know its temporary, and I know my faith and trust is not in this world, but it still isn’t much fun to watch. And this morning, I read this:

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is no way I could classify my situation or circumstance a severe trial, or anything like extreme poverty. That would be ridiculous! Check this out, Paul writing about the Macedonian churches who were struggling in a significant way were abundantly generous in the midst of it. This heart of generosity begins with God, for he is the one who offers the gift of grace. 

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is it, and this is following the Spirits calling and walking out our faith in action. You see, the way we treat, think, and handle our money and financial resource say a lot about our character. 

“And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This says it perfectly, tithing and giving. The tithe, the first ten percent of our income we bring to the Lord. Then, beyond the tithe is when we offer our generosity and giving. 

“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.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don’t forget this is being discussed in the context of severe trials and hardships. This is not happening when all is well, when we have it all planned out, and when we feel like it. Generocity is a posture of our heart and a willingness to express our grace through giving. 

I also loved that Paul was clear this was not a Biblical requirement or a command from him. Giving and being generous beyond the tithe is above and beyond, living in the overflow. 

“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Robin and I can share from our personal experience how blessed it is to be a blessing and to live generously. This has been a part of our marriage nearly since day one, and God has abundantly blessed and exceeded our expectations on every level. It is not always financial, it is a full blessing that starts with our relationship with Christ, and our relationship with each other. Abundant grace He returns to us. 

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is also a great, sometimes overlooked verse or idea. Start where you are, and the gift and generous act should be within your means and ability. Don’t listen to story’s of people giving away cars, houses, or whatever and be discouraged that you can not do that. Start where you are, and be willing to step in and give with a joyful heart. 

Like I said when I started writing...it not a coincidence in my mind that this is where I landed today. I needed this message and this reminder of generosity. Grace is not circumstantial or situational. The grace of God and his love and generosity for us is eternal. Our blessing and generosity should model that and freely flow as God’s does to us. No matter the situation of the global financial markets, my foundation and rock are Christ Jesus. Therefore, my generosity flows because of who God is, not based on what is happening around me. 

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Finish the work, live generously! 

other writing
John 20 - The Gospel

John 20 - The Gospel

The Gospel, the Good News! Jesus, Son of God, was born of Mary, lived as the Son of Man, died, and rose to life to rescue the world and bring about a new life. The central message of the gospel. Jesus, the centerpiece! John 19 & 20 cover the brutal death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

In this scene, I can not imagine how the disciples felt. John describes them as overjoyed...but those words just fall short of what I can imagine this moment was like.

John 19 - The Magnitude of the Cross

John 19 - The Magnitude of the Cross

The day of Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled 28 Old Testament prophecies. Scripture was fulfilled! Beyond that, trying to wrap my mind around what happened this day, on the cross, and fully grabbing the magnitude of the cross is mind-boggling.

Sure, we can dumb this down or simplify it to a place where I just don’t believe it is anywhere near accurate. We can get into penal substitution and argue over was God full of love or was God full of wrath and hate that he killed his son. To me, John 3:16 is pretty clear on the love part.

John 18 - Jesus levels an army

John 18 - Jesus levels an army

In John 18, we come to the great betrayal. Judas came with the soldiers, officials, and chief priest and Pharisees. We know the scene. But this morning, I saw something I don’t remember reading and surly don’t remember learning about.

“So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭18:3-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John 17 - The Lords Prayer

John 17 - The Lords Prayer

John 17 is Jesus looking heavenward and praying to God the Father. So much beauty and mystery in this prayer. One thing that jumps out to me is that Jesus, fully God, and fully man prayed. Jesus is God fully. Why did he need to pray, He was One with the Father, He was God...and yet he prayed. This is so powerful;

“And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭17:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John 16 - What does it take to believe?

John 16 - What does it take to believe?

By the end of John 16, Jesus had done countless miracles, preached some amazing sermons, transformed so many lives, and developed a close and personal relationship with his disciples. So, when reading these verses, I am just utterly confused on so many levels.

“I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭16:28-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John 16 - Undervaluing God in Spirit

John 16 - Undervaluing God in Spirit

Jesus’ time on earth is quickly coming to a close, and he finishes up his last sermon or teaching to his disciples as they walk to Gethsemane. This final teaching was a heavy one that no doubt left his disciples with a heavy heart. Jesus said it this way;

“...None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭16:5-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus goes on to say;

John 15 - Constant Growth

John 15 - Constant Growth

We were built for growth, constant growth. From birth, all the way until our death, we were designed by God for constant growth. The problem is, we often can find ourselves stuck in a belief, a phase, or a part of life where we stop growing.

One of the most brilliant investors embodies this understanding. Charlie Munger, at 96 years old, is still learning and growing as a person. I love this quote:

“Knowing what you don’t know is more useful than being brilliant.”
- Charlie Munger

John 14 - The Gift of Peace

John 14 - The Gift of Peace

John 14 opens with Jesus, saying, Don’t let your hearts be troubled. And the chapter closed down with Jesus saying Don’t be troubled or afraid.

A message that needs to resonate with our spirit and our inner self. This was such a good reminder, reading through John 14 over and over. This passage lifted off the screen.

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart…

John 14 - Troubled Hearts

John 14 - Troubled Hearts

The world today seems so volatile and chaotic. Everywhere you look, whatever we read and see on TV just seems to be troubling. Last night, I noticed my lovely wife Tweeted this;

“I can’t be the only one who watches the news and is simply embarrassed right now, right? (Dear Jesus, we tap out. Come on back.)”

I find this first humorous, but then I also find it sad. It’s true, watching the news as a Christ-follower is pretty embarrassing. In John 14, we see Jesus…

John 13 - Unselfish Concern

John 13 - Unselfish Concern

Summarizing John, chapter 13, looks like this. The Lords Supper takes place. Jesus washes the disciple's feet. Jesus calls out Judas, and Satan enters him. Night comes, Judas leaves, and Jesus says he must go, and where I am going, you can not come. To cap it all off, Jesus also calls out Simon Peter and tells him that he will deny and completely disown Jesus three times. Whoa, a really full chapter, and historical day.

Nestled in the wrap up of the day is the parting message Jesus leaves his disciples, a message Jesus is sharing with us right now.

 
thoughtsTerry Storch