Northfield Methodist Church

Dear Friends

We have journeyed with the theme of "Generous Living" for a month. We have been encouraged to recognise God as the owner of all that is, we have been challenged about our greed and self-centredness, we have been challenged about "running at the battle lines of our comfort zones", and to get beyond what is comfortable into that which is stretching and life giving. Today we conclude by looking at a number of passages that challenge us, strongly, to make a difference, not because it is a good thing to do but rather because it is a Godly expectation of our lives. Generosity is "life giving" in both directions, to the beneficiary as well as the benefactor.

While reading through the Scriptures the other day I came across this passage that shows us that God notices our generosity:"He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" Corenelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God." Acts 10:2-4

As we conclude this series, may God open our hearts and our minds to new opportunities for generosity, may we continue to invest our time, our abilities and our finances in God's work in the world in a life giving and sustainable way and may we know God's joy in our lives as we respond to His call.

Prayer for a Generous Heart

Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do your will.

Amen

St.Ignatius Loyola

Blessings

The Ministry Team