Making Space for Generosity: Wk1
This is an outline of my message on October 15 which kicked off our Making Space for Generosity series.
The Importance of Space
Where I sit matters and I wish it didn't, but it does. Not because of my importance, but because of the space I occupy—whether it's on a plane, at a concert, in a movie theater, at a sports event, during worship, or at the dinner table. Space matters. Without enough of it, I feel trapped, distracted, and uncomfortable. Today, we're going to explore the concept of "making space" in our lives, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally, to be who God is calling us to be.
Architects are experts at space management. They know how to utilize square footage to create an environment that feels open, welcoming, and safe. Similarly, we need to master the planning process in our lives to make space for what truly matters.
Space Gives Us Mental Freedom
Having enough space gives us the mental freedom to rest, sleep better, and make better choices. Today, as part of our "Making Space" series, we will ask and answer the question: Do we have enough space to be who God is calling us to be? This series relates to generosity, making space with our stuff to be generous.
Spiritual Goal: Make Space
Our spiritual goal is to free up our minds and hearts to understand our relationship to our possessions, money, and personal things. In essence, it's about Me, My Stuff, and God.
Three Fundamental Concepts
To have more space for generosity, we need to grasp three fundamental concepts:
1. God is generous with me.
2. All my stuff belongs to God.
3. God wants me to be a good and generous steward with His stuff.
Some of us have made space to be generous with time but not money, some with money but not time, and some have made bad choices and feel stuck with no space to give. No matter where you are on your journey, we're all constantly balancing spiritual health with the pressures of the world.
Scriptures
- Matthew 25:14-30
- Psalms 24:1
God is Generous With Me
God gave His one and only Son to bring us salvation. He showers us with unconditional love and unmerited grace. Can we all agree that God is generous with us?
All My Stuff Belongs to God
Psalms 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." We are merely stewards of God's stuff. Embracing this truth is a major step in making space for generosity.
God Wants Me to Be a Good and Generous Steward
Matthew 25:19-25 tells us that God expects us to be good and generous stewards of what He has entrusted to us. It's not about how much we have, but what we do with what we have.
Why We Fail to Be Good Stewards
Often, it's fear that holds us back. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, and fear of loss can keep us from moving in faith.
The Challenge is On: Make Space for Generosity
Making space brings freedom to love others, serve others, and give freely. It's not a one-time gift but a posture of the heart and a culture to foster.
May we all do the work to make space in our lives for what truly matters. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Marty
The Importance of Space
Where I sit matters and I wish it didn't, but it does. Not because of my importance, but because of the space I occupy—whether it's on a plane, at a concert, in a movie theater, at a sports event, during worship, or at the dinner table. Space matters. Without enough of it, I feel trapped, distracted, and uncomfortable. Today, we're going to explore the concept of "making space" in our lives, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally, to be who God is calling us to be.
Architects are experts at space management. They know how to utilize square footage to create an environment that feels open, welcoming, and safe. Similarly, we need to master the planning process in our lives to make space for what truly matters.
Space Gives Us Mental Freedom
Having enough space gives us the mental freedom to rest, sleep better, and make better choices. Today, as part of our "Making Space" series, we will ask and answer the question: Do we have enough space to be who God is calling us to be? This series relates to generosity, making space with our stuff to be generous.
Spiritual Goal: Make Space
Our spiritual goal is to free up our minds and hearts to understand our relationship to our possessions, money, and personal things. In essence, it's about Me, My Stuff, and God.
Three Fundamental Concepts
To have more space for generosity, we need to grasp three fundamental concepts:
1. God is generous with me.
2. All my stuff belongs to God.
3. God wants me to be a good and generous steward with His stuff.
Some of us have made space to be generous with time but not money, some with money but not time, and some have made bad choices and feel stuck with no space to give. No matter where you are on your journey, we're all constantly balancing spiritual health with the pressures of the world.
Scriptures
- Matthew 25:14-30
- Psalms 24:1
God is Generous With Me
God gave His one and only Son to bring us salvation. He showers us with unconditional love and unmerited grace. Can we all agree that God is generous with us?
All My Stuff Belongs to God
Psalms 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." We are merely stewards of God's stuff. Embracing this truth is a major step in making space for generosity.
God Wants Me to Be a Good and Generous Steward
Matthew 25:19-25 tells us that God expects us to be good and generous stewards of what He has entrusted to us. It's not about how much we have, but what we do with what we have.
Why We Fail to Be Good Stewards
Often, it's fear that holds us back. Fear of judgment, fear of failure, and fear of loss can keep us from moving in faith.
The Challenge is On: Make Space for Generosity
Making space brings freedom to love others, serve others, and give freely. It's not a one-time gift but a posture of the heart and a culture to foster.
May we all do the work to make space in our lives for what truly matters. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Marty
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