TheRiverHopes

In American culture, details about money are a taboo conversational topic. As Christians we also balk at talking about this private matter. From Matthew 6:3-4 we know what Jesus taught us about giving. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  But if it's always in secret, how will we learn and grow? I'm suggesting this week, in humility, we learn from one another about  this important matter.  The Holidays are a season of giving, so this next week we want to learn about giving from some in our community.  Lyn shared Friday that generosity is  a way of seeing, a way of thinking, a way of living. Let's unpack that through our own experiences. Each day this week I'll ask a question for the group to respond to. We'll also be hearing from others in our group I've reached out to for their p

Generosity is  a way of seeing, a way of thinking, a way of living.  Again today Lord, we surrender ourselves to you. Shape us gently, as you always do, to have your generous mind and heart. Show us your way for us O Lord.   “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers.... The Lord’s message rang out...—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8   “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also...teach others.” 1 Timothy 2:2 One day I found my dad in the garage at his workbench.  "What are you doing?" I asked.  His answer forever changed the way I thought about giving. I'm not sure if i remember this perfectly, but the impact has stayed with me.  I grew up solidly middle-class. Two working parents; homeowners,