Stories of Generosity Devotional

Stories of Generosity from the Brentwood United Methodist Church Community

TABLE OF CONTENTS How to Use this Guide.............................................................. i Letter from Dr. Davis Chappell................................................ii Week One, October 4 - 10: Treasure................................. 1-2 Monday, October 5................Giving Until …............................. 3-4

Tuesday, October 6................Unknown...................................... 5-6 Wednesday, October 7.......Hope................................................. 7-8 Thursday, October 8..............A Gift from God.....................9-10 Friday, October 9.....................Humbled................................... 11-12 Saturday, October 10............A Generous Soul..................13-14

Week Two, October 11 - 17: Focus....................................15-16 Monday, October 12..............Pass It On...................................17-18

Tuesday, October 13..............Listening................................... 19-20

Wednesday, October 14.....A Journey of

Transformation.....................21-22

Thursday, October 15............Presence................................... 23-24

Friday, October 16...................My Blessing............................25-26

Saturday, October 17............Love Thy Neighbor............27-28

Week Three, October 18 - 24: Devotion................... 29-30

Monday, October 19..............One Day at a Time............. 31-32 Tuesday, October 20.............Presence....................................33-34 Wednesday, October 21.....Generosity............................... 35-36 Thursday, October 22...........Special....................................... 37-38 Friday, October 23..................Desperate................................39-40 Saturday, October 24 ..........Prayer Vigil...............................41-42

Week Four, October 25 - 31: Trust.................................43-44

Monday, October 26.............God’s Abundant

Provision...................................45-46

Tuesday, October 27.............Generosity of Wealth......47-48

Wednesday, October 28....A Generous Match............49-50

Thursday, October 29............Blessed to be a Blessing..51-52

Friday, October 30..................Shared Generosities........ 53-54

Saturday, October 31............No Longer Needed..........55-56

Keys for Getting the Most Out of What the Preacher Says.............................................................. 58

A FEW SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THIS GUIDE Sunday Worship God. Listen for God’s Word for you.

Tell someone about places in worship that spoke to you.

Make a few journal entries.

Consider gratitude.

Pray.

Take a nap.

Be at rest.

Spend time with those you love.

Really! We’re not kidding!

Sunday through Saturday Use the devotional guide: Individually As a family Within a small group As a study series in your Sunday School class

We encourage you to walk

with Christ DAILY so that you develop both

practice and habit.

Set a rhythm and craft a response.

— i —

Dear Friends; The mission of our church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” We do this through connecting people to Christ and community; preparing them to walk with God in their daily lives; and sending each person into the world to serve.

Dr. Davis Chappell Senior Pastor

The last two months we’ve been thinking about how we, as a church, go about preparing disciples. How did Jesus do it? He did it through relationships. He went out to where people lived, worked and gathered. He invited them to walk with him, learn from him and serve with him. He taught them by word and example what it meant to be a servant of God. This year we are digging deeper into Matthew’s Gospel, which is often called “the teaching Gospel.” We’ve been spending time in the discipleship discourse (Chapters 5-7).

During the next four weeks we’re going to dig a little deeper into Matthew 6:19-34. This is the part of Jesus’ teaching where he talks specifically about our relationship with material possessions. This is a key component of our discipleship.

The theme verse in this section is 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In other words, the way we allocate our resources validates our faith. The way we share our time, talent and finances is a barometer of what we value.

The devotionals in this booklet are accounts of God’s generosity and grace toward us. Our stewardship is a response to His grace! I pray that these stories will be insightful and inspirational for you, as we seek to serve God with all our hearts, through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.

Yours in Christ,

Davis Chappell — ii —

Sunday, October 4

treasure On the next four Sundays we are invited to practice

listening deeply;

hearing with our hearts; being fully present.

Today read what George Whitefield had to say about listening to a sermon approximately 260 years ago…the language represents its time and place, but the message stands true! See if you can apply his recommendations to today’s scripture and sermon! [The full article can be found on page 58.] Make a few notes in the space provided!

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

19

What word or words “spoke to you” or “called your name” from today’s scripture?

TREASURE

Gracious God, Giver of all good things, you have blessed us abundantly in nature around us, in life within us, in grace that saves is. Make us aware of what is truly important to treasure and give us the wisdom to live our lives with love and compassion, forgiveness and grace. Amen.

— 1 —

Whitefield’s Keys for Getting the Most Out of What the Preacher Says Come to hear them [preachers], not out of curiosity, but from a sincere desire to know and do your duty.

Do not entertain even the least prejudice against the minister.

Make particular application to your own hearts of everything that is delivered.

Give diligent heed to the things that are spoken from the Word of God.

Be careful not to depend too much on a preacher, or think more highly of him than you ought to think.

Pray to the Lord, before, during, and after every sermon.

What did you discover?

How was your experience different?

— 2 —

week one: TREASURE

To Get You Thinking When has it felt good to give? Jot down a few notes about the experience.

Prayer Help me to give of my time, talents and resources until it feels good.

— 3 —

by Bishop Joe Pennel

Monday, October 5

Giving Until . . .

“6The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NRSV)

W

hen I was a child my pastors would preach about giving until it hurts. They were sincere and I tried to believe and practice what they told me. Later in life I came to a different understanding. One stewardship Sunday morning, Mrs. Black, an uneducated farmer’s wife, told our congregation of thirty people that we should give until it feels good. I heard her say this because I was then serving as a student pastor for her congregation.

Giving until it feels good is the way that God gives, but it is not the way our culture views giving. God is a giving God. Every moment of every day God gives us more than enough. God is like a grandmother who prepares Thanksgiving lunch for the family. She prepares more than enough for every member of the family and then some.

The more that I am present to the “now” of life, the more I am in touch with the giving nature of God. We cannot rewind life nor do we know what the next hour will bring. So, we need to experience the holy in what we can see and feel in the passing moments of life. It is possible to be “living” and to miss life’s beauty and meaning. The more we are present in the now of life, the more we know that life is a gift.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians he reminded them, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Cheerful givers are those who give until it feels good. Mrs. Black was a good theologian. She taught me more than some of my well-educated pastors and professors.

— 4 —

To Get You Thinking Giving is done with trust… trust that God can and will influence the outcome for his purposes. His timing is perfect and often unknowable. Where in your own journey has there been a “middle” time; when resolution or comfort are “yet to be”?

How were you sustained?

Prayer

week one: TREASURE

Heavenly Father, help us to trust you with the whole story. Thank you for letting us be a small part of Your grand plan.

Make our hearts tender to the ways we can serve others. Help our gifts of time and money provide hope and continue Your work. Amen.

— 5 —

by Melissa Wyatt

Tuesday, October 6

Unknown “23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is faithful.”

A

— Hebrews 10:23 (NRSV)

couple of years ago, we learned that our friends had a family member entering rehab for addiction.

Their family member was on our prayer-request list for months. The situation had already been long and hard.

Even though getting into the program was a positive step, they were now confronted with the very high cost of treatment and wondering how to pay for this much-needed intervention. My husband, Chris, and I talked about it immediately and agreed to send some money to help with that expense.

Some time later, we ran into our friends and asked how their family member was doing. We asked as friends, concerned for them because the situation was so tough…but it could have easily come across as questioning the outcome of our donation. Unfortunately, their family member had left rehab early…he wasn’t ready to make the changes the program required.

We don’t know at what part of any story God is nudging us to donate our time, money, or resources. For someone entering rehab our contribution didn’t lead to health (yet!), but it did provide a small bit of hope for him, for his family and for his recovery. We were part of the middle of his story – where the work is hard and there is usually less fanfare than at the beginning or end.

We were reminded that we are not called to give of ourselves knowing the exact outcome of our gift – we should be obedient even in the unknown. It is our nature to want a pretty and complete story that includes a beginning with introductions, a middle journey with suspense, and an end with relief…all tied up with a bow. Instead, we should give of ourselves because we are faithful and believe in our God who writes the whole story.

— 6 —

To Get You Thinking Describe a time and place when you have seen despair turned into hope. Where did you see God in that turning?

Prayer

week one: TREASURE

Lord, may we be your instruments of hope to the world.

Please give us the courage to give of ourselves. Use us, Lord, so that You may do more than we could ever imagine. Amen.

— 7 —

by Amy Coggin

Wednesday, October 7

Hope “20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

— Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

T

he air was surprisingly cool. I had traveled to Africa many times before, but this was my first time to Kenya. I traveled to Maua, a rural village north of Nairobi, to witness God’s work being done among children.

In Maua orphans were being educated and empowered to help themselves. They were being given the opportunity to learn a skill, develop a trade and in turn, receive a small loan to start a business.

Child after child stood up and gave their testimony.

Each story was different and yet each story was the same.

Children had lost their parents, had struggled to provide for themselves and the siblings left behind, and had felt hopeless and afraid for the future. But because of the gift of education and the opportunity for microloans to start businesses, the future was no longer filled with despair.

Children told of their dreams to expand their businesses, to buy land to farm, to return to school.

We were guests of these children that day. After our time of visiting and hearing their stories, they offered us the gift of lunch – a small loaf of bread and a soft drink - a day’s wage for many of these children. As I sat in the unusually cool African air, drinking Fanta and enjoying the breaking of bread, my travel companion leaned in and said, “I’ve never had an orphan buy me lunch before.” At that moment I was humbled and thankful. Thankful for the miracle of a starving child providing lunch; for the miracle that gifts can be turned into hope; to a God that indeed makes all things new.

— 8 —

week one: TREASURE

To Get You Thinking When have you heard or felt God’s call to help someone?

How did you respond?

Prayer Lord, help us to listen for that still, small whisper and lead us to obedience. Show us where the teaching of Jesus becomes our actions in the name of Jesus. Amen.

— 9 —

by Doug Anderson

Thursday, October 8

A Gift from God “23Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.”

— John 14:23

B

ack when I was running a business, one of our customers got into financial trouble while owing us a good bit of money. We worked on collecting what we could, and I decided to tithe 10% of whatever we received because if we got anything, it would be a gift from God. I had no idea what the amount might be or what I would do with it, but during that time the name of a man who had worked for me a few years ago kept coming to mind.

When we did receive $30,000 from our customer, I called the last number we had for Jimmy and was surprised when he answered the phone. After catching up on how his prison ministry was doing, I asked if he might need some money.

After a short pause he said, “Yes, I am going to lose my house if I don’t pay $1,600 in taxes this month.” I felt convicted we were called to help him, so I told him to come down and get a check. I wasn’t there when Jimmy came in, but he brought along the paperwork to show us how much his taxes were and was very grateful for our help. Jimmy mentioned to our controller that he might still lose the house, in that his wife had recently sued for divorce. Since Jimmy didn’t have the money for a lawyer, he felt she might get everything.

When I heard what Jimmy had said, I called him again and asked how much he needed for a lawyer. He said it would be about $1,400! At that point I realized that the total amount he needed added up to exactly the $3,000 tithe I had committed to God. Again I told him to come over and pick up a check and he did.

The rest of the story: Jimmy is now remarried and still actively involved in his prison ministry where he has been able to help many men stay out of prison after being released.

— 10 —

To Get You Thinking How can we give cheerfully with all of our hearts every day?

Prayer

week one: TREASURE

Dear Lord, thank you so much for loving us so generously; help us to be generous to others because of our love for you.

Help us to get over our pride and fear so that we may shine as your light to other people. Amen.

— 11 —

by Jessica Armstrong (11th Grade)

Friday, October 9

Humbled “6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 7And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

A

— 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)

s I planned to write this devotional, I tried to think of the biggest, most extravagant story to tell, but, of course, I was humbled.

All week I have thought about the story from Mark, the widow’s offering. Crowds were paying offerings while Jesus and his disciples watched, when a widowed woman put in just two coins in the offering box. Jesus turned to the disciples and said: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”

So often we try to impress God and earn his love with our generous acts, and we get discouraged when others are giving more than we are. I admit I do this all the time but this quote comes to mind “It’s not how much we give, but how much we put into giving.”

Of all the times people have been generous to me the simple, thoughtful moments of giving are the ones I remember most. While visiting Mexico on a mission trip with BUMC, I was astonished by the amount of poverty I saw and how much labor goes into daily living. There was a particular instance when we were taking a break, I pulled a granola bar out of my backpack for myself, and the day laborer who was working at the same site with me, split his piece of fruit in half and offered it to me. We did not even speak the same language, but he gave from the goodness of his heart without a second thought. He was truly a cheerful giver.

— 12 —

To Get You Thinking When has someone sacrificed something on your behalf as a love offering? In what ways were you blessed? How can you bless others in a similar way?

Prayer

week one: TREASURE

Gracious Lord, help me to know what it means to live generously. When my budget is focused on buying clothes, stereo-systems, new cars and stuff, help me to learn what life is really about. Mold me into a Christian who knows how to truly, generously love those around me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

— 13 —

by Rev. Allison Gossett

Saturday, October 10

A Generous Soul “20Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. . . ’”

— Luke 6:20-21 (NRSV)

R

ecently I worked as a pastoral intern with a small, very economically impoverished, inner city congregation. While there, I met a man who selflessly gave his time and energy, day in and day out, to all of the ministries of the church. He was always there to play basketball and help make snacks at our After School and Summer Camp programs. He was always there setting up tables and chairs for our family-style community meals on Tuesdays. He was generous in his actions.

In the two years that I worked there, he was always pretty quiet. I learned that he had a debilitating mental illness, which combined with very traumatic childhood abuse, made it hard for him to hold a regular job. While he received some disability benefits and some food assistance, he often found it difficult to pay his monthly bills.

He took our Faith and Finance class. When we saw his budget, we wondered how he stayed in a house each month and still had food. When Andrew, my husband, and I left this congregation to come to Brentwood UMC, the man wanted to take us out to eat to show his thanks for our work in the neighborhood- and he wanted to pay. In July when he had enough money to pay for the meal, he took us to lunch at a really nice restaurant and bought us a delicious meal. As we sat and chatted, I realized two things 1) we had made a friend for life and 2) this friend was teaching us what it means to be truly generous. He wasn’t simply buying us lunch. He was sacrificing meals for himself-food he needed to survive. At the end of the month he would be eating Ramen noodles every meal for a week and a half because he insisted on blessing others.

— 14 —

Sunday, October 11

focus

Matthew 6:22-23 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; 23 but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

“Spiritual vision is our capacity to see clearly what God wants us to do and to see the world from his point of view. But this spiritual insight can be easily clouded.

Self-serving desires, interests and goals block that vision.

Serving God is the best way to restore it. A ‘good’ eye is one fixed on God.” [p. 1658 Life Application Bible]

Sermon Notes

Today, combining scripture with content from the sermon, try using the ACTS format for prayer to help “refocus your vision”.

— 15 —

ACTS Format for Prayer Adoration Lord, I praise you for

Confession Father, I confess wandering in my focus by

And I ask your forgiveness for

Thanksgiving Holy Spirit, today I am thankful for these mercies and gifts

Supplication Sweet Jesus, I humbly ask for your intercession and blessing

— 16 —

week two: FOCUS

To Get You Thinking How have you been able to extend Christ’s love and care to someone else after having received it?

Prayer Father, open our eyes and hearts for opportunities to bear fruit for your kingdom. Make our spirits willing to do those things needed to make that happen and to serve others.

Amen.

— 17 —

by Sheryl Huff Davis

Monday, October 12

Pass It On “4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

— John 15:4-5 (NIV)

M

y work with Stephen Ministry at BUMC involves matching persons needing care with one of our trained care-givers. Several years ago a man from another church, who was facing a divorce, came to me asking for the support of a Stephen Minister. He was clearly broken and distraught and I made an assignment for him immediately. He was touched and amazed to think a Stephen Minister would generously give his time weekly to care for him—someone that he did not even know.

His relationship with that Stephen Minister flourished.

After several months, you could see God’s healing taking place.

Eventually he was strong enough to feel confident that he could continue without the added support of his Stephen Minister.

We heard from him now and then. One day he approached us to meet with him and his pastor about the possibility of founding a Stephen Ministry program at his church, so that they could extend God’s love and care to those in his congregation and beyond. He wanted to pass on that support that so transformed his life.

Beginning a new program was no small task. It took training and commitment and many hours of organization, but he faithfully continued and their initial training class joined one of ours at BUMC two years ago. After their commissioning as Stephen Ministers, their program was up and running!

Now two years later that congregation is passing on that same love and care to those struggling with brokenness in some area of their lives. After experiencing the transforming power of Christian care-giving, he had faithfully responded to God’s nudge to pass it on, bearing fruit for many.

— 18 —

To Get You Thinking Remember someone who listened to you during a difficult time.

Write them a thank note or give them a call.

Where might you offer the gift of “listening”?

Prayer

week two: FOCUS

Father, Please help us to be more generous, not only with our possessions but also with our time. Help us to be the kind of people you want us to be and guide us to how you want us to live. Thank you for everything you’ve given us. Amen.

— 19 —

by Justin Johnson (11th Grade)

Tuesday, October 13

Listening “One man gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”

— Proverbs 11:24 (RSV)

H

ello everyone! My name is Justin. Generosity is a really important concept to me and has played a key role in my life. To me, generosity is not only being generous with the things you may possess, but also with something else.

Now I know that sounds weird at first, but let me explain.

My greatest friend just moved away to college this year. Yes, I consider this person my greatest friend [not just a best friend], and without question or hesitation. Here’s why: I went through a really hard time in my life. School was rough, grades were not great, and my social life was very complicated. Also, during this time, my friend was getting ready for college. This person had to apply, write college essays, take the ACT and SAT, and had to do all the stressful stuff that comes with starting a new chapter in life.

Through all of that, despite all that he had on his plate, he always had time to listen to me. He helped me a lot through that rough patch. My friend was generous with his time, despite everything he was were dealing with, and I will never forget that.

Just taking the time out of your busy day can “make” someone else’s day and makes a bigger impact than you might realize. Generosity goes a long way. So as you reflect, think about how you might be more generous. Think about the person who you could give more to. Even further, think about giving more to God.

— 20 —

To Get You Thinking

week two: FOCUS

What has changed your ideas about generosity? How has your understanding expanded?

Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, may we find ways to be generous in spirit, with our love, with our hope and with the blessings you have bestowed upon us—may we be the light you have created.

Lord, hear the prayers of those needing renewal of their faith, hear the prayers of those who need to see you—may they feel your love and grace as this community works to transform your World. In your name, Amen.

— 21 —

by Lindsay Naylor

Wednesday, October 14

A Journey of Transformation “12This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” — 2 Corinthians 9:12 (NIV)

A

lmost two years ago, on November 15, 2013 we were given devastating news that our son had a brain tumor. It was just the beginning of some of the most difficult times of our lives, and yet those same difficult times yielded great and much needed transformation in our lives.

As we started navigating through the medical messiness, we struggled to make sense of where God was in all of this. It was a point when our faith was challenged, and we needed to see God. And how we ended up seeing Him was not only overwhelming, but seems to be a reoccurring gift that has been woven through our lives continuously. We saw God in you.

We were blanketed in generosity that knew no bounds— there was generosity in hope, in prayers, in comfort, in thoughtful gestures and countless other expressions that renewed our faith and that touched us and changed us.

You see, prior to this medical jolt, we had only seen generosity as the giving of financial gifts. But it is so much more and that was a lesson that apparently we had to learn the hard way. I often wondered when the dust settled, would we continue to live the life of faith we learned to live during the darkest of times?

Our days now are considerably brighter, and what we have been is transformed. We are mindful to be generous in our gratitude, mindful to be generous in our prayers, in our love for one another, and of course with our resources. We are finding that the more we have a generous spirit; the more we find ways to hear God’s call; and the more enriched our lives have become. We owe our changed lives to members of our faith community, people who stepped in to live out God’s Word in our World. We are “different;” forever changed and forever thankful for having known such transformation. May HIS work continue.

— 22 —

To Get You Thinking When and how has the body of the church become the presence of Christ for you?

Prayer

week two: FOCUS

God of all hope, we praise and adore you for your constant presence with us. Whether we are on the highest heights, or in the valley of the shadow of death, you comfort us. We pray that you will put on our hearts not only that which is thought to be important in our limited knowledge, but also the smaller thoughts and actions that build your Kingdom, just as the mustard seed grows into the mighty tree. You have proclaimed us the salt and the light. Help us to keep our saltiness, and to shed your light with everything we do. Amen.

— 23 —

by Doug & Pat Ralls

Thursday, October 15

Presence “34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

— John 13: 34-35 (NRSV)

E

veryone suffers grief in life. It’s simply a part of our mortal lives. So what does grief have to do with discipleship? Plenty.

When our 23-year-old son was killed in a car crash, we were in a state of utter despair. How could we reconcile this tragedy with the knowledge that God is love, and the promise of Emanuel…God With Us? The afternoon of Brian’s death, people started to show up at our house. They continued coming, and a friend counted 135 people who came to be with us in our grief that day. Some cried with us, some brought food, some prayed with us, and some simply came to be with us. The great majority of those who came were people we had met through the ministries at BUMC. They kept coming day after day. They did the little things for us. One sat outside in our driveway on Halloween night, the day of the funeral, to keep the trick-or-treaters at bay.

One looked after our dog when we couldn’t. Another couple visited weeks later, when the majority had stopped coming, to bring us a book and just to listen. BUMC members all.

It is very apparent to us that the presence of God was very much with us, and is with us still, through his hands, feet and heart on earth…the members of Brentwood United Methodist Church. Generosity is not always about money.

It goes much deeper than that. But financial stewardship keeps the doors open and the lights on at a place that we simply could not have survived without.

God is good…all the time! Thanks be to God for the power of presence!

— 24 —

To Get You Thinking What thoughts and feelings rose up as you read the devotion for today? Try to form a prayer as a response.

Prayer

week two: FOCUS

Lord God, help us to remember the forgotten, the sick and those who are alone. Help us to see them, reach out to them and offer them hope. Remind us that what we do to the least ones we also do to you. Amen.

— 25 —

by Anne Adams

Friday, October 16

My Blessing “18For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.” — Psalm 9:18 (NRSV)

I

met my blessing in October 2014 on the last day of a mission trip to Honduras. I had gone with a team from BUMC to work with John and Ana Lamon and The Hands of Christ Ministry.

It was the only day our team would set up a clinic in the city. Like the previous days where we drove to rural villages, there were many people waiting as we arrived. On this day, we set up in an unfinished, concrete church. The “pharmacy” was located on the first floor. The clinic assembled at the top of a steep winding staircase on the second floor. There was no glass in the windows and the floor of our little clinic was strewn with cinderblocks and other abandoned building material.

Late in the day a man was brought to my table. His blood pressure was dangerously high and his heart rate was very slow. I sat him in a chair beside me and through the interpreter learned that he was homeless and sold sawdust in order to eat. We gave him medication, and he rested his head against a concrete column and slept beside me. I woke him to check his blood pressure which was unchanged. He was dangerously ill. He smiled and he said that he was hungry. I gave him a banana from my backpack. Instead of immediately eating, he peeled the banana with his shaking hands, closed his eyes, and prayed.

I captured that moment with my camera.

He was taken to the hospital. Dr. Ana told us that evening he would likely die. He could not pay for the treatment needed to save his life. I witnessed this man who had nothing, giving thanks to God. He became my blessing that day.

— 26 —

To Get You Thinking Whether yours or someone else’s crises, actively search for the opportunity to share God’s Love. Your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service can be a living testimony to God’s Word. The greatest joy and greatest peace follows some of the worst things that happen to us in life - when God’s people get involved. How are you going to be the hands of God?

Prayer

week two: FOCUS

Dear God, I am here to serve you. During the bitterness of pain, help me focus on your love. Help me keep my eyes open and my hands ready to positively touch others in your name. Amen.

— 27 —

by Darryl Mott

Saturday, October 17

Love Thy Neighbor “30-31 ‘The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’

And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’”

— Mark 12:30-31 (The Message)

S

ometimes life does throw you more than you can handle. The question is not, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” but rather, “How should I respond when bad things happen”?

We saved for years. We built our dream home for which we picked out a lot, a builder, a fabulous floor plan, and every fixture. My family and I were out of town when our house caught fire - a total loss. Twelve years of possessions collected as a married couple, items gathered since our children were born, treasured memories from high school and college…all up in smoke one night!

There were logistical moments and emotional moments more emotional than I could have ever imagined. However, what I did not expect was the “spiritual side”. My family and I have never experienced so much of God’s love.

We were homeless. Twenty-three people showed up to help us move. Everything we owned was in the trunk of our car. Church members brought us meals. One family told us we could keep the pan. That was the first kitchen item we had that was not made of plastic or paper. Our children never missed ball practice, thanks to the coaches of Brentwood Blaze making sure they had gear to continue.

That Christmas our hearts were sad, as every ornament we had collected was gone. To our surprise, at our Sunday school class Christmas party, we were given a tree complete with ornaments. I may not have the hand made ornament my great-grand mother [1969] made or the one my wife purchased for our first Christmas, but I have a box of ornaments that were given by dozens of people out of love.

New memories on top of old! Love goes on.

— 28 —

Sunday, October 18

devotion Matthew 6:24 24 “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. [a]”

DEVOTION

Lord, you know there are so many things that distract us and cry out for our time and energy that we become weary and overwhelmed with life. Yet we know there is a better way, and our souls long for the comforting assurance of your presence and love for us. Open our hearts to welcome your Holy Spirit to guide and direct us every day. Amen.

— 29 —

Questions to Ask . . .

While reading passages of scripture there are questions you can ask yourself about the text that can help you better understand it. Although every question will not apply to every scripture, you will find this list a good one to tuck away for use at any time. Also, consider using these questions while listening to or reflecting on the sermon.

1

Is there a lesson I can learn?

2

Is there a blessing I can enjoy?

3

Is there a command I need to obey?

4

Is there a sin I want to avoid?

5

Is there a new thought to carry with me?

6

Is there a promise I need to claim?

Notes:

— 30 —

To Get You Thinking Where in your life have you prayed for God’s help? How was your prayer answered?

Prayer [from an ancient Scottish prayer]

week three: DEVOTION

May God make safe to me each step; May God make open to me each pass; May God make clear to me each road; And may he take me in the clasp of his own two hands.

— 31 —

by Suzanne McFall McKnight

Monday, October 19

One Day at a Time “19Blessed be the Lord, day by day he carries us along.”

I

— Psalm 68:19 (The Message)

had heard people say they had lived one day at a time. I don’t think I understood exactly what that really meant until my dear husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. We still had a 14-year-old son at home and another son who was 23.

As my husband declined in his health and in his understanding of the world around him, he eventually forgot our names…and I found myself caring for a two hundred pound “child.” I learned to live one day at a time because that was the only way to survive. I prayed every night that the good Lord would help me to survive just tomorrow. I was helpless and hopeless, but the Lord carried me along day after day.

And when my husband died, I was holding him in my arms.

We were both fifty-five years old.

Three years later I fell in love with a man in my Sunday School class.

We were married here at BUMC. We were extremely happy and traveled the world; loved gardening together and were learning to become ballroom dancers. Then, during one of our trips, I noticed he was having a hard time making change for a five dollar bill. When we returned home, he became confused while driving our car. A trip to the doctor found that he, also, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease...my very worst fear come true.

Again I began living day to day. I prayed that the Lord would carry me again and I depended on that for the next seven years.

When he died we had been married for eighteen years. It was our anniversary plus a week.

Starting my life anew has been very hard for me. But I must find myself again and I must trust that the Lord will once again carry me along day by day. After all he promised that he would!

— 32 —

week three: DEVOTION

To Get You Thinking

When have you “shown up” for someone? How have others “shown up” for you?

Prayer Lord, point me toward someone who needs You today, and help me to put my faith into action. Give me the courage to show up, even when I don’t know exactly what to say or do, trusting you’ll show me the way. Amen.

— 33 —

by Meryll Rose Elkins

Tuesday, October 20

Presence “18Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.”

— 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

I

should have called out for help. It felt like my head was exploding; I was seeing double and couldn’t stand up though I felt perfectly fine a second before. That should have been a warning that something was terribly wrong - but after a few minutes, when my vision cleared, my work ethic overrode my good judgment and I left the office, hurrying to meet the crew on location to shoot a story for Talk of the Town. Driving on the interstate while you’re having a brain aneurysm is never a good idea, but thankfully, God protected me and the other drivers until I was smart enough to pull over and call my photographer to take me to the hospital.

It took 8 days and countless tests to find the source of the hemorrhage in my brain. I was on strict lockdown in the Neuro ICU - heavily sedated, with orders for absolutely no visitors. Yet dozens of people started showing up every day, praying with Dan and the kids outside my room, offering love and support. Their presence was invaluable to my family, and it gave me such comfort to know they were there. After my brain surgery, and during the arduous 6-month recovery, people continued to show up for us - in simple, profound and life-giving ways. We’ll always be grateful.

When we join BUMC, we promise to uphold it with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.

I used to think “presence” referred to worship services and church activities - but it’s so much bigger than that! Showing up when things are tough, being present even when the sign says “No Visitors” - that’s when we can be the hands and feet of Christ, and bring the presence of God into the most difficult situations.

— 34 —

week three: DEVOTION

To Get You Thinking Look for generosity where you might seem least likely to find it. Have you ever felt like you were in a place of true generosity where generous people work for generous people? How can you fill your life with more generosity?

Prayer Generous, loving God, may we, as doers of your word, look for generosity in everything. If we do not see the generosity in a place or person, let us allow you to open our eyes to it. Let us, like rivers from your holy city, fill the land with generosity to spread your kingdom evermore. Amen. — 35 —

by Sam Christie (11th Grade)

Wednesday, October 21

Generosity “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

C

— Galatians 5:1 (NSRV)

amp Barnabas is a piece of heaven on earth! Every direction you look, you see a generous heart at work. It is a place that changes lives. It is a bright environment built by teamwork, generosity, and love.

People of many ages come to serve here. College students dedicate their whole summers to the camp. Donors, adults, and leadership staff keep the camp running.

You may be surprised when I tell you whose hearts are the “most generous.” Camp Barnabas is a Christian camp for kids and teens with disabilities. I went there on mission trip with our youth ministry in the summer. Anyone who has been to work at camp will tell you the most generous hearts are in the campers. Every single person volunteering or working for Camp Barnabas is there to make sure each camper in each term has the best week of his or her lives.

You might find it odd to think all these people that work generously for the campers claim the campers have the most generous hearts, but it is completely true. The campers are the fuel for the system; they are the “spark” that keeps everyone motivated and energized. They are generous by showing others a different perspective of the Spirit and filling so many souls with joy and satisfaction. God shines brightly through the campers, so working with them directly symbolizes working for the Lord. Generous people working for other generous people in a generous place.

My experience changed my perspective on life. I was paired with Blake who had Down Syndrome and autism.

Blake was verbal but struggled through some sentences. We quickly became “best friends.” Blake shared his relentless optimism, cracking jokes and reminding me of God’s love, strength, and patience. Galatians 5:1 was our theme verse for my week. Generosity sets us free!

— 36 —

week three: DEVOTION

To Get You Thinking How have you been blessed or felt special by another’s actions?

Prayer God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

— 37 —

by Rebecca Phinney

Thursday, October 22

Special “35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…”

— Matthew 25:35-45 (ESV)

I

n May 2012 my family and I were involved in a lifealtering wreck when a texting driver hit us head-on.

My injuries were so severe that I was taken by life flight to Vanderbilt. I spent four months in the hospital, and the ripples from that day continue to affect my world today.

While in the hospital, I met a male nurse who will always epitomize kindness to me. I had a difficult time during a couple of days, and was struggling to find my smile. I had decided early on, if I could not get out of bed, I would at least greet those who came through my door with a smile.

But I was hurting. When my nurse left that day, he said, “tomorrow will be better” (which happens to be a personal mantra for me) and, “I will be your nurse tomorrow too!”

When he came in the next morning, he was carrying a large garbage can with a cut out in the lid. “Today is the day!” he said and walked out leaving the can. When he came back in, what felt like hours later, he was carrying bottles and towels. He proceeded to rearrange the room and my bed, and finally he was ready. The can was a system that enabled him to actually wash my hair for the first time in 2 ½ months. While I grinned and laughed like a loon then, today that memory brings me to tears. How did he know that I felt so unclean? My nurse brought his “hair-washing” can in for patients he considered “special.”

I am blessed that I was one he made “special” that day.

— 38 —

To Get You Thinking Recovery is nothing more, but certainly nothing less, than the process of redeeming lives, learning to live in light of what Jesus has done for us. Where are you in the process of recovery?

Serenity Prayer

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

week three: DEVOTION

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.

— 39 —

by Rev. Shannon Garrett

Friday, October 23

Desperate “18The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”

— Luke 4:18 (NSV)

F

ive years ago I met a young man struggling with addiction. Our friendship remained strong even as his addiction progressed. Three months ago my phone rang. “May I come and visit with you?” He arrived appearing weary. He sat down and hung his head. “I need to tell you something because you love me. I’m addicted to heroin.”

Weeks passed and my phone rang again. (I was sitting in the office of an organization that places people in treatment. God had placed me in just the right place with just the right people who could help.) When I arrived at Starbucks to meet him, I could see that he was desperate for help. I told him God’s timing is perfect; everything he needed to take next steps was present in the meeting I had just left. Up to this time I had never heard this young man, now 26, speak a name for God. He bought his plane ticket to go to the arranged treatment facility in Dallas. He finally worked up courage to tell his dad that he was sick and needed help. Thursday night before he was to leave for Dallas, he called. His application for a medical loan had been denied. I told him that the same God who got him this far knows where the money is and we hung up.

I made calls to our church family and the ENTREAT worship community. Within 2 hours I could tell him that God had provided for his need. Three weeks into treatment he called me, “I’m coming home as your brother in Christ.”

When my friend returned home, he came to my office and asked me to baptize him. Desperation led this man to faith in God, and desperation enabled the people of God to meet the needs of a hurting young man.

— 40 —

VIGIL PATTERN OF PRAYER We will be using a Benedictine pattern of prayer, pausing at three-hour intervals as a church family, we are joining together from wherever we are, covering our church, and our community with prayer; being fed by closeness to God; and creating a culture in which prayer is woven into the fabric of our daily lives and our relationships with each other.

6:00 am

Begin with a Prayer of Thanksgiving for the morning.

9:00 am “TREASURE” Read Colossians 2:1-3 “I want their hearts to be encouraged…so that they may have all the riches of…the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself…” –– Colossians 2:2

Reflect 1. What treasure is your heart seeking?

2. What do you hope for God to reveal to you in this season?

3. Write a prayer asking that God will use your generosity to build his kingdom.

12:00 pm “FOCUS” Read Hebrews 12:28-29 “…the voice of God to the children of Israel, to the children of God, is, ‘Go forward!’ ‘Forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forward unto those that are before, press on to the mark, for the prize of your high calling of God in Christ Jesus!’” – John Wesley, “On Faith”

Reflect 1. What hinders a more focused faith in your life?

2. Where does God desire you to focus your time, talents, and gifts?

3. Write a prayer asking that God would fill your heart with generosity fed by his grace.

— 41 —

Prayer Vigil

Saturday, October 24

3:00 pm “DEVOTION” Read Psalm 105:1-6 “We rejoice in every sign of God’s kingdom: …in the abundance of God’s gifts entrusted to us that all may have enough; in all responsible use of the earth’s resources. Glory be to God on high; and on earth, peace.”

– The World Methodist Social Affirmation, UMH #886

Reflect 1. How are your priorities aligned in a way that is pleasing to God?

2. What has God been speaking into your heart in recent times of devotion?

3.) Write a prayer seeking God and seeking his presence continually.

6:00 pm “TRUST” Read Joshua 1:9 “Even your own life is not your business. It is God’s business. Leave it to God. It is an astonishing thought. It can become a life-transforming thought . . . unclench the fists of your spirit and take it easy.” – Frederck Buechner

Reflect 1. What gifts has God entrusted to you? How are you being a good steward of those gifts?

2. Where and with whom do you put your whole trust?

3. Write a prayer asking that God might strengthen your faith to trust in him with your whole heart.

9:00 pm Close with a Prayer for Gratitude for the day.

— 42 —

Sunday, October 25

trust Matthew 6:25-34 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

27 And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 28 And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

TRUST

God, Spirit of love, we so often begin our day with concerns for all the burdens and difficulties awaiting us and worry sets in. Yet we know that you are aware of our circumstances and it is your desire that we put our faith and trust in you, knowing you are beside us and within us to love and to be our companion through our day.

Oh God, help us to put you first in our day, relying on You in all that we do. Amen

— 43 —

Today we offer our gifts, our resources, and our time to God. We do it out of a sense of confidence that we can participate with God in the care of the church and the care of the world. Find a quiet spot to sit with this scripture; absorb it; challenge it; cherish it.

Try this ancient process…Lectio Divina Before reading scripture verses relax and settle your breathing into a gentle rhythm. Prayerfully give God any distractions that might interrupt your focus.

Now slowly read the scripture aloud. When finished, sit quietly for a minute to let the passage rest in you. Read the scripture a second time, and after a word or phrase stays with you, silently repeat it to yourself for one or two minutes.

Next, read the scripture a third time, but with this question in mind; “How does this word or phrase intersect with your life right now?” Use the next three minutes to consider what comes to mind.

After three minutes, read the passage one last time, asking; “Is there an invitation here for me?” Does your word or phrase invite you toward a response in the upcoming days?

Take two or three minutes to consider any invitation that God may have for you.

— 44 —

To Get You Thinking

week four: TRUST

Think of a time when you were concerned your needs or the needs of a ministry in which you were involved might not be met. What happened? How did God provide? Take a few minutes to consider God’s abundant provision in your life.

Prayer Gracious God, in Your wisdom you have created us and all things. You have greatly provided for each of us. Help us to reflect on Your gifts of abundance, grace and strength, so that we can fulfill Your call to our place of ministry. We ask all this in the holy name of Christ. Amen.

— 45 —

by Shelley Prevost

Monday, October 26

God's Abundant Provision “38Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands—all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.”

S

— Luke 6:38 (GNT)

erving in the Prayer Shawl ministry, I have seen God’s generous provision in our church and in my life this year. Not only has Christ provided more knitters and yarn as well as money for supplies, but He has showered us with bountiful opportunities to share our prayer shawls and prayer squares. There are true and visible signs that as we give away our gifts, we receive more blessings in return! One only needs to venture down the hallway on any Wednesday morning and hear the joy emanating from our workroom to know that love, friendship, patience and a strong sense of community abound.

Our knitters have given numerous shawls within our church family, as well as to those who lost family members in the Charleston, SC shooting. A fairly new undertaking for us, Prayer Squares, have gone to “Stations of the Cross” recipients, to Charleston, SC families, to Sonshine Choir audiences on their summer tour, to many church members, to the Imani Milele Children’s choir from Africa, and others all over the world. We have helped people start prayer shawl ministries at their churches and shared our “patterns” with many other churches and individuals.

We often receive notes written to our ministry about the comfort experienced by a loved one dealing with a difficult time in his or her life due to illness, loss, change or during their final days. Perhaps the most touching comment made to me was by a former BUMC minister who, with tears in his eyes, spoke of the many people whom he had buried wrapped in a prayer shawl.

How good and gracious our God is to provide comfort and care for us by wrapping and enfolding us in His loving arms through the gifts of the Prayer Shawl/Squares Ministry!

— 46 —

To Get You Thinking When have you given sacrificially and without thought to the cost? What prompted this type of giving?

Prayer

week four: TRUST

Holy God, open our hands so that we do not cling to our “stuff” too tightly. Open our hearts and plant the desire to reach someone else with our giving. Grow in us that space in which we can gladly remove the necklace from our own neck and with great love, place it on the neck of “the other.” Amen.

— 47 —

by Caroline Enright (12th Grade)

Tuesday, October 27

Generosity of Wealth “41-44Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, ‘The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.’”

W

— Mark 12:41-44 (The Message)

e tend to think of generosity as doing something nice for someone else. It doesn’t have to involve money, but sometimes it does.

Generosity, as I have experienced it, is going out of your way to help someone by giving gifts or time.

I was blessed to go to Uganda last summer with BUMC and to see first-hand people truly living like Christ day in and day out. They lived life in a different, yet powerful way- living transparently and generously. With their selfless faith, they welcomed me into their lifestyle of generosity. One example?

I was stunned when I simply complimented my new friend’s necklace, she responded by taking it off and handing it right over. They truly lived out the “what’s mine is yours” mantra. I even met some who graciously sacrificed the food that they had been saving for months to make sure I was well fed. This is so counter to our culture! But why? How have we become so attached to our time, money, resources, and stuff?

In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus offers us both perspective and proportion. See, what I learned from my Ugandan friends is that it’s not so much the dollar amount that matters as the heart behind it. What have you given up in order to give to God? Jesus sacrificed his life. You may not have much, but you have something to sacrifice. Whether a necklace, a meal, a portion of your wealth, or even a prayer- I hope we will all sacrifice for God today.

— 48 —

To Get You Thinking When has “trust” in God led you to just the right person or place? How did you recognize God’s presence? How did you thank and praise God?

Prayer

week four: TRUST

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Lead us to use those blessings in a way that benefits others and honors Your name. In the name of our savior Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

— 49 —

by Dan Wilson

Wednesday, October 28

A Generous Match “17Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

J

— James 1:17 (NRSV)

an has been my wife’s best friend for more than 50 years. As a young teenager, she was sick and almost lost her life. When surgery was performed, doctors found she had been born with only one working kidney!

I met Jan over 37 years ago and over the years she has also become one of my best friends. I never expected that friendship would require a gift that would greatly change and bless both our lives. Two years ago Jan’s one kidney began to fail to the point that dialysis was being discussed. A transplant was needed. Family, friends and church members lined up to be tested – no match.

God has blessed me with a strong, healthy body well into my 60’s. As I prayed for Jan to get better, one thing kept creeping into my thoughts: maybe I could help her. I decided to be tested and was a match. Not just a match, but one that is normally just between siblings. I prayed more asking for God’s guidance toward a final decision. At some point one night, every apprehension evaporated and I decided to donate my kidney to Jan. My wife Linda and I went to Chattanooga to tell her. We and her husband did not think she would agree. But, she did! Through tears she said, “I’d given up hope of finding a donor and decided to leave it in God’s hands.” I’ll never forget that. It is essentially what I had done. I have a saying that I often think about: “When you can’t see God’s hands at work, trust His heart!” We both “trusted.” And the transplant was a success!

I firmly believe God gave me a healthy body and then led me to donate to Jan. In doing so, He led her to a better quality of life and in the end, a gift that blessed both our lives.

— 50 —

week four: TRUST

To Get You Thinking When have your prayers and resources supported the mission of another person?

Prayer Dear God, thank you for the many blessings you have given my family through the years and help those of us who are elderly to never give up and always find ways we can be loving and caring and share our blessings with others. Amen.

— 51 —

by Helen Wood

Thursday, October 29

Blessed to be a Blessing “17-19Tell those rich in this world’s wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage— to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they’ll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.”

M

—1 Timothy 6:17-19 (The Message)

y cousin Jim is a missionary in Thailand. When his daughter graduated with her nursing degree, we were delighted that she got a job at Duke Medical Center. My sister and I and our husbands had the privilege of helping her get to Duke, and helping her to find and furnish an apartment with a few new, but mostly old, used, hand-me-downs, and purchases from Good Will.

When she has two years experience and has paid off her college loans, she will be seeking a missionary nursing job, probably outside the United States.

We have been blessed seeing her example of focusing on serving others, not having materialistic priorities, and more than that, by being a part of her life. Although we are not physically helping the sick, I like to think that our helping someone with a gift of nursing and a loving missionary spirit is a way that we can be a part of helping the hurt in our world.

I continue to do what I can, but I am no longer physically able to do all the projects that I used to do or would like to do, but because we have been blessed, we can help with our prayers, our encouragement and stories, and our financial resources.

We are truly blessed as we recognize our relationship to God the Creator, understand the sufficiency of God’s powers for whatever will come in this life, and claim the inspiring idea that we can be a blessing to others.

I am so truly thankful for our blessings and seek to be a blessing to others.

— 52 —

week four: TRUST

To Get You Thinking Where has someone’s trust in relationship with you been an act of generosity?

Prayer Dear God, I pray that all our shared generosities reflect your love for each of us, regardless of circumstance, regardless of address. Amen.

— 53 —

by Jackie Shields

Friday, October 30

Shared Generosities “8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

— 1 Thessalonians 2:8

I

have been privileged to experience many acts of generosity over years spent in community with our friends in several neighborhoods and across several ministries of our congregation.

Being invited to participate in the missions of our congregation is, in itself, an act of life-changing generosity.

We are provided with specific ways to live out the biblical mandate of Matthew 25, evidenced in the many choices we have to match our personal spiritual gifts with God’s call. I am grateful to be a servant of Jesus. Like many, I have tried to do, like others, my fair share of providing food, service, monetary resources and a genuine caring spirit, all valid and needed responses.

But most importantly, generosity shown to me, and shown by me, has all rested first and foremost in forming relationships. Life changing ‘generosities’ tend to reflect mutual respect and value, something that takes time spent together to achieve. It is the result of becoming friends with a shared history, shared stories, shared joys and sorrows. It takes time to recognize and nurture one another’s gifts and to fully embrace God’s love for each person and his/her potential.

I am grateful for the generosity of trust. The trust that says “teach my child;” the trust that says “share a bigger world with my child;” the trust that says “come read to my child because I can’t read;” the trust that says “please come to my uncle’s funeral;” the trust that says “come visit me in a nursing home;” the trust that says “come sit with me as I die.”

It may sound a bit over the top, but each example represents a life-changing act of generosity.

My world is so much bigger! I know clearly that God was and will already be there when I arrive! I am grateful.

— 54 —

To Get You Thinking Where might your “more than enough” bless others? How are you trusting God to provide for your needs each day?

Prayer

week four: TRUST

Holy God, as we come to the end of our devotional time together, we know it is but a new beginning. We have come to know you more deeply; to seek you as the center, the treasure in our lives. Reading stories of your grace and generosity in the lives of members of our congregation, we also have begun to hear more clearly “stories” of your love, of your desire for relationship all around us. Keep us focused on you, so that we can hear your direction and call. Help us to grow as devoted disciples of Jesus Christ with your words written on our hearts.

Father, let your name be first on our lips each morning.

May each day be lived from a place of active trust in you. May we find you in one another; in the beauty of your creation; in times of adversity; and in the arms of comfort. May we, indeed, find you in the generosity of everywhere. Amen.

— 55 —

by Dr. Davis Chappell

Saturday, October 31

No Longer Needed “19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

S

— Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

herre and I did something this past year that we had never done before. We built a house. We had been a part of several church building projects, including a sanctuary, but we had never attempted to build our own place. There was no shortage of advice given to us.

“It’ll test your marriage,” they said. “We did it once, and said never again,” one couple told us. We appreciated the advice.

Building a house certainly had its stressful moments. It took longer than we thought it would. But we finally completed it in May. We had lived in an apartment for the last two years.

During that time, our things remained in storage. We lived pretty simply.

When the house was finally finished, the moving van arrived and the unloading began. We thought it would never end. So many things. The boxes seemed to reproduce! We were both a little surprised and embarrassed by all that we had accumulated. As we began to sift through the stuff, we decided that much of what we had kept was no longer needed. In fact, we needed to give it away. It was a freeing experience to share our blessings with others.

We thought of the verse printed above that reminds us “where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”

(Matthew 6:21) The experience reminded us anew that it isn’t what you hold onto that gives meaning to life, its what you give. One of my favorite country singers used to sing a song that says: “The last suit you wear won’t have no pockets.” In other words, you can’t take it with you.

We find real self-fulfillment in self-emptying! What a joy!

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KEYS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF WHAT THE PREACHER SAYS 1 Come to hear them [preachers], not out of curiosity, but from

a sincere desire to know and do your duty. To enter His house merely to have our ears entertained, and not our hearts reformed, must certainly be highly displeasing to the Most High God, as well as unprofitable to ourselves.

2 Give diligent heed to the things that are spoken from the Word

of God. If an earthly king were to issue a royal proclamation, and the life or death of his subjects entirely depended on performing or not performing its conditions, how eager would they be to hear what those conditions were! And shall we not pay the same respect to the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

3 Do not entertain even the least prejudice against the minister.

And though we should even hear a person teaching others to do what he has not learned himself, yet that is no reason for rejecting his doctrine. For ministers speak not in their own but in Christ’s name.

4 Be careful not to depend too much on a preacher, or think more

highly of him than you ought to think. Preferring one teacher over another has often been of ill consequence to the church of God.

5 Make particular application to your own hearts of everything that is delivered. Oh, that persons …when preachers are dissuading from any sin or persuading to any duty, instead of crying, “This was intended for such and such a one!” instead would turn their thoughts inwardly, and say, “Lord, is it I?” How far more beneficial should we find discourses to be than now they generally are!

6 Pray to the Lord, before, during, and after every sermon, to endue

the minister with power to speak and to grant you a will and ability to put into practice what he shall show from the Book of God to be your duty. St. Paul so earnestly entreated his beloved Ephesians to intercede with God for him: “Praying always, with all manner of prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and for me also, that I may open my mouth with boldness, to make known the mysteries of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19-20)

George Whitefield (1714-1770) was a British Methodist evangelist whose powerful sermons fanned the flames of the First Great Awakening in the American colonies. This excerpt is adapted from Sermon 28 from “The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield.”

Published by E. and C. Dilly, 1771-1772, London

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Brentwood, Tennessee Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World www.bumc.net/StoriesOfGenerosity Fall 2015