are exalted as head over all.

Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
 

Psalm 50:10-12 - For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

Psalm 89:11 - The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.

Throughout the scriptures we are taught that when we give we will be blessed:

Prov. 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. 

Prov. 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Mal 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

In the New Testament we see that God desires us to have a generous heart

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

In 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 we are given some keys to New Testament giving

How should we give as we follow this example?

• They gave as they were able - 2 Cor. 8:3
• They gave sacrificially as they gave themselves first – 2 Cor. 8:5
• They gave with Grace excellently – 2 Cor. 8:7
• They gave with eagerness and willingly – 2 Cor. 8:11-12
• They gave with equality proportionately – 2 Cor. 8:14
• They gave with eagerness – 2 Cor. 9:2
• They gave with enthusiasm - 2 Cor. 9:3
• They gave generously – 2 Cor. 9:5
• They gave not grudgingly – 2 Cor. 9:6
• They gave cheerfully and voluntarily – 2 Cor. 9:7
• They gave in thanksgiving to God – 2 Cor. 9:12
• They gave strategically – 2 Cor. 9:12-15
• They gave regularly and systematically – 2 Cor. 16:2

How Much to Give?

• Give Generously – 2 Cor. 8:2-3 / 9:5-6
• Give Proportionately – 2 Cor. 8:11 / 16:2
• Give a Heartfelt amount – 2 Cor. 9:7
• Give Sacrificially – 2 Cor. 8:3

What are the benefits to giving?

• We supply the needs of others – 2 Cor. 9:12
• We are led to praise God - 2 Cor. 9:12-15
• We are made rich in every way – 2 Cor. 9:6, 11

Offerings marked for general usage are applied where they are needed most within the Discovery Church ministry. Determinations are made after prayerful consideration by church leadership. This is considered resources designated for general operating expenses for our ministries.

This is both Local and Global Missions through our Love Works ministry.

LoveWorks is the compassion and justice ministry of Discovery Church. We mobilize our church community to serve those in need, the under-resourced, diseased and hurting. Our foremost desire is to discover where and how God is working and join Him. We rely heavily on relationship when exploring how and where to meet the needs of others and this is reflected in our partnerships with local and global organizations that are already making a difference.

For greater detail on opportunities for ministry, click here.

There is no way I can demonstrate a generous lifestyle.” Believe me, we understand your concerns and empathize with you. That is why we are helping you see some creative ways you can position yourself to be generous, ways you may have overlooked. Each one of these suggestions requires sacrifice, which you are probably exemplifying in your present situation. Consider what King David said in 2 Samuel 24:24 “I will not offer up to the Lord anything that costs me nothing!” Each suggestion you explore expands your capacity to live generously and advance the Kingdom of God. These are just a few ideas that can help you position yourself to live generously.

1. Skip a meal. The average family spends $30 per meal. Skipping one meal a week to devote to prayer or fasting can make a difference.

2. Drop a habit. Easier said than done, but letting go of your daily almond latte can leverage $1,000 a year.

3. Drink water with your meal at a restaurant. One person can save $15 a week. If the entire family commits, this savings multiplies.

4. Continue a bill payment when it is completed. If you pay off a car or school loan, redirect that money toward an eternal investment.

5.A daily dollar increase in your giving. This can help you gradually move toward giving a tithe or toward a generous lifestyle.

6. Put off a major discretionary purchase and redirect the money to generous living.

7. Movie night in! Instead of going to the theater, rent from the Redbox.

8. Designate your raise in salary or year-end bonus to advance the kingdom.

9. Clip coupons! Food is our largest monthly discretionary expense.

10. Commit your income tax refund check to exhibit generosity.

11. Turn your vacation into a “staycation.”

12. Cut back to basic cable.