Christian giving stories in 'Stories of the Generous Life'

“Stories of the Generous Life” is a compelling book full of Christian giving stories that will inspire your generosity. It delves into the world of generosity and its impact on both the giver and receiver. Known for its inspiring narratives, the book has garnered attention for its unique approach to discussing philanthropy and Christian values.

Book Details:

Title: Stories of the Generous Life
Author: William F. High
Genre: Christian Living, Inspirational
Publication Date: 2013
ISBN: 978-1606152492

About the Author:

William F. High is a renowned author and speaker, recognized for his expertise in charitable giving and Christian stewardship. His background in theology and law, combined with his extensive experience in philanthropy, makes him a credible voice in discussions about generosity from a Christian perspective.

Summary of Stories of the Generous Life:

“Stories of the Generous Life” presents a series of heartwarming giving stories that illustrate the joy and fulfillment found in generous living. High explores the Christian perspective on giving, emphasizing how generosity aligns with biblical teachings. The book not only shares personal anecdotes but also offers practical advice on how to incorporate generosity into everyday life.

Selected Passages Highlighted in the Book:

However, if you desire to leave a legacy for the next generation and to see people’s lives transformed during your lifetime, if you want your business and your ministry to count for all eternity, take a risk and plunge into the generous life. Just be prepared, this journey will change you as you discover true life is found when you give yours away. (xvi)
“As more funds have come in, we have obviously had to take on the stewardship of those,” Pat [McCown] said. “Part of that was becoming involved with the National Christian Foundation and setting up a giving fund.” … “The poor, the orphans, the needy, the widowed, and the foreigners are the five things we see from Scripture that we need to be giving to beyond the tithe,” Pat said. … Read Proverbs 19:17, James 1:27, Isaiah 58:6-11, and Deuteronomy 10:19. (17)
“Whatever God tells you to do, no matter how big or impossible it seems, just go for it and then hang on and watch what He does. He wants to connect with you, to reveal Himself to you, and to work His power in you and through you. All we have to do is say yes, and put our fears aside,” Scott [Lewis] said. “I’ve realized you’re never going to experience the thrill of the Christian life – the abundant life that Christ promised to give us—unless you have the courage to line up your life with what the Word of god says, trust Him, and get so far out there that you’re doomed to fail unless God does something miraculous.” (26)
Time is one of our most valuable assets. Evaluate how you spend your time, and ask God what sacrifices you could make to serve Him. (33)
Look around you and see who’s hurting. Ask God to show you how to use your time, love, and compassion to serve those people. (39)
“It’s not about a prosperity gospel,” Steve [Trice] said. “If you will step out in faith, He will meet your every need, and you will have more to give. One great freeing principle my sons and I have learned is how to determine ‘How much is enough?’ We decided how much we needed to support our lifestyles and eventual retirement. So instead of always striving to acquire more, we simply gave the rest away. Wow, what a great relief, freedom, and feeling that is!” (50)
As they stepped forward with tithing, the Reeds began to see God’s blessings in their lives. “We sensed there was a connection between the giving we did to the Lord and the blessings we had in our lives—not just financial things,” Randy [Reed] said. (56)
[Larry and Mandy Powell] Random Acts of Generosity: Another way Larry and Mandy practice generosity has become one of their favorites. They keep a small amount of cash on hand and seek out “random” opportunities to give. “We just pray for God to bring us someone who really needs it, and we keep our eyes open for people in need,” Mandy explained. With this sensitivity to their surroundings, God leads them into conversations—often with strangers—where needs become obvious.
“The most fun is randomly giving,” Larry said. “To see the look on someone’s face who is not expecting it, to give it away, and let them know that this is not from me; it’s from God. You’re not only giving what you have, but you see the joy on their faces and get to share with them it’s from God.” (71)
[Andy Andreas] “I have learned you never want to hold tightly to the reins of your life because God has more things for you than you can ever conceive,” he said. He’s learned God is always out for your best, which is why he is so confident in letting go. “That is the Christian life. Surrender and it will be insane. It’s a pretty simple equation—give God the reins to your life and see what He does. It’s incomprehensible.” (84)
[Andy Andreas] My overarching philosophy is ‘Give all you can whenever you can give,” Andy said. “When I think about investing, a good investment return might be 8 percent per year. But when I think about investing in God’s Kingdom, I think of a thirty-fold, sixty-fold, or hundred times return—and I literally laugh as I write donation checks. I’m not sure, but I think that is the mindset of the hilarious giver in 2 Corinthians 9:7.”
[Andy Andreas] When you have money to give, Andy believes it is vital to listen to God instead of being swayed by emotion or personal gain. When he has Kingdom investment opportunities presented to him, he finds that one of three things happens: (1) the holy spirit impresses him to give on the spot, (2) the Spirit says not to give, or (3) the Spirit tells him to pray and wait for an answer that will come later. (86)
[Andy Andreas] “As Americans, we are the rich Christians in the world. If you have a business in the U.S., you’re probably at the top one-tenth of 1 percent wage earners in the entire history of the world. We have one of the greatest opportunities to influence the spread of the gospel! What do you think Christ would have you do? My personal call as an American Christian is to be a giver because we have so much it’s ridiculous,” he said. (87)
Glen [Scheib]…and his wife, Gloria, have also committed to tithing. “We were making money, and as we got raises, it would disappear,” Glen said. “We started tithing, and we ended up with more than what we had before. It is just a testimony to God’s grace.” (91)
[Pete and Debbie Ochs] “As a family, we figure out how much money we want to give away, and then we talk about various ministries we want to support,” Pete said…. “It is easy for me to give out of my excess or surplus, but true generosity is if I continue to give even though I don’t have excess. That’s probably the true test of faith.” (106-107)
[Craig Miller] “At a minimum, I need to be obedient to what He has taught in His Word. At best, I need to completely, with abandon, trust Him and be willing to give beyond what might seem rational to me.” (112)
[Frank Brown] When he hands strangers a $50 bill some cry, others hug and thank him in disbelief, but Frank Brown just smiles and tells them to thank Jesus. It’s His money. … “What I think matters more to the recipient than the $50 is they feel like God knows their needs, knows they’re alive, and did something to touch them.” (123)
[Frank Brown] Frank determined to use his resources for God, but he didn’t know where to start. When an attorney pointed him toward the National Christian Foundation, the possibilities began to fall into place. “When I saw the tools and options that the foundation offered, the light bulb went on. Here’s how I could do what I think God would have me do with what He has given me,” Frank said. (125)
[Frank Brown] Americans have extraordinary resources, but ministries are always strapped for funding. Frank encourages ministries and donors to consider themselves partners in God’s work. “There’s a disconnect. God’s people have an overwhelming exceeding abundance of funding, and they’re sitting on it when there are all these needs,” Frank said. (126)
[Robert E. Miller] Every day started with a prayer that God would send him someone he could help that day. “Every day he would be looking for that person he could help. It’s a great way to live your life,” Matt [his son] said. “Some days it was as simple as extra attention or a generous tip to a waiter…. “If you slow down long enough to just listen to the people who are in your life on a daily basis, I think you get all the clues as to what you should be doing,” Matt said. (140, 142)

Generosity Resources:

Who Would Benefit From This Book?

This book is an ideal read for Christians aged 25-45, especially those interested in enhancing their financial wisdom and spiritual growth. It appeals to readers who appreciate authentic, heartfelt narratives over corporate-style writing, and those seeking practical guidance on living a generous life without compromising financial stability.

Related Books:

“The Generosity Bet: Secrets of Risk, Reward, and Real Joy” by Bill High
“A Generous Life: 10 Steps to Living a Life Money Can’t Buy” by David Green
“Giving It All Away…and Getting It All Back Again: The Way of Living Generously” by David Green
Simple Money, Rich Life, by Bob & Linda Lotich