Proverbs 11:24 is an interesting verse about generosity. It says, "There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results in only want." Simply put, this verse reflects the truth of sowing and reaping that we see throughout Scripture. He who scatters will gather. He who gathers will reap little.

It’s March, we’ve settled into the new year, and by now you are writing the date correctly when you are inclined to do so. It’s also that time of year when it’s a bit easier to look back upon 2011 with some perspective.

In 2011, charitable giving in the U.S. grew to $346 billion. Some project that giving will grow to $360 billion by the end of 2012 – a growth of 3.9%. The ultimate ... read full post  |  2 comments

The beginning of a new year is a time to look forward. Where do we want to be at the dawn of 2013? What do we have to do to get there?

Answering questions like these can make you feel like you’re part of a Zig Ziglar seminar for success in selling vacuum cleaners or Cadillacs. And for some of us, just the year “2013” sounds like the name of some futuristic novel. But of course it isn’t. ... read full post

I recently read a financial article that stated, “If clients spend three to five minutes a day picturing themselves in retirement and writing down how they would feel in retirement, they become 25% more likely to boost their savings rate."

Would the same effect happen if we spent time picturing ourselves giving?

Many times I don’t let myself picture the future or how I would spend or give ... read full post

I believe that there are six scripturally based reasons to give:

1. Obedience: “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 (NKJV)

2. Rewards: “Give and it will be given to you ... read full post

Regret. What is it? The dictionary defines it as "a feeling of disappointment or distress about something that one wishes could be different."

It that’s the case, here’s the question: Will we have regret in heaven? Will we wish something could be different?

Hey, heaven’s supposed to be the perfect place. No more crying. No more tears. The ... read full post  |  2 comments

I once asked a dear friend of mine, Hugh Maclellan, what it’s like to be in the grant-making business. The Maclellan Foundation annually grants millions of dollars to ministries all over the world. Hugh was very quick to reply, “I am not in the grant-making business. I am in the grant-refusing business.” He went on to explain that during that year they received almost 4,000 grant requests but had

There is no question that none of us are born with an inherent desire to live generously. In fact, one of the first words that all my children learned was, "Mine!"...with an exclamation point! We don't have to learn to be greedy. We have to learn to be generous, and we do so by watching others. Like the old adage says, 'It's caught, not just taught."

So Dads and Grand-dads, as we experience Father's Day and the ... read full post

One of the greatest blessings I have is the opportunity to travel across the country and meet givers. During recent visits to Kansas City, Seattle, and Southern California, I was blessed to hear the stories of some incredible (and incredibly humble) people.

These encounters reminded me of the verse in Joel 2:28: “And it shall come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit on all mankind; your sons and your ... read full post

When it comes to transitioning your giving to the next generation, there are common pitfalls that most families face.

Making plans without allowing adult children and their spouses to help define their roles almost always leads to problems. And parents with control issues must learn to gradually release some responsibility for giving decisions to their kids.

To make sure your family doesn’t fall ... read full post