G E N E R O U SL I F E

FAMILY DEVOTIONALS

G E N E R O U SL I F E

Family Devotionals || 152

F A M I L Y D E V O T I O N A L S

Week 1: The Other Side of the CoinTrue generosity connects us with a God who is joyfully generous toward His children.Luke 15:11-32

Week 2: My First StepsAn encounter with the generous Jesus leads to a life of consistent giving.Matthew 25:14-30

Week 3: Got To or Get ToI am a steward and not an owner. I will give my !rst "uits (10% of my income) to the Lord.Proverbs 28:25

Week 4: Count Me InTrue generosity moves beyond a focus on the minimum.Matthew 6:19-21

Week 5: No Holding BackWe achieve our “dream life” when we live in the "eedom of giving.Proverbs 11:24

G E N E R O U SL I F E

The Other Side Of The Coin || 153

F A M I L Y D E V O T I O N A L # 1The Other Side of the Coin

Main PointTrue generosity connects us with a God who is joyfully generous toward His children.

Read the BibleLuke 15:11-32

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to

be called your son.’ 22 “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him;

put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and

let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is

found!’ So they began to celebrate.’”

Talk about the Bible Use these questions to guide your family in a discussion about the text.

What does the parable of the prodigal son teach us about God’s love for and generosity toward us?

What is one specific gift God has given you that you are grateful for today?

As a family, what is one way you can show the generous love of God to another family this week?

Parents, share with your children about why giving of your time and money to your church is

important. Then discuss a way you can be even more generous at church in the coming days.

Prayer“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live

generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”

G E N E R O U SL I F E

My First Steps || 154

F A M I L Y D E V O T I O N A L # 2My First Steps

Main PointAn encounter with the generous Jesus leads to a life of consistent giving.

Read the BibleMatthew 25:14-30

21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’”

Talk about the Bible Use these questions to guide your family in a discussion about the text.

How did each of the servants in Jesus’ parable handle the gifts their master gave them? What is

the lesson for us when it comes to God’s expectations for our generosity?

Do you think you are the type of person God would call a faithful servant? Why or why not?

We want to be a family of people who know Jesus and make consistent giving a part of our daily

lives. What is one “talent” God has given our family that we can use to help people know Him?

Do you have a friend at church who could help you become a more consistent giver?

Prayer“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live

generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”

G E N E R O U SL I F E

Got To Or Get To || 155

F A M I L Y D E V O T I O N A L # 3Got To or Get To

Main PointI am a steward and not an owner. I will give my !rst "uits (10% of my income) to the Lord.

Read the BibleProverbs 28:25

“A greedy person provokes conflict, but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.”

Talk about the Bible Use these questions to guide your family in a discussion about the text.

Rephrase this proverb in your own words?

Have you been more greedy or generous lately? What does that say about your trust in God?

Because tithing is important to God, it should be important to us. What is one thing each of us can

give up in order to help our family give more money to our church?

The tithe is one of the ways individuals and families help support the ministries and leaders of

their church. Write a letter of encouragement to someone on the church staff as another way of

showing your love and support. Ask them how you can pray for them, and if there are any ministry

needs you could help meet.

Prayer“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live

generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”

G E N E R O U SL I F E

Count Me In || 156

F A M I L Y D E V O T I O N A L # 4Count Me In

Main PointTrue generosity moves beyond a focus on the minimum.

Read the BibleMatthew 6:19-21

19 “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves

break in and steal. 20 But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust

destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart

will be also.”

Talk about the Bible Use these questions to guide your family in a discussion about the text.

According to Jesus, what makes “treasures in heaven” better than “treasures on earth”? Can you

think of any examples of heavenly treasures?

Think about what you spend your money on, or what you want us to buy for you. Are any of those

things heavenly, lasting treasures?

How can our family shift our spending habits toward heavenly treasure? Think of one or two things

you could give up, and one or two things you could spend or give toward that are more in line with

this passage?

Prayer“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live

generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”

G E N E R O U SL I F E

No Holding Back || 157

F A M I L Y D E V O T I O N A L # 5No Holding Back

Main PointWe achieve our “dream life” when we live in the "eedom of giving.

Read the BibleProverbs 11:24

“One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.”

Talk about the Bible Use these questions to guide your family in a discussion about the text.

What does this proverb teach us about true generosity?

As you have learned more about giving lately, have you felt excited about how you can give to God,

or does the idea scare your family?

Take some time to set family goals for giving for the next year. Share ideas you have with your

children, and ask them for their own input and ideas, too. Consider posting your list of goals

somewhere for the family to see, and revisit it throughout the year to see how you are doing.

Your family can have a big impact for God if you are generous, but your church can have an even

bigger impact. What is one thing you can pray for the generosity of your church?

Prayer“I thank God who has blessed me in all ways, at all times, with more than I need. Lead me to live

generously, share joyfully, and look expectantly toward my future.”