Week 8

EACH WEEK in your program ‘Field Guide’, you’ll find interactive field assignments with creative

ideas to apply message learnings to your life. Some weeks will be reflective, some weeks will be places to visit and some weeks will be things to do with others.

– VIII – You shall not steal.

Our wealth and possessions are resources we’ve been given to increase the condition and value of other people’s lives. We are to hold them with open hands, pursuing opportunities to sow seeds of generosity for others. { Ryan Alexander, Lead Pastor }

WHEN WE GIVE TO OTHERS we show that our trust is in God, our provider, rather than in our possessions.

1. PROVISION

Provision can come in different ways at different times, but it all comes from God. Thank God for some of the surprising ways He has provided for you.

5. GLORIFY GOD

Give God glory for what He has made possible. Ask Him how to continue to turn generous living into a lifestyle! 6. OPTIONAL [GREAT FOR CHILDREN]

2. SET ASIDE

Ask God to put a dollar amount on your heart. Save or set aside that amount of money.

Think of something you have been saving for or hoping to purchase. Buy that item. Donate or gift it to someone else. Pray for that person. Thank God for His generosity in your life!

3. GIFT CARDS

Use the money to purchase gift cards (at a coffee shop, gas station, grocery store, etc.) Pray about the vendor and amount for each gift card. 4. GIVE

Take one day. Ask God to show you how to give away the gift cards. It might be in a parking lot, at church, at the gym, or to specific people God places on your heart. Bless the people who receive the gift cards.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

☞ How has your past (childhood, upbringing, faith, etc.) influenced your thoughts about material goods? ☞ What is one way we can align our heart with God’s heart for generous living?

MESSAGE NOTES

Week 8 - The Field Guide to Open-Handed Living August 19/20

01

Life doesn’t promise a clear and easy path. We are surrounded daily by influences that can cause us to lose focus on what our relationship with God and others should look like. God gave us the Ten Commandments to help us navigate life better and to become living examples of His character. In this series, we will explore God’s ‘Field Guide to Real Life’ to strengthen and enliven our relationships, with Him and others.

Notes:

02 03 04 05 06 07

FRONT COVER DESIGN Giving is about being generous, not only with our money, but also with our possessions, time and talents. God commands us to live with an open hand, willing to share what He’s blessed us with. Jesus told believers to “sell your possessions, and give to the needy,” (Luke 12:33-34). Paul expanded upon that by teaching “be rich in good works, be generous and ready to share,” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). THE OPEN LOCK illustration represents our willingness to joyfully share. We are not to live life with our hands firmly clasped around the things we love, but to live with our hands open and ready to give.