"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)
From the very beginning the Lord had a plan for reconciliation and redemption. It didn’t happen by chance and it didn’t alter over time. The generosity of the cross was a plan. Generosity rarely just ‘happens’.
When it comes to our own generosity, having a plan – whatever we may feel about that – can allow generosity to spread further than we might ever imagine. Many people use a three-strand approach to guide their giving:
Church – at the centre.
Giving our time, money, prayer and skills to our churches and their programmes enables them to flourish.
Charity and charitable work – moves our focus to the world around us.
We are all shaped by experiences – both good and bad – and these can draw us to specific causes. Sometimes we simply feel a clear calling to a particular project or work. So whether you support evangelism, anti-trafficking, education or youth development, make a plan for supporting the area(s) you feel strongly about.
Impulsive generosity – planning for the unexpected.
I love this! Whether this is making space in your week to pray, serve or give, we can’t respond without a plan. You may wish to help a charity with a one-time need or make a donation to support a friend’s fundraising event. Sometimes we may even stumble upon an individual in need and choose to respond directly or anonymously.
Traditionally, Lent has been viewed as a season of giving up. A time to sacrifice. 40acts was envisioned to take that one step further. Just as Jesus surrendered his life to atone for our sin, we give up in order to put others first. But in order to bless others, we must plan ahead. So, whether you have 5, 10 or 60 spare minutes, start now.
Whether you’re new to 40acts or have been following the campaign for five years, welcome!
Whether you are following as an individual, family, church or group of friends, we hope you find the next 40 days inspiring, challenging and motivating. Perhaps you’ll hit a lull at 20 days. Perhaps you’ll breeze through 40! Perhaps on Day 41 you’ll revise your generosity plan for the coming year.
But above all else, at the end of 40 days I pray you will have drawn closer to Jesus, one act at a time.
Tak a look at the 40 ACTS page for today here
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