Margin for More - Part 1 [Notes]

November 10th, 2024

In a culture that constantly pushes us to want more for ourselves, and where our lives are stretched to the max, there often seems to be nothing left to give to others, even when we want to. Join us for the "Margin for More" series, where we will explore how to break down the barriers to generosity and create margin to give more freely of our time, talents, and treasures.

Takeaway: The first step towards generosity is gratitude.

The first step towards generosity is gratitude.

Gratitude > Stewardship > Generosity

The first step towards generosity is gratitude.

Grateful for time

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
– Psalm 118:24 (HCSB)

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
– Psalm 118:24 (HCSB)

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.
– Psalm 118:29 (HCSB)

Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3:22-23 (HCSB)

The first step towards generosity is gratitude.

Grateful for time
Grateful for talent

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
– Psalm 139:13-14 (HCSB)

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
– Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB)

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
– 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (HCSB)

The first step towards generosity is gratitude.

Grateful for time
Grateful for talent
Grateful for treasure

Give us today our daily bread.
– Matthew 6:11 (HCSB)

“In the same way that manna was only given one day at a time, disciples are to rely on daily provision for life from God, helping them to develop a continuing, conscious dependence on him. We are to rely on God for all physical sustenance, but to be concerned for only one day at a time.”
— Dr. Michael Wilkins

Jesus addresses the issue of worry, pointing to God’s care over creation: “So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
– Matthew 6:31-32 (HCSB)

In 2023, the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology analyzed 25 randomized controlled trials involving 6,745 participants. The study found that gratitude practices significantly reduced anxiety, emphasizing that it’s difficult to hold gratitude and anxiety simultaneously.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
– Matthew 6:33 (HCSB)

But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
– 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (HCSB)

The first step towards generosity is gratitude.

Grateful for time … God, thank you for the gift of today
Grateful for talent … God, thank you for my gifts and abilities
Grateful for treasure … God, thank you for meeting my needs

Discussion Questions //

Pastor Josh shared about his camper and how comparison to newer and nicer campers robbed him of gratitude and contentment. Can you relate to a time when you were excited about something you had, but comparison—whether to others or advertisements—made you feel less grateful for it? Share your experience.
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” How can starting each day with gratitude for the gift of time change your perspective? What might it look like to live each day with this mindset?
In Psalm 139:13-14, we’re reminded that we’re “fearfully and wonderfully made.” How has comparison impacted your gratitude for the unique abilities God has given you? What are some of your talents, gifts, or strengths you can thank God for today?
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:11 to pray, “Give us today our daily bread.” How does recognizing God as our Provider influence your approach to needs versus wants? How might this change how you view your material resources?
This week, what’s one area—time, talent, or treasure—where you can intentionally practice gratitude? How will practicing gratitude in this area help you live with a more generous heart?

Worship Setlist //

Trustworthy // Abandoned // It Is Well // Gratitude

Devotional //

Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

Devotional

Catch Up //

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Past Messages

Give //

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.

Give

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Posted in margin for more, generosity, gratitude, contentment, thanksgiving