We’re Never More Like God Than When We Give

Current Teaching Series The Daniel Plan: God's Prescription for a Healthy Life

We're Never More Like God Than When We Give By Rick Warren — Jun 14, 2017 “It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ — the gospel you say you believe — and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV). Heart disease is a serious problem in the western world. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in four American deaths are from heart disease. Yet, the truth is, spiritual heart disease may be far more problematic. The most important antidote for spiritual heart disease is giving. When we give, our hearts grow bigger. The Bible contains more promises about giving and generosity than any other subject. Why? You’re never more like God than when you give. God gives. It’s what he does. He’s generous. All you have is a gift from God. You wouldn’t take your next breath if God didn’t give it to you. Every time you choose to give generously rather than hoarding what you have, you get a bigger — and healthier — heart. It is not a mistake that the word “miser” and “miserable” come from the same word. There are only two kinds of people in life: takers and givers. Takers are always sad and mad. Givers are glad. The Bible says in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper” (NIV). According to the Bible, the ultimate key to prosperity isn’t your brain, your guile, or even your relationships. The ultimate key to prosperity — the kind of prosperity that honors God — is giving unselfishly to others. Ultimately, giving is about your past, present, and future relationship with God. Past: You’re grateful for all God has done in your life. Present: You keep your current priorities in place. Giving reminds you that God is first in your life. Future: Your giving reminds you that God will take care of your future. Being generous with what you have tells the world who matters most to you. The Bible says, “It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ — the gospel you say you believe — and because you freely share with them and with all others” (2 Corinthians 9:13 NCV). So eat right and exercise. Do whatever it takes to have a healthy heart. But don’t ignore your spiritual heart. The Bible tells us that all we do flows from our heart (Proverbs 4:23). PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Why do you think giving is so important to your spiritual growth? What may be keeping you from giving in a consistent way? What hidden beliefs may be keeping you from being more generous?

Our Gift: The Daniel Plan Book Discover the essential ingredients to a better, healthier life! A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just involve one or two areas of your life. It takes a more holistic approach – in your faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. Pastor Rick gives you key steps for winning in each of these areas in his book, The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life. This simple, easy-to-follow resource includes a 40-day fitness challenge and meal plan to help you… • Incorporate the essentials of faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends into your daily lifestyle • Better understand the importance of relying on God’s power instead of your willpower • Realize that trusting God is just as vital to your physical health as eating and sleeping • Recognize the benefits of renewing your mind and becoming “Daniel Strong” LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes nine full length teaching CD's from Pastor Rick's series The Daniel Plan: God's Prescription for a Healthy Life. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Session 1: Why We Need Each Other Session 2: Getting Your Ship Out of the Harbor Session 3: Setting Goals In Faith Session 4: God's Prescription for Health Session 5: Winning With the Hand You're Dealt Session 6: The Awesome Power of Focus Session 7: The Awesome Power of Faith PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered around the world. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe