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The following are quotes by Bill Voelp on Practicing Generosity, along with my notes inspired from his sermon.

• We often hang on to dime store pearls that keep us from the riches of God’s treasure.
• God is the original and model giver (James 1:16; John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 2Cor 9:5-11; Philippians 4:19).
• It’s not what you give that matters, but what you do with what you keep.
• Being generous is a God-given command (1Timothy 6:18; Matthew 10:8; Luke 6:38; Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:10).
• We are to give out of revelation not obligation. God’s revelation in Scripture and in the sending of His Son shows us the wisdom and joy of giving.
• Too often God gets our leftovers in time, talent, and treasure, when instead God is deserving of our “first fruits”.
• U.S. gives to charity on average 2% of income. Less than 4% of Christians give a tithe (10%).
• Unfortunately, our mindset of giving to God has become “Before you throw it away, see if the church needs it.” Isn’t God’s kingdom for ministry and outreach deserving of better?
• Every church and Christian should have a contest to see who can out-give God; even though it’s impossible our application with generosity would be appropriate.
• When we tithe or give a percentage of our income to God, we are also setting apart our entire source of income to God’s glory (Romans 11:16).
• Our view of money should be to G.I.V.E.
  • Get It: Understand our partnership with God as the source of wealth and generosity.
  • Inspect It: Evaluate our idols and treasure (Mark 8:36).
  • Value It: Prioritize money for eternal value and realize we cannot out-give God (Luke 6:38).
  • Elevate It: Generosity is joyfully satisfying (Acts 20:35).