My friends and I have been blessed by the ministry of Francis Chan. Years ago, Francis was sad that many wealthy people in his church weren’t generous. So, he and his wife prayed, “Lord, raise up a new generation of rich people who don’t care about their stuff — or make us rich, and we’ll give it all away.”
Not long after that, Francis wrote his first book, “Crazy Love”, and it became a bestseller, making him several million dollars in royalties. When he first found out how much money the book was going to bring in, he told his wife, “We can’t touch this money! God answered our prayer!”
They wisely set up a charitable gift fund so that all the royalties from Crazy Love would go to serving the poor, through building schools, medical clinics, and feeding programs in Africa, Thailand, and other poor areas.
It’s so inspiring to see someone more interested in storing up riches in heaven than on earth. I know several close friends of Francis who all say he is the real thing. His family lives simply and sacrificially, loving people more than possessions.
Jesus said, “Woe to you who are rich” (Luke 6:24). He said it as a warning, not a condemnation of being wealthy. He is warning us to not find our security and satisfaction in material possessions. Jesus knows riches can lead to a self-centered lifestyle, distracting us from generously giving to those in need.
Our time here is short. This world is passing away, along with all the stuff we buy for ourselves. We would be wise to invest more of our time and money in what will last for eternity — people!
It may sound crazy to give millions of dollars away while living a simple life, but that’s Francis Chan. He’s crazy — crazy in love with the Maker of the universe, who is crazy in love with us!
“You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Listen to Francis Chan’s message on “What Do You Treasure?” by clicking here
Heartspills 
Walt, as always, you have given me something to think about and, quite honestly, rejoice in! Giving has always been easy for me. And I used to tell Tom that when he gave, I believed it may very well have meant more to God because it was harder for him. When we first started our PT practice, my father told him “Tom, you’re gonna have to keep an eye on Patti or she’ll give the store away.” Giving just really is a delight for me, and I am so blessed that God made me that way! And I often tell my husband Marc that God gives us everything we need for life and godliness. And that is so true! We are so blessed!!
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Patti, you are so right! It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. And to give sacrificially like Jesus did! Check out the link I put at the bottom for Francis’s sermon on sacrificial giving. You will love it!
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