Imagine the little boy’s report the day after he gave Jesus his lunch. I can imagine his excitement telling his mom what happened.
“He took my fish and bread, and then he fed the whole crowd!”
Like the boy, I am often astounded by how God takes events in our lives – some positive and some disappointing – to accomplish things far beyond our thoughts and dreams. I love hearing people tell stories like, “I never dreamed how God would bless our business,” or “I can’t believe the ways God worked through that situation,” or “God took what we gave Him, and He made it so much more!”
Has that been the case for you?
Now, spin that forward. We have not yet imagined what God has in store for us through eternity. We cannot predict how He will bless and multiply whatever we invest into God’s Kingdom.
Today, I encourage you to act with trust and expectation. When we dedicate our lives and resources to Him, He directs them in ways far beyond anything we could have asked or imagined.
As Paul said in I Corinthians 2:9: “...‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’” (NKJV)
Grateful to serve you,
James Bakke, J.D. Executive Director
Generosity Today is a quarterly publication of Barnabas Foundation, designed to help Christians experience greater Kingdom impact through effective, purpose-filled generosity.
To request additional, complimentary copies to share with your friends, family or church, email info@BarnabasFoundation.org, call 888.448.3040, or write to us using the address below.
BarnabasFoundation.org/Generosity-Today
Attn: Generosity Today Editor 3801 Eagle Nest Dr. Crete, IL 60417
About Generosity Today
Comfort and Confidence
Life Story: Randy & Jan
Randy and Jan describe generosity and stewardship as common denominators in their Christ-centered marriage.
“We were both raised with an emphasis on serving others,” says Jan. “My parents always made sure I had something to put in the offering plate.”
Through 51 years of marriage, they have freely and consistently given to support a variety of causes close to their hearts. Now, entering their retirement years, they want to maintain that commitment to generosity – throughout their lifetimes and beyond.
Together, Randy and Jan are asking questions about how they can best steward their God-given resources for His eternal purposes.
“How can we best utilize the resources that we have accumulated throughout our lifetimes?” asks Randy. “What happens after that? Where will it all go?”
Randy and Jan discovered a tax-wise and impactful way to accomplish their charitable goals by listing Barnabas Foundation as the beneficiary of their IRAs.
“All we have to do is tell Barnabas Foundation what organizations we want to support and what amount,” explains Randy. “From there, it will go out to the various charities after our passing. Barnabas Foundation will be the vehicle that manages our resources.”
By leaving their IRAs to ministry, Randy and Jan will bless their favorite causes substantially.
When people leave retirement funds to loved ones, the gift is treated as income, creating a taxable event. However, by giving their IRAs to charity, Randy and Jan’s favorite ministries will receive the entirety of their IRA distributions – tax-free!
“The Lord wants to see us bless others with the resources He has provided,” says Jan. “That is something Barnabas Foundation helps us achieve with comfort and confidence.”
She continues, “Barnabas Foundation’s knowledge and expertise makes them well-equipped to help others steward God’s resources.”
Randy and Jan pray the Lord will continue to guide them in using their talents and treasures to grow in faith and demonstrate their love.
“God is in control, and He’s leading us step-by-step through the process,” says Randy. “This has been His plan for us from day one.”
“How can we best utilize the resources that we have accumulated throughout our lifetimes?” - Randy
FAITH IN THE UNSEEN
She was the epitome of a “plain Jane.” Faithful and unassuming, Jane attended weekly church services with her family, and she gave regularly to those in need. Her dad was a pastor, and two of her brothers followed in his footsteps. Jane, meanwhile, was more likely to put her thoughts on paper than to preach.
Only a few of Jane’s writings have survived over the years, including a small collection of prayers retained by her sister.
“Thou art everywhere present, from thee no secret can be hid,” wrote Jane. “Above all other blessings, oh God, for ourselves, and our fellow-creatures, we implore thee to quicken our sense of thy mercy in the redemption of the world, of the value of that holy religion in which we have been brought up, that we may not, by our own neglect, throw away the salvation thou hast given us, nor be Christians only in name.”
Jane was virtually unknown when she entered eternity at the age of 41.
It wasn’t until her nephew published a body of her works in 1869 – 50 years after her passing – that Jane Austin became one of the most popular, influential and respected authors of all time.
What They Couldn’t See
In Hebrews 11, we read a longer list of famous believers – Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah – who share in Jane’s unrecognized-in-their-ownlifetimes distinction.
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:13, NIV)
During their lifetimes, they did not see how God would use their faithfulness to shape the world. They did not see how God would multiply and expand upon their meager efforts.
They did not see why thousands of years later we’re still talking about their stories.
In fact, the Bible tells us that it’s because they couldn’t see what God was doing that they were honored.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” (Hebrews 11:1-2, NIV)
Forward in Faith
Truth is, most of us will never fully understand God’s plan for our lives on this side of eternity. Afterall, God never promised us clarity. He promised He would be with us and “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
(Romans 8:28, NIV)
We are all part of God’s one big redemption story. We stand in the shadows of the faithful before us, and we pave the path for those yet to come.
“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40, NIV)
Are you unsure if you’re making a difference in the lives of those around you? Are you questioning what impact your life will ultimately have on the world? You’re in good company!
Listen for God’s voice and keep following His lead. Keep loving. Keep sharing. Keep doing. Keep giving.
Walk forward in faith, knowing God is everywhere present. Only in eternity will faith become sight.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2a, NIV
WISH YOU COULD DO MORE?
Wish you could do more for ministry?
Many Christians are able to give more than they ever thought possible by including charitable gifts in their wills.
By giving through your will, you can…
• extend the impact of your generosity, well beyond your lifetime.
• experience the satisfaction of putting earthly possessions to work for Kingdom purposes.
• retain access to your God-given resources for the remainder of your lifetime, or for as long as you need them.
• change your mind at any time about how your charitable gifts are designated.
• give more than would ever be possible during your lifetime.
If you plan to give to multiple ministries through your will, Barnabas Foundation can help you streamline and simplify the process.
We’ll record and carry out your detailed distribution wishes, making sure your favorite organizations receive exactly what you intend for them to have from your estate. Should you ever want to add or remove organizations, or if you want to modify the gift amounts each charity should receive, you won’t have to update your will. Simply call or write to tell us.
To learn more about giving from your will through Barnabas Foundation, call 888.448.3040 or email info@BarnabasFoundation.org.
WHAT MATTERS MOST?
What matters most to you?
Your completed will (or trust) plays an important role in answering that question for your family and the world. It’s your final word — your ultimate testimony — about how you want to be remembered and who the next stewards of your God-given resources should be.
So, what do you want your will to say? Here are three key questions to consider.
1. Does my will reflect my priorities?
Your will can support the beliefs and priorities to which you’ve dedicated your life. What are the core values and guiding principles that have guided you? Are these reflected in your plan? How should you select and direct the next stewards of your God-given resources?
2. Does my will appropriately care for all my people?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” way to structure your distributions. Do you have loved ones with special needs? How prepared are your heirs to manage resources well? Your plan should be structured in a way that not only
meets their immediate needs, but also supports the values and financial resources you wish to pass on to the next generation.
3. Does my plan support my passions?
Through your will, you can give in a substantial way, beyond what would ever be possible during your lifetime. What are the greatest needs you see in the world today? What passions has God placed in your heart? Which ministries have you consistently supported over the years? Extend your Kingdom impact well beyond your lifetime by including charitable gifts in your will.
What do you want your will to tell your family and the world? With thoughtful preparation, your completed will can tell a beautiful story of the priorities, people and passions you hold close to your heart.
BA RNABAS ASK
Q: Do I need to inform a ministry if I’ve named them in my will?
A: There’s no requirement for telling a ministry that you have named in your estate plan – but we highly recommend it!
By telling your favorite ministries about this important decision, you allow them the pleasure of thanking and honoring you for the significant difference your generosity will make beyond your lifetime.
Additionally, sharing your intentions helps them plan for the future of this ministry that means so much to you. It also allows them an advance opportunity to clarify and honor any wishes you have about how your gifts should be used.
Have Questions?
Email info@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.
Hidden Mistakes in Your Estate Plan
August 21, 11 a.m. (Central)
Most people understand the importance and power of having a completed will or trust in place. But knowing what you need to do, and knowing how to do it, are two very different things.
During this free, 20–30-minute session, Barnabas Foundation’s Lindsay Canan, J.D., will share how you can ensure that your will reflects your personal values and goals by avoiding common mistakes in your estate plan. This event will be particularly helpful for those planning with IRA or other retirement assets.
