Secrets of the Generous Life
by Gordon MacDonald
Hardcover: Tyndale House Publishers (2002)

About This Book
MacDonald states that his book is for those who wish to be good stewards of all they have—of their monetary assets, to be sure, but also of their time and talents. His focus is much more on generosity than stewardship, however, and he defines generosity as the conviction that much of one's resources must be "strategically given for the betterment of others and for the advancement of the gospel (vii)."

This book provides six weeks of daily reflections on the nature and call of generosity, and is, of all the books in this list, certainly the most devotional in nature. Through these meditations, MacDonald urges his readership to retain a kingdom perspective on their earthly wealth. He says that those who live generously will reap God's overflowing rewards.

How It Will Help
If you are preaching through a series on generosity or stewardship, the six parts of this book could serve as a template for sermon progression. Additionally, each day's devotion revolves around a Scripture verse, so you have both biblical inspiration and support for your teaching.

MacDonald is a veteran pastor, teacher, and speaker, and his intelligent yet encouraging writing reflects this.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Part One: Godly Character
Part Two: Conscientious Stewardship
Part Three: Unwavering Trust
Part Four: True Humility
Part Five: Relinquishing Idols
Part Six: Abundant Christian Living
About Generous Giving

About the Author
Gordon MacDonald is an editor-at-large for Leadership Journal and serves as chairman of World Relief. He pastored for more than 40 years, most recently at Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he was senior pastor until September, 2000. MacDonald was also president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for three years.

MacDonald's academic background includes a BA from the University of Colorado and an MDiv from Denver Seminary. Barrington College (now part of Gordon College) awarded MacDonald an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1979.

The MacDonalds live in Canterbury, New Hampshire, where they have maintained a quiet home (Peace Lodge) in the woods for more than 20 years. Their greatest enjoyment is in their two married children and five grandchildren, but the MacDonalds are also hikers, bikers, skiers, and voracious readers.

Other books by MacDonald:

The Resilient Life (Nelson Books, 2004)
Rebuilding Your Broken World (Nelson Books, 2004)
Ordering Your Private World (Thomas Nelson, 2002)
Mid-Course Correction: Re-Ordering Your Private World for the Second Half of Life (Nelson Books, 2000)

Gordon MacDonald is chancellor of Denver Seminary and editor-at-large for Leadership Journal. He is author of numerous books, including Going Deep: Becoming A Person of Influence.