The initiative is called Generous Communities and it finds it roots in the heart of Chattanooga's Maclellan Foundation. The Maclellan Foundation has forged a partnership with the National Christian Foundation and two financial planning groups, Crown Financial Concepts and Kingdom Advisors.

Albuquerque, though ranked a very low 57 on the list is one of the first cities to adopt the Generous Communities Initiative. Dugan says "the study results will be used to identify needs, evaluate progress, and train people in biblical stewardship." The Tijeras Foundation has trained more than 600 people in their six-week stewardship program. They are also facilitating cooperation among educational resources, pastors, and financial counselors.

According to the study, Generous Communities has a relatively higher percentage of evangelicals, married couples, African-Americans, and entrepreneurs. But, Generous Communities boasts that education in biblical stewardship can increase giving in any demographic group.

Even the high ranking cities have very long way to go, for few Americans approach the biblical tithe. Saddened, I must state that among evangelicals, the percentage of biblical tithers, which is giving the top ten percent of your income to your church, is probably less than 10 percent. The average American household gives about 2.5 percent of their income.

Julie Sylvester, of Generous Giving notes that increased giving "could radically transform communities and also change attitudes." She goes on to say, "If a non believing world could see our giving as a response to the gospel, if they could see a real difference in the generosity of Christians, that would have an eternal impact."

Now that it is summertime, our children our out of school, vacationing is on the horizon, and our schedules fill up don't forget that there are hurting people out there. We are far from where we need to be and the difference starts with you.

I urge you to give generously and you will be blessed far greater than you can possibly imagine. I recommend scheduling a day to take your family to Mel Trotter or your local food pantry for a couple hours to help. It is an eye opening experience of how blessed we actually are. And the impact will be huge, not just within your community, but also within your family.

If you can not spare a few hours, spare a few dollars. There are many good organizations out there that need financial support. For example, Nick is raising support for Alpha Women's Center and you can donate for such a cause. Show Nick your kindness and give GENEROUSLY and give CHEERFULLY!

2 Corinthians 9:6-9 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written [quoting Psalms 112:9]: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Tijeras Foundation 10 Most Giving Cities:
1.    Birmingham - 3.6%
2.    Memphis - 3.4%
3.    Columbia, SC - 3.2%
4.    Greenville, SC - 3.1%
5.    Alanta - 3.1%
6.    Grand Rapids - 3.1%
7.    New York - 3.1%
8.    Naples - 3.1%
9.    Charlotte - 3.1%
10.    Tulsa - 3.1%

As measured by the percentage of household income given to charity. Source: Tijeras Foundation.

You can be the difference in a lost and hurting world.

-Chaz Oswald