The Generosity Bet: Secrets of Risk, Reward, and Real Joy

by Bill High, Ashley B. McCauley, Bill High (Pseudonym)

"Your Key to Experiencing a Life of Joy, Success, and Lasting Impact! Bill High’s message isn’t just about being generous; it’s about the very real process of becoming generous. The Generosity Bet reminds us that God is working in our lives and inspires us to continue in His plan for stewardship." —Robert Morris, Founding Senior Pastor, Gateway Church God has given you the ability to make a difference in the world. It’s time for you to unwrap this gift and discover the secret that leads you to true fulfillment and significance. This book is not a call for you to give away your money… or your time, your resources, and your talents. It is a reminder that everything you have comes from God. You are not the owner; you are Heaven’s steward. When you live this way, you will start experiencing ultimate satisfaction in every area of your life. Giving is no longer a chore to be endured; it becomes a lifestyle to be cherished! As you read about the entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and everyday dreamers featured in this book, you will discover that their stories can easily become your story too. Are you ready to take The Generosity Bet ? Start the journey of becoming generous today. The payoff is extraordinary… and it will change your life forever.

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2014

Reviews

[Janice Garey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Title: Realizing We All Could Give More (review of The Generosity Bet by William F. High)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars

This book has twenty-one short true stories about families who have decided to be extravagant in their giving toward building God's Kingdom here on earth. For most, it was a long winding road to get from Point A of not giving with the right attitude to Point B of being the joy filled giving believer who has seen God's blessings freed by their stepping out in faith and stepping up their giving level.

You will be surprised by the humble beginnings of some of the people in these stories. The stories are of good people, types of heroes and heroines that don't typically make the headlines, yet they are saving the days and nights for someone each day of the year. This is a book to bring a good feeling to your heart to just know that there are people in the world, Christians to be more specific, who care so very much for their known and unknown neighbors in the world that they sacrifice for others to have a better life.

This book will be motivational for some who read it depending on where they are in their lives financially and also where they are in their attitudes toward giving. Others will probably read the fascinating stories and think because these are all people who did extraordinarily well in their fields that the book does not really apply to their own circumstances. Personally, I think all can benefit from seeing the possibilities for generous giving. Perhaps some of the readers will give more and as a result see more blessings showered upon them. The blessings don't have to be material, but are more valuable when they are treasures stored up in heaven as the Bible talks about.

Thanks to author William F. High who put together this book showing as the subtitle reads, "Secrets of Risk, Reward, and Real Joy." This is a book that truly blesses just for the reading of it, but the blessings can be compounded by acting upon the principles given that drive these people to go above and beyond the ordinary. Thanks to bookfun.org for giving this book to me in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking book that has 21 stories of people who have learned to give joyfully to God. This is not a book about the prosperity gospel but rather how different people have given greatly to God and have been blessed in return. Several statements made by the different people interviewed really caught my eye – such as that of John Koehler who said as advice for young people, “You absolutely must give as you go…Don’t think, I’ll give in five years…You never know when the tide will turn for better or worse.” Another story is that of a financial advisor. He says, “I’m a financial advisor who thinks money isn’t very important. In fact, I think wealth may be more dangerous to your family than a blessing. My role in your life is to help you keep money in its proper role… to hold wealth with an open hand.”

Some of the stories are of people I have never heard of – others are better known to me, such as that of Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, and David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby. One is of a widow who, when her husband died, knew nothing of their finances. (By the way, the average age, the book says, of a woman becoming a widow is 55 so I found this book also to be a call to women to know their finances.)

The bottom line is don’t give because of what you’ll get, give because it changes lives – yours and the recipient. But also don’t give blindly – know where your gifts are going. Great book! I highly recommend it. I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational book on how you can use your resources to be a blessing to others. As Christians, we are encouraged to give the first ten percent back to God, but are we willing to go the extra mile and give more? This book is full of stories of individuals that used their money, businesses, reaources and time to further God's work. Each story illustrates the truth that you cannot out give God. Each chapter tells a story and then ends with questions that encourage you to look at yourself and how you can apply the principles to your own life. You will be inspired by real life stories from people like Rick Warren, David Green from Hobby Lobby, business owners, lay people, professional ball players, and others. I was challenged and convicted as I read this book and I encourage anyone who wants to do more to read this book.

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network and the publishers in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book on how to learn how to use generosity as a gift from God Gives many examples, actually teaches you how

I was given this book through TBCN for my honest review

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was mainly a book of stories about how some people became generous with their money to help others. Well written.

[Brad Layland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished reading “The Generosity Bet” by Bill High, and overall, I found it to be an inspiring read. Though some aspects of the book feel a bit dated since it was written in 2014, the core messages remain powerful and relevant.

Bill High does a commendable job of encouraging readers to reflect on their own giving journeys through compelling stories and personal anecdotes. As someone who has interacted with many of the individuals featured in the book, I appreciated how accurately he portrayed their experiences and motivations.

One of the highlights for me was the set of questions at the end of each chapter, designed to prompt deeper thinking and self-assessment. These reflective prompts are an excellent tool for anyone looking to explore their philanthropic impact more thoughtfully.

In summary, “The Generosity Bet” offers timeless insights into the world of generosity and giving, even if it could benefit from some updates to address the evolving landscape of philanthropy.

[Rachael Melot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just found it hard to get into at the beginning.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be prepared to be inspired. The Generosity Bet was well worth reading and will be one of those rare books that I will read more than once. It would make a great gift for those who like to read about real life people with real life struggles making real life decisions.

“The Generosity Bet” is unlike any other book I have ever read. It is not a high pressured, hard sell book regarding giving. There are no guilt trip discourses, no lectures on the evils of not being generous, and no enticing promises for choosing a generous life. Rather, the author allows the stories of real, live people who have lived a generous life to attest to the benefits they have witnessed thru their choice to live a generous life.

William High pointed out that generosity does not come naturally to most of us. And being charitable does not necessarily refer only to financial generosity. Instead it really is about being imitators of Christ and is a manner of life. It includes giving our time, our talents, and our resources as we follow Christ’s example. The first chapter of “The Generosity Bet” so completely captured my attention that I could not put the book down. The accounts of people featured in the book were fascinating.

I admit I was very reluctant to read this book. I usually stick to historical fiction. The idea of reading yet one more book about giving did not interest me. But “The Generosity Bet” was way more than that and exceeded my expectations. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Tima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generosity can be scary and confusing. There are so many ways and places to be generous. And yet what is the benefit to you? These authors have taken stories and experiences from other people and turned them into a book about how generosity can change lives. It changes the lives of the people who give and the people who receive. And often it changes the lives of the observers as well.

Each chapter is about a person who made the sacrifice to give generously and how it changed them. Filled with inspiring quotes, Bible verses, and true life experiences, the stories are uplifting and encouraging. At the end of each chapter is a section called Your Story. It asks questions that helps the reader make the story relatable to them personally.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.