Cheerful Giving

Today let's consider what God's Word shares in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

When it comes to giving your attitude is an accountable action. You can't out-give God, but it sure is fun to try. It also puts a smile on His face.

If you are searching for God's approval then start with obedience! Verse 8 reassures us of this, God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Be wise and give cheerfully. Amen?

What is Important

We get upset and anxious about so many things. Consider what Jesus said in John 15:16 to help put life in to perspective.

" You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

God isn't in to fluff - He doesn't care about stuff. Temporary things don't last but God is eternal. Bearing fruit gives hope for today because of the promise of spending eternity with Him

Amen?

The Best Way

A great understanding of the Bible is the best defense to fighting evil. Remember Satan knows it so we better have a firm grasp on it. Remember it's our "sword". Jesus used it against the devil in Matthew 4:10,

"Away from me, Satan, for it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."

We tell Satan to leave us alone by being obedient to God. Even a small act of disobedience can open a crack to rebellion. Let's do life God's way - which is always the best way! Spend time today in the Word of God – it will change your life.

Amen?

Offerings

Studying God’s Word and applying to your life is not so difficult if you are willing to accept what it says. Look at Malachi 3:6-12:6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.

People turned away from God’s Word and were neither faithful nor obedient. They robbed Him by not giving their tithes and offerings, so they were cursed. The Lord says to bring the “whole tithe” to the church, and test Him to see how much blessing you will receive. Even nonbelievers will call you blessed.

That’s not so hard to understand, but we have to take a stand! If you don't stand on the Word you'll likely fall for anything.

Amen or Oh-Me!

Imagine That

We must use what God has given us to do His work. Luke at a familiar miracle from Luke 9: 12 Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

It says that Jesus took the fish and loaves and blessed them, and then He gave it back to them. The disciples distributed the food, everyone ate all they could, and there were 12 baskets of leftovers! When Jesus blesses what we have entrusted to Him, it will come back to us many times over. Just think about what God can do with your offering. Probably something we could never expect, but will be amazed at what He can do through willing followers.

If you notice, Jesus didn’t go looking for food, but accepted what was offered to Him. God is funny like that. He told a group of church people one time that after a poor widow gave a couple of coins in the collection plate that she was the greatest giver. Why? Because she gave all she had.  Jesus wants us to give our gifts of service, money, talents, and resources to do His work. When we have that same giving heart as the widow, God will accept it, multiply it, and allow us have it back to use it in ways we can never imagine.

 Are you ready to accept Jesus’ blessing? Let’s follow His plan, church! It will be the greatest adventure we have ever been on. If we're obedient we will see together, this Summer, His plan unfolding to us, as individuals, his church, and this community. Amen?

True That

Consider Proverbs 12:15, The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

The world tells you that, If it feels good do it”

The Bible teaches Morality there is a right and wrong                    

The world gives you an evolving Definition of “Family”

God Created the Family A man then a woman and He said It was good!       

The world engages in Cover –ups (It’s only a lie if you get caught)

Jesus Christ uncovered our sin and died on a cross offering Forgiveness and Salvation to the world              

The world says Life leads to Death (You live then you die)

Jesus said Death leads to Life (Victory over death)   

The world will tell you that there are, Many ways, No truth, and life is short

Jesus said, “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life       

His Way is well defined. His Truth never changes, His Life is eternal!

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.  Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. Psalm 119:1-3

Always know and follow the Truth. Amen?

A True Son

Paul in the Bible had a special relationship with a young man named Timothy. They truly had a “Father-Son” relationship in the best sense. Read through Paul’s letter’s to him and you will see how a Godly man instructs, disciplines, and encourages his son (or any younger man in the faith).

We can see his love in 1 Timothy 1:2, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I believe we can see a greater concern and care for Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18-19, Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,  holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

It is one thing to say “I care for you”, but it’s a different level when you become actively involved in their lives. I encourage you Dads to become active in the lives of your children regardless their age. Place great concern for their faith, and pray for them continually. Set the example of what a man of God looks like.

Always hold on to your faith and share it with your children. Amen?