We had a lovely communion service this morning. It is humbling to me in my sin and assuring.to me in my salvation through the blood of Christ.
Our Pastor is still away sorting situations for his mother. Our assistant Pastor gave a nice sermon this morning entitled "The Harvest of the Giver." God's own nature is giving and we are directed not only to tithe (10% to our local church family) but also encouraged to give offerings to help others. Paul noted in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 that 'those who who sow sparingly will reap sparingly and those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully." God honors the cheerful and generous giver by supplying more to so more may be given. This is distinguishable from a 'prosperity gospel' as we should not be seeking possessions but seeking blessings that can be shared through us to others. We can be generous with our attitudes and words as well as with our physical resources.
I viewed several songs and found this one that I like
even though the captions are foreign language.
The message is perfect and it is fun!
A Verse for Today:The message is perfect and it is fun!
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
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.
I pray: Lord, all I have is yours. Use me and the resources you have blessed me with to help others and bless them in your name.
Hello Vicki-
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouraging comments. We recently helped some family members to re-do their budget and we impressed upon them how important it is to give back to God first since He gave it all to us. He is always faithful and good, even when we don't understand hard times.