Sunday Words of Encouragement April 29, 2018

We had a nice Sunday School time and then enjoyed worship and communion before Pastor gave his sermon. The music and message tied with the SS lesson which is always affirming of God’s word and anointing.

This was Pastor’s third message on Relationslips.
First there was “I owe you” – guilt. The remedy is confession.
Then “You owe me” – anger. The remedy is forgiveness.
Today is “I owe me” – greed. The remedy is generosity.

What is the currency that is important to you? Your “I owe me” justification? It might be time, possessions, even affection. It usually stems from a fear of lacking or going without.
It is our area of selfishness – which we all have is some form. It is not ambition, nor goals, nor success. It is a Heart issue, not an economic or financial issue. The “I owe me”, “I deserve it” attitude is cultivated in our world. Marketing tells us to indulge ourselves; have it our way; we deserve this or that.

Point: Greed is born out of the fear we won't have enough. Generosity overcomes greed.

Jesus says “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:13-21. The point is that we are not to hoard what we have but to be ‘rich toward God’ (v. 21).
Instead of trying to get more, our relationship with God should be first in our lives.
True Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 1 Timothy 6:6-9.

Greed leaves little room for contentment and joy. Satisfaction is not achievable as man always wants more. Luke 12:29-31.
Learn to trust that God will give you all you need. The remedy for greed is generosity.
Spend less, give more. After all, everything you have comes from and belongs to God, doesn’t it? 1 Chronicles 29:10-16.

God gives and gives and gives. We need to share the blessings.
Whatever we protect the most, that is where we need to be more generous.
What would a community look like if a church showed amazing generosity?

This song seems to fit today.

Verses for Today:
1 Chronicles 29:14-16 NIV
14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.

Lord help me to share my blessings every day.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 29, 2015

I had prepared thoughts from an older Sunday School message but then I was directed to a different song and brief message for the conclusion of Thanksgiving week.
I gave a short devotional a week ago for our Women's Club. I found the wisdom in a sweet book, Tell Me Again Lord I Forget by Ruth Harms Calkin. The message was that we are often ready to give thanks for blessings but do we ever stop to give thanks for the divine "No"?
Another woman shared that her pastor son reminds her that God answers prayer in four ways: Yes, No, Not Now and I have a better plan.

I found this song Saturday night while preparing for this post and it fits perfectly.

Verse for Today
James 1:12 NIV
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”


As I gave thanks this past week, I was mindful to give thanks for the times God told me "No" and "I have a better plan". In ALL things, Lord - I give thanks to YOU.