Oct
4
Written by:
cwren
10/4/2010 2:28 PM
What a great beginning October has been. This first week ushered in some cooler weather and along with that comes new attitudes. While I don’t want to go back to snow and cold weather, I do know the change in the weather changes our disposition for awhile. I can sense the difference in people when the air is cooler.
Fall brings us many things and I want to remind you of what God has in store for us this month.
Family Camp
On Saturday October 23, CR is hosting a day of activities and fellowship at Camp Pinerock . Our district campground is in Prescott . This will give us a day in the mountains to not only enjoy the changing of the leaves but a wonderful time of community. We need a day where all can celebrate life together.
Then on Sunday morning, the 24th, CR (Celebrate Recovery) will be in charge of the worship service. It will be a combined service. We will learn more about this ministry where many lives are being touched and changed weekly. Service time will be 10:45 .
Staff Appreciation Month
I feel somewhat funny reminding you to appreciate me in October, but I’m really doing so for the rest of the staff. They work hard for you and this year we are asking you to not give to us, but do something for the church in our name. There is a wish list the staff has put together in the commons. You can also talk to Jan Carden about doing something as well. My wish is for all to be in attendance on my day of appreaciation, which is October 31st. Then I hope I will be able to greet every person to show my appreciation to you. So, give thanks to your staff.
Stewardship
I shared some biblical principles on tithing this last Sunday. I’ve said many times that I never preach on a subject that I don’t believe in. I not only practice obedience in tithing, I have received many blessings though my faithfulness. When I finally understood why I tithe and how to tithe, there has not been one time in my giving, that God has not supplied my needs. Not once! In fact He has also, at times, given back more than I have given Him. When God has instructed me to give an offering, over my tithe to someone or to a need, almost without fail, God gives the same amount back and at times has multiplied what we gave.
I gave a bold challenge to the church on Sunday. I said, “If you aren’t tithing to start now and tithe for 6 months. If you don’t see God’s blessing upon your life, we will refund your money.” I can make that challenge, because I know if you give with a right heart and a cheerful one, God will bless you. I have made this challenge before and not once has anyone ever asked for their money back.
Tithing is not about getting back. Tithing is doing what God has asked us to do. It is when you give, not expecting anything back, that will God will bless you. It comes because you gave with no strings and didn’t think about what you get, but you gave because of your faithfulness. You are only disappointed when you give and expect returns. God is looking for the faithful and sincere heart. We tithe out of love and only for that reason. When we do tithe out of love, God supplies for our needs out of love.
May He give you peace as you give, because then, you will know all is well with your soul.
GRAND-POP
I told my sons many times that they are not to brag. When they accomplish a task or achieve a goal, act like they have done it before and don’t walk around and tell everyone.
When my sons played sports and they kicked a goal in soccer or made a three point shot in basketball, to act like they do that all the time. I use to get onto them if the pumped their fists in a haughty way. I would remind them that pride goes before the fall. In other words, people who brag on themselves have to constantly prove it.
Then I would tell them, it’s my job as a parent to brag on them. Well, I want to brag on my grand baby. He is one of the cutest babies born and I am one proud grand-pop. I haven’t been able to spend much time with him, but when I’m with our little Luke Jeremiah I can’t take my eyes off my Jeremy’s bundle of joy. So, I am bragging today, my son has a beautiful baby and I’m very proud.
Blessings
Pastor Michael