Peace to you! I hope you enjoyed 2009! I know I did! Especially when I look back and see how far we have come. Remodeling of the sanctuary, new ministries, old ministries enlarged [Food Pantry] and self sufficient financially. An awesome Pumpkin Patch and Carnival outreach. And how about this; 14 salvations since April! It is these salvations that make all the hard work worth it...and more importantly these are new people added to the Kingdom who are being discipled and plugged into ministries! This is all made possible by a team effort which is synergy! A group of people united in a cause.
The Parable of the Minas: Luke 19:11-27, I would like to focus in on verses 24-27. And He said to those who stood by take the mina from him and give it to him who has ten minas. For I say to you that to everyone who has will be given and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. But bring here those enemies of mine who did not want me to reign over them and slay them before me.
Wow! We need to accept Jesus Christ for who He is our Master, our Lord! we are His servants and are called to submit to our Master and let Him reign in our lives. God has given us as Christians talents and resources to use as tools to serve and further the kingdom of God. Our resources may include people, budget, time, wisdom, and talents. We as Christians are brokers of these resources, when we do well God rewards us and gives us more to invest.
Do you want more resources? If so what are you doing with what you already have been given?...
NKJ
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Titled Excel in Giving: Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia; that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us-see that you abound in this grace also. [excel in this grace of giving] NIV
The Greek word for liberality is derived from haplous meaning single or simple thus haplotes expresses simplicity and generosity. Put these two together you get glad and gracious giving. SO THERE YOU GO!
We must learn to give like the church of Acts, those who had gave to those who didn’t have. We as Christians have been given much therefore much is required from us not only materially but spiritually! And we do have much to give and I invite all to give and participate during our fall outreach at the Pumpkin Patch and every Thursday at the Food Pantry. This Church has many new members do directly to relationships developed through the food pantry, this is exciting and I encourage you to participate through service or financial donations whether it be food or dollars for food.
Things are getting exciting at Atwater with close to 80 active members and growing! We just need to keep on doing what God has called the Church to do in Acts 2; continue in the Apostles doctrine, fellowship of breaking of bread, prayer, continuing daily with one accord with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people and the Lord will add daily to the Church those who are being saved.
God Bless You as you serve Him!
Love, Pastor Jim Glazier
E-mail Jim