Blessed

http://www.truthcasting.com/player.aspx#showSermon=87439

Schemes: Factionalism

Schemes: Cynicism

...a season of giving

 

 

                November is a season of harvest and gratitude. We celebrate God’s bounty and return thanks. November is a good time to consider the practice of giving. I am rereading Jack Hayford’s book, The Key to Everyting, this month as part of my devotional practice. Pastor Hayford argues that giving is the key spiritual discipline. I would like to share some of his thoughts with you.

                “…learning and applying the Key to Everything involves the growing of a heart attitude of giving, which gives the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reasons. Such giving takes many forms.

·         There are times to give up, not in resignation or in abandonment to despair, but in a surrender of self-righteousness.

·         There are times to forgive, that is, to release what otherwise could be retained as a grudge…

·         There are times to give over, to place into the hands of the Creator-Judge of the universe matters which only his might or his justice can sufficiently handle.

·         There are times to give to, providing with generosity in assisting the circumstances of another human being or group.

·         There are times to give in through simple obedience…

·         There are times to give wisely because we understand reciprocal laws of God which promise a bountiful return if we give. And that return is his way of making possible our learning to give over and over again with increasing resources and joyfulness. “

 

What will you give during this season of giving? Will you give thanks? Will you forgive? Will you give money as a thanks offering so that others may hear? Will you give yourself by giving your time? Give. It just may be the key to everything.

FBC Marion

Our crew is traveling to Marion, MS next week. I will be preaching in an old school revival at FBC Marion. This church is served by Drew and Emily Dabbs. Drew and Emily are a fantastic couple. They both graduated from Truett Seminary and are doing a great job sharing Christ's love with their community. The church is multi-generational and has a vibrant outreach to children in their community. We will focus on the gospel from generation to generation. Pray that I share the gospel plainly. Pray that this church is refreshed. Pray that Jesus is honored.

I am grateful that Todd Still will preach for FBC Waco while we are away.

Sex and Church

Meredith and I have been invited to lead a group of young couples at UBC Waco in a discussion about sex in marriage. This church is attempting to help young couples face the big challenges that impact marital health. I am encouraged by this and hope to borrow a few ideas. Marriage is sacred and fragile and the church has a role to play.  Please pray that we are able to help a little and make a big deal about Jesus. This event is Sunday October 13 @ 6:00.

Nostalgia, Novelty and The Mission of God

 

The mission of God faces two subtle and unnecessary challenges. The first is nostalgia. The second is novelty. Nostalgia sufferers believe that if the world would just get it together then our methods would work like they did when they worked. Methods have a shelf life. The folks that have come down with novelty are devotees of the newest paradigms. They are like children with a new toy. Nothing is a cool. Everything else is lame. Nostalgia and Novelty Christians war with each other and damage the whole.

Instead of: missions vs. missional and cooperative vs. congregational, etc. maybe we can let the past inform bold new moves in the present. We’d then have wisdom and passion. We’d miss fewer things. Fewer holes would exist. This is a second cup of coffee thought and the stuff of prayer.  Have a good Friday y’all.