Message for June 15, 2014 from Pastor Jerry

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Cor. 9:7 (NKJV)

This verse is hilarious.  The context suggests overwhelming delight and joy about making a decision to do something.  When was the last time you were “hilarious” about giving? You felt an excitement within you that made you laugh with joy and bubble with enthusiasm that was almost uncontrollable.  Does this seem unusual to you to feel this way?  The word cheerful literally means “a spirit of enjoyment in giving that sweeps away all restraints.”  The Greek word “hilaros” is translated into our word “hilarious.”

       When you sow garden seed, how do you feel about it?  You get tired, spend time and effort, and it costs you money.  But, do you grumble, complain, and fret or do you look forward to the harvest you will receive in time?  You never sow seed in a garden without believing there will be positive results.  No one sows seed while they think they are wasting their time.

       The Bible says in I Cor. 3:9 that we are God’s fellow workers and “God’s field.”  Our effort to advance the Kingdom of God is like preparing a field and then planting good seed to produce a harvest.  No matter what else we may do as “extra curricular activity” the only thing that will bring forth fruit is sowing seed.  This sowing comes in the form of money, time, talents, energy, prayer, communication, effort, ideas, and other activities.

       It is not the duty of someone else to do the sowing.  It is our duty.  All of us are called to give of what we “have” and not what we “have to spare.”  The whole family of believers will eat of the Kingdom “harvest” as it comes to maturity.  Are you a seed sower or a freeloader?  Paul told the Thessalonians in II Thes. 3:10, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”  This is a spiritual principle that holds true in the eyes of God. If you do not enjoy sowing the seed, you will not receive the joy of the harvest.

    Are you expecting to hear from God?   Are you expecting miracles?   Are you inviting people to come and see what God will do for them?   We get lots of prayer request from people.  Have you invited any of them to come?  They just might receive their miracle.

    The best way to advertize a meeting is to personally invite and even offer to bring someone to church.   If you are not excited and eagerly anticipating these services, what do you expect to receive?

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