I am not preoccupied with tithing and giving!!

I challenged every member of Grace Fellowship to tithe, "give the full 10%", this year. Since before Thanksgiving I have been reminding and encouraging the church to give according to the Biblical ideal. 

Some people might say that I'm preoccupied with the giving of our members. Wrong. I'm preoccupied with the blessing of our members.

The promise, folks. Focus on the promise. "If you tithe, give the full 10%, I will pour out a blessing that you will not have enough room to receive it." That's it! It's the blessing I want FOR my people, not money FROM my people. It's the blessing!! Get it? The blessing!!

So give the full 10% as a starting place of stewardship and test God's honesty. God wants to bless you more than He wants your dough. Trust Him.

This Could be the Year!

Last year at this time there was no way of knowing that my dad would die in a couple of weeks. There was nothing to indicate that he would soon  pass away early on a Monday morning. So, in many ways I approach a new year anticipating that anything, and I mean anything, could happen.

That includes the second coming of Christ. He could come at anytime. This could be the year that Jesus calls His church home. That would great!!! I have so many loved ones and friends I'd love to see again -- not mention the chance to bow personally in the presence of the Almighty God and His precious Son, my Savior, Jesus.  

It seems to me that the world is rushing to a climactic event -- and any climactic event that may occur in the world always includes the personal involvement of Jesus Christ. So even economic woes, wars and rumors of wars, and the moral failure of our country are a part of a greater, holier picture.

I know 2009 could be the year that the church could really shine. A chance to be the Body of Christ it is supposed to be. Stop all of this traditional churchianity and move outside -- way outside -- its worldly  comfort zone. The church is the supernatural reflection of Christ on earth, or is supposed to be. You don't see it, but it belongs to Christ and should start looking like it.

I am praying that 2009 will be the year that the church acts like what it is supposed to be -- the Bride of Christ in the world.

Our best opportunities lie before us.  This could be the year that your life makes a difference for Jesus. It's up to you...and me.