Time Brings Greed

Dear Friend,

Thought for the week: Time brings greed

During a lunch with our parents this week, my (Clare's) dad told us a story of a post funeral inheritance fight. The piece of wisdom he left us with that day was "time brings greed". He explained that everyone feels loving and generous at first impulse but when people are given time to think about what they are going to get, they may decide they deserve more.

In the same way God commands us to give our "first" fruits. Why? Because if we wait... we may decide we deserve more and God gets seconds. Time brings greed. If we respond immediately to giving as God's Word instructs us, greed is defeated and the favor of God is released to us! God can only bless generosity- never can He bless greed.

Did you ever wonder why God was displeased with Cain's offering and described his future as a "cursed wanderer"? (Gen 4:11-12)

Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. (From Gen 4:3-5)

Time brings greed... we may bring some... but God is not first and he will not let His favor rest on some offering. Be determined to put God first in giving your time, talent and treasure and live in the favor of God.

Spiritual Practices this week:
1. Open your calendar and schedule your talents for His kingdom first, then your recreation and hobbies.
2. Write out your first check to God's work (tithe and offerings), then your bills.

Desiring to put God first,

"Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul."-- Henry David Thoreau

Join us this week for Recovery.God: The Real Stimulus Package. Click here for more information..
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Sunday Service Times are 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Upcoming Events

5/31 Experience SHAPE (301) begins
6/7 Experience Crossroads (101)

What is God's Stimulus Package?

Scripture for the week:
And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 (Amplified Bible)

Dear Friend,

What is God's stimulus package?

Our president is looking for ways to stimulate our economy. The website he is using to keep us all updated on that plan is "recovery.gov". Whether or not this plan works, there really are deeper issues that must be addressed. Self absorption, greed and lack of discipline have been the initiators of our country's calamity. So what is God's stimulus package... the Recovery.God plan?

Be attentive... to the needs of others by the leading of the Holy Spirit. What is God saying to you? How are you watching for the leading of God in your life? Are you studying His every move? Spend time in solitude, silence and Scripture. Practice listening deeply to the voice of the One who loves you, who has a plan for your life... and the lives of those He has connected to you. We can throw our energy and money at one hundred good things or we can pay attention to the investments that are directed by the Omniscient, yes, ALL KNOWING One... and see true recovery come.

Be the stimulus... yes that's right, stir people to experience God's goodness! When you're not just doing good works, but God-led acts, your love and noble activities can incite a miracle! God says the giver is the one who will have "all grace abound to you so that at all times you will have all that you need." He promises to supply "seed to the sower." (2 Cor 9:8-10) Those who are faithful to the bail out plan God leads them to participate in, will have their needs met "according to His riches." (Phil 4:19)

Be together... attend worship services, small groups, Bible studies... spend time with other people who are paying attention to God. Hear their leading and direction. Be inspired to keep following THE Commander in Chief, Jesus. The One who can be trusted with your life, health, retirement and eternity.

Be encouraging... Impart courage to people. Rid conversations of fear, worry, and doom! Choose words of faith and strengthen the hearts of people. Talk about ways God has stimulated you and brought recovery through His Eternal Bail Out Plan. Warn one another if you see danger. Urge one another to believe God and His Word... "If God is for you tell me who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31)

Now find a quiet spot... read Hebrews 10:24-25 again... slowly... savor the words... be silent... be attentive... let the Holy spirit speak to you... journal what He says to rest in... go and do what He tells you to do...

Grace, Peace and Provision,

"Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul."-- Henry David ThoreauJoin us this week for Recovery. God: . Click here for more information...

Sunday Service Times are 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Upcoming Events
5/31 Experience SHAPE (301) begins
6/7 Experience Crossroads (101)
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