Monday, February 28, 2011

God is For-Giving


This past Sunday we were in between series so I shared the message "God is For-Giving"
We all are at different generosity stages and we all have a generosity point at which we pause and struggle to give.
We focused on the truth...learn to truly live by learning to truly give. As we cross the line into a relationship with Jesus, we become more like him. The more like him we become, the more we become for-giving!

We used the cheesy but fun acronym of (F.O.R.D-Frustrated over regular distractions) to talk about being generous with our time and (G.M.-Generous with our money) to talk about being faithful in giving in the church & outside as well.
#1-On a scale 1-10 (10 being the highest) how would you rate yourself on the generous scale?
#2-Why did you rate yourself the way you did?
#3-Where is your generosity limit?
#4-Why does it stop there? What is holding you back from growing in generosity?
#5--What can you do this week to grow in generosity?
Learn to truly live by learning to truly give!

Monday, February 21, 2011

"Big But's" Part 3 Blaming our Circumstances

I can't believe we wrapped up "Big Buts" this past Sunday with blaming our circumstances.

We talked about "When circumstances go wrong, remember to whom you belong"

We looked at John 5 and how Jesus asked a crazy question to a man who was paralyzed for 38 years..."Do you want to be made well?" Read John 5 and you will be shocked at his response.

We talked about learning the art of giving our circumstances to God

Psalm 55:22-Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken

We all will face tough, challenging or unexpected circumstances. When they happen we can either blame them for our ungodly attitudes & actions or we can take them to God in prayer.

Challenge for the week: Carve out 5-10 minutes each day to "Cast your cares on the Lord"
#1--Be authentic--share with God your true thoughts & feelings
#2--Spend time in prayer both talking to God but listening
#3--Spend time reading a chapter from The Bible (The book of John is a great place to start) be reminded that your identity is not in your circumstances but in GOD!

Monday, February 14, 2011

BIG BUT #2--Blaming Others


This Past Sunday we looked at "Big But" #2 Blaming Others. We talked about the reality that the moment we begin blaming other people we stop growing. "In Order to Grow we must let go."

#1--Who is one person you have been blaming for an attitude or action in your life?

#2--How has that been working for you?

#3--What will be the consequences for you if you don't let go?

#4--How different would your life be, if you do "let go?"

#5--What is one thing you can do today to begin the process today?

Here is a simple prayer..."Father God, I thank you that you love me and have my best interest in mind. I thank you that you have good things in store for me and that Your Word is truth regardless of how I feel. _______ has hurt me deeply and offended me greatly. I want to forgive and let go. Forgive me for my attitude and bitterness. Wash over me with your forgiveness and love so it can flow through me to others. Thank you for Your power and for helping me let go. I choose to let go today. In Jesus name...AMEN!