Friday, Jun 13, 2008

TWG - June 13, 2008

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TWG - June 13, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Exodus 24; Psalm 35; Philippians 2

Today is June 13, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a complete turn of events; it is a 180 degree turn around. God is changing us and turning us around as a community. This is not business as usual, this is transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.

We have sunshine! Finally. Our outside services this Sunday in the Pine Grove Amphitheater are a “go!” Yesterday I stopped by Rosehaven and visited with Don for a while. He was sitting up in a wheelchair and in pretty good spirits. Once I got to church I worked on the bulletin for Sunday. Got that done. I went outside and laid a few rows of paver stones on the stage. It is coming along. Bill was there cleaning and burning garbage. It looks great Bill! Thanks. Ken filled my trailer with garbage and took a trip to the dump. Jayn came in to plant flowers! Blessings on you Jayn. I am trying really hard to kill one of the trees that we planted last year… pray for it! And by the way… I have been Flamingoed! I keep forgetting to mention it! Dr John from Redeemers paid for a flock of flamingoes to be planted on my front yard as a youth group fund raiser. What a kick! I put a picture of them on the blog at timewithgod.mypodcast.com. check it out.

This week’s theme verse is Philippians 4:11-13 …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I know what it is to have plenty! I have had good and plenty for most of my life. That is not to say that I am rich (I’m speaking in terms of dollars and cents). I have never been a millionaire yet, and doubt I’ll ever be one. But I have a nice house, two nice cars, a blow up swimming pool and a dog… the dog I can do without! I have a lawnmower, weed eater, power blower, shop vac, battery operated drill, nice saw, guitar, a couple of computers, TV… I could go on and on! And did I mention that the last vacation I took was a 7 day cruise to Mexico on the lavish Carnival Pride! I also eat out far too often and I’m paying the price for it… I can pinch more than an inch! Ouch! I am well fed and it shows. The problem is that there is a cost associated with stuff. You have to take care of it. I have rentals that constantly need my time and care. I can’t sit back like a po’ man and laze around on the beach every weekend, no, I have decks to build and plumbing to fix. I have stuff that requires my attention. Not to mention the fact that I have a place of my own that is crying for my care. I have a tree in back that needs to be cut up and hauled away. I have a fence that the tree broke down that needs to be put back up. Then there is the “honey do” list. That is a never ending black hole that I will never crawl out of! I don’t own this stuff… this stuff owns me! HELP! Gone are the days when I could call the landlord and he would fix my problems… I’ve got to do it myself! I know what it is to have plenty. The question is this: what kind of steward are you with your plenty? Are you content with all your stuff, or does the upkeep drive you to irritation? God expects us to be good stewards of what he has given us. The first part of that equation is that you are thankful for what you have. May the blessing of wealth never turn into a curse for you! The second part of the wealth equation is that you remember who owns it… It’s all HIS, and He expects you to use it for the Kingdom. It’s His car… so use it to do ministry and take folks to church. It’s His house, so invite folks over and befriend them for Christ. It’s His money, so make sure that you spend it carefully. The more He’s given you, the more God expects you to allocate for His kingdom and His ministry. And by the way, all of you who have plenty, when is enough, enough? I know you’ve worked yourself to the bone to get where you are, but at some point you need to let God be your security blanket, not your retirement fund. It’s time to place it all in God’s hands and “Learn” contentment in plenty.

Dear Heavenly Father: You have given me much. And much will be required from me. I am busy. I have much upkeep to do. Please don’t let my stuff get in the way of your kingdom. Help me to simplify my life so that I have more time for the things that matter… my family and my God. Thank you for all that I have. I have been truly blessed and it’s all because of you!

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