Friday, Jan 09, 2009

TWG - January 9, 2009 - Rich People!

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TWG – January 9, 2009
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Deuteronomy 32: 26-52; Psalm 121; 1 Timothy 4

Today is January 9, 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 life transforming, this is spiritual, this is essential.

Yesterday was a good day. I finished the bulletin, worked on Bible Study, helped Bill put up a door in the new hallway… I was outside in the rain and bill handed me a hammer. It got kind of sticky, some kind of red syrupy stuff on it. I said, “Bill are you bleeding?” I set the hammer down. Strange. I had blood all over my hand too! I was the one bleeding! I couldn’t feel a thing. For a bleeder, that wound didn’t feel a thing! But we the door in place. It is looking good. Thanks Bill. Yesterday I also opened a new Pine Grove web site. It is in its test stages. It is an interactive family site where people can have their own page, post their own pics, songs, videos etc and see what other Pine Groveians are up to. If you want to help us test it out, shoot me an email. Last night we had a great Bible study and then it was home to bed. I put a picture of Christina and Marney on the blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out.

Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Let’s talk about money, again! “I hate rich people! If I were rich, I wouldn’t hate them so much. I’d hate poor people instead.” (None of the preceding was true; the names should have been changed to protect the guilty). But, I have to say, I have seen this attitude among Christians. I have heard, more than once, a comment that goes like this… “A new motor home! That money could have been used to support missions, feed the poor… etc.” My answer? I don’t’ know how much the guy gives to the Lord’s work and it’s none of my business. If God has blessed him, that’s also none of my business. He has to account to God for his actions. But there are some instructions we can give to you rich folk. Here’s one of the top 10: don’t be haughty. This is the idea of, “I’m smarter than you, that’s why I’m rich!” It is the air of superiority. Listen, maybe you are a good businessman, but God gives and God takes away! All it takes is one little bacteria to fell us. Another one of the top 10 instructions for rich folk is don’t trust in your riches, they are uncertain. Trust in God, he’s unfailing. The economy goes from inflation to stagnation. The stock market goes from millionaire to broke in no time at all. Money is just a tool. It can be a blessing or a curse. Jesus never fails. The third in my top 10 for the wealthy is God gave us riches so we could enjoy life! Did you know that? In fact he gave us all things to enjoy. If you don’t enjoy life without wealth, you probably won’t enjoy it with wealth. Enjoyment is an attitude we have toward things. Some people are so tight fisted and protective that no amount of money will give them enjoyment. How about another of the top 10: Use your cash to promote good causes. #5 Be rich in good works… some of them don’t cost a thing except time and effort. Anyone can be rich in good works! #6 Give money away to the cause of Christ. Be a giver not a taker. Make sure the ministry is well funded. #7 Share the wealth. If you see a brother or sister in need, fork it over. Not out of compulsion, but out of a joyful heart. #8 store up for yourself treasures in heaven. Don’t worry about your earthly bank account, start building an eternal portfolio. #9. Lay hold of eternal life. Get a grip on what really matters. Be heavenly minded. Be evangelistic. Share the good news of eternal life whenever you can. And #10 – Thank God for the blessings of this life and the next. Have real gratitude. I threw that one in there for free – It’s not in the passage, but thankfulness is always appropriate!

Dear Father. Thank you for all the things you’ve given us to enjoy. Help us to be generous and gracious with our things. May we use them all for your glory and kingdom!

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 9:49 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

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