Holes In Their Pockets

This week I was reading chapter 19 of The Story (don't forget to read chapter 19 before Sunday).  And, I didn't get far!  Why...Because I cam across a section of scripture that gabbed my heart and mind.  In The Story it's found on page 266, in the Bible it is found in Haggai 1:4-6.

First some quick context.  King Cyrus has declared that the Jewish people may return home and begin rebuilding their temple.  It doesn't take long for opposition so the rebuilding stops...For 16 years!  But during the 16 years the people stay in their homeland and, since it's too difficult to build the temple, they choose to build their own homes and gardens.  During this time, God says...

"Is it right of you to live in richly paneled houses while my temple is in ruins?  Here then is what they Lord who rules over all says;  'Think carefully about what you are doing.  You have planted much, but have harvested little.  You eat, but are never filled.  You drink, but are still thirsty.  You put on clothes, but are not warm.  Those who earn wages end up with holes in their money bags...'Why?' asks the Lord who rules over all.  'Because my temple remains in ruins, thanks to each of you favoring your own house!'" Haggai 1:4-6, 9 (NET)

Keep in mind.  There is no more temple.  The Jewish Synagogue is not the Temple.  New City Church is not the Temple.  However, we can still look for transferable principles from this historical account.    

It's a simple question, but a hard answer.  In what ways are you choosing not to give so that you can have?  

Look at the above scripture.  Focus on a few statements: 
"Think carefully about what you are doing."
"holes in their money bags"

If you read Haggai 1:4-6,9 and thought, "That's how I feel about my life."  Then pause and ask "Why?"  Then, choose to trust the Lord with your time, talents and treasure.  

I urge you to take a step towards financial peace.  How much longer will you work only to have nothing to show for it.  Follow God's financial principals and watch what He does for you.  

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

$25.02

A couple of weeks ago, before our 5PM worship service, a guy handed me a $25 check and said this is my tithe.  He set his check on the table where I was sitting and we started talking about what God was doing in his life.  During our conversation the man said that he was currently out of work.  So, I asked him.  How can this be a tithe if you are not earning/receiving any income?

What followed was a fun conversation.  

What this man gave wasn't a tithe.  It was generosity!  If a tithe could be seen as obedience, then generosity could be seen as an expression of gratitude.  

There's a story in the Gospels that intrigues me.  
"Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box.  He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.  He said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For they all offered their gifts out of their wealth.  But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.'"  Luke 21:1-4 (NET)

The conversation I had that Sunday night with the gentleman that gave the $25 was all about how much he loved God and how he was noticing God doing so many things in his life.  

Now for the fun part.  When I looked closer at his check...It wasn't for $25!  It was for $25.02.  I asked him, what's up with the .02 cents?  He said went on to tell me that during a time of his life when he was without, he told God any money he found on the ground he would give back to God...Because that's all he had.  He told me that he had found two pennies on the ground that day and wanted to also give that God.  

How might our personal worship transform, if we moved from only obedience and into living a grateful life.  Exited to worship God with all we have and all we do.  

Start with obedience then take a step towards generosity.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt

You May Want to Skip This One

If you skipped or missed yesterday's blog post, Back In God's Court, I would ask that you read it before reading this one...Just trying to help.  

I want to shine some light on an important issue concerning you and the language you attribute to your giving. To do this, I want to ask a question concerning yesterday's blog post.  Ready?  Here's the question, "Was yesterday's blog post, Back in God's Court, about obedience or generosity?"

If you are hard headed like me and you didn't read yesterday's post, and you still haven't, let me help you.  I posted about tithing (and I do think it would do you good to read it!).  I do not think tithing is generosity.  I believe tithing is an obedience issue.  Generosity is what you give beyond your tithe.   

I also don't believe tithing is a salvation issue.  

Here's what I mean.  You are saved, through Jesus Christ, because of God's generous grace towards your life.  Not because you give money.  You did not earn your salvation.  It is a gift of God.  Look what the scripture says about this in Ephesians 1:4-6, "For he chose us in Christ before the foundations of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love.  He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will - to the praise of the glory of his grace that he has freely bestowed on us in his dearly loved Son."

Tithing is not a salvation issue.  Tithing is an obedience issue.  And, unlike any other obedience issue, it has a very clear goal.  Think about Jesus' statement of "Love your neighbor."  That's also a command.  But how do I define love?  Did I love enough today? Jesus also expects his followers to pray.  But, how much prayer is enough?  When have I hit my prayer goal for the day?  God didn't provide a clear goal with any other obedience issue like he did with money.  It's really simple.  Did I give 10% of my income back to God?  If yes, I was obedient.  If no, then I wasn't.

This is fun.  When you give your tithe, don't say, "I was generous."  Instead say, "I was obedient."  Obedience is a great thing.  Why?  Because, most times in scripture, God's blessings follow obedience.  

Now...Like yesterday, I must be direct.  You may get upset with me, but this is how I learned to be obedient to the tithe.  So hang on.  I learned early in my Christian walk that there is no such thing as partial obedience.  Giving 9.9% is not 10%...Which would mean it is not a tithe.  I want to push you to trust God with HIS money!   Don't allow yourself to say, "I can't."  Be honest and say, "I'm afraid to" or "I don't want to."  The truth is that of course you can tithe.  It's just scary because you've never trusted God with such a tangible thing before.  

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Back In God's Court

I want to use a blog post comment that I received yesterday as an opportunity to encourage you.  As I do, I want to thank Patti for leaving this comment!   Here's what Patti had to say in response to the blog post, God Goes First:

"I have been in church all my life, but I have always had trouble being consistent with my tithe. God has helped me to take part in the generosity pledge. I gave my tithe last Friday, the minute I got paid. Within an hour, I got contacted from work that my hours would be cut, which made a difference of around 80 a week. What amazed me was instead of me getting upset I felt the peace of God letting me know that everything would be all right. I felt such a wonderful peace that God is in control."

A pastor friend of mine named Allen taught me this powerful leadership lesson: "Always put the ball back in their court."  If this seems confusing, let me explain by sharing an example.  My son's room is usually a mess.  When Luke comes to me and says, "Can I have a snack?" I might ask, "Is your room clean?"  If he answers, "No" then my response is, "When you clean your room you can have a snack.  The ball is in your court."

I view tithing the same way.  When I tithe, I put the ball back in God's court.  Let me explain this in more detail.  It is my hope that by what you read, you will experience the same peace that Patti experienced.  Okay...Are you ready?  I'm gonna be direct.

I believe giving your tithe (10% of all monies you earn/gain) back to God is a command, not a suggestion.  I said "back to God" on purpose.  It's all God's.  He lets you and me have some of his stuff.  Then to see if we trust him, God puts the ball into our court and tells us to give 10% back to him.  

So now...The ball is in your court.  What are you doing with the ball?  What are you doing with the 10% that God asks you to give back to him?  I find it silly for a person to pray, asking God to help them in their $$ when they won't be obedient with the $$ He has already given them.  Think this through...God asks for 10% and you get to keep 90%.  It's a sweet deal.  

Please, please, please catch this.  When you give God back that small percentage, 10%, you also put the ball back in His court!  When you give your tithe, you also put ALL the pressure back on God to do what He says He will do.  This is the peace that Patti wrote about.  

When you tithe...And your hours get cut, it's not your $$ problem, it's God's!
When you don't tithe (and I'm meaning you give 9.9% or less)...And your hours get cut, it's your problem.  You better get to work and figure out what you're going to do.  

One more thought.  If you can't live on 90%, you are probably so stretched thin that you can't live on 100% either.  If that's the case...Let's talk.  And I'm being serious.  You need a budget...You don't need more prayer about money.  

I told you I was going to be direct.  Why?  Because I want you to win at this thing called life.  Life is hard enough.  Why make it more difficult by ignoring God's ways when it comes to the $$ He lets you have? 

Put the ball back in His court,
Pastor Matt 

God Goes First

In Gordon MacDonald's devotion titled Generosity he writes, "We are most like God when we give."  

The most famous verse in all the Bible is John 3:16.  It reads, "For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Of all the ways God could have chosen to show the world that he loves, God chose to give.  So here's a simple question.  Why would it be any different for you and I?  Each and every time you choose to give you choose to show love the very same way God did and does.

And can I add...If you are waiting for giving to become easy, before you choose to give...You will drastically slow down how much generosity you show.  You know it wasn't easy for Jesus to give up his life right?  He didn't carry his cross whistling his favorite tune.  Jesus had tremendous anguish as he prepared himself to give the ultimate offering (John 17).  

Giving isn't always easy.  It's actually usually hard.  Why?  Because giving is typically a way that God grows us in our trust in his provision.  We want to hold on...But God gives us the opportunity to let go.  

Remember, God will never ask you to do something that He hasn't already done.    
God gave first.  Now it's our turn.
Much love,
Pastor Matt

Generous Sunday

Today we have the freedom to attend any church we choose and while there we are blessed to worship God as freely as we choose.  

God has blessed America and these are the days when America must bless God. How might you do this today?   

If you attend a worship service I want to encourage you to show God your appreciation for his blessings by choosing to bless Him with your worship. So, how will you tell God "Thank you" today? 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His loyal love endures forever." 

Blessings,  

Pastor Matt

Bless a Foster Family

Yesterday I had a lunch with Jason Johnson, a leading voice in the space of orphans, foster care, and adoption.  Over lunch we discussed the many ways the church in Kansas City can work together to provide care for the families and children who are in the foster care system.

Then, after lunch, I went home to pick up Jenn and the kids for our family outing to Shaake Farms in Lawrence KS.  As we are walking onto the farm we see a young couple who attend New City Church.  What maked seeing them so special is this young couple are foster parents for 3 little boys.  As we walked up the boys were weighing their pumpkins to see how much they cost.

This moment was a no brainer for me.  There was no way I was going to let this moment past.  I received such joy in paying for their 3 little pumpkins.  What a small price to pay to show my support and care for a family who is being so generous with all of whole life.  

How might you follow?  Is there a foster family that you know?  If so, how might you bless them today? Buy them pizza for dinner?  Provide childcare so they can go on a needed date?  Maybe give them a gift card to help with the clothes/diapers that their kids will need?

Yesterday was fun for a lot of reasons.  But being a blessing also made it special.
Have a generous Saturday,
Pastor Matt

Generosity Starts at Home

John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for his friends."

Matthew 6:24
"Then Jesus said to his disciples , if any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me."

So often when I hear the word "generosity" I think in monetary terms. As a stay-at-home mom, I rarely have any of my "own" money to do with as I please, and so a lot of times when the topic of being generous with our financial resources comes up, I admittedly tune out a little, because Chris makes most of the financial decisions. Chris and I believe we can't out-give God and we have learned to trust Him with our finances over the years & He has blessed us beyond measure. We don't always have what we want but we have ALWAYS have what we need. 

So for me, generosity always comes down to sacrificing something that is precious to me, like my time, my desires, and my check-list. Jesus reminds me of this in Matthew 6:24 when he says if we really want to be a follower of his, then we will turn from our selfish ways, we will lay aside our own needs to meet another's needs.  I am such a selfish person, but God continues to be patient with me and shows me opportunities to grow in this and lately He has provided a kairos moment for me and I'm working a plan that involves dying to myself at 9:30 p.m and taking the time to talk with my kiddos individually and pray for them instead of dropping into bed to watch Netflix. I've not been perfect but I'm making progress being generous with that time. Also as God often does, he teaches me through Chris. Not to lift him up on a pedestal, (he's got flaws, trust me:)) but he encourages me like no other to be less selfish, which is what I need. I was inspired to write this entry after what he did for me last night. 

Abbie has always wanted to see the play, "Wicked," and shortly after my cancer diagnosis I decided I REALLY wanted to take her. It turned out that my mom was going to be in town during the run, so we made an unusual splurge on tickets. They were in the nosebleed section, but who cares?! I have felt so great, I just knew I would be fine to go. Well, I got a really bad cold last week and even lost my voice and had to start antibiotics. Since the play was two nights after my last bad chemo treatment, I also had nausea too. I stayed in bed all day yesterday and tried to figure out a way to salvage the night. I could probably go if I loaded up on meds, but those make me unable to drive, and the play wouldn't get out until 10:30. Downtown. After a Royal's win. You get the picture.  I'm just not a great driver in unfamiliar situations, much less on 3 different medications!  I was leaning heavily toward not going and giving my ticket to our oldest son, Jake, but I then I REALLY wanted to have a special girls' night with my mom and daughters & he didn't care that much about it. I was pretty much just laying around feeling sorry for myself for the better part of the day. Chris was supposed to teach the next morning in Edgerton and his normal routine is to go to bed early on Saturday night so he can get up super early (like 4:00 or 5:00 a.m 😜)to spend time with Jesus. So about 3:00 in the afternoon, he is outside with the kids and he texts me, "I will drive you guys tonight so you can go." I immediately burst into tears! Granted it's only a 20 minute drive each way, but it meant that he would not get to bed until after 11:00 with an early morning rise time. I can't tell you how much it meant to me for him to drop us off like queens right in front of the Music Hall and then pick us back up right as it ended. That mini-van might as well have been a limousine, I tell ya! 

So now my goal is to figure out a way to be generous right back to him! Generosity should always start with the ones we live with, and then spread out from there. Let's ask God to show us ways to out-do each other in being generous, first in our families and then together on mission. 

Blessings,
Rachel Moix

Sneaky Generosity

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6:4

My wife and I love sneaky generosity. We love to find ways to be generous without being known. Sometimes, we get a change to hear or see the person that received the blessing. More often than not, their response is that they really needed it. There is such a joy for us when we can be used by God to bless them without getting credit for doing it.

In Matthew 6, Jesus is explaining the danger and the consequences of doing your giving in front of people. “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from you Father in heaven.” We need to be careful not to be generous solely to be seen as a generous person. If our heart isn’t in the right place when we’re generous it could easily be about us. I often wonder if the reward of giving is the joy of being a part of what God is doing behind the scenes.

The great thing about sneaky generosity is it doesn’t matter the size, amount, or time that is spent on the act. Words of encouragement on a post-it note at work, a $5 gift card to Starbucks, or a box of Krispy Kream doughnuts for the office could go a long way. 

As the student pastor I had a great picture of this over the summer. I had a student come to me and explain that they wanted to tithe on their graduation money. They expressed that they wanted this to specifically go as a summer camp scholarship and to remain anonymous so another students could attend camp. At the time I had a student in mind that needed the financial help to get to camp. This student received their scholarship and was able to attend camp. That week the student who was able to attend camp because of another students tithe accepted Christ and has been invited into a discipling relationship. These two students don’t know each other but because of a students generosity they changed the course of another students life. 

So as you go through your week be on the look out for your chance to be sneaky generous. 

Blessings,
Pastor Jake

The Gospel Glitch and Generosity

After surrendering my life to Jesus in 1999, I came to know Jesus in a real and personal way. I began attending an evangelical church where an “altar” call and “Come to Jesus for Salvation” was taught. In my heart, this became my language, where "Jesus the Savior” basically flowed from my mouth. Why shouldn’t it be, I mean that is what He did with my life.

However, I dare say now that the mantra of “Jesus the Savior” was a partial truth, and because of this,  both good and bad played out in my heart. The grace for myself and others increased while the Truth of the Scriptures somewhat decreased. You might think this is a good thing but I would argue that this mentality can stump your growth and cause you to see what you want, instead of what is.

In 2012, I was introduced to a new and more biblical mantra through my friend Matt. This mantra is known as “Jesus is Lord”. I can hear you now saying, “I knew this all along and so what took you so long to figure it out." Here’s where I might challenge that notion of yours.

The truth of "Jesus is Lord” has been embedded in his followers from the earliest New Testament church. Men and women would give their lives for this statement dying horrific deaths to defend it and not recant these 3 powerful, yet divisive words. This mantra causes its proclaimers to yield all aspects of their life to the Lordship of Jesus. It is with a sad heart that I report that less that 5% of “christians” actually give 10% of their money away. Can we say that this is because Jesus is their Savior but fails to be their Lord. You see, when Jesus is Lord, all aspects of your life belong to Him and are open for heart change because you believe with all your fiber that He is FOR you. In western Christianity where 95% of “christians” don’t trust the tithe, we can assume they don’t really trust their Savior thus……we have a GOSPEL GLITCH.

It is only when Jesus becomes your Lord, that Jesus can also be your Saviour.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we... 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

MAY IT NOT BE SO OF YOU!

Much love and fighting for you,
Pastor Chris and your New City Pastoral Staff

Are You Tapped?

Today I want to share a portion of a blog post by one of Elders, Charlie Blair.  If you are interested in what Charlie has to say, I would encourage you to check out the rest of the story at his website, Lifengaged.com.  

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."  Ps 32:8 

Tim (not his real name) had a serious need but I didn't know anything about it.  But, God knew exactly what he needed.  Out of the corner of my eye I began to notice him:  he was in Starbucks but he seemed lost and out of place.  He wasn't bothering anyone and he didn't look disheveled or unkempt or worn.  It was one of those times when God tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Give him a $20 bill." 

Has God ever done that to you?  Tapped you on the shoulder and said "Give them a (you fill in the amount)?"

You may be balking at approaching a stranger, giving away money, or even at my claim that God tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to do something.  The issue here, though, is generosity.  If  what you've read so far unsettles you a bit, read a bit farther.  

To read more check out Lifengaged.com.

Before you go...Let me remind you to be sensitive to the tapping of God's Holy Spirit.  If He taps you He will also resource you.

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Above All Else

Let's not move too fast from Sunday's teaching.  Remember what Jesus said?

"Above all else pursue the kingdom..." - Jesus, Matthew 6:33

Today you are going somewhere.  Which kingdom will you represent?  
Your kingdom?
Or...
God's Kingdom?

Be the church.  Today, do your very best to let Jesus live through you.  
This is why Jesus says to "pursue" the kingdom.  You have to go after it.  Seek it.  
It's far from easy.
If it was easy...
More would represent it. 
But you are more faithful than most.  
You are the church!

So...
Be the Church,
Pastor Matt

The Kids Are Watching!

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

A few weeks ago, a parent asked me if we ever collect an offering in Kid City Preschool because her preschooler had been collecting change to bring to church.  We never had, but guess what?  We are going to start this Sunday.

Several months ago, we started doing our giving online to save time and trips to the bank.  But I forgot that my four year old always asks what we are doing at the bank when we go. So I was shocked when a few weeks later, she asked me why we never got money to give to God anymore!  We don’t give to be seen by others, but I certainly do want my daughters to see us give.  We now intentionally let her know when we are giving, whether it is our tithe or in another way we are seeking to be generous. I even invite her along with me to do generous things for other people.

This past Sunday as I taught a group of preschoolers about prophets who brought messages from God, I was interrupted by a talkative four year old who shouted: “We need to give our money to God!!!”  Now, he might have picked the wrong time, but he certainly had a good message.  

If a handful of four and five year olds at New City Church notice and understand the importance of generosity, I certainly hope the rest of us can catch on.  And I can assure you, they are not learning this because they have the best kids ministry teachers around (although, I do believe we have the greatest team!).  We can and do endeavor to teach them about generosity, but I know these kids understand it because they are seeing it lived out in their homes. 

They are watching.  Your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbor kids…..they are watching, and they notice everything.  Don’t you want them to grow up to be generous people?

Keeping setting the generous example,
Valerie Biswell

Right Now

Today we have Curtis Biswell, New City's Worship Arts pastor, as our guest blogger.  Let's begin with a story Jesus told that is recorded in Matthew 24.

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.  19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’  21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’  23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’  26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.  28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Many of you probably have heard my story of how Val and I came to New City. It started with a conversation that I will always remember with Pastor Matt one afternoon at Starbucks. I had guest led the worship one Sunday and Matt wanted to hear my story the week after. The Sunday I guest led is one I will never forget!  On that Sunday, 10 minuets before the service, the sound went out and we had to do a last minute acoustic service. It was stressful to say the least but it led to a great conversation with Matt.  

At the time, Valerie and I were pursuing God’s call into full time ministry and we thought He was going to land us somewhere in a matter of weeks. Those weeks turned into months and nothing seemed to be working out.  During my conversation with Matt, he challenged  me to serve and use my talent while I wanted for God to provide.  So we started attending New City without any expectation of staff opportunities. Then, almost a year later, I came on staff as the Pastor of Worship Arts. 

Let’s look at the above scripture. In all three accounts, the servants were given talents. Two of them used them and were able to produce more. The third servant sat on his and did nothing. Therefore the master took what he still had and gave the talents away.

The bottom line is God has given us all talents, gifts, or treasures. The choice is left up to us what we will do with them. I urge you not to wait or sit on what He has given you. We can be generous right now. This isn’t a “give to get,” message, this is a, “give because we have been given” message.  So while you wait of you next opportunity, make sure you don't waste.  

Blessings,
Pastor Curtis

Are You Sore Yet?

Today we welcome back Pastor Casey from our Edgerton Campus.  Casey is very faithful in taking care of his person fitness.  You don't get muscles like Casey's without experiencing some soreness.  Let's discover how soreness plays a role in our generosity journey.  - Pastor Matt

Some of us really like Christmas time.  Ever see those folks that start counting down shopping days in, like, June?         

“Yay!!! Only 89 weeks till Christmas!!!!” 

See it on Facebook all the time. 

Some prefer the start of the new year.  Or maybe it’s just the end of Christmas hustle and bustle that is so appealing to us—I mean them (did I just give away what camp I’m in?).

Regardless, what both types tend to do is make New Year’s resolutions—you know, get in shape, be a better person, be a better spouse or parent…basically do gooder things.  I’ll resolve to have gooder grammar when 2016 comes around. 

When we haven’t been doing some of these things on a regular basis, starting up these things can be hard.  In our Generosity challenge, you may be going through the “soreness” of starting to tithe for the first time.  For some of us, life gets crazy as soon as we start being obedient in our tithes and offerings.

Just like hitting the gym when we haven’t in a while, exercising the “generosity muscles” can make us want to go back to the Lay Z Boy fast.  But push through it (Salt N’ Pepa anyone?), and see what God does!

James 1: 2-5 says

"2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

So hang in there my friend.  Keep working out those generosity muscles.  Persevere, finish the work(out), and you never know—you just might become a spiritual bodybuilder.  Just please don’t wear a speedo!

Cheers

Payday is great!  But it can also be a day of crisis.  Especially if you are trying to trust God with your money.  You get the check, you look to see big it is NOT, and then you think about all your bills.  
And now...You are striving to tithe!  
What were you thinking?

First, let me remind you...Tithing is not a bill.
How do I know this?  Simple, I've never paid a bill with joy in my heart.
You tithe, or any giving you choose to do MUST come from a place of joy.  
Not I have to do this but rather I get to do this.
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

"My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver."

Here's a thought I've thought many a times concerning my own personal tithing.
As I would write that check I would tell God, "The rest is on you.  I've done what I believe you ask.  I have no idea how all of my bills will get paid but I trust you will provide."

I started that conversation 20 years ago this month and God hasn't dropped me yet.

He won't drop you either.
Cheers,
Pastor Matt

Why Be Generous?

Today our guest blogger is Pastor Chris Moix.  Let's take some time to get to a good "Why?" question with Pastor Chris.

Let’s be honest…being generous is one of the hardest things to do. If one is to answer the question, "Why should I be generous?"…one must also ask, “Why do anything that causes me pain?”

Why open my table to friends and neighbors? Why get up on MY Sunday? Why give my time to volunteer in any capacity? Why should I be an agent of change? Why do I have to disciple others? Why, why, why?

The answer to this, like any answer, is found in the Word of God. You will find what you are looking for in the 5th chapter of 2 Corinthians.

"For we know that if our earthly house, the tent we live in, is dismantled, we have a building from God, a house not built by human hands, that is eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed, after we have put on our heavenly house, we will not be found naked. 4 For we groan while we are in this tent, since we are weighed down, because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we live by faith, not by sight. 8 Thus we are full of courage and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.  11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may be able to answer those who take pride in outward appearance and not in what is in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised."  

This chapter outlines why we do anything in this life. Without an understanding of this chapter you can “white knuckle” yourself in to doing really nice things but, like  every other thing in your life, it will end, because…well, that’s just kind of who we are.

I would encourage you to read it, and then read it again until you get a picture of what Paul is trying to say. In my opinion, the first 13 verses are convincing enough and the 14th one seals the deal. Prior to this framework in my life, I was the guy who “white knuckled” it because I felt like I had to. After getting this framework in my life, well, let’s just say I look a lot more like Christ in both my freedom and my generosity.  

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Chris

My Cup Runneth Over

Today Kari Alejandre, one of our Kid City Preschool leaders will be our guest blogger.  Let's gain some insight into the generosity found in the 23 Psalm as we learn from Kari.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water.  He restores my strength.  He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.  Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.  You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies.  You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full.  Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.  Psalm 23

When David wrote this sweet song about our Good Shepherd, he was full of gratitude. This psalm reflects the generous nature of our loving God. He invites us to rest, be refreshed and restored. He is with us and we needn’t be afraid. Not only does He provide, He does so with abundance: “my cup runneth over”. 

Isn’t it just like God to give us more than we deserve? More than we can ask or think. I am full of joy thinking of the times that God’s people have been generous to me. Sometimes I really needed it and it came at the perfect time. Sometimes it was just God spoiling His daughter. He is generous because He has it all. He is generous because He knows our needs and He is moved with compassion. 

In our lives, this should look the same. We can give when we have a lot and we can give when we have a little. We can give when we see a need. Either way, that cup is overflowing and will not run dry.

How Do You Make Toothpicks?

Today we continue our 90 Day Generosity Challenge by welcoming a guest blogger...
Casey Carter.  Casey serves as our Campus Pastor at our Edgerton Campus.  Join me as we continue to change the way we think about generosity by understanding more about God's love for us.  - Pastor Matt

Ever had someone tell you something you believed only later to find out it was not true? 

When I was a kid, I wondered how toothpicks were made.  My pops told me that the toothpick makers whittle down an entire tree to make one toothpick!  I thought that was pretty wasteful, and he let me in on the joke pretty quickly before I went and did my 2nd grade thesis on the subject.

But hasn’t God been “wasteful” on us?  When I think about it, He seems to have grinded down a big redwood just to make us.  He made all of the expanse of space, light, gravity, the earth’s magnetic field (ahem, all things that couldn’t evolve), not to mention the big rock we live on perfectly positioned in the galaxy not only for our survival but for our exploration.  On paper, sounds like a bad business plan.

As if that were not enough, God creates the tiniest atomic particles charged to perfection that make up everything we see, all the air we breathe, every tree and mountain, every seashore…you get the picture. 

That sure seems like a lot of things to make just for us to live.  But check outPsalm 139 13-14:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. 

Looks like we are pretty special “toothpicks”.  As we go through this 90 Day Challenge together, let’s remember who started this whole generosity thing! All we are doing for others is a small imitation of what God has done for us.  Apparently, you and I are worth the investment!

Blessings,
Pastor Casey

Then I

Have you ever read Malachi chapter 3?  If you've been to church for any amount of time there is a great chance you have heard a pastor talk about tithing.  But have you ever read or studied this financial concept for yourself?  You really should.  Tithing isn't a pastors idea.  Tithing is God's plan.

Look what is written in Malachi chapter 3.
“Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my temple. Test me in this matter,” says the Lord who rules over all, “to see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room for it all."

Today you have the opportunity to do what this scripture teaches.
Today you get to...
Bring the whole tithe, a full 10% of your paycheck.  I know this is difficult for some, but anything less than 10% isn't a tithe.
I know why it's hard to tithe.
You can't.
But,
God knows your situation.
That's way He says to "test me in this"
"this"...
Is tithing.
God says to you...
I dare you to trust me with 10% of your income.
I dare you!

Oh...
By the way...
The one who dares you to test him.
He is "the Lord who rules over all."
He can handle your test.

And, when you test him by...
Giving him back 10% of the income he has blessed you with.
When you give back to God a tithe.
He will "open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until there is no room for it all."

How I hope you will soon trust God with your money.
How I hope you will soon trust that your money is yours only because God gave it to you.
How I hope you will soon trust that you can't out give God.

Can I pray for you?  I know this is a big step of faith.
Father, I pray for those who are timid to test you in their giving.  I pray they would trust your promises.  Father, may you give us all courage to be obedient to your commands.  Amen.

Have a blessed day of worship,
Pastor Matt