Hello Prior Lake Baptist! As I write this we are one week away from Big Sunday! What do we need to be doing? We need to be praying. Asking God what His desire is for you and your family is more important than anything.
Ask and then listen, adjust and then obey.
Also be praying for Dr. Eklund as he prepares to be with you on the 22ND. He is excited and already has a peace about what God has laid on his heart to share with you. It will be an exciting day!
Remember, our Telephone Callers will be getting their lists tomorrow at church.
Lets finish the Intensive Time strong and then get ready to rejoice at all that God has done and will do!
I am praying for you!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Paradox of Giving
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” II Corinthians 8:2
In chapter seven of the book “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” the authors discuss the “Law of Paradoxical Participation,” which they describe as the spiritual principle that tells us that “the riches generosity often comes out of the deepest poverty.” The three priorities that they state will help us live out this law in our lives are:
1. “Respond to need, not pressure. The generous giver is prompted to give by seeing a need and being touched by it.”
2. “Have an open heart and an open hand. Openness is willingness and nothing pleases God more than a heart that willingly yields to Him and a hand that willingly gives to Him.”
3. “Be a river, not a reservoir. Believers are channels not containers. God’s love and grace are to flow through us, and not be held in us.”
The idea of poverty reminds me of how God sometimes prepare us for ministry, if we are surrendered, by carrying us (Isaiah 40:29-31) through our own trials. Through this the Lord’s faithfulness motivates a spiritual humility that prepares us to be a comfort to others (Galatians 6:2) by allowing ourselves to become vessel of God’s free flowing love. Has the Lord prepared you for a ministry? Have you ever considered love an element of stewardship, along with money, talents and time? Or is it quite possible that love is the true catalyst to genuine stewardship.
So when you consider how God wants to use you during this campaign do not limit yourself to financial generosity, but consider all areas of your walk with Christ in which God is prompting you to be a better steward. It is my prayer that through this journey, our love for the Lord Jesus Christ will grow and that all honor and glory will be His alone.
Tami
All excerpts were taken from “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” by Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery, New Source Publishing,2003.
In chapter seven of the book “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” the authors discuss the “Law of Paradoxical Participation,” which they describe as the spiritual principle that tells us that “the riches generosity often comes out of the deepest poverty.” The three priorities that they state will help us live out this law in our lives are:
1. “Respond to need, not pressure. The generous giver is prompted to give by seeing a need and being touched by it.”
2. “Have an open heart and an open hand. Openness is willingness and nothing pleases God more than a heart that willingly yields to Him and a hand that willingly gives to Him.”
3. “Be a river, not a reservoir. Believers are channels not containers. God’s love and grace are to flow through us, and not be held in us.”
The idea of poverty reminds me of how God sometimes prepare us for ministry, if we are surrendered, by carrying us (Isaiah 40:29-31) through our own trials. Through this the Lord’s faithfulness motivates a spiritual humility that prepares us to be a comfort to others (Galatians 6:2) by allowing ourselves to become vessel of God’s free flowing love. Has the Lord prepared you for a ministry? Have you ever considered love an element of stewardship, along with money, talents and time? Or is it quite possible that love is the true catalyst to genuine stewardship.
So when you consider how God wants to use you during this campaign do not limit yourself to financial generosity, but consider all areas of your walk with Christ in which God is prompting you to be a better steward. It is my prayer that through this journey, our love for the Lord Jesus Christ will grow and that all honor and glory will be His alone.
Tami
All excerpts were taken from “The 33 Laws of Stewardship” by Dave Sutherland and Kirk Nowery, New Source Publishing,2003.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Great to be with you this past weekend!
As I returned home today my thoughts were on the weekend and the obvious move of God in many lives. The emails from several have shared many great things that people are dealing with and their commitment to allow God to lead them.
I am praying for each of you as we approach March 22ND. Please be praying for the following:
1) The Prayer Visits that will be taking place in every home.
2) That each family will seek God's desire for them in this effort.
3) That lives will continue to see the healing work of God in the area of Stewardship
4) That God will be with Dr. Eklund as he prepares to be with you on the 22ND.
God is faithful! He will bless!
Thank you for your attentiveness during our times together for being wonderful hosts. I felt as if I was part of your family!
I am praying for each of you as we approach March 22ND. Please be praying for the following:
1) The Prayer Visits that will be taking place in every home.
2) That each family will seek God's desire for them in this effort.
3) That lives will continue to see the healing work of God in the area of Stewardship
4) That God will be with Dr. Eklund as he prepares to be with you on the 22ND.
God is faithful! He will bless!
Thank you for your attentiveness during our times together for being wonderful hosts. I felt as if I was part of your family!
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