November 30, 2012
-
sermon topic and prayer: A generous heart
Prayer 11 30 12
As we enter this season of giving, parties, family gatherings, friends fellowshipping, and church coziness let us pray that we receive the following passages and respond accordingly.
Pray that no man , woman , or child among us think selfishly or even “keep score” on getting back evenly what they give to others during this season. Help each person to give time, money, and energy to others without regard to what will be received back.
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Help us to give according to our own ability – not according to what someone else with greater resources is able to give. Help us to not get into a heap of debt during this season!
Acts 11: 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
That we note when there is a need within our local church and we all think how we can help to meet that need:
I Jn 3: 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
That we remember the poor in the midst of our abundance (e.g., sending gifts to the local missions and/or volunteering some time there:
Esth 9: 22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
Ps 41: Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble
James 2: 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwith17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
