Cheerful Giving

by

Describe for me your feelings when you put your offering in the plate at church, all right? Are you happy, sad, or resentful? Too many people seem as emotionless as a robot at such times.

Here’s a good thought to bring to mind when making your contribution. But first, let me hasten to say that if it sounds too upbeat, let me respond to your feeling by sharing with you that it comes from one of the greatest thinkers of all time. More than that, he’s writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Here’s the suggestion I’m offering you today. I’m reading from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, and this is the Amplified Bible:

“God loves, that is He takes pleasure in, prizes above all other things, a cheerful, joyous, prompt-to-do-it giver whose heart is in his giving.”

Well, let that be your attitude this weekend, and see if it makes a difference.

 

I am grateful that I continue to hear how positively readers are responding to my latest book entitled The Sermon Sucking Black Hole—Why You Can’t Remember on Monday What Your Minister Preached on Sunday. This book is available at Amazon.com by clicking here.

In this book, I offer some solid tips to the people sitting in the congregation to help them remember what their pastor has said from the pulpit.

You will find a variety of other helpful resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Please click here.

 

Share and Enjoy

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS

A Prayer for Revival

by

Lord Jesus,

I’m praying for tears to mark the church. Tears of repentance as Your people sense Your Spirit convicting them of sin.

Then, tears of joy as well, as Christians know forgiveness and once again are restored to a right relationship with you. Tears of relief also, Lord, as relatives and friends come to Your cross and they are rescued from eternal damnation.

Revival is always marked by an overwhelming sense of Your presence. It’s Your people being made aware that when they come together, You really are there with them.

So, touch our eyes so we can see You through eyes of faith. And, let the marvelous awareness of Your presence in the church result in weeping, as well.

With so much to weep over, I ask for the gift of tears. Amen.

 

I am grateful that I continue to hear how positively readers are responding to my latest book entitled The Sermon Sucking Black Hole—Why You Can’t Remember on Monday What Your Minister Preached on Sunday. This book is available at Amazon.com by clicking here.

In this book, I offer some solid tips to the people sitting in the congregation to help them remember what their pastor has said from the pulpit.

You will find a variety of other helpful resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Please click here.

 

Share and Enjoy

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS

A Powerful Illustration

by

You know the little sample vials of perfume you sometimes get in a store? Well, a pastor I know made use of a number of those in a worship service. Let me tell you about it.

This man was preaching from 2 Corinthians 2:15: “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved, the fragrance of life.”

Anyway, he got enough of those perfume samples so everyone got one when handed a bulletin that read, “Do not release the perfume until told to do so.” Then during the message this pastor painted his picture of us being the smell of life to a dying world.

When he finished, he asked everyone to release the aroma by breaking the tiny neck of the perfume vials. It was beautiful! I’ll never forget the sensation, how it brought life to the minister’s words.

 

I am grateful that I continue to hear how positively readers are responding to my latest book entitled The Sermon Sucking Black Hole—Why You Can’t Remember on Monday What Your Minister Preached on Sunday. This book is available at Amazon.com by clicking here.

In this book, I offer some solid tips to the people sitting in the congregation to help them remember what their pastor has said from the pulpit.

You will find a variety of other helpful resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Please click here.

 

Share and Enjoy

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS

Note Taking

by

The Chinese invented paper about 105 A.D. So, paper has been around for quite a while. Still, it surprises me how few people bring anything to write on when they attend church. It’s as though they assume nothing worth writing down is going to happen. Those whose faith is vital, more often than not, bring paper and take notes on Sunday.

Let me get you to quickly examine your expectations about church this coming weekend. All right?

Will something special happen? Might you possibly need to write down someone’s phone number to call to see how he or she is doing? Is it going to be business as usual, so don’t worry about it this week at the church? Or, maybe it will be a time when the Lord works and He may want to make use of your gifts.

I’m saying to you, be prepared. Take a pen and paper just in case.

 

I am grateful that I continue to hear how positively readers are responding to my latest book entitled The Sermon Sucking Black Hole—Why You Can’t Remember on Monday What Your Minister Preached on Sunday. This book is available at Amazon.com by clicking here.

In this book, I offer some solid tips to the people sitting in the congregation to help them remember what their pastor has said from the pulpit.

You will find a variety of other helpful resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Please click here.

 

Share and Enjoy

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Delicious
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Add to favorites
  • Email
  • RSS