Combining Resources – Part 4: Combining Resources (continued…)
Understanding that some people will have a strong reaction to this survival skill of combining resources, I’m trying to help you adjust to the idea very slowly. We’ll start with little steps. In the long run you’ll find them to be to your benefit.
Here’s one small suggestion. You don’t have to put off entertaining until you can do everything yourself. Call friends and say, “We could eat together Saturday night if you could fix a salad and dessert. I’ll have the Dudley’s bring bread and a vegetable. I’m taking care of the rest.” That’s combining resources.
Another idea would be to say, “Hey, I used to cut hair; you used to teach piano. Could we work out a deal so that our kids can become musicians—but not necessarily the long haired kind?”
Combining resources is having more firewood than you need and offering some of it to a friend you know would enjoy it. And then maybe that person responds, “You’re welcome to use the summer cottage some weekend.”
Here’s another example. “We have some minor plumbing problems. You’re good at fixing things like that. And you’ve mentioned you need some pictures framed. I can do that Why don’t we just solve each other’s problems?”
Combining resources could be as painless as exchanging magazines. “I’ll give you my Time magazine a week after it comes. Why don’t you let me see your copy of Christianity Today?”
Psalm 112:5 reads, “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely.” This psalm reinforces the truth that we don’t have to fear the unexpected all alone. Verse 7 says that a righteous man (or woman) “will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
This passage also reminds us that there are always those within our ranks who are needy. In verse 9 we read that the blessed man, who is the focus of the psalm, “has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor.” So another reason to learn to combine resources is that a lot of people are short of funds and need help. Many today are unemployed; some aren’t paid much; others are facing unexpected major expenses. And there are always those who are unskilled in managing money. It doesn’t really matter why a person is financially in need; those who are better off are called to show true compassion.
James, in his epistle, asks, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15-16) How many Christians have never in any substantive way helped a person in need?
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
