If we don't tithe, we rob God. Yet every Sunday when the offering plate is passed, we witness one of the most serious robberies in our cities. Our newspapers don't carry the story and no one files a complaint at the police station. Yet we rob God, because "the tithe is the Lord's (Lev. 27:30). We give God what is His when we tithe.
Tithing is an Act of Love. We measure our love to Christ by the obedience of giving our tithe, "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" (John 14:21). But our love goes beyond Christ. It extends to our church and our pastor. Paul asks for those in Corinth to prove their love to Him. "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also (the grace of giving). I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love" (II Cor. 8:7,8).
Tithing Recognizes God's Ownership of Our Lives. The tithe is described in the Bible as the firstfruits, meaning, a tither gives to God the firstfruits to be harvested. The book of Proverbs commands "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (3:9). If we put God first in our lives, He will honor us (Matt. 6:33). We can tell others that we belong to God, but our deceitful heart can lead us astray (Jer. 17:9). However, we demonstrate our dedication when we tithe. We give Him the firstfruits because He is first in our lives.
Tithing is Good Business. When you tithe for the right reasons, you have gone into business with God. When you invest one-tenth of your income with God, He promises "to open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Mal. 3:10). God will not be any man's debtor, He will keep His promise.
Tithing Will Keep Us From the Lust of Money. Those who don't tithe are not only disobedient, but they demonstrate a greater love of money than of God. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Tim. 6:10). But those who will weekly deposit their tithe in God's bank reveal their faith in God to take care of all their needs.
Tithing Helps the Church Carry Out the Great Commission. The church is commanded to go into all the world and preach to every person, baptizing the converts and teaching the commands of Christ. This requires money to print tracts, purchase radio and TV time, erect buildings, provide salaries for God's servants and carry out the countless other expenses associated with the ministry. A tithing church can pay its bills and expand its outreach. A tithing church will not have to beg for money and plan gimmicks to raise its budget. A church of tithers will have willing workers, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21), because a church of tithers will have the hearts of its people to carry out the Great Commission.
Have a great Thursday!
-Pastor
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Are You Calling God A Liar?
Okay, some KP thoughts today. This week is our youth revival beginning Thursday evening. Our youth have put together a worship band made up of some talented kids. God has really blessed our church with some young people who love the Lord and are seeking His face. Hillary, Alan, and the rest of the youth staff are doing a wonderful job. Parents and the church in general need to get behind them and pray for them. Sunday night many of the people committed to pray and fast this week for the revival. Pray that God pour out His Spirit in these four special services this week including Sunday's special youth day service. Pray that young people be radically changed.
Have you ever wondered why some Christians do not tithe and give in offerings? I think the most used excuse that people give is that they cannot afford to tithe. When I hear this, my response is always "If you believe the scriptures, how can you not afford to tithe?" Read what God says about it...
Malachi 3:10-12 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. "Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes," says the Lord of hosts. NASU
Did you read it? How can you not hold God at His word? That's what he tells us to do when he says "test me (or prove me)." He says He will open up the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then he says He will rebuke the devourer from destroying or taking from your income. The fruits of your ground and your vine is your income. Now again, does God lie? When you don't take him at His word and tithe you are saying that God is a liar. You are saying I don't believe you will do those things so I am not going to give my tithe and offerings to you. Wow..did you realize that's what you are doing?
I can tell you by experience that God is not a liar. He will do what He says if you bring your tithe and offerings to His storehouse. This year, Annette and I more than ever as put God to the test. I have tried to give recklessly this year. Its been fun to watch God bless us as we have obeyed Him.
Come on Christian, there is no excuse for you not to tithe. Take God at His Word and watch Him stimulate your personal economy.
-Pastor
Have you ever wondered why some Christians do not tithe and give in offerings? I think the most used excuse that people give is that they cannot afford to tithe. When I hear this, my response is always "If you believe the scriptures, how can you not afford to tithe?" Read what God says about it...
Malachi 3:10-12 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. "Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes," says the Lord of hosts. NASU
Did you read it? How can you not hold God at His word? That's what he tells us to do when he says "test me (or prove me)." He says He will open up the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then he says He will rebuke the devourer from destroying or taking from your income. The fruits of your ground and your vine is your income. Now again, does God lie? When you don't take him at His word and tithe you are saying that God is a liar. You are saying I don't believe you will do those things so I am not going to give my tithe and offerings to you. Wow..did you realize that's what you are doing?
I can tell you by experience that God is not a liar. He will do what He says if you bring your tithe and offerings to His storehouse. This year, Annette and I more than ever as put God to the test. I have tried to give recklessly this year. Its been fun to watch God bless us as we have obeyed Him.
Come on Christian, there is no excuse for you not to tithe. Take God at His Word and watch Him stimulate your personal economy.
-Pastor
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
"Oh, If I Could Only Go Back..."
This is great word for someone today. It maybe you. Read it and receive.
Job 29:2 "Oh That I Were in Months Past..."
Numbers of Christians can view the past with pleasure, but regard the present with dissatisfaction; they look back upon the days which they have passed in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near to Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from Him, and they say, "O that I were as in months past!" They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have not present peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that conscience is not so tender, or that they have not so much zeal for God's glory. The causes of this mournful state of things are manifold. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for a neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low at the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you "were in months past," do not rest satisfied with wishing for a return of former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master, and tell Him your sad state. Ask His grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with Him; humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up, and give you yet again to enjoy the light of His countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope, nay there is a certainty of recovery for the worst cases.
Have a great day!
-Pastor
Job 29:2 "Oh That I Were in Months Past..."
Numbers of Christians can view the past with pleasure, but regard the present with dissatisfaction; they look back upon the days which they have passed in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near to Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from Him, and they say, "O that I were as in months past!" They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have not present peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that conscience is not so tender, or that they have not so much zeal for God's glory. The causes of this mournful state of things are manifold. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for a neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low at the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you "were in months past," do not rest satisfied with wishing for a return of former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master, and tell Him your sad state. Ask His grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with Him; humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up, and give you yet again to enjoy the light of His countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope, nay there is a certainty of recovery for the worst cases.
Have a great day!
-Pastor
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
Two awesome services today! This morning was great baptizing the children. And what a great offering for VBS, $1600. Super job Hillary and Natalie. You girls are the best! Debbie, Lori, Corina, and everyone did a great job leading this year's VBS. Of course, Joyce Dayton did a wonderful job as director. KP is blessed to have so many great leaders.
Great service tonight. God's presence was thick as many lives were touched by the power of Christ. Then, the youth came in and even got better.
You know I really can't explain what happens in services like tonight. I just feel sorry for people who don't come. It was awesome!
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor
Great service tonight. God's presence was thick as many lives were touched by the power of Christ. Then, the youth came in and even got better.
You know I really can't explain what happens in services like tonight. I just feel sorry for people who don't come. It was awesome!
Have a wonderful week!
-Pastor
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
VBS and the Nepal Indian Encounter
Another wonderful VBS tonight! What a great group of kids. We are so blessed to be be able to minister God's Word to them. Again, thanks to all of our great volunteers who have made personal sacrifices to minister this week at VBS. YOu are the greatest!
The offering contest is really heating up at VBS. The last two nights the boys have dominated. As the pastor and an objective bystander, I would like to see the girls when big tomorrow night - just to even things up going into the BIG DAY, SUNDAY. So I'm calling all you folks out who appreciate and love youth ministry and the girls. Come on, lets even it up tomorrow night! Bring your offerings and lets get behind Hillary and the girls.
Well, I'm off to the Nepal Indian encounter tomorrow through Saturday. Please pray for this encounter. These are Indian pastors who are refugees from Nepal India. They represent many congregations from Atlanta, Tennessee, Ohio, Chicago, New York, Utah, Arizona, and no doubt other states. These pastors are coming hungry for a move of God in their lives and in their congregations. KP may have an opportunity to minister to some of the Ohio congregations in our own upcoming fall encounters. Pray that God pour out His Spirit on this great people group. Please, please pray and fast with us over the next few days. Thanks so much!
Blessings!
Pastor
The offering contest is really heating up at VBS. The last two nights the boys have dominated. As the pastor and an objective bystander, I would like to see the girls when big tomorrow night - just to even things up going into the BIG DAY, SUNDAY. So I'm calling all you folks out who appreciate and love youth ministry and the girls. Come on, lets even it up tomorrow night! Bring your offerings and lets get behind Hillary and the girls.
Well, I'm off to the Nepal Indian encounter tomorrow through Saturday. Please pray for this encounter. These are Indian pastors who are refugees from Nepal India. They represent many congregations from Atlanta, Tennessee, Ohio, Chicago, New York, Utah, Arizona, and no doubt other states. These pastors are coming hungry for a move of God in their lives and in their congregations. KP may have an opportunity to minister to some of the Ohio congregations in our own upcoming fall encounters. Pray that God pour out His Spirit on this great people group. Please, please pray and fast with us over the next few days. Thanks so much!
Blessings!
Pastor
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Farewell to Southern Ohio Tonight and VBS
All right, Tuesay morning is here. Some personal stuff today. Tonight, we COG ministers have a farewell gathering for Southern Ohio's State team: Al and Gail Bristow, State Overseers, and Chris and Charlotte Music, State Youth Directors. I will miss them both. The Bristows are wonderful people who have led our state with impeccable intergrity. Bishop Bristow is very relational. He is a pastor's pastor. He has been there for me when I needed him and always went the extra mile to help. I will miss he and Gail greatly.
I haven't had the opportunity to get know Chris and Charlotte as well. But I have grown to appreciate their ministry. I know that they are very committed to kingdom work. They have done a wonderful job leading our youth ministries in SO as well as in so many other areas. Chris too, is a man of great integrity. Charlotte is as funny as they come and always full of joy. we will miss them as well.
Next week, we will go to Columbus and begin the process of putting a new organizational structure for the COG in the state of Ohio. I am looking forward to seeing what God will do through this new vision for Ohio. I am anxious to be a part of it.
VBS was wonderful last night. I know I saw as many as ten Junior High kids receive Christ as Lord and Savior. I know there were many others in the lower grades as well. What a great job Debbie Jett does leading our Children's Ministries. And God is always so faithful to give us so many people to help who sacrifice a whole week to give their time and energies for the glory of God. Many of these folks work a full day at their jobs and then come directly to the church and work VBS...and it is work! A special thanks as well to Joyce Dayton who is directing this year's VBS. Great job folks!
Well, everyone have a wonderful day!
-Pastor
I haven't had the opportunity to get know Chris and Charlotte as well. But I have grown to appreciate their ministry. I know that they are very committed to kingdom work. They have done a wonderful job leading our youth ministries in SO as well as in so many other areas. Chris too, is a man of great integrity. Charlotte is as funny as they come and always full of joy. we will miss them as well.
Next week, we will go to Columbus and begin the process of putting a new organizational structure for the COG in the state of Ohio. I am looking forward to seeing what God will do through this new vision for Ohio. I am anxious to be a part of it.
VBS was wonderful last night. I know I saw as many as ten Junior High kids receive Christ as Lord and Savior. I know there were many others in the lower grades as well. What a great job Debbie Jett does leading our Children's Ministries. And God is always so faithful to give us so many people to help who sacrifice a whole week to give their time and energies for the glory of God. Many of these folks work a full day at their jobs and then come directly to the church and work VBS...and it is work! A special thanks as well to Joyce Dayton who is directing this year's VBS. Great job folks!
Well, everyone have a wonderful day!
-Pastor
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday Wrap Up
I have been gone for awhile. I wasn't able to post last week at the Assembly and since I got home Friday evening I really haven't had time. Tts a very busy season right now for me - lots of traveling. Hope to be getting back into a routine the middle of August.
Sunday services were great! We probably had out lowest crowd of the summer yesterday but thats okay...the Spirit of God showed up. The illustrated sermon series, I believe went very well. Much time and effort goes into those, but its worth it. I guess I will get back to plain old vanilla preaching next week. Of course, there are some who prefer that every week. But I like a little change from time to time and I am sure there are others that do too.
The VBS kick off went well last night. The Children's Ministry staff does a great job putting together VBS. We had a great crowd and lots of children. Worship, food, games, and lots of fun and fellowship highlighted the evening. Thanks to everyone who helped!
As you know, this week is VBS week. If you aren't working, please support it with your prayers and try to bring a child. It will be a life-impacting week for every child that attends!
Have a wonderfulf week!
- Pastor
Sunday services were great! We probably had out lowest crowd of the summer yesterday but thats okay...the Spirit of God showed up. The illustrated sermon series, I believe went very well. Much time and effort goes into those, but its worth it. I guess I will get back to plain old vanilla preaching next week. Of course, there are some who prefer that every week. But I like a little change from time to time and I am sure there are others that do too.
The VBS kick off went well last night. The Children's Ministry staff does a great job putting together VBS. We had a great crowd and lots of children. Worship, food, games, and lots of fun and fellowship highlighted the evening. Thanks to everyone who helped!
As you know, this week is VBS week. If you aren't working, please support it with your prayers and try to bring a child. It will be a life-impacting week for every child that attends!
Have a wonderfulf week!
- Pastor
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