I hate talking about MONEY!

 

I hate to talk about money. This Sunday I am doing that. But, I really like this sermon, so I am actually excited for this week. 

I really like that we can celebrate what God has done with our gifts. But, I know some are always offended when we talk about MONEY at church. I know there have been people who have left the church altogether because they felt the church asked for money all the time. Since becoming a full time pastor I have preached about money TWICE (including this coming Sunday). But, I can also share that I have a very giving congregation. I do not EVER need remind them to give. They just do it and they do it abundantly. I praise God for that. 

When I was reading in Genesis today I was reading about Abram. Abram understand the need to give back to the Lord in the way of sacrifices. Whenever something good happened he always gave offerings to the Lord. 

"After Lord had gone, the Lord said to Abram, 'Look as far as you can see in every direction --- north, and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and yoru descendants as a permanent possession. And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dusts of the earth, they cannot be counted! Bo and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you. So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the Lord." (Genesis 13:14-18, NLT)

Look at everything God had done for Abram. He was so gracious he had to stop and give praise by building an ALTAR. We should be the same. God has blessed us so abundantly, don't you think it is time to give him praise. Give that praise to the church. Make a sacrifice on the altar of your local congregation. Demonstrate your gratefulness by supplying the needs of your church. There is a need. 

Heavenly Father, I praise you for a gracious congregation that often, abundantly gives to you. I praise God I get to see that money used for your glory. I praise you and offer you my own thanks and praise! Amen!