December 4, 2021

We have heard Jesus quoted many times “ it is more blessed to give than it is to receive “. Although the quote is not recorded in the Gospels it is usually used today when talking about giving money. Paul also applies it in 20:35 to helping people: “ I have shown you in every way by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus that He said ‘ It is more blessed to give than to receive’ “. Paul’s purpose for money was ministry ( see verses 33-34). It was used to help others. This isn’t talking necessarily about tithing but other forms of giving. Around Christmas time there are many ways to be a blessing. Giving presents to the poor or canned goods to the food pantry, helping neighbors chop wood, driving people shopping etc. When we give of our labor/ resources to others we get blessed. Blessed means to be happy. Be a blessing this Christmas and you will have a Happy New Year.

Acts 19-20

Pastor Roger Dean

December 3, 2021

A lot has been said about 3:8-12 on the subject of tithing. It simply boils down to this: give and you will be blessed, don’t give and you will be cursed. The blessings are 1. The house of God gets provision 2. The windows of heaven open up for you 3. The devourer is rebuked for your sake. It may seem that the God of all heaven and earth, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, is being unfair to ask you for anything. But it looks to me like we come out on top. You may think you can’t afford to give. I don’t think you can afford not to.

The Book of Malachi

December 2, 2021

We are encouraged to get right with God before we die. Or as the author puts it “Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the wall. Then dust will return to the earth as it was. And the spirit will return to God who gave it” (12:6-7). But really, we should go with his earlier advice and get things worked out when we are younger. “ Remember NOW your Creator in the days of your youth. Before the difficult days come and the years draw near when you say I have no pleasure in them” (12:1). I added the capital letters to now because I want to emphasize if you are not right with God you need to get right. You don’t know when you are leaving this earth. And the bus won’t ask you if you are saved before it hits you.

Ecclesiastes 11-12

Pastor Roger Dean

December 1, 2021

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy O Lord endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands “ (138:8). Because God’s mercy is endless, to those who love Him, He will never forsake us. He will make our way straight and see that our paths are according to His will. He will perfect or complete the work that He has started in us. As Paul puts it in Philippians 1:6 “ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ “. Let your confidence, your trust in God, be such that you do not worry about what will come. God is working in you and His work will be complete before Christ comes.