"A Cheerful Giver"
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
For the past few months, we have been involved in a sermon series on the Book of Acts. Starting this Sunday, we’ll take a break from the Book of Acts. In November, we will focus our attention on how the Lord is calling us to be faithful stewards of His blessings.
God has blessed us with all that we have in life so that we can do great things for Him. What we do with God’s blessings is important to the Lord. How we do these great things is also important to God.
In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to church in Corinth, instructions are given for a collection that being taken for the church in Jerusalem. A famine that had struck the Roman Empire because of a series of poor harvests. The church in Jerusalem had been hit particularly hard, and the other churches were raising money to provide relief.
In Paul’s instructions about this collection, he tells the Corinthians how to participate. They are to give cheerfully. Their decision to give must come from the heart. There is no pressure to give at all. No guilt. No shame. If they decide to give, it can’t be reluctantly or under compulsion. Whatever they give must be given cheerfully.
The same is true for us. Whenever we decide to use God’s blessings, the decision must be from the heart. We need to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider whether to share God’s blessings with others. Once we have decided, the giving must be done cheerfully.
As a pastor, I’m often asked how much a person should give to the Lord’s work. And I answer, “Only give as much as you can cheerfully give. And then stop giving.”
How we give is just as important as what we give. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.
In Christ,
Pastor David
WELCOME NEW GMPC STAFF MEMBERS!
Director of Music Ministries, Renée Calvo:
Renée started at GMPC on November 6th. Our Interim Director of Music Ministries, Tim Grebe, will spend the next two weeks assisting Renée with learning nuances of our music program.
Renée has a M.M. in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University and B.M. in Music (Piano/Voice), from Point Loma Nazarene University.
Her current work includes Music Teacher/Drama Director, The Cambridge School; Soloist and Section Leader, San Diego Master Chorale; Renée Calvo Studio of Music, (Private Voice and Piano Lessons).
Receptionist, Sindy Schiller:
Sindy started at GMPC on November 1st. This new position was created to handle administrative support and information coordination duties of the church office during normal office operating hours of 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
