WE'RE NOT KEEPING THIS QUIET!
I know. I placed a great challenge before our TVCC family this past Sunday. I know what it will cost us…all of us, to meet this challenge. Although I know that the $100,000 goal for our church is sizeable, I also know it is very, very doable, especially when you consider all that has been done through TVCC from the beginning. If you missed last Sunday’s sermon, please go online and watch it before this weekend. We are a family and we’re on this journey together. As such, we don’t want to leave one person behind as we seek to follow God’s vision and plan for 2018 and beyond.
I love the Message paraphrase of what Paul wrote in his second letter to the church in Corinth. He said, 13 We're not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, "I believed it, so I said it," we say what we believe. 14 And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. 15 Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 (MSG)
Did you catch it? We’re not keeping this quiet…I believe it so I said it. Our extravagant giving, our unashamed sharing of the gospel of Jesus produces more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise. And don’t miss this little nugget either, Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory! How can we keep quiet about what He has done and all He’s going to do?!? And because we are His children, our giving should reflect His character.
Sunday morning, Marylin and I were moved to compassion as we visited with a TVCC member who is going through a tough time right now. Because of her illness, she doesn’t have anything to give and through her tears, she shared her heart of compassion and desire to participate in the Showing We Care Christmas Offering but her inability to do so. Her sacrifice, which was her tears and desire, I believe were credited to her account by God as an act of faithfulness. She, as the woman Jesus observed who only had two pennies to give, was proclaimed by Him as faithful in giving her all.
That’s why this offering is never about equal gifts but equal sacrifice. She had only tears and a heart full of desire. Her only gift is her prayers for this offering, but that gift is priceless! So, those of us who have health, and yes wealth, or somewhere in between, are being called upon to bring our best to God.
I know that you are praying about your best gift. As we come together this Sunday and give or pledge to give, remember, it’s all about God! And it’s all for one purpose; His glory!
When we celebrate our offering on November 26th, let’s give in such a way that we can join Paul as He exclaimed, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV).
Looking forward to the celebration!
Pastor Steve