Wealth And Generosity

Are you rich? Are you generous?

If you live in America, Australia, or any western country for that matter, then the answer is yes - you are rich!

Most of us focus more time on what we don't have than what we do have. If you own a car (and your car has a house), you are rich. If you own a computer, and it's working, you are rich. If you have 3 meals a day, and clean water to drink, you are rich.

Why Christians are to serve and to be generous? In the New Testament, we are given a very specific charge and reason why followers of Jesus Christ should be servants & generous.

We need to give generously not because we have more than other people, but because that's what Jesus teaches us. Jesus teaches us that those who follow Him are to do more and give more out of gratitude. (Luke 6:27)

Wealthy people aren't necessarily generous people, but generous people are often wealthy people. (wealth in the sense of abundance and richness in the Lord).

Are you wealthy? Are you generous?

Vine & Branches

'Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.' ~William Carey

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue you in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." (John 15:1-5, 7-10)

Prayer: Ask the Lord to bring us into an abiding relationship with Him. Invite Him to prune us, make His words and direction clear to us. As you consider God’s love and provision, meditate on the above scripture as you pray.

(Inspired by Transforming Melbourne's 40 Days Prayer & Fasting Guide)

What Are Your Words For 2010?

On the morning of New Year's Eve, I spent hours looking back at my photos, journals & blogs from the last few years. I reflected back to the last New Year's Eve and how I was enjoying preparing and planning for our BIG DAY. Some of the emotions that I had about how the year ahead would pan out, the obstacles I didn't know I would have to face in life & ministry.

I was thinking about the new year ahead, vision, mission, dreams, goals, aspirations, desires and hopes for my family, ministries, communities, businesses, my city and the world..... I have many dreams, and I have many personal challenges, yet I feel strong and ready for an exciting New Year.

Five words came to my mind as I think about 2010:
1.Transformation
2.Purpose
3.Love
4.Healing
5.Provision

To me these five words are very powerful. I believe they will keep my spirit strong, they will keep me believing, they will keep me focussed, and they will move me forward. Out of the five words, TRANSFORMATION is one that I have the strongest emotions to. One of my life goals is to experience the ongoing process of transformation, and help others do the same. It's my heart's desire to be an agent of transformation.

I believe "transformation" is something we allow to be done to us, not something we do by our own power alone. I pray that we can submit to God's power and by His grace, "changed into another form" from "caterpillars" to "butterflies", hence becoming a "new creation" (2Co 5:17).

What are some of the words that come to mind when you think about this New Year?