1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,440 Welcome to Hub City Vineyard. 2 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:23,060 To get connected or to give online, go to connect.hcv.church or give.hcv.church. 3 00:00:23,060 --> 00:00:27,360 If at any point during this message you feel called to make a change in your life, text 4 00:00:27,360 --> 00:00:30,840 change me to 970-00. 5 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:32,760 Thank you and enjoy the message. 6 00:00:32,760 --> 00:00:36,360 It is mentioned or written 272 times in the Bible. 7 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:38,200 How about the word pray? 8 00:00:38,200 --> 00:00:39,200 Is that an important word? 9 00:00:39,200 --> 00:00:40,480 Of course it is. 10 00:00:40,480 --> 00:00:42,440 I encourage you to pray all the time. 11 00:00:42,440 --> 00:00:44,040 Pray without ceasing. 12 00:00:44,040 --> 00:00:46,760 In fact, is what we read in the Bible. 13 00:00:46,760 --> 00:00:49,200 That is written 371 times. 14 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:50,200 How about love? 15 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:51,200 Is love important? 16 00:00:51,200 --> 00:00:52,200 That's right. 17 00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:53,200 God's love. 18 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:54,760 We always discuss it and talk about it. 19 00:00:54,760 --> 00:00:58,920 That's written or referred to 714 times. 20 00:00:58,920 --> 00:01:09,600 The word that is written 2,261 times throughout the entire Bible is the word give. 21 00:01:09,600 --> 00:01:17,700 The word give is challenging us to be generous. 22 00:01:17,700 --> 00:01:22,320 The word give actually reflects God's heart. 23 00:01:22,320 --> 00:01:23,320 God's heart. 24 00:01:23,320 --> 00:01:28,280 When we read throughout the Bible we discover that this God that we follow, that we serve, 25 00:01:28,280 --> 00:01:31,640 that we are in a relationship with is a generous God. 26 00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:32,640 How do I know that? 27 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:33,640 Well John 3,16. 28 00:01:33,640 --> 00:01:35,960 Many people know it, have quoted it, memorized it. 29 00:01:35,960 --> 00:01:36,960 It says this. 30 00:01:36,960 --> 00:01:41,600 That God so loved the world that He gave. 31 00:01:41,600 --> 00:01:43,820 You want to try that again? 32 00:01:43,820 --> 00:01:46,120 For God so loved the world that He gave. 33 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:47,120 That's better. 34 00:01:47,120 --> 00:01:48,120 Excellent. 35 00:01:48,120 --> 00:01:49,120 He gave. 36 00:01:49,120 --> 00:01:54,600 We have a desire that the people follow Him are generous just as He was. 37 00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:58,200 That literally generosity flows out of our hearts. 38 00:01:58,200 --> 00:02:03,780 I believe that when a person falls in love with Jesus, meaning their heart is changed 39 00:02:03,780 --> 00:02:08,960 with God's mercy, His forgiveness, His love, that He literally places a new heart within 40 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:09,960 us. 41 00:02:09,960 --> 00:02:11,920 I mean that's referred to being born again. 42 00:02:11,920 --> 00:02:16,360 We experience a second birth, a rebirth if you will. 43 00:02:16,360 --> 00:02:23,040 God's heart of generosity is placed within us. 44 00:02:23,040 --> 00:02:25,760 Here's the reality. 45 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:30,640 We either allow that heart to guide and direct our life or we are going to find ourselves 46 00:02:30,640 --> 00:02:32,640 struggling. 47 00:02:32,640 --> 00:02:35,400 Proverbs 11,24 says this. 48 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:40,060 The world of the generous gets larger and larger. 49 00:02:40,060 --> 00:02:44,920 The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 50 00:02:44,920 --> 00:02:52,760 And if we recognize and read that in fact God is a generous God, He has a heart of generosity 51 00:02:52,760 --> 00:02:58,220 and He wants us to follow, then we want our lives, our minds, our outlook to be larger 52 00:02:58,220 --> 00:02:59,220 and larger. 53 00:02:59,220 --> 00:03:03,840 It only happens when we allow our hearts to change. 54 00:03:03,840 --> 00:03:09,280 See when I talk about those over 2000 verses in the Bible, quite often when they reference 55 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:16,440 generosity, they do not try to motivate us by the people that is receiving our generosity. 56 00:03:16,440 --> 00:03:19,880 Now there's scriptures written that challenge us. 57 00:03:19,880 --> 00:03:23,080 They serve the poor and give to the widows. 58 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:28,180 Now don't get me wrong that God does motivate us to reach out to those in need, but quite 59 00:03:28,180 --> 00:03:34,800 often when the word generosity is used or give or generous, it refers back to how we 60 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:37,060 are changed. 61 00:03:37,060 --> 00:03:41,000 How our outlook is changed, how our life is changed. 62 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:47,080 It's not about the person that we are serving or giving to, it's about us receiving back 63 00:03:47,080 --> 00:03:51,480 and being Jesus for them within the world. 64 00:03:51,480 --> 00:03:56,240 It's not about them, it's not about you and me, it's about giving our lives a way to impact 65 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:59,240 others that makes us better. 66 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:01,320 That changes us. 67 00:04:01,320 --> 00:04:05,640 When we live our lives thinking about others or serving others or giving to others, it 68 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:13,120 takes the focus off of us and then we have the ability to point them back to God. 69 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:14,680 Point them back to God. 70 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:20,360 But see I firmly believe that a constant struggle for those of us in a relationship with Jesus 71 00:04:20,360 --> 00:04:26,760 specifically living in the United States is that our society tells us to receive the glory. 72 00:04:26,760 --> 00:04:28,800 You do it. 73 00:04:28,800 --> 00:04:30,400 You volunteer. 74 00:04:30,400 --> 00:04:32,600 You raise money. 75 00:04:32,600 --> 00:04:36,800 You give your time and you take the glory. 76 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:40,480 It's not about pointing people back to Jesus, it's about what you do for your country. 77 00:04:40,480 --> 00:04:42,520 No, it's about pointing people to Jesus. 78 00:04:42,520 --> 00:04:47,120 When we are in a relationship with God, if we are going to allow that generous heart 79 00:04:47,120 --> 00:04:52,800 to flow out of us, we have to be focused on allowing God to use us. 80 00:04:52,800 --> 00:04:58,620 Winston Churchill said this, we make a living by what we get. 81 00:04:58,620 --> 00:05:02,320 We make a life by what we give. 82 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:05,200 We make a life by what we give. 83 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:06,940 Let's be honest here. 84 00:05:06,940 --> 00:05:10,400 One day we are all going to be at a place where we are looking back over this life that 85 00:05:10,400 --> 00:05:18,560 we have been given and we are going to ask the question, did I live a life that was meaningful? 86 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:25,360 Am I living a legacy behind for others to follow or did I just get what I wanted? 87 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:31,440 Mother Teresa says it this way, a life not lived for others is not a life. 88 00:05:31,440 --> 00:05:38,360 I read that quote and I was simply convicted of that's truth. 89 00:05:38,360 --> 00:05:43,640 That's not the Bible, that's just a little old lady that is serving the poor and giving 90 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:50,440 away and setting an example for what a relationship with Jesus would still look like. 91 00:05:50,440 --> 00:05:55,440 I truly believe that if you and I live out this simple character trait of God, that if 92 00:05:55,440 --> 00:06:01,340 we partner together with Him and allow our lives to be one of hospitality and generosity 93 00:06:01,340 --> 00:06:03,840 and giving it away, we are going to change our world. 94 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:05,960 We are going to change the Tri-state area. 95 00:06:05,960 --> 00:06:10,200 We are going to change our neighbors and our workplaces because that is God working through 96 00:06:10,200 --> 00:06:18,080 us and that is His heart for the people that live around us. 97 00:06:18,080 --> 00:06:20,560 So let's take a look at the world of the generous. 98 00:06:20,560 --> 00:06:22,160 What does it mean the world of the generous? 99 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:26,360 It means a person that is generous with their life. 100 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:29,680 God paints us a picture of what that person looks like. 101 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:33,680 The first is this, the generous are happy. 102 00:06:33,680 --> 00:06:36,880 The generous are happy. 103 00:06:36,880 --> 00:06:40,840 Generous people enjoy being generous. 104 00:06:40,840 --> 00:06:46,120 I think about to why we give things away, why we give away glow necklaces or flowers 105 00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:51,520 and every time one of those events are coming up, I get excited about it because I think 106 00:06:51,520 --> 00:06:55,280 about the smiles that I receive when I give stuff away. 107 00:06:55,280 --> 00:06:59,340 When I give a glow necklace to a child and he thinks, I didn't have to pay for this or 108 00:06:59,340 --> 00:07:02,320 she didn't have to pay for this and families they just light up, I'll take one, I'll take 109 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:03,320 one, I'll take one. 110 00:07:03,320 --> 00:07:04,320 They are all happy. 111 00:07:04,320 --> 00:07:08,840 Or an adult that is driving in their car and downtrodden and they get handed a flower in 112 00:07:08,840 --> 00:07:13,960 the square and they look back at you like, how did you know? 113 00:07:13,960 --> 00:07:21,640 Like when you are generous, you see it in people's faces that they give back to you 114 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:26,200 a smile or a thank you that is just simply priceless. 115 00:07:26,200 --> 00:07:29,160 But let's even take this a step further. 116 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:35,040 Scientists in fact have discovered in their experiments that people who behaved generously 117 00:07:35,040 --> 00:07:41,440 were happier afterwards than those who behaved more selfishly. 118 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:48,240 They've discovered according to the article of neuroscience of giving found in psychology 119 00:07:48,240 --> 00:07:58,120 today that when you are generous it releases a hormone called oxytocin and it's this boosting 120 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:06,920 hormone that changes or counteracts the effects of cortisol which is the stress hormone. 121 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:14,320 And the higher levels of oxytocin are found in people that are more generous. 122 00:08:14,320 --> 00:08:21,340 Like in their generosity, in their servanthood, in their ability to give they receive pleasure 123 00:08:21,340 --> 00:08:24,520 is what scientists say. 124 00:08:24,520 --> 00:08:26,640 Continuing on in this article, listen to this. 125 00:08:26,640 --> 00:08:31,480 When most people think of giving they may have too narrow a focus. 126 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:36,740 All giving works wonders, not just cash given once, twice a year weekly. 127 00:08:36,740 --> 00:08:38,400 How can you help others? 128 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:42,440 Is there a cause you support, a friend that needs help, a stranger that needs a random 129 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:43,880 act of kindness? 130 00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:48,700 You should fill every day with small acts of giving as this is an effective way to bring 131 00:08:48,700 --> 00:08:51,000 happiness to yourself and others. 132 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:56,880 Even just smiling at someone is an act of giving that will brighten both of your days. 133 00:08:56,880 --> 00:09:01,080 That's not from the Bible, that's not from a Christian author, that's from psychology 134 00:09:01,080 --> 00:09:02,080 today. 135 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:08,640 And let's be honest, that whole point about smiling, we all need to work on that. 136 00:09:08,640 --> 00:09:14,160 Some of you need to practice it as you leave here, as you're driving down the road. 137 00:09:14,160 --> 00:09:19,840 I mean, heck, just share a high five with a neighbor. 138 00:09:19,840 --> 00:09:24,140 Are you, are you, Donnie, Donnie, give me a beat. 139 00:09:24,140 --> 00:09:25,600 Can you give me a beat, Donnie? 140 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:28,400 Donnie, can you give me a beat here? 141 00:09:28,400 --> 00:09:29,400 Everyone listen for the beat. 142 00:09:29,400 --> 00:09:30,400 Everyone, here it is. 143 00:09:30,400 --> 00:09:31,400 Come on, let's go. 144 00:09:31,400 --> 00:09:32,400 Come on. 145 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:33,400 Let's go. 146 00:09:33,400 --> 00:09:34,400 Here we go. 147 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:35,400 Now get up and give someone a high five. 148 00:09:35,400 --> 00:09:36,400 Let's go. 149 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:37,400 Get up. 150 00:09:37,400 --> 00:09:38,400 Get up. 151 00:09:38,400 --> 00:09:39,400 Give someone a high five. 152 00:09:39,400 --> 00:09:40,400 Come on. 153 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:41,400 That's it. 154 00:09:41,400 --> 00:09:42,400 Move around. 155 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:43,400 There we go. 156 00:09:43,400 --> 00:09:44,400 Let's go. 157 00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:51,400 Here we go. 158 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:54,400 Come on. 159 00:09:54,400 --> 00:09:59,400 Hey, go get those people that aren't standing up. 160 00:09:59,400 --> 00:10:00,400 Go find them. 161 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:01,400 Give them a high five. 162 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:02,400 They need one. 163 00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:03,400 Let's go. 164 00:10:03,400 --> 00:10:04,400 There we go. 165 00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:05,400 Better. 166 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:06,400 Better. 167 00:10:06,400 --> 00:10:07,400 Okay. 168 00:10:07,400 --> 00:10:08,400 Bring it back. 169 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:09,400 Bring it back. 170 00:10:09,400 --> 00:10:10,400 And whoo. 171 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:15,400 Hey, look. 172 00:10:15,400 --> 00:10:19,400 You're smiling. 173 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:22,400 You're happy. 174 00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:24,440 Right? 175 00:10:24,440 --> 00:10:25,440 That's a generous life. 176 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:28,880 Now why did I have to get a beat going? 177 00:10:28,880 --> 00:10:33,360 I just shared with you what happens when you are generous and when you smile and when you 178 00:10:33,360 --> 00:10:37,680 give it away and all of you just went, yeah, high five. 179 00:10:37,680 --> 00:10:40,600 I shouldn't have to get a beat going. 180 00:10:40,600 --> 00:10:41,600 Right? 181 00:10:41,600 --> 00:10:45,000 That should just be the way we live. 182 00:10:45,000 --> 00:10:48,120 And the amazing thing is this. 183 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:52,840 God has designed within us to be generous. 184 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:53,840 Like now don't get me wrong. 185 00:10:53,840 --> 00:10:55,640 Scientists have now discovered it. 186 00:10:55,640 --> 00:10:57,720 But it was already there. 187 00:10:57,720 --> 00:11:03,120 God had already designed us this way because that's how good He is. 188 00:11:03,120 --> 00:11:05,080 Proverbs 11, 25. 189 00:11:05,080 --> 00:11:08,640 The generous will prosper. 190 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:15,720 Now that word prosper there, when it's written in the original Greek, it's not about money. 191 00:11:15,720 --> 00:11:18,960 Prosper means that you're pushing forward in life. 192 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:22,040 You're being successful in life. 193 00:11:22,040 --> 00:11:25,880 Those who refresh others will be refreshed. 194 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:30,880 Like some of you feel refreshed right now because you got up and moved around and smiled. 195 00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:32,440 Proverbs 21. 196 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:37,880 Some people are always greedy for more but the godly love to give. 197 00:11:37,880 --> 00:11:38,880 They love to give. 198 00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:46,080 I mean just this week I was walking out of our building and a car pulled up and this 199 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:49,860 little old lady got out and she smiled at me and then she went to her back seat and 200 00:11:49,860 --> 00:11:56,080 grabbed this whole bag full of Micah's backpack supplies and she handed it to me and she had 201 00:11:56,080 --> 00:11:59,120 this biggest smile on her face. 202 00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:03,240 And I said, man thank you so much. 203 00:12:03,240 --> 00:12:06,880 But it's just an example of generosity. 204 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:12,540 Friday I got an email from one of the guidance counselors of the schools that we serve throughout 205 00:12:12,540 --> 00:12:14,200 the county and she sent me this email. 206 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:20,440 She goes, hey Chris, is your church planning on doing the Thanksgiving boxes again this 207 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:21,440 year? 208 00:12:21,440 --> 00:12:26,720 And she just asked me that question and I sent it back and I said, yes, all caps. 209 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:28,560 You know I said, yes, that's what we do. 210 00:12:28,560 --> 00:12:33,640 She goes, I kind of figured that but I didn't want to assume it and she was just excited 211 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:40,640 that our church would partner together with her school to reach the community. 212 00:12:40,640 --> 00:12:44,640 See that's just an example of being generous. 213 00:12:44,640 --> 00:12:53,120 Jesus says this in Matthew 621, wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart 214 00:12:53,120 --> 00:12:55,080 will also be. 215 00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:59,280 And see if you struggle with generosity, if we're at a place in our heart that it's just 216 00:12:59,280 --> 00:13:01,520 hard to give, be honest. 217 00:13:01,520 --> 00:13:06,240 Sometimes it's just hard to give a little extra money if you have to or it's hard to 218 00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:12,520 give when you see a need or you think, I don't have extra money or I don't have extra time 219 00:13:12,520 --> 00:13:16,600 or I don't have extra resources, I can't really do it and you don't really get a joy in it. 220 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:20,140 If you give begrudgingly, that's a heart issue. 221 00:13:20,140 --> 00:13:21,600 That's all that is. 222 00:13:21,600 --> 00:13:24,240 It's a heart issue. 223 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:28,080 It simply stated you need to ask the Holy Spirit to identify what that issue could be 224 00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:30,600 that's causing it. 225 00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:37,320 Maybe you have the spirit of worry or fear or you have resentment. 226 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:40,840 Maybe someone has hurt you and you don't want to give your time, you don't want to give 227 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:41,840 your money. 228 00:13:41,840 --> 00:13:47,400 And my challenge to you is this, God desires that we're happy, we're only happy when we're 229 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:48,400 generous. 230 00:13:48,400 --> 00:13:51,160 We're only happy when we're giving. 231 00:13:51,160 --> 00:13:55,720 And we need to seek forgiveness so we can move on past those hiccups that we all live 232 00:13:55,720 --> 00:13:59,720 with, which moves us to our second thought, the generous or compassionate. 233 00:13:59,720 --> 00:14:07,280 See, generous people are in tune with those in need, meaning they see a need, they hear 234 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:10,080 it, they recognize it and then they respond to it. 235 00:14:10,080 --> 00:14:11,080 After all, Jesus said what? 236 00:14:11,080 --> 00:14:13,600 He said do it and you'll live. 237 00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:17,040 He didn't say hear it, see it, recognize it and then walk away. 238 00:14:17,040 --> 00:14:21,720 He said no, live a generous life, be a good neighbor. 239 00:14:21,720 --> 00:14:25,040 And this even includes that person that's not aware of the relationship with Jesus. 240 00:14:25,040 --> 00:14:27,880 I want to challenge you to take it a step further. 241 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:33,440 When people are struggling or they're not able to overcome or they're in these addictions, 242 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:35,920 Jesus is the answer. 243 00:14:35,920 --> 00:14:40,120 You know, Jesus had compassion on people and when we read about his compassion, he said 244 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:43,600 yeah, they're sheep without a shepherd. 245 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:44,600 They're wandering lost. 246 00:14:44,600 --> 00:14:48,920 Friends, there's a lot of people in our community who are just wandering lost and they're looking 247 00:14:48,920 --> 00:14:53,600 for an invitation, they're looking for a prayer, they're looking for the ability to just say 248 00:14:53,600 --> 00:14:58,960 yes, I want this good news that you're talking about. 249 00:14:58,960 --> 00:15:01,080 Proverbs 29, 7. 250 00:15:01,080 --> 00:15:06,960 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. 251 00:15:06,960 --> 00:15:11,000 Right, friends, I don't want to be labeled a wicked person. 252 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:14,840 I want to care for others and love one another and there's churches all around the world 253 00:15:14,840 --> 00:15:19,840 today, not just vineyard churches, churches, all kinds of churches all around the world 254 00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:23,040 making a difference in the lives of people. 255 00:15:23,040 --> 00:15:29,760 You know, orphanages and hospitals and clinics and food pantries just serving people and 256 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:32,760 loving on people for Jesus. 257 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:37,000 And this is just, it's evident today, but if you look back in the history of Western 258 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:44,280 culture, Western civilization, I just did a quick Google search, the impact of Christianity 259 00:15:44,280 --> 00:15:45,280 on Western civilization. 260 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:50,360 I just popped it in, you know, Google the Almighty Go, it gives you results. 261 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:55,960 Pops it right back at me and it's interesting, I read this article, it's just Jesus facts 262 00:15:55,960 --> 00:16:05,500 and what, like just people and different scientists and historians have discovered the power of 263 00:16:05,500 --> 00:16:07,160 what the church has done. 264 00:16:07,160 --> 00:16:13,000 For example, they found that the church values human life and they point to how the church 265 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:20,560 was involved in ending slavery, eradicating slavery within Western society and it's because 266 00:16:20,560 --> 00:16:22,420 the church values life. 267 00:16:22,420 --> 00:16:28,320 They talk about how within Western society that there's a spirit of compassion. 268 00:16:28,320 --> 00:16:34,720 For example, if there's a tsunami or a hurricane, you see it the next day in the news, give, 269 00:16:34,720 --> 00:16:36,240 give, true or false? 270 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:43,220 Like people want to give and they point that back to the founding fathers and the Jesus 271 00:16:43,220 --> 00:16:51,000 followers that came into the new world that brought Jesus' principles, education. 272 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:59,600 All but one of the first 123 colleges in colonial America were Christian institutions founded 273 00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:03,000 on Jesus' principles. 274 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:09,600 You can dig into them. You can look at the founding statements of these schools. For example, Harvard. Has anybody ever heard of Harvard? 275 00:17:10,400 --> 00:17:16,160 Right, it's pretty, it's pretty good institution, right? It means Ivy League school, only the best of the best. 276 00:17:16,840 --> 00:17:18,560 Listen to their 277 00:17:18,560 --> 00:17:21,440 statement of why the school was founded. 278 00:17:21,920 --> 00:17:27,280 Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well 279 00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:33,600 the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life. 280 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:37,760 Harvard University. 281 00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:41,520 Art, music, literature, science, 282 00:17:42,160 --> 00:17:44,160 all point 283 00:17:44,320 --> 00:17:46,960 to Jesus followers. Our government, 284 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:51,760 for example, 50 of the 55 original signers of the US Constitution, 285 00:17:52,800 --> 00:17:54,400 Jesus followers. 286 00:17:54,400 --> 00:17:59,680 Right, followers of Jesus that were passionate about wanting to see his truths just 287 00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:04,000 expand in the Western society. Now don't get me wrong, a lot of things have changed in time. 288 00:18:05,120 --> 00:18:10,620 But it's there, it's evident. That's what the church does. Proverbs 21 13, 289 00:18:10,620 --> 00:18:15,680 if a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. 290 00:18:16,240 --> 00:18:18,980 God never allow us to be that way. 291 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:22,200 Never allow us to be selfish 292 00:18:22,200 --> 00:18:26,920 about our own needs and how our own needs aren't being met because then we become callous towards the poor. 293 00:18:26,920 --> 00:18:31,400 If you're anything like me, you've made statements like this. Well, they need to get a job. 294 00:18:32,520 --> 00:18:34,520 They need to stop being so lazy. 295 00:18:34,840 --> 00:18:36,840 They need to work harder. 296 00:18:37,160 --> 00:18:39,160 Well, they have enough money to buy cigarettes. 297 00:18:40,200 --> 00:18:42,200 What? They can't buy food. 298 00:18:43,560 --> 00:18:49,960 I mean, be honest. We've become these self-appointed experts in other people's pain when in reality that's just judgment. 299 00:18:49,960 --> 00:18:51,800 Forgive us. 300 00:18:51,800 --> 00:18:53,800 You know that that's not being generous. 301 00:18:54,520 --> 00:18:59,320 I mean listen to these recent studies from from the report on the poor of Maryland. 302 00:18:59,320 --> 00:19:02,840 One out of every eight Washington County residents is living in poverty. 303 00:19:03,560 --> 00:19:05,560 One out of every eight. 304 00:19:05,960 --> 00:19:10,920 Washington County's poverty rate was the eighth highest out of 24 counties in Maryland. 305 00:19:12,120 --> 00:19:17,160 Their average per capita income is $23,850 for a family of four. 306 00:19:17,160 --> 00:19:19,800 And the cost of living is going up and wages aren't. 307 00:19:20,840 --> 00:19:26,840 I mean friends, we're called to see people in need. Jesus's words in Matthew 6, 8. 308 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:30,840 Give as freely as you have received. 309 00:19:31,800 --> 00:19:38,120 You know Jesus, Jesus God, he doesn't lay it out that we have to give something back to receive Jesus. It's all free. 310 00:19:39,080 --> 00:19:43,080 And we need to allow our actions, our attitudes, our words to reflect God's heart 311 00:19:43,080 --> 00:19:46,200 that he gave his son for you and me for free. 312 00:19:46,920 --> 00:19:49,400 Which means this to our next thought. The generous are blessed. 313 00:19:50,280 --> 00:19:52,280 The generous are blessed. 314 00:19:53,800 --> 00:19:56,200 Truth we never give to get. 315 00:19:57,000 --> 00:20:00,200 Hear me out. And I want to steer this steer this clue 316 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:07,400 where I'm going here. It's true the Bible does say that we're going to receive from him a blessing when we give but that can't be our motivation. 317 00:20:08,040 --> 00:20:10,040 I'm not a prosperity gospel guy. 318 00:20:10,040 --> 00:20:14,760 I'm not going to sit here and say yeah you give 10,000 he's going to give you a million. I'm not going to say that. 319 00:20:15,320 --> 00:20:17,640 Because that's the wrong motivation to give. 320 00:20:19,800 --> 00:20:26,680 Right our motivation has to be that God's kingdom is advancing, is changing lives, is making a difference in the tri-state area. 321 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,080 That's why we're generous. 322 00:20:29,720 --> 00:20:34,200 Proverbs 22, 9. Blessed are those who are generous because they feed the poor. 323 00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:40,360 Blessed are those who are generous because they feed the poor. Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. 324 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:44,920 But those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. 325 00:20:45,880 --> 00:20:51,880 I mean God is just challenging us and imploring us to to just live a generous life. 326 00:20:52,440 --> 00:20:57,640 To look, to see, to hear, to just reflect God's love. 327 00:20:58,200 --> 00:21:02,920 But we have to guard against it because remember I said I even challenged you at the beginning one of the biggest struggles 328 00:21:02,920 --> 00:21:08,600 in the western society in the United States and in living in a relationship with Jesus is to be about you. 329 00:21:09,640 --> 00:21:13,080 And Jesus challenges us in Matthew 6, 1 through 2. Watch out. 330 00:21:14,280 --> 00:21:20,680 Don't do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others for you will lose the reward from your father in heaven. 331 00:21:21,480 --> 00:21:27,240 When you give to someone in need don't do as the hypocrites do. Blowing trumpets in the synagogues and the streets to call attention 332 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:29,720 to their acts of charity. 333 00:21:29,720 --> 00:21:37,320 Jesus challenges us to live a life of generosity every day without anybody recognizing it. 334 00:21:38,040 --> 00:21:42,040 Except God and those that we're serving being pointed back to him. 335 00:21:42,840 --> 00:21:44,840 That's his challenge. 336 00:21:45,400 --> 00:21:49,800 Which moves us to our next thought. The generous are rewarded. 337 00:21:50,680 --> 00:21:52,680 The generous are rewarded. 338 00:21:52,680 --> 00:22:00,520 And I want to share with you a few minutes of my motivation of why I pastor this church. 339 00:22:02,120 --> 00:22:05,480 I live everyday friends in the fear of God. 340 00:22:06,360 --> 00:22:10,520 Because see I'm going to be held accountable for how I lead this church. 341 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:16,600 I'm going to stand in front of God. I'm going to be held to a whole different level and whole different standard as to how 342 00:22:16,920 --> 00:22:18,920 I lead this church. 343 00:22:18,920 --> 00:22:25,240 And I just want to let you know here this morning that my heart for this church is that we constantly 344 00:22:26,040 --> 00:22:28,680 and are always relevant to our society. 345 00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:35,720 Meaning that we are going to be active involved giving serving leading inviting people 346 00:22:36,280 --> 00:22:38,200 into his kingdom. 347 00:22:38,200 --> 00:22:43,080 That I am always going to be pushing us out so that we see the needs and meet the needs. 348 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:45,880 Because God's church makes a difference. 349 00:22:45,880 --> 00:22:49,000 God's church makes a difference. 350 00:22:49,560 --> 00:22:52,600 And he desires that we do the same. 351 00:22:52,920 --> 00:23:00,600 Proverbs 19 17. If you help the poor you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you. 352 00:23:01,320 --> 00:23:03,320 I mean think about this. 353 00:23:03,880 --> 00:23:08,920 How much more would you give if you know that you're giving as a deposit? 354 00:23:09,960 --> 00:23:11,960 And you say what do you mean? Well see God. 355 00:23:11,960 --> 00:23:15,320 God is going to repay you and me because of our generosity. 356 00:23:15,960 --> 00:23:21,000 And see I'm not talking about repayment here in this world. That's not what I'm talking about. 357 00:23:22,680 --> 00:23:28,440 I mean the Bible refers to and just like I shared at the beginning we're going to all come to that time. 358 00:23:29,240 --> 00:23:33,400 At the end of our life we're going to look back and we're going to see and we're going to think did I live a legacy? 359 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:36,760 Did I live a life that others can follow? And then 360 00:23:37,320 --> 00:23:39,640 if you're in a relationship with Jesus you're already in the kingdom. 361 00:23:39,640 --> 00:23:41,640 We're still going to stand before God. 362 00:23:42,120 --> 00:23:47,880 And he's going to look at our life. He's going to look at what we did in Revelation 22 12. 363 00:23:47,880 --> 00:23:54,360 We read this look I'm coming soon bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 364 00:23:56,120 --> 00:23:59,640 See we're going to receive rewards in God's kingdom. 365 00:24:01,080 --> 00:24:03,080 Rewards based on our generosity. 366 00:24:03,640 --> 00:24:07,800 Rewards based on how we serve and love and give and and and point out. 367 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:09,800 Other people to him. 368 00:24:09,800 --> 00:24:11,800 Second Corinthians 9. The point is this. 369 00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:17,800 Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly. 370 00:24:17,800 --> 00:24:21,800 And whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. 371 00:24:21,800 --> 00:24:27,800 And friends I want to challenge you this morning that that that I am leading us forward. 372 00:24:27,800 --> 00:24:29,800 Outward. 373 00:24:29,800 --> 00:24:35,800 Challenging you to make a difference to be generous to to to live a life to remember. 374 00:24:35,800 --> 00:24:41,800 I had the opportunity on Monday night to to share this past Monday night to share with a local football team. 375 00:24:41,800 --> 00:24:45,800 I was invited to just share anything I wanted. Open platform. 376 00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:51,800 So I got to meet him after practice all dirty smelly eating ice cream. 377 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:55,800 You know just crazy high school kids. You know what I challenged him with? I challenged him with this. 378 00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:57,800 Don't live a normal life. 379 00:24:59,800 --> 00:25:01,800 I said a normal life is just going through the motions. 380 00:25:01,800 --> 00:25:03,800 Right. 381 00:25:03,800 --> 00:25:05,800 Going to school. Doing the job. 382 00:25:05,800 --> 00:25:07,800 Working your classes. Having your friends. 383 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:09,800 You know playing your video games. 384 00:25:09,800 --> 00:25:11,800 Doing that. I said don't live a normal life. 385 00:25:11,800 --> 00:25:13,800 Live a life to remember. 386 00:25:13,800 --> 00:25:17,800 Live a life that's making a difference in the lives of other kids in this school. 387 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:19,800 And I pointed them outwards. 388 00:25:19,800 --> 00:25:21,800 And I want to do the same with you this morning. 389 00:25:21,800 --> 00:25:23,800 Same goes. 390 00:25:23,800 --> 00:25:25,800 Don't live a normal life. 391 00:25:25,800 --> 00:25:29,800 You know don't don't worry about Dolly Parton singing 9 to 5. 392 00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:31,800 Don't worry about 9 to 5. 393 00:25:31,800 --> 00:25:33,800 Worry about a legacy. 394 00:25:33,800 --> 00:25:35,800 A lifestyle. 395 00:25:35,800 --> 00:25:37,800 What you're leaving behind. 396 00:25:39,800 --> 00:25:41,800 I mean cause let's be honest. 397 00:25:41,800 --> 00:25:45,800 Everyday generosity in a selfie world is hard. 398 00:25:45,800 --> 00:25:49,800 Right cause our world is telling us to focus on the self. 399 00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:51,800 And I just want to say no that's wrong. 400 00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:53,800 What we do for ourselves dies with us. 401 00:25:53,800 --> 00:25:57,800 What we do for others lives on. 402 00:25:57,800 --> 00:25:59,800 Lives on. 403 00:25:59,800 --> 00:26:01,800 That's the legacy we're going after. 404 00:26:01,800 --> 00:26:05,800 So I want to challenge you with four simple things. 405 00:26:05,800 --> 00:26:07,800 Living a generous life. 406 00:26:07,800 --> 00:26:13,800 What it looks like in a simple everyday just practical example. 407 00:26:13,800 --> 00:26:15,800 And the first is this. 408 00:26:15,800 --> 00:26:17,800 You have to be generous with your time. 409 00:26:17,800 --> 00:26:19,800 Be generous with my time. 410 00:26:19,800 --> 00:26:21,800 Psalm 112 9. 411 00:26:21,800 --> 00:26:25,800 They share freely and give generously to those in need. 412 00:26:25,800 --> 00:26:29,800 Their good deeds will be remembered forever. 413 00:26:29,800 --> 00:26:33,800 They will have influence and honor. 414 00:26:33,800 --> 00:26:41,800 And truth is for most of us our time is more valuable than our money. 415 00:26:41,800 --> 00:26:43,800 True or false? 416 00:26:43,800 --> 00:26:47,800 Our time is more valuable than our money. 417 00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:49,800 And I just want to share with you right now. 418 00:26:49,800 --> 00:26:51,800 I'm thankful. 419 00:26:51,800 --> 00:26:53,800 I'm thankful for all the people that serve in our community of faith. 420 00:26:53,800 --> 00:26:55,800 Every person that gives their time. 421 00:26:55,800 --> 00:26:57,800 Their energy. 422 00:26:57,800 --> 00:27:01,800 A lot of people they serve one gathering and then they worship another gathering. 423 00:27:01,800 --> 00:27:03,800 Right? 424 00:27:03,800 --> 00:27:05,800 And they put in they show up early and they set things up and tear things down. 425 00:27:05,800 --> 00:27:07,800 And they make the nursery nice. 426 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:11,800 And there's people right now picking up your kids messes. 427 00:27:11,800 --> 00:27:15,800 And loving on them and praying for them and pointing them to Jesus. 428 00:27:15,800 --> 00:27:21,800 And there's a team up here that volunteers and leads us into encounters with God. 429 00:27:21,800 --> 00:27:23,800 Right? 430 00:27:23,800 --> 00:27:27,800 I was back there worshiping both the first and the second gathering. 431 00:27:27,800 --> 00:27:31,800 And there's just nothing like hearing all your voices give back. 432 00:27:31,800 --> 00:27:35,800 I mean it's just such a beautiful sound. 433 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:39,800 But that doesn't happen unless people are serving. 434 00:27:39,800 --> 00:27:41,800 Can we just stop? 435 00:27:41,800 --> 00:27:43,800 I just want to give those that serve in our community of faith. 436 00:27:43,800 --> 00:27:45,800 Can you give them a hand? 437 00:27:45,800 --> 00:27:47,800 Thank you so much. 438 00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:49,800 It's not about me. 439 00:27:49,800 --> 00:27:51,800 Thank you for serving. 440 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:53,800 And I want to encourage all of you. 441 00:27:53,800 --> 00:27:55,800 You need to serve. 442 00:27:55,800 --> 00:27:57,800 I mean simply say that today is start with why. 443 00:27:57,800 --> 00:27:59,800 And what is start with? 444 00:27:59,800 --> 00:28:01,800 Well of course what is start with? 445 00:28:01,800 --> 00:28:05,800 Start with why it takes you 20 minutes after this gathering to go hang out with this guy named Mike Watson. 446 00:28:05,800 --> 00:28:07,800 He'll be in a room and he'll say hey this is the church. 447 00:28:07,800 --> 00:28:09,800 This is what we're about. 448 00:28:09,800 --> 00:28:11,800 This is what we do. 449 00:28:11,800 --> 00:28:15,800 You'll meet me on a video screen. 450 00:28:15,800 --> 00:28:17,800 And then we'll just get plugged in. 451 00:28:17,800 --> 00:28:19,800 It gives you opportunities to learn all about the church. 452 00:28:19,800 --> 00:28:21,800 There's a smile and balloons down there waiting for you. 453 00:28:21,800 --> 00:28:23,800 I want to challenge you. 454 00:28:23,800 --> 00:28:25,800 If you haven't been to start with why, do it. 455 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:27,800 Do it. 456 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:29,800 Spend 20 minutes. 457 00:28:29,800 --> 00:28:31,800 Get involved. 458 00:28:31,800 --> 00:28:33,800 Because you're going to hear me say this quite often. 459 00:28:33,800 --> 00:28:35,800 If you can't serve here, you're serving nowhere. 460 00:28:35,800 --> 00:28:37,800 Next week is team up Sunday. 461 00:28:37,800 --> 00:28:39,800 And you learn about all of our teams. 462 00:28:39,800 --> 00:28:41,800 And I know some of you are thinking oh it's the second Sunday of the month. 463 00:28:41,800 --> 00:28:43,800 It's Crumpy Sunday. 464 00:28:43,800 --> 00:28:45,800 Can't wait to have a donut. 465 00:28:45,800 --> 00:28:47,800 More importantly it's team up Sunday. 466 00:28:47,800 --> 00:28:49,800 And it's how you get involved and how you join a team. 467 00:28:49,800 --> 00:28:51,800 I want all of you on a team. 468 00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:55,800 Because it's just so valuable to be generous with your time. 469 00:28:55,800 --> 00:28:57,800 And it goes beyond our church. 470 00:28:57,800 --> 00:28:59,800 You know you've got big brothers, big sisters. 471 00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:01,800 You know that I constantly challenge you. 472 00:29:01,800 --> 00:29:03,800 I coach. 473 00:29:03,800 --> 00:29:09,800 You know I serve local youth sporting places by my coaching and my time. 474 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:11,800 Because I value giving back to kids. 475 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:13,800 I did a quick search this morning. 476 00:29:13,800 --> 00:29:17,800 There's an entire website called Volunteer Washington County. 477 00:29:17,800 --> 00:29:19,800 Just put in Volunteer Washington County. 478 00:29:19,800 --> 00:29:21,800 And it's like blub. 479 00:29:21,800 --> 00:29:23,800 All these things come up. 480 00:29:23,800 --> 00:29:25,800 But where you can serve in Washington County. 481 00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:29,800 I mean we have got to realize. 482 00:29:29,800 --> 00:29:31,800 That when we give our time. 483 00:29:31,800 --> 00:29:33,800 We're giving it back to God. 484 00:29:33,800 --> 00:29:37,800 And we're giving it to people so that we can point them back to him. 485 00:29:37,800 --> 00:29:39,800 Ephesians 5. 486 00:29:39,800 --> 00:29:41,800 Be careful how you live. 487 00:29:41,800 --> 00:29:43,800 Don't live like fools. 488 00:29:43,800 --> 00:29:45,800 But live like those who are wise. 489 00:29:45,800 --> 00:29:49,800 Make the most of every opportunity. 490 00:29:49,800 --> 00:29:51,800 In these evil days. 491 00:29:51,800 --> 00:29:53,800 Don't act thoughtlessly. 492 00:29:53,800 --> 00:29:55,800 But understand what the Lord wants you to do. 493 00:29:55,800 --> 00:29:57,800 Be generous with your time friends. 494 00:29:57,800 --> 00:29:59,800 Which moves us to our next step. 495 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:01,800 You've got to be generous with your talent. 496 00:30:01,800 --> 00:30:03,800 Be generous with my talent. 497 00:30:03,800 --> 00:30:05,800 Now for many of us we think when we hear talent. 498 00:30:05,800 --> 00:30:07,800 We think well Chris I'm not talented. 499 00:30:07,800 --> 00:30:09,800 Right I'm not going to be on American Idol. 500 00:30:09,800 --> 00:30:11,800 Or America's got talent. 501 00:30:11,800 --> 00:30:13,800 Or the voice. 502 00:30:13,800 --> 00:30:15,800 I don't have that kind of voice. 503 00:30:15,800 --> 00:30:17,800 But guess what I don't either. 504 00:30:17,800 --> 00:30:19,800 If you heard me sing you'd say dear God turn it off. 505 00:30:19,800 --> 00:30:21,800 I don't have that talent either. 506 00:30:21,800 --> 00:30:23,800 But it's not about that type of talent. 507 00:30:23,800 --> 00:30:25,800 All of you have a spiritual gift that God has put inside of you. 508 00:30:25,800 --> 00:30:27,800 Some of you have multiple spiritual gifts. 509 00:30:27,800 --> 00:30:29,800 And it's about activating those gifts. 510 00:30:29,800 --> 00:30:31,800 And using it for God's glory. 511 00:30:31,800 --> 00:30:33,800 Psalm 112. 512 00:30:33,800 --> 00:30:35,800 God will come to him. 513 00:30:35,800 --> 00:30:37,800 Who is generous and lends freely. 514 00:30:37,800 --> 00:30:39,800 Who is generous and lends freely. 515 00:30:39,800 --> 00:30:41,800 Who conducts his affairs with justice. 516 00:30:41,800 --> 00:30:43,800 Surely he will never be shaken. 517 00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:45,800 A righteous man will be remembered forever. 518 00:30:45,800 --> 00:30:47,800 That's called a legacy. 519 00:30:47,800 --> 00:30:49,800 It's called leaving a life behind. 520 00:30:49,800 --> 00:30:51,800 That others can follow. 521 00:30:51,800 --> 00:30:53,800 1 Peter 4 10. 522 00:30:53,800 --> 00:30:55,800 God has given each of you a gift. 523 00:30:55,800 --> 00:30:57,800 From his great variety of spiritual gifts. 524 00:30:57,800 --> 00:30:59,800 Use them well. 525 00:30:59,800 --> 00:31:01,800 To serve one another. 526 00:31:01,800 --> 00:31:03,800 And I just want to challenge you this morning. 527 00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:05,800 How are you using your gifts to serve one another? 528 00:31:05,800 --> 00:31:07,800 Where are you serving? 529 00:31:07,800 --> 00:31:09,800 Because see if we're not 530 00:31:09,800 --> 00:31:11,800 activating our spiritual gifts. 531 00:31:11,800 --> 00:31:13,800 We're not following God's best for our life. 532 00:31:13,800 --> 00:31:15,800 We're not living a generous life. 533 00:31:15,800 --> 00:31:17,800 So we have 534 00:31:17,800 --> 00:31:19,800 Be generous with my time. 535 00:31:19,800 --> 00:31:21,800 Be generous with my talent. 536 00:31:21,800 --> 00:31:23,800 Number 3. Be generous with my touch. 537 00:31:23,800 --> 00:31:25,800 Be generous with my touch. 538 00:31:25,800 --> 00:31:27,800 Each and every one of us 539 00:31:27,800 --> 00:31:29,800 have the ability to touch someone right now. 540 00:31:29,800 --> 00:31:31,800 Everyone take your phone out. 541 00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:33,800 Take your phone out. 542 00:31:33,800 --> 00:31:35,800 Put it in the car. God bless you. 543 00:31:35,800 --> 00:31:37,800 Thank you for leaving it in the car. 544 00:31:37,800 --> 00:31:39,800 But I know many of you didn't. 545 00:31:39,800 --> 00:31:41,800 Take it out. But I know it's on silent. 546 00:31:41,800 --> 00:31:43,800 Go to your message center. 547 00:31:43,800 --> 00:31:45,800 Text message. Everybody do it. 548 00:31:45,800 --> 00:31:47,800 Do you need some pump up? Do I need to get a bass? 549 00:31:47,800 --> 00:31:49,800 Do I need a bass? Donnie, give me a bass. 550 00:31:49,800 --> 00:31:51,800 Give me a bass beat. 551 00:31:51,800 --> 00:31:53,800 Come on these people here. 552 00:31:53,800 --> 00:31:55,800 Give me a bass. Alright here we go. 553 00:31:55,800 --> 00:31:57,800 Go to your text messages. 554 00:31:57,800 --> 00:31:59,800 Hit new text message. 555 00:31:59,800 --> 00:32:01,800 Pick anybody you want out. 556 00:32:01,800 --> 00:32:03,800 You can be your mom, dad, 557 00:32:03,800 --> 00:32:05,800 aunt, uncle, brother, sister, co-worker, 558 00:32:05,800 --> 00:32:07,800 classmate. I don't care. 559 00:32:07,800 --> 00:32:09,800 Pick anybody out. 560 00:32:09,800 --> 00:32:11,800 Don't make a number up because that doesn't count. 561 00:32:11,800 --> 00:32:13,800 It's got to be someone you know. 562 00:32:13,800 --> 00:32:15,800 Okay. I picked someone. 563 00:32:15,800 --> 00:32:17,800 Let me find them. There they are. 564 00:32:17,800 --> 00:32:19,800 Now encourage them. 565 00:32:19,800 --> 00:32:21,800 Send a message. Do it right now. 566 00:32:21,800 --> 00:32:23,800 Do it right now. 567 00:32:29,800 --> 00:32:31,800 Come on. Get your foot on. 568 00:32:33,800 --> 00:32:35,800 Now why are people sending them to me? 569 00:32:35,800 --> 00:32:37,800 Come on. 570 00:32:41,800 --> 00:32:43,800 Oh there's another. 571 00:32:43,800 --> 00:32:45,800 Done. 572 00:32:45,800 --> 00:32:47,800 Did everybody do it? 573 00:32:47,800 --> 00:32:49,800 Come on. I'll put a bass on for you. I'll put a beat on. 574 00:32:49,800 --> 00:32:51,800 Did everybody do it? 575 00:32:51,800 --> 00:32:53,800 Just nod. Give me a nod. Yes Chris. Yes. 576 00:32:53,800 --> 00:32:55,800 Alright. Thank you. Thank you Donnie. 577 00:32:55,800 --> 00:32:57,800 There isn't any reason 578 00:32:57,800 --> 00:32:59,800 that we're not sending 10 to 15 579 00:32:59,800 --> 00:33:01,800 texts every day to people to encourage them. 580 00:33:01,800 --> 00:33:03,800 There's no reason. 581 00:33:03,800 --> 00:33:05,800 We're not being generous 582 00:33:05,800 --> 00:33:07,800 if we're not doing it. 583 00:33:07,800 --> 00:33:09,800 Because we all have the time. We all have a lunch break. 584 00:33:09,800 --> 00:33:11,800 We all have a 15 minute break 585 00:33:11,800 --> 00:33:13,800 that we can go on. 586 00:33:13,800 --> 00:33:15,800 15 seconds to encourage everybody. 587 00:33:15,800 --> 00:33:17,800 I mean it's just that 588 00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:19,800 simple. And when people receive 589 00:33:19,800 --> 00:33:21,800 hey I love you. Hey you're the best. 590 00:33:21,800 --> 00:33:23,800 You have so many talents. You're gifted. 591 00:33:23,800 --> 00:33:25,800 God loves you. Send them a scripture. 592 00:33:25,800 --> 00:33:27,800 Like when we 593 00:33:27,800 --> 00:33:29,800 do that it makes a difference. 594 00:33:29,800 --> 00:33:31,800 True or false? 595 00:33:31,800 --> 00:33:33,800 Darn right it's true. But that's 596 00:33:33,800 --> 00:33:35,800 a generous heart. That's a generous 597 00:33:35,800 --> 00:33:37,800 life. Check out. For example 598 00:33:37,800 --> 00:33:39,800 I want everybody to see this video. I 599 00:33:39,800 --> 00:33:41,800 watched it a week or so ago and I knew 600 00:33:41,800 --> 00:33:43,800 I was supposed to share it with you. It's very emotional. 601 00:33:43,800 --> 00:33:45,800 Very moving. Check it out right 602 00:33:45,800 --> 00:33:47,800 now. 603 00:34:15,800 --> 00:34:17,800 Ooh 604 00:34:17,800 --> 00:34:19,800 Ooh 605 00:34:19,800 --> 00:34:21,800 Ooh 606 00:34:21,800 --> 00:34:23,800 Ooh 607 00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:29,800 What the world 608 00:34:29,800 --> 00:34:31,800 needs now 609 00:34:31,800 --> 00:34:33,800 is love, sweet love 610 00:34:33,800 --> 00:34:35,800 It's the only thing 611 00:34:35,800 --> 00:34:37,800 that there's just 612 00:34:37,800 --> 00:34:39,800 too little of 613 00:34:39,800 --> 00:34:41,800 What the world needs now 614 00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:43,800 is love, sweet 615 00:34:43,800 --> 00:34:45,800 love 616 00:34:45,800 --> 00:34:47,800 Not just for some 617 00:34:47,800 --> 00:34:49,800 but for everyone 618 00:34:49,800 --> 00:34:51,800 Ooh 619 00:34:51,800 --> 00:34:53,800 Ooh 620 00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:55,800 Ooh 621 00:34:55,800 --> 00:34:57,800 Ooh 622 00:34:57,800 --> 00:34:59,800 Ooh 623 00:34:59,800 --> 00:35:01,800 Lord 624 00:35:01,800 --> 00:35:03,800 we don't need another 625 00:35:03,800 --> 00:35:05,800 mountain 626 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:07,800 There's mountains and 627 00:35:07,800 --> 00:35:09,800 hillsides, enough 628 00:35:09,800 --> 00:35:11,800 to climb 629 00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:13,800 There are oceans and rivers 630 00:35:13,800 --> 00:35:15,800 and a 631 00:35:15,800 --> 00:35:17,800 mutual cross 632 00:35:17,800 --> 00:35:19,800 Enough to last until the 633 00:35:19,800 --> 00:35:21,800 end of time 634 00:35:21,800 --> 00:35:23,800 Until the end 635 00:35:23,800 --> 00:35:25,800 of time 636 00:35:25,800 --> 00:35:27,800 What the world needs now 637 00:35:27,800 --> 00:35:29,800 is love, sweet 638 00:35:29,800 --> 00:35:31,800 love It's the only 639 00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:33,800 thing that there's just 640 00:35:33,800 --> 00:35:35,800 too little of 641 00:35:35,800 --> 00:35:37,800 What the world needs 642 00:35:37,800 --> 00:35:39,800 now is love, 643 00:35:39,800 --> 00:35:41,800 sweet love 644 00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:43,800 Not just for some but 645 00:35:43,800 --> 00:35:45,800 for everyone 646 00:35:45,800 --> 00:35:47,800 Ooh 647 00:35:47,800 --> 00:35:49,800 Ooh 648 00:35:49,800 --> 00:35:51,800 Ooh 649 00:35:51,800 --> 00:35:53,800 Ooh 650 00:35:53,800 --> 00:35:55,800 Ooh 651 00:35:55,800 --> 00:35:57,800 Ooh 652 00:35:57,800 --> 00:35:59,800 What the world needs now 653 00:35:59,800 --> 00:36:01,800 is love, sweet 654 00:36:01,800 --> 00:36:03,800 love It's the only 655 00:36:03,800 --> 00:36:05,800 thing that there's just 656 00:36:05,800 --> 00:36:07,800 too little of 657 00:36:07,800 --> 00:36:09,800 What the world needs now 658 00:36:09,800 --> 00:36:11,800 is love 659 00:36:11,800 --> 00:36:13,800 Now does anybody want to get take a 660 00:36:13,800 --> 00:36:15,800 anybody want to just take a little guess of how I found 661 00:36:15,800 --> 00:36:17,800 that video 662 00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:19,800 anybody want to guess 663 00:36:19,800 --> 00:36:21,800 nope someone shared it with me in a text 664 00:36:21,800 --> 00:36:23,800 said hey I think this would be meaningful for 665 00:36:23,800 --> 00:36:25,800 you I think this really ties into our 666 00:36:25,800 --> 00:36:27,800 to our series and 667 00:36:27,800 --> 00:36:29,800 what we're doing and what we're trying to do and 668 00:36:29,800 --> 00:36:31,800 see that's the power 669 00:36:31,800 --> 00:36:33,800 of just touching someone 670 00:36:33,800 --> 00:36:35,800 you know I watched it when I first watched that video for the first time 671 00:36:35,800 --> 00:36:37,800 I was just in 672 00:36:37,800 --> 00:36:39,800 tears 673 00:36:39,800 --> 00:36:41,800 just because that's what we want 674 00:36:41,800 --> 00:36:43,800 and that's what 675 00:36:43,800 --> 00:36:45,800 God wants for you and me 676 00:36:45,800 --> 00:36:47,800 it's what God wants for you and me 677 00:36:47,800 --> 00:36:49,800 five simple 678 00:36:49,800 --> 00:36:51,800 touches that you can make every day, everyone ready? 679 00:36:51,800 --> 00:36:53,800 Five simple touches that you can make every day 680 00:36:53,800 --> 00:36:55,800 Dear God smile 681 00:36:55,800 --> 00:36:57,800 just smile 682 00:36:57,800 --> 00:36:59,800 smile at people 683 00:36:59,800 --> 00:37:01,800 smile in your situations I a few weeks 684 00:37:01,800 --> 00:37:03,800 ago I went down to 685 00:37:03,800 --> 00:37:05,800 you know my daughter Trinity is at the University of Maryland 686 00:37:05,800 --> 00:37:07,800 playing softball and 687 00:37:07,800 --> 00:37:09,800 she was all excited it was her first game 688 00:37:09,800 --> 00:37:11,800 and we went down and spent the day with her 689 00:37:11,800 --> 00:37:13,800 and was watching her play 690 00:37:13,800 --> 00:37:15,800 and she pitched and when she pitched 691 00:37:15,800 --> 00:37:17,800 she just was terrible 692 00:37:17,800 --> 00:37:19,800 she just had a bad outing 693 00:37:19,800 --> 00:37:21,800 dude it's not funny 694 00:37:21,800 --> 00:37:23,800 because you don't understand my daughter is a lot like me 695 00:37:23,800 --> 00:37:25,800 and she puts everything into it 696 00:37:25,800 --> 00:37:27,800 and 697 00:37:27,800 --> 00:37:29,800 she just didn't pitch well 698 00:37:29,800 --> 00:37:31,800 she was putting too much pressure on herself and for a dad 699 00:37:31,800 --> 00:37:33,800 you know I'm sitting there in the seats 700 00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:35,800 and man my heart went out to her 701 00:37:37,800 --> 00:37:39,800 and it wasn't that 702 00:37:39,800 --> 00:37:41,800 she was messing up or not doing well 703 00:37:41,800 --> 00:37:43,800 or it was like man I just 704 00:37:43,800 --> 00:37:45,800 know how passionate she was about 705 00:37:45,800 --> 00:37:47,800 wanting to be good 706 00:37:47,800 --> 00:37:49,800 and wanting to be successful and my heart broke for 707 00:37:49,800 --> 00:37:51,800 just the look on her face 708 00:37:51,800 --> 00:37:53,800 of just man I suck today 709 00:37:53,800 --> 00:37:55,800 and that's what the look was she was defeated 710 00:37:55,800 --> 00:37:57,800 and I'm sitting there in her 711 00:37:57,800 --> 00:38:01,800 seats and God just whispering in her ear saying hey Chris smile 712 00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:03,800 and it's like 713 00:38:03,800 --> 00:38:05,800 you just whispered into my ear you know something 714 00:38:05,800 --> 00:38:07,800 she's going to 715 00:38:07,800 --> 00:38:09,800 look over at you 716 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:11,800 let her see a smile 717 00:38:13,800 --> 00:38:15,800 because that's the most important thing 718 00:38:15,800 --> 00:38:17,800 that people see 719 00:38:17,800 --> 00:38:19,800 God's generosity in your life 720 00:38:19,800 --> 00:38:21,800 smile 721 00:38:21,800 --> 00:38:23,800 number two sympathize 722 00:38:23,800 --> 00:38:25,800 like just listen to someone 723 00:38:25,800 --> 00:38:27,800 just stop and listen 724 00:38:27,800 --> 00:38:29,800 right hear their hearts 725 00:38:29,800 --> 00:38:31,800 share a hug with them 726 00:38:31,800 --> 00:38:33,800 number three speak up 727 00:38:33,800 --> 00:38:35,800 like write a post-it note and put it in your kids lunch 728 00:38:35,800 --> 00:38:37,800 like leave a post-it note 729 00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:39,800 on their refrigerator or on a co-workers desk 730 00:38:39,800 --> 00:38:41,800 or on a classmates desk 731 00:38:41,800 --> 00:38:43,800 someone that's just having a bad day 732 00:38:43,800 --> 00:38:45,800 like leave them a note 733 00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:47,800 speak up 734 00:38:47,800 --> 00:38:49,800 serve 735 00:38:49,800 --> 00:38:51,800 right if you're not serving 736 00:38:51,800 --> 00:38:53,800 you're not being generous 737 00:38:53,800 --> 00:38:55,800 God calls us to serve 738 00:38:55,800 --> 00:38:57,800 and number five 739 00:38:57,800 --> 00:38:59,800 the final one sacrifice 740 00:38:59,800 --> 00:39:01,800 do something that actually 741 00:39:01,800 --> 00:39:03,800 is going to cost you something 742 00:39:03,800 --> 00:39:05,800 right when we do something outside 743 00:39:05,800 --> 00:39:07,800 of or beyond 744 00:39:07,800 --> 00:39:09,800 just the everyday like if you're going out to lunch today 745 00:39:09,800 --> 00:39:11,800 listen to 746 00:39:11,800 --> 00:39:13,800 your waiter or your server if God prompts your heart 747 00:39:13,800 --> 00:39:15,800 give them a 50 percent tip 748 00:39:15,800 --> 00:39:17,800 like do something that hurts 749 00:39:17,800 --> 00:39:19,800 because a lot of times when we get 750 00:39:19,800 --> 00:39:21,800 outside of ourselves and suddenly that's when 751 00:39:21,800 --> 00:39:23,800 God works 752 00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:25,800 we've got to be willing to be generous 753 00:39:25,800 --> 00:39:27,800 with our touch John 15 754 00:39:27,800 --> 00:39:29,800 remain in me and I remain in you 755 00:39:29,800 --> 00:39:31,800 for a branch cannot 756 00:39:31,800 --> 00:39:33,800 produce fruit if it is severed from 757 00:39:33,800 --> 00:39:35,800 the divine and you cannot be fruitful 758 00:39:35,800 --> 00:39:37,800 unless you remain in me 759 00:39:37,800 --> 00:39:39,800 yes I am the vine you are the branches 760 00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:41,800 those who remain in me and I in them will produce 761 00:39:41,800 --> 00:39:43,800 much fruit for apart 762 00:39:43,800 --> 00:39:45,800 from me you can do 763 00:39:45,800 --> 00:39:47,800 nothing 764 00:39:47,800 --> 00:39:49,800 Joyce Kilmer wrote a poem 765 00:39:49,800 --> 00:39:51,800 about a tree and in his poem 766 00:39:51,800 --> 00:39:53,800 he wrote this poems 767 00:39:53,800 --> 00:39:55,800 are made by fools like me 768 00:39:55,800 --> 00:39:57,800 but only God 769 00:39:57,800 --> 00:39:59,800 can make a tree and think about 770 00:39:59,800 --> 00:40:01,800 it God makes a tree 771 00:40:01,800 --> 00:40:03,800 and all of its fruits 772 00:40:03,800 --> 00:40:05,800 through the power of touch 773 00:40:05,800 --> 00:40:07,800 true or false 774 00:40:07,800 --> 00:40:09,800 that tree is connected 775 00:40:09,800 --> 00:40:11,800 it's connected to the world 776 00:40:11,800 --> 00:40:13,800 connected to the dirt 777 00:40:13,800 --> 00:40:15,800 connected to the soil 778 00:40:15,800 --> 00:40:17,800 and that tree produces fruit 779 00:40:17,800 --> 00:40:19,800 and the same goes with us 780 00:40:19,800 --> 00:40:21,800 you know make a difference in someone's 781 00:40:21,800 --> 00:40:23,800 life this week through your touch 782 00:40:23,800 --> 00:40:25,800 so we've got time 783 00:40:25,800 --> 00:40:27,800 talent touch and number 784 00:40:27,800 --> 00:40:29,800 four be generous with 785 00:40:29,800 --> 00:40:31,800 my treasure 786 00:40:31,800 --> 00:40:33,800 give and it will be given to you Jesus told 787 00:40:33,800 --> 00:40:35,800 us in Luke 6 a good measure 788 00:40:35,800 --> 00:40:37,800 pressed down shaken together and running over 789 00:40:37,800 --> 00:40:39,800 will be poured into your lap 790 00:40:39,800 --> 00:40:41,800 for with the measure you use 791 00:40:41,800 --> 00:40:43,800 it will be measured to 792 00:40:43,800 --> 00:40:45,800 you you know and hear me out 793 00:40:45,800 --> 00:40:47,800 I a hundred percent firmly 794 00:40:47,800 --> 00:40:49,800 believe in giving to God first 795 00:40:49,800 --> 00:40:51,800 you know I give to God 796 00:40:51,800 --> 00:40:53,800 first I tied I ten percent 797 00:40:53,800 --> 00:40:55,800 of my income is to God 798 00:40:55,800 --> 00:40:57,800 before I even see it and I 799 00:40:57,800 --> 00:40:59,800 see the benefit from it I'll meet 800 00:40:59,800 --> 00:41:01,800 with any one of you face to face 801 00:41:01,800 --> 00:41:03,800 who wants to discuss it 802 00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:05,800 because I know what God calls us 803 00:41:05,800 --> 00:41:07,800 to do he calls us to give 804 00:41:07,800 --> 00:41:09,800 first but then he calls us to give 805 00:41:09,800 --> 00:41:11,800 beyond that to be generous 806 00:41:11,800 --> 00:41:13,800 to listen to the Holy Spirit 807 00:41:13,800 --> 00:41:15,800 to see how we can serve 808 00:41:15,800 --> 00:41:17,800 in different areas with with 809 00:41:17,800 --> 00:41:19,800 Micah's backpack or or 810 00:41:19,800 --> 00:41:21,800 or just whatever it may be that 811 00:41:21,800 --> 00:41:23,800 he's calling you to 812 00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:25,800 right just simple practical ways 813 00:41:25,800 --> 00:41:27,800 to be generous you know 814 00:41:27,800 --> 00:41:29,800 I was prompted about a month ago 815 00:41:29,800 --> 00:41:31,800 God took me back several years 816 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:33,800 it's like seven or eight years 817 00:41:33,800 --> 00:41:35,800 right that we did this little 818 00:41:35,800 --> 00:41:37,800 event at our community of faith we are a small 819 00:41:37,800 --> 00:41:39,800 church then right where we did this event 820 00:41:39,800 --> 00:41:41,800 about shoes how many of you have 821 00:41:41,800 --> 00:41:43,800 an extra pair of these laying around in your closet 822 00:41:43,800 --> 00:41:45,800 by show of hands come on 823 00:41:45,800 --> 00:41:47,800 seriously dude come on every hand should be 824 00:41:47,800 --> 00:41:49,800 up I know I know you don't have one pair 825 00:41:49,800 --> 00:41:51,800 of shoes like as 826 00:41:51,800 --> 00:41:53,800 Americans I think we average like ten or 827 00:41:53,800 --> 00:41:55,800 twelve per person 828 00:41:55,800 --> 00:41:57,800 right all of us have extra shoes 829 00:41:57,800 --> 00:41:59,800 well about six or seven years ago 830 00:41:59,800 --> 00:42:01,800 we did shoeless Sunday 831 00:42:01,800 --> 00:42:03,800 right and we had everybody wear 832 00:42:03,800 --> 00:42:05,800 their shoes to church but also bring 833 00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:07,800 all their extra shoes they wanted to donate 834 00:42:07,800 --> 00:42:09,800 to this organization called souls for souls 835 00:42:09,800 --> 00:42:11,800 and there's this organization 836 00:42:11,800 --> 00:42:13,800 that collects used 837 00:42:13,800 --> 00:42:15,800 or gently used or new shoes 838 00:42:15,800 --> 00:42:17,800 and it makes a difference 839 00:42:17,800 --> 00:42:19,800 around the world I mean 840 00:42:19,800 --> 00:42:21,800 I looked up I got to hopped on their website and I was like 841 00:42:21,800 --> 00:42:23,800 why why do they do this 842 00:42:23,800 --> 00:42:25,800 the sale of one 843 00:42:25,800 --> 00:42:27,800 pair of your shoes 844 00:42:27,800 --> 00:42:29,800 can provide five meals for 845 00:42:29,800 --> 00:42:31,800 Marie and her family in Haiti one pair 846 00:42:31,800 --> 00:42:33,800 of you shoes twenty pairs 847 00:42:33,800 --> 00:42:35,800 of shoes can provide a years worth of shelter 848 00:42:35,800 --> 00:42:37,800 for Jeanette and her family 849 00:42:37,800 --> 00:42:39,800 in Haiti thirty pairs of shoes 850 00:42:39,800 --> 00:42:41,800 can provide a years worth of schooling 851 00:42:41,800 --> 00:42:43,800 for Tracy's daughter 852 00:42:43,800 --> 00:42:45,800 in Honduras what an 853 00:42:45,800 --> 00:42:47,800 incredible organization 854 00:42:47,800 --> 00:42:49,800 that they're willing to just take our 855 00:42:49,800 --> 00:42:51,800 shoes and send them around the world and make a 856 00:42:51,800 --> 00:42:53,800 difference and I said man I want to do it 857 00:42:53,800 --> 00:42:55,800 again because guess what 858 00:42:55,800 --> 00:42:57,800 seven or eight years ago does everyone remember 859 00:42:57,800 --> 00:42:59,800 in when we were Bower Avenue everyone remember 860 00:42:59,800 --> 00:43:01,800 the wooden church pews in the back 861 00:43:01,800 --> 00:43:03,800 everyone remember those well like we 862 00:43:03,800 --> 00:43:05,800 filled one up like you 863 00:43:05,800 --> 00:43:07,800 couldn't even see it anymore there was that many shoes 864 00:43:07,800 --> 00:43:09,800 and we were a lot smaller back then 865 00:43:09,800 --> 00:43:11,800 so I want to be spontaneous 866 00:43:11,800 --> 00:43:13,800 you guys like spontaneous 867 00:43:13,800 --> 00:43:15,800 you like spontaneous 868 00:43:17,800 --> 00:43:19,800 are you sure 869 00:43:19,800 --> 00:43:21,800 alright next week now hear me out 870 00:43:21,800 --> 00:43:23,800 next week that's right see you thought 871 00:43:23,800 --> 00:43:25,800 I was going to say take your shoes off 872 00:43:25,800 --> 00:43:27,800 you thought it you thought it was coming 873 00:43:27,800 --> 00:43:29,800 you thought it I'm not 874 00:43:29,800 --> 00:43:31,800 that bold alright I got a lot 875 00:43:31,800 --> 00:43:33,800 of faith I don't have that much faith 876 00:43:33,800 --> 00:43:37,800 next week there's going to be a pickup truck out front 877 00:43:37,800 --> 00:43:39,800 it's going to have a big cardboard box 878 00:43:39,800 --> 00:43:41,800 that says souls for souls on it 879 00:43:41,800 --> 00:43:43,800 and I want to challenge you as a community 880 00:43:43,800 --> 00:43:45,800 of faith to fill that bed up 881 00:43:45,800 --> 00:43:47,800 with shoes 882 00:43:47,800 --> 00:43:49,800 we're going to take those shoes that's right 883 00:43:49,800 --> 00:43:51,800 that's I mean practical 884 00:43:51,800 --> 00:43:53,800 we're going to take those shoes we're going to 885 00:43:53,800 --> 00:43:55,800 send them all around the world through that 886 00:43:55,800 --> 00:43:57,800 organization souls for souls 887 00:43:57,800 --> 00:43:59,800 and we're going to make a difference in a simple practical 888 00:43:59,800 --> 00:44:01,800 way right now hear me out for some of 889 00:44:01,800 --> 00:44:03,800 you bring your shoes in a trash bag 890 00:44:03,800 --> 00:44:05,800 and just throw them in the back because I don't want to be smelling 891 00:44:05,800 --> 00:44:07,800 them right and you know 892 00:44:07,800 --> 00:44:09,800 who you are you know who you are 893 00:44:09,800 --> 00:44:11,800 2nd Corinthians 9 894 00:44:13,800 --> 00:44:15,800 the most generous God 895 00:44:15,800 --> 00:44:17,800 who gives seed to the farmer that comes 896 00:44:17,800 --> 00:44:19,800 bread for your meals is more than 897 00:44:19,800 --> 00:44:21,800 extravagant with you 898 00:44:21,800 --> 00:44:23,800 he gives you something you can then 899 00:44:23,800 --> 00:44:25,800 give away which grows into full 900 00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:27,800 foreign lives robust in 901 00:44:27,800 --> 00:44:29,800 God wealthy in every way 902 00:44:29,800 --> 00:44:31,800 so that you can be generous in every way 903 00:44:31,800 --> 00:44:33,800 producing with us 904 00:44:33,800 --> 00:44:35,800 great praise to God 905 00:44:35,800 --> 00:44:37,800 when we're generous it all 906 00:44:37,800 --> 00:44:39,800 goes back to him 907 00:44:39,800 --> 00:44:41,800 you and I will never regret 908 00:44:41,800 --> 00:44:43,800 living a generous life 909 00:44:43,800 --> 00:44:45,800 the value of life 910 00:44:45,800 --> 00:44:47,800 isn't determined by how 911 00:44:47,800 --> 00:44:49,800 much you achieve or how much 912 00:44:49,800 --> 00:44:51,800 you accumulate 913 00:44:51,800 --> 00:44:53,800 the value of life is determined 914 00:44:53,800 --> 00:44:55,800 by how much you're willing to give away 915 00:44:55,800 --> 00:44:57,800 that is a life 916 00:44:57,800 --> 00:44:59,800 rich in love 917 00:44:59,800 --> 00:45:01,800 and generosity 918 00:45:01,800 --> 00:45:03,800 and God 919 00:45:03,800 --> 00:45:05,800 and that is what he's calling our community of faith too 920 00:45:07,800 --> 00:45:09,800 so I just really felt prompted today we're going to close with communion 921 00:45:09,800 --> 00:45:11,800 what a great way to just 922 00:45:11,800 --> 00:45:13,800 close a talk about generosity 923 00:45:13,800 --> 00:45:15,800 inviting and reflecting on what God is doing in our lives 924 00:45:15,800 --> 00:45:17,800 if you miss 925 00:45:17,800 --> 00:45:19,800 before we stand 926 00:45:19,800 --> 00:45:21,800 if you miss getting an element on your way in 927 00:45:21,800 --> 00:45:23,800 put your hand up we're going to get you right now 928 00:45:23,800 --> 00:45:25,800 put your hand up we're going to come around 929 00:45:25,800 --> 00:45:27,800 and put an element in your hand 930 00:45:27,800 --> 00:45:29,800 if you need gluten free put 931 00:45:29,800 --> 00:45:31,800 two hands up 932 00:45:31,800 --> 00:45:33,800 we'll be sure that you 933 00:45:33,800 --> 00:45:35,800 get your gluten free alternative 934 00:45:37,800 --> 00:45:39,800 as soon as we get all of our elements out 935 00:45:39,800 --> 00:45:41,800 and distribute it 936 00:45:41,800 --> 00:45:43,800 we'll stand together and we'll share in communion 937 00:45:43,800 --> 00:45:45,800 now I want to encourage all of you 938 00:45:45,800 --> 00:45:47,800 our communion elements 939 00:45:47,800 --> 00:45:49,800 the top is a little simply 940 00:45:49,800 --> 00:45:51,800 plastic 941 00:45:51,800 --> 00:45:53,800 the top is a little simply 942 00:45:53,800 --> 00:45:55,800 plastic piece that you peel back 943 00:45:55,800 --> 00:45:57,800 for the delicious wafer 944 00:45:57,800 --> 00:45:59,800 and then there's a second 945 00:45:59,800 --> 00:46:01,800 little flap that you pull back for the juice 946 00:46:03,800 --> 00:46:05,800 so you can go ahead and start 947 00:46:05,800 --> 00:46:07,800 to peel those a little bit 948 00:46:07,800 --> 00:46:09,800 before we stand here together 949 00:46:09,800 --> 00:46:11,800 now we take communion as a community 950 00:46:11,800 --> 00:46:13,800 of faith once a month 951 00:46:13,800 --> 00:46:15,800 as a corporate entity 952 00:46:15,800 --> 00:46:17,800 and 953 00:46:17,800 --> 00:46:19,800 it's going to be typically 954 00:46:19,800 --> 00:46:21,800 the first Sunday of the month that we do it together 955 00:46:21,800 --> 00:46:23,800 here we go 956 00:46:23,800 --> 00:46:25,800 alright is everyone covered? 957 00:46:25,800 --> 00:46:27,800 need a couple over here 958 00:46:27,800 --> 00:46:29,800 good there we go 959 00:46:29,800 --> 00:46:31,800 alright I think we got it 960 00:46:31,800 --> 00:46:33,800 alright let's all stand together 961 00:46:39,800 --> 00:46:41,800 on the night that 962 00:46:41,800 --> 00:46:43,800 Jesus was betrayed 963 00:46:43,800 --> 00:46:45,800 he took bread 964 00:46:45,800 --> 00:46:47,800 he broke it 965 00:46:47,800 --> 00:46:49,800 he gave it to his disciples 966 00:46:49,800 --> 00:46:51,800 he said take eat 967 00:46:51,800 --> 00:46:53,800 this is my body 968 00:46:53,800 --> 00:46:55,800 which is broken for you 969 00:46:55,800 --> 00:46:57,800 do it in remembrance 970 00:46:57,800 --> 00:46:59,800 of me 971 00:47:03,800 --> 00:47:05,800 likewise after supper 972 00:47:05,800 --> 00:47:07,800 he took a cup of wine 973 00:47:07,800 --> 00:47:09,800 and after he had given thanks he said this is my blood 974 00:47:09,800 --> 00:47:11,800 which is shed for you and for many 975 00:47:11,800 --> 00:47:13,800 for the forgiveness of sins 976 00:47:13,800 --> 00:47:15,800 drink it often 977 00:47:15,800 --> 00:47:17,800 and when you do it do it in remembrance 978 00:47:17,800 --> 00:47:19,800 of me 979 00:47:21,800 --> 00:47:23,800 Jesus we are thankful 980 00:47:23,800 --> 00:47:25,800 that you gave your life 981 00:47:25,800 --> 00:47:27,800 for me 982 00:47:27,800 --> 00:47:29,800 for our community of faith 983 00:47:29,800 --> 00:47:31,800 for each and every person within our world 984 00:47:31,800 --> 00:47:33,800 may we be a church 985 00:47:33,800 --> 00:47:35,800 a people that reflect 986 00:47:35,800 --> 00:47:37,800 your generosity your love to others 987 00:47:37,800 --> 00:47:39,800 challenge us God 988 00:47:39,800 --> 00:47:41,800 to live simply 989 00:47:41,800 --> 00:47:43,800 extravagantly 990 00:47:43,800 --> 00:47:45,800 in generosity 991 00:47:45,800 --> 00:47:47,800 every single day with our time 992 00:47:47,800 --> 00:47:49,800 with our talent with our touch 993 00:47:49,800 --> 00:47:51,800 and with our treasure God 994 00:47:51,800 --> 00:47:53,800 change us to reflect you 995 00:47:53,800 --> 00:47:55,800 so that we can continue 996 00:47:55,800 --> 00:47:57,800 to make a difference in the lives of others 997 00:47:57,800 --> 00:47:59,800 amen 998 00:47:59,800 --> 00:48:01,800 and before we go I just 999 00:48:01,800 --> 00:48:03,800 God prompted my heart 1000 00:48:03,800 --> 00:48:05,800 this morning as I was 1001 00:48:05,800 --> 00:48:07,800 in the back there preparing that 1002 00:48:07,800 --> 00:48:09,800 there was going to be people here today 1003 00:48:09,800 --> 00:48:11,800 that simply just had a 1004 00:48:11,800 --> 00:48:13,800 crappy week 1005 00:48:13,800 --> 00:48:15,800 there is no other way to explain it 1006 00:48:15,800 --> 00:48:17,800 I would use a swear word but I don't 1007 00:48:17,800 --> 00:48:19,800 really want to you know you just had a 1008 00:48:19,800 --> 00:48:21,800 crappy week a crappy week 1009 00:48:21,800 --> 00:48:23,800 and I don't know what it was maybe it was a 1010 00:48:23,800 --> 00:48:25,800 relationship or your job or your school 1011 00:48:25,800 --> 00:48:27,800 or a test you took or whatever 1012 00:48:27,800 --> 00:48:29,800 you just had a bad week call it what it is 1013 00:48:29,800 --> 00:48:31,800 I want to pray for anybody 1014 00:48:31,800 --> 00:48:33,800 that just had a bad week today or this week 1015 00:48:33,800 --> 00:48:35,800 if you had a bad week we would put your hand out 1016 00:48:35,800 --> 00:48:37,800 I just want to pray with you that's all I'm going to do the 1017 00:48:37,800 --> 00:48:39,800 prayer and alright so if you 1018 00:48:39,800 --> 00:48:41,800 had a bad week just a bad week 1019 00:48:41,800 --> 00:48:43,800 put your hand up if you're around 1020 00:48:43,800 --> 00:48:45,800 someone with their hand up if you could just 1021 00:48:45,800 --> 00:48:47,800 gently put your hand on their shoulder 1022 00:48:47,800 --> 00:48:49,800 just so everybody's covered 1023 00:48:49,800 --> 00:48:51,800 again I'm going to pray but I just 1024 00:48:51,800 --> 00:48:53,800 believe that our touch right didn't I 1025 00:48:53,800 --> 00:48:55,800 just share that our touch you got 1026 00:48:55,800 --> 00:48:57,800 that alright good our touch is 1027 00:48:57,800 --> 00:48:59,800 important so if you're around 1028 00:48:59,800 --> 00:49:01,800 someone just touch them touch them 1029 00:49:01,800 --> 00:49:03,800 agree with them Holy Spirit 1030 00:49:03,800 --> 00:49:05,800 calm God I thank you for 1031 00:49:05,800 --> 00:49:07,800 honesty and truthfulness 1032 00:49:07,800 --> 00:49:09,800 God I just pray that you would use each 1033 00:49:09,800 --> 00:49:11,800 and every person that's stepping out 1034 00:49:11,800 --> 00:49:13,800 God that your love your mercy 1035 00:49:13,800 --> 00:49:15,800 your grace would just rain down right now 1036 00:49:15,800 --> 00:49:17,800 in Jesus name 1037 00:49:17,800 --> 00:49:19,800 that God your Holy Spirit would just fill 1038 00:49:19,800 --> 00:49:21,800 each and every heart that just 1039 00:49:21,800 --> 00:49:23,800 is honest and said hey I had a bad week a 1040 00:49:23,800 --> 00:49:25,800 difficult week a challenging week 1041 00:49:25,800 --> 00:49:27,800 God allow their outlook to be changed 1042 00:49:27,800 --> 00:49:29,800 their attitude to be changed and more importantly 1043 00:49:29,800 --> 00:49:31,800 their heart to be 1044 00:49:31,800 --> 00:49:33,800 softened to receive 1045 00:49:33,800 --> 00:49:35,800 the gift that you give us each and every 1046 00:49:35,800 --> 00:49:37,800 day the gift of life of 1047 00:49:37,800 --> 00:49:39,800 new life 1048 00:49:39,800 --> 00:49:41,800 God allow us all to 1049 00:49:41,800 --> 00:49:43,800 be outward focused and generous this 1050 00:49:43,800 --> 00:49:45,800 entire week just give 1051 00:49:45,800 --> 00:49:47,800 us Holy Spirit supernatural encounters 1052 00:49:47,800 --> 00:49:49,800 each and every day 1053 00:49:49,800 --> 00:49:51,800 and as we step out and are generous 1054 00:49:51,800 --> 00:49:53,800 we see other lives 1055 00:49:53,800 --> 00:49:55,800 change in Jesus name and we all 1056 00:49:55,800 --> 00:49:57,800 said Amen now God 1057 00:49:57,800 --> 00:49:59,800 bless before you run out listen before you run out 1058 00:49:59,800 --> 00:50:01,800 please take your communion element 1059 00:50:01,800 --> 00:50:03,800 with you please take it with you 1060 00:50:03,800 --> 00:50:05,800 and throw it away 1061 00:50:05,800 --> 00:50:07,800 we love you have an incredible week 1062 00:50:07,800 --> 00:50:09,800 souls for souls next week 1063 00:50:09,800 --> 00:50:11,800 bring all your shoes I want to fill an entire 1064 00:50:11,800 --> 00:50:13,800 truck up I cannot wait 1065 00:50:13,800 --> 00:50:31,800 we'll remind you there's no impossible I believe that you are working now pour it out oh pour it out