The lesson for today was entitled "Giving Generously" but the main point of the teaching was all about sacrificial giving...we learned 15 aspects of what sacrificial giving is all about...
Of course we began the morning with our usual praise and worship, after an excellent word of encouragement from Susan based on Gen 22:1-19 - her mini-teachings always encourage me so much!
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| Leona (on the right) is new, but a committed and faithful member |
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| Josephine came as we were singing |
Then I did a short teaching to answer two questions from last week on first fruits and on where we should be paying our tithe...even though I am NOT a teacher, I have to admit I did enjoy sharing my thoughts about this very important topic!
Rose did an excellent job of running us through the 15 points about sacrificial giving. It is: a response to God's grace, not based on circumstances, based on your ability, a privilege, always puts God first, a sign of spiritual maturity, reflects the example of Christ...
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| Rose and Susan |
...includes both desire and action, based on what you have, seeks equality among Christians, honors the Lord, sensitive to the way the gift is given, given freely, gives others a reason to thank God as needs are met.
Today's lesson is from 2Cor 8 & 9, which includes the story of the generosity of the Macedonian church...they
begged for the privilege to share with others...that really challenged me!
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| Leona |
When was the last time I
begged to be able to give? Truly that is a challenge for me!
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| This girl really blesses me! |
In fact I shared a personal struggle...I am not a cheerful giver! I asked the ladies to help me see how to become cheerful in my giving...even beg for the privilege to be able to give!
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| We met in a small classroom today |
I was really encouraged and we all agreed that it is only the grace of God that can enable us to give that freely...amen!
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| You can see the posters on the walls |
Then several of us shared stories from our lives as examples of one or more of the points on sacrificial giving...Then Leona shared about the work she does for her church...sometimes she wonders if people even notice that she arrives early every Sunday, sets the chairs and makes sure all is ready for the service.
Susan encouraged her to remember that God sees, and He knows what she does...
Josephine shared that discouragement is always there...there will even be people in our lives who try to discourage us...
She told a story that got us all laughing! She is so outspoken...I just love her!
We could have talked for the rest of the day...but time was moving and it was time for prayers...
There were requests for prayer and thanksgivings for answered prayer...
Leona asked us to pray for revival in the church...it is as though we are sleeping!
Then Leona led us in worship - she is such a great servant in the Kingdom!
I just love hearing all of our voices lifted to God in worship and petition...
Leona then closed our meeting with a passionate prayer over all the requests...
We like to end by saying the Grace...and we just feel together...
Then our debrief! Here we are after lunch - we always enjoy spending time reflecting on the meeting and planning for the next week...
Only one picture of me because Christine (my photo assistant) was traveling...
