11
Jun '15
Thank You For Giving
11
Jun '15
I want to take this time to thank everyone who continues to give to the ministries of Central Christian Church. We have such a generous congregation and we all are blessed by the ongoing financial support that has become a hallmark of this wonderful congregation. So many have stepped up to provide for our needs whether through regular weekly giving or for special needs that occasionally arise. Not only have you given to the financial needs of this ministry, but you have shared your time and your talent as well, and all of us have been enriched by it. In Hebrews 6:10 we read, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” He never forgets what we do for Him and His reward is sure. In the book of Luke 6:38, we are encouraged to give to others. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you give, it will be measured to you.” Be assured that you cannot out-give the Lord. He has promised to repay some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold the gifts given in His Name and on His behalf.
However, we know that our congregation does not give expecting a return. You give because of your love for God and love for the ministry of Jesus Christ. We so appreciate your support and believe that God will bless all of those who from a pure heart give to the ministry of Central Christian Church; this congregation continues to evangelize and extend our love to the Huntington County community. In Philippians 4, the apostle responds to the giving of believers who have amply supplied for his ministry and the work God called him to. He describes a group of Christians who gave to his need “time and time again.” In the 19th verse he states this, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That is my prayer for you and I believe, because of your marvelous generosity, God will supply all of your needs according to His riches as well. As you continue to support God’s ministry through tithes and offerings, shared talents and precious time, know that we remember you often in prayer and so appreciate the sacrifice you make.
We could never thank you enough but we so appreciate your faithfulness and support.
Be Blessed and Be Grateful and THANK YOU,
Pastor Chris
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The Gift of Gratefulness
Have you ever been in a place where you had an extended time of feeling sorry for yourself? I know I have. Sometimes we may feel we have every good reason for being unhappy and there are other times we look back and wonder what it was we were thinking and why did we allow such a circumstance to bother us so. There are times in our lives when many of us have a tendency to make lists of how bad we got it and use said lists to accuse God of not caring. Again, been there, done that! However, our happiness is not necessarily determined by what is happening to us at the time as much as it depends on what we have determined to focus on regardless of what is happening.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The Word does not tell us that we will not have struggles, but does let us know that first and foremost, do not to be anxious about anything. Don’t focus on what is wrong, but in each situation, pray and be thankful. Verse 7 lets us know that it is the gift of a grateful heart that will have the very peace of God on guard protecting us from spiraling into depression and self-pity.
Verse 8 then tells us what we need to focus our attention on. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Phil 4:8). What good things have happened and are happening? What has God truly blessed you with? Start with being grateful for the blessing of eternal life in heaven and having the grand purpose now of being God’s instrument of giving His life to others.
Remember Psalm 100:4-5, “4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” As we expand from this foundation, I am sure we will find a plethora of things to be grateful for. The rest, give to God in prayer.
Be grateful and be blessed even more.
Pastor Chris Hayden
Central Christian Church
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