Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week three of our Making Love Last series. This week was How To Be Rich.
• Realize you already are rich! Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
• We complain about how bad the US economy is while over half of the world's population (3 billion) live on less than $730 a year. If your total household income is at least $37,000 a year, you are in the top 4% of all wage earners in the world. Talk about perspective!
• The message was truly about the Gospel. The heart of the Gospel is generosity. God GAVE His one and only Son. (John 3:16)
• The finances in your marriage must start with giving.
• Jesus expects us as followers of Jesus to give.
  
• God doesn't need your money. He wants your heart! (Matthew 6:19-24)
• God commands us to tithe. He can do more with the 90% than you could ever do with 100%. Read Malachi 3:10.
• Tithing is about trusting God with your life.
  
• We don't give to get. We give to get so we can give more! It isn't about a need for money but ALL about putting God first!
  
• Elevate Church has been so blessed! We didn't take a loan out or put anything on credit before or since we launched in January. There hasn't been one Sunday that we thought if we don't get a good offering we won't make it until next week.
  
• God has been great to us! So many people are faithful to give sacrificially to make this vision happen.
• We had several more new people! I love meeting new people and getting them connected to what God is doing at Elevate.
• We had some problems with our media. We are about to make some upgrades to hopefully bring some stability to playing videos, music, etc.
• I had someone come up to me after the service and ask how he could pray for me this week. That meant a lot to me!
  
• I actually had to think about it for a moment because I was caught off guard. I definitely appreciate those who pray for me regularly. It is much needed. The biggest thing you can pray for: that I would truly hear from God in leading my family and Elevate, then have the courage to do it!
• Spending some time getting ready for the next series. It is going to be a lot of fun! We will be sharing more in the next week or two.
• Can't wait for next Sunday! Invite someone! Only three weeks left in our Making Love Last series.