2010 GIVE-BACK begins

1 Timothy 6:17-18 NLT

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

One of the highlights of our history at The Community Fellowship was at Christmas in 2008 when we shared with people in our community through GIVE-BACK.  It is simple.  We will offer a simple amount of cash to our folks who are willing to serve their neighbors, co-workers or a friend that is in need.  They are asked not to give cash and to meet a specific need.

The stories that came out of those special time are awesome.  Plus, this event pressed us further than anything ever had before.  Therefore, the next round of GIVE-BACK begins this Sunday.  And I am excited about it.  We will be able to help more people than ever before, and we have many more folks who are worshipping with us each week.  If you are part of The Community, you better get ready to give a blessing and to be a blessing.

I believe that God has blessed us so we can bless others.  We find purpose in life and more passion in life when we give of ourselves to serve others.  Jesus did that, and so should we.

Mark 10:45 NLT
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

How will you give your life and resources this Christmas season to serve others?  The verses at the beginning of this devotion are strong, and ones that we need to listen to.  We are told to be rich in good deeds and in meeting needs.  That is when we are most like Jesus.

It is time for the church to be known as givers and not as takers.  It is time for the church to stand up in our communities and serve and not be known just for what we are against.  One simple way to do this is to give.  Lead others to give.

Also this Sunday we begin a new sermon series called "Be Generous", and I am more excited about his series than I have been about many others.  My prayer is that we will allow God to create margin in our lives so we can give more and more to serve others in the name of Jesus.  In giving, we will win the right to share Jesus with others.  In giving, we will see lives changes and turn to God.  In giving, we will become more like Jesus than ever before.

Will you be part of 2010 GIVE-BACK at The Community?  If you don't live in our community, will you be part of GIVE-BACK where you live?  Choice today and make this Christmas count for the cause of Christ!