| Original Date: November 18, 2009 |
| Email Subject: How's our example? |
Dear Friends,
I have enjoyed reading in my quiet time from the New Living Translation Bible. It sparks some different thoughts for me as I open up the Word each day that are good to think on. In fact, let me encourage you as you read the Word on a regular basis to once and awhile use different translations & if your looking for a new bible or one to give someone as a gift this would be a good translation to give them. It is amazing to me some of the different insight we can get on a particular portion of scripture that might use a different word or two without changing any of the meaning of the text. One such passage for me is 2 Cor. 9:13, "As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God."
Wow, that stopped me cold in my tracks while reading this text. Who in my sphere of influence is honoring God with their life because of my ministry to them? A friend of mine asked a good question once that went like this, "Is there anyone walking with the Lord today, growing in their relationship with Him, attending Church because of the influence of your life?" I never want to forget that I am here on this earth as a Christ follower to glorify Christ by "Doing the greatest good, to the greatest number for the greatest glory of His name." I just like that thought. In other words am I about reaching people with my character, my example, with how and what I speak to them? Do they see truth from my life and then hear it?
Oh, by the way the context of this passage is Christ followers who have learned to give sacrificially of their finances. Friends, giving generously of what God has entrusted to us is so vital. One writer said, "that the only thing that the American Church knows about sacrifice is how to spell it." What a wonderful example to all those God puts us around if we learn to be faithful and sacrificial stewards of the "Treasures, Time & Talents" He has entrusted to us.
By the way, when we do this as a Christ follower, watch the people who will give glory to God for your ministry. By the way, people in India, Kenya, Africa, Haiti and in many parts of the land are glorifying God because of the testimony of grace from many at Cornerstone. What a joy to hear & see, may we all exemplify this from our life not only this holiday season but all the days of our life!
Your friend,
Pastor Doug |
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