Mine

Do you know anyone who struggles with selfishness?  Most of us do.  It could be a friend, family member, boss, colleague, or reflection in our mirror... It isn’t something we’ll readily confess to but once it takes root... it’s VERY hard to break free from.

Pastor Bill Hybels (of Willow Creek Community Church) describes a disturbing trend of many in our society:  

"It is a "me-first” mind-set. This mind-set says indulge yourself, fulfill your desires, satiate your appetites, pursue pleasure, take off all restraints. As much as we might want to pretend that this value system died in the eighties, let’s be honest: it is alive and still thriving.

With this mind-set comes an elusive promise: If you seek first your own good and satisfy your own desires, then you will be happy. In print, on television, and in the movies, over and over we hear the lie. The road to contentment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and true joy is marked with a street sign flashing "Me First." ... People are pathologically self-centered and ignore the needs of others.  The "me-first" mind-set is controlling many lives, even the lives of those who call themselves followers of Christ."

The Bible talks about the dangers of selfishness.

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”  James 3:16

Evil of every kind.  Greed.  Love of money.  Pride.  Ungratefulness.  A hardened heart.  All symptoms of putting ourselves first.   It’s a tough pattern to break.  The enemy will convince us that it isn’t selfishness... 

It’s self-preservation

Getting what’s “ours”

If we don’t look out for us, who will?

Keeping it “fair”

We earned it.  We deserve it.  Right?

As always, God’s word tells us the truth.  Throughout scripture we are told that holding on too tightly to what we think is ours only causes problems.  Our lives fall into depression, we covet, feel envious, less complete, and emotionally uneven.  The desire not to share causes and reveals deep trust issues... that somehow if we hold on tighter, we’ll have more. 

Problem is, our hands are so full of our stuff...there’s no way to catch the blessings that God wants to give us.  So how do we defeat selfishness?  

Give.

“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9

Generosity is the key.  Hold onto what matters tightly... your relationship with God, your family, your health...   Everything else can be given away.  Serve the poor.  Leverage your possessions.  Give with cheerful intentionality.  When we release ourselves to be generous... we unchain the anchor of “more” and replace it with a good night’s rest.   More importantly, we are reminded that what we have really isn’t ours... it’s on loan from God... so that we can change the world for Christ with it.  

Only you know if you have let the weed of selfishness grow in your heart.   If so, take some time to today and pray over it...asking God to help you make the challenging but necessary changes.  I’ll be praying too.

Sacrifice, Generosity, and Commitment

Liza was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, ‘Yes, I’ll do it if it will save Liza.’  As the transfusion progressed, he lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, ‘Will I start to die right away?’  Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give her all of his blood.  He was willing to lose everything to save the one he loved.

Sacrifice, selfless generosity, full commitment... these are the things of love.  Real love.  The love that Christ showed on the cross for mankind... and the type of love He asks us to demonstrate to those we call family or friend.   

Are we ready and willing to love those that have the most invested in us?  Are we willing to look past the past and move on even when people have hurt us so badly?  Do we really love those we say we do… or are they just supposed to understand when we give them just a portion of our hearts.  

Christ-like love is 100%.  It’s sacrificial.  It’s generous.  It’s top shelf love… not back of the fridge leftovers.  It’s forgiveness… even when that forgiveness has not been earned, asked for, or deserved.   When we love others like God loves us it is not self-serving, “what’s in it for me” kind of devotion… it’s totally unselfish and completely unconditional.  

Christ loves you 100% because you’re you.  That’s it.  

Is it possible to love another human being like that?  Yes.  

And that person may call you daddy, mommy, brother, sister, boss, friend, or colleague.  They may annoy you, call you out when you blow it, and frustrate you to the point of breaking sometimes.  But the reality is, if we all want to live like Christ did… and that’s the whole point of our walk with Him… we have to learn to love with all of our hearts.  

Are you willing to give it all for someone else?

Are you willing to serve another like you were caring for yourself?

Are you willing to love without holding back, give without reservation, and trust God with the outcome?

If so, God is going to do big things in and through your life.  

If not, what’s holding you back?

What is it that prevents you from loving at this level?  Is it fear, past hurt, lack of trust, risk, not feeling appreciated… what is it that keeps you loving at 90% or lower?  I can promise you this… one day when this life nears its end, you and I will look back not at what we accomplished, but on who we loved.  Who had our hearts?  Who did we hold dearest?  Who got our 100%?  

Was there someone who saw us as uncaring, cold, distant, or aloof?

Was there someone who we said we loved but never trusted?

Was there someone who we should have sacrificed for but held something back from?

Was there someone who deserved all of us… but only got a fragment?  

I don’t want to ask those questions of myself.  And I know you probably don’t either.  

The great part is… if you’re reading this today, you aren’t dead.  This means that you still have time to learn to love, give, and serve those around you at the “all-in” level.  Resist the urge to say this is impossible.  Push back the temptation to say “but I…” or “I can’t…”  or “she doesn’t…” or “but they…”.  Decide today that you are going to work toward giving people the whole you.  The you that loves wholeheartedly and without reservation.  The you that puts others first.   

The you that would give all of their blood for the survival of another.  

That’s the kind of total love Christ was talking about.  Remember what Jesus said were the two most important commandments… Love God and love others.  And the only way to really love both?  Give 100%.  

John 15:12-13 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  

Waiting?

Getting up early to go to the gym isn’t always easy… but it helps me stay healthy. Prioritizing my family… spending wisely… reading vs. watching TV… quiet time with God… all of these are opportunities for growth that I have to intentionally decide beforehand what I’m going to do or else derail God’s plan for my life.

But many don’t choose the best way for their lives. They tend to delay discipline and embrace passivity.

Life is so much better when we pre-determine those decisions. What will we do when things get inconvenient, tough, unmanageable, or challenging? Why delay doing what’s right?

What are you waiting for?

Are you waiting for God to be generous in your life? Begin the habit of giving with the right heart... Paul said, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Cor. 9:7

Are you waiting for God to answer your prayer? Remember that His timing is always perfect... He is never late... or early... or forgetful. Sometimes the answer is wait a little longer... I have something better than you can imagine. Jesus said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Are you waiting to have the time? Do you have more duties than daylight? Remember, you have the same 24 hours a day that the disciples had... that Einstein had... that everyone who has ever lived on planet Earth had.. it’s what you do with those precious minutes that matters! Paul said, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:16

The situation may never be perfect. You may never feel adequately prepared. You may think your under equipped, ill-resourced, and the wrong person for the job. You’re in good company:

Jonah, Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Esther... the list goes on...

But today, God has tapped you on the shoulder. He wants you to make that positive change in your life. Share your story with your office. Defuse the situation with your family. Be the husband or wife you were designed to be. Give your child another chance. Move forward...no, leap forward.

Today… refuse to live the life you think you deserve and start living the one you were created for.

The situation may not look perfect... but don’t wait. God’s got your back.

Making the Choice

Unpaid bills, children who don’t listen, a boss who doesn’t get it, a grouchy spouse, and that pain that just won’t go away... sometimes it’s hard to remember that we are supposed to live out Psalm 118:24 It says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Rejoice?  How are we supposed to be overjoyed with so much going wrong?  Easy.  God made today.  Just for you.  He gave you air in your lungs and kept your heart beating so you could experience every second of it.  When trouble comes, He’ll be there.  Feeling alone?  Hurt?  He will never give up on you.  Short of money?  Stay generous...and watch Him provide for every need.  It’s all about perspective and a committed focus on God’s goodness!  You’ve got another 24 hours to change the world... make the choice to rejoice!

Other Side

John 21:6 “Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.”

The disciples had fished all night with no luck.  They’d thrown out their nets and been unsuccessful in catching even the tiniest brim.  But why?  These were some experienced men of the sea… they were used to pulling in thousands.  What could have possibly caused this lack of success?  

It was pretty simple.  The net was on the wrong side.

Sometimes we fish for things with our nets on the wrong side, too.  

Some are fishing for the right mate in a sea filled with wrong people.  Some are seeking God’s blessing in a life filled with disobedience.  Others confess that they want to share their faith, but only hang around other Christians.  

Sometimes it requires moving the boat.   Most of the time, it’s simply a matter of putting your net on the right side… on the side Jesus instructs us to put it on. 

Want a Godly relationship?  Cast your net among those that honor God with their lives.  Christ tells us in His word that bad company corrupts good character (1 Cor. 15:33).  Too many are looking for deep-water fish in canals.  

Want God’s blessings?  Cast your net into the river of generosity and servanthood.  When we give of our time, talent, and resources… God blesses our efforts.  Too many are asking God to give His stamp of approval on life plans He had no part in creating.

Want others to know about Christ?  Cast your net right where you are.  There are plenty excuses to stay silent… dare to be bold… tell others (starting with those that share your last name).  You may not have all the answers… and you may not be a Bible expert… but God has done something big in your life.  Share it.  And if the nets come back empty the first time…don’t quit.  Keep casting them out on the right side… and big things will happen.  

Ready to go fishing?  Cast away!

Our Heel

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”  Ephesians 6:12-13 

Maybe you’ve heard the ancient story of Achilles... a great warrior and hero of Homer’s Iliad.  As legend tells it, his mother dipped him into the magical river Styx when he was a boy.  Holding him by his heel and lowering him under, she knew that immersing him in this body of water would make him invincible.  It worked.... Achilles became a strong warrior that couldn’t be defeated in battle.  However, he did have one weak spot.  Where?  You guessed it... the only spot that didn’t get dipped... his heel.   The one spot that his mother failed to cover in the magical water would be the exact place an arrow would land and sink in... killing Achilles.  This fictitious hero of legend was felled by a weak spot he didn’t even knew he had.

In Ephesians 6:12-13, we read that we, too, are in a battle.  And the enemy that fires his arrows is relentless and has great aim.  His sights are set on the areas of our lives that aren’t covered in armor.  His goal?  To take us down... to neutralize us by exploiting where we struggle.  

Where is your achilles heel?  For many, the struggle is generosity.  

We hold tightly to what we have in fear of not having enough.  We give what’s left over because we don’t trust.  We forget that giving to the local church is an act of obedience… of faith… and reveals whether or not we trust what God says in His word about provision.  

Do we really believe the Bible?  Are we in love with the parts that make us feel good and skim the parts that challenge us to stretch?  Why did Jesus talk so much about money?  Because He knew that it would be the one area that exposes many to the attacks of the enemy.  And the devil is a good shot.

I know this.  When we are generous with what God trusts us with… we receive blessings from Him.  And maybe one of the biggest blessings of all is knowing that the enemy can’t take us down by the achilles heel of giving.  Are you ready to put on that piece of armor?  Let’s get stronger together…

First

James 3:13-16 “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”

I once heard the story of two men describing a third... “Let me describe him for you,” one of them said... “He’s the kind of guy who follows you into a revolving door and comes out ahead of you... that’s selfish ambition!”

Ever met someone who’s selfish?   A person who lives with a “me first” attitude all the time?    In James 3, the Bible tells us that where there is selfish ambition, there is disorder and evil.   Self-serving people have the wrong priorities... they put themselves above others and disregard Christ’s call to be a servant.  And the evil that the passage describes?  It’s pride.  Self-centeredness.  And scripture tells us that God sets Himself against those that possess that trait.   The antidote to the poison of selfishness?  Generosity, humility, and servanthood... Let’s get out there today and show the world the love of Christ by not living “me first” but “you first”...  Selflessness like that could change the world!

Prime

I once heard a story of a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time his throat became very dry, about that time he saw a little shack in the distance.  He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water and a note.

The note read: "pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it, if you do this you will get all the water you need". Now the man had a choice to make, if he trusted the note and poured the water in and it worked he would have all the water he needed. If it didn’t work he would still be thirsty and he might die. Or he could choose to drink the water in the jug and get immediate satisfaction, but it might not be enough and he still might die. After thinking about it the man decided to risk it. He poured the entire jug into the pump and began to work the handle, at first nothing happened and he got a little scared but he kept going and water started coming out. So much water came out he drank all he wanted, took a shower, and filled all the containers he could find. Because he was willing to give up momentary satisfaction, he got all the water he needed. Now the note also said: after you have finished, please refill the jug for the next traveller.” The man refilled the jug and added to the note: “ Please prime the pump, believe me it works”! 

We face the same choice everyday.  Hold on to what we have in case we need it... or give it all up to God so that He can come through on His promises.  Drink all the water we see or pour it in and trust?  Temporary satisfaction or long-term provision?  Here and now or now and later?  

What are you afraid to give up?  Are you holding on to the water you have or taking a “risk” that God will come through?

-  Do you want to run your own life for fear that God can’t or won’t?

-  Are you holding on to 100% of your income because tithing makes you nervous?

 What are you doing with your talents and abilities?  Pouring them out for others?

When was the last time you asked yourself... “Do I really trust God?”

We claim to.... we tell others we do... we want to... but isn’t it risky?

Trusting God is not a risk.  

“Those who know your name trust in you,

    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10

“O Lord, I give my life to you.

   I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”  Psalm 25:1-3

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

    and he will show you which path to take.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

“See, God has come to save me.

    I will trust in him and not be afraid.

The Lord God is my strength and my song;

    he has given me victory.”  Isaiah 12:2

Verse after verse we are reminded that trusting God is important.  But how?

Pour out what you see in front of you... give Him what you have and all of who you are.  Not only will He come through... scripture tells us that He will provide more than you could ever produce on your own.  

Give up trying to be God.  Instead, allow yourself to trust.  I know people around you can (and have) let your down.  But God is not like that.  He is trustworthy, proven, and bigger than the situation you face.  He is worthy of our praise, King of all Kings, and takes great joy in watching His children succeed.  He makes streams in the desert and mends the hearts of the hurting.  

You can trust Him.

See what you have now?  That little jug of water?  Give it up to Him completely and watch Him flood your life with blessings.  

So Many Starfish

Let’s start off our week by talking about the third step of obedience….

A man is walking along the shoreline of an ocean when he comes up on a little boy standing in the midst of thousands of starfish that had washed up along the shore. The man watches the little boy as he picks up a starfish and one by one throws them back in the sea. The man watches for several minutes then walks up to the boy and asks, "What are you doing?" The little boy answers, "I'm saving these starfish so they won't die." The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

Some would say that the man has a point.. after all...there are so many starfish on the beach... what will throwing a few back do?  How can the kindness and generosity of one boy make a difference?  Truth is... one person can’t do it all.  

But one person can do something.  And when enough people do something... big things happen.  Lasting change occurs.  What once seemed unachievable becomes reachable.   Every act of generosity matters... and every sacrifice... every gift... every commitment toward helping someone become the person they were created to be is important.   

You have to answer two important questions:  

1)  Are you obedient in your giving?

2)  Are you able to part with the temporary to affect the eternal?  

When you follow God’s directive to be generous… you put yourself in a position to be blessed.  So many are wondering why they aren’t experiencing the breakthrough in their lives…  could it be because they have shifted into worshiping the provision and not the Provider?   When we give of our resources, God does something supernatural with the money… making it far more effective than if we’d had spent it ourselves.   

Looking back at the starfish story... I want to share with you what the boy said in response to the man’s discouraging words:

“The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

The little boy reached down and picked up another starfish and said, "it will make a difference to this one" as he threw it into the ocean.”

You may hesitate to give because you don’t think it matters... that your commitment won’t make a difference.  Let me assure you... it does.  Your kindness...your faithfulness...and your generosity in supporting the vision of Potential Church affects not only campus development now... but will help assure that future generations will discover and grow in Christ just as you have.    It’s my prayer that we wouldn’t see giving as just an opportunity to give resources... but understand it as a chance to change lives with what God has blessed us with.  Let’s come together... all of us... and make a difference for the Kingdom. 

More Blessed

There’s an old Chinese proverb that says: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.  If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.  If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.  If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

If you’ve ever come to the aid of someone in need you know the truth in that statement.  There’s something about being there for a person that gives us a sense of fulfillment… a feeling of greater purpose.  This shouldn’t be surprising if you are a Christ-follower.  Scripture tells us in Acts 20:35 that “It is more blessed to give than to receive”  In Proverbs 11:25 we read “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”  Loving others…serving them… is something that God Himself has instructed us to do.  And when we stay obedient in this, the Bible tells us time and time again that we will be blessed. Want more blessing in your life?  Make the decision to reach out.  The world may try to convince you to look out only for yourself… but the example that Christ left us was quite the opposite.  Serving others is part of our calling…our purpose here on Earth… and there’s nothing that makes us resemble Jesus more than when we are putting others first.

This One

Let’s start off our week by talking about the third step of obedience….

A man is walking along the shoreline of an ocean when he comes up on a little boy standing in the midst of thousands of starfish that had washed up along the shore. The man watches the little boy as he picks up a starfish and one by one throws them back in the sea. The man watches for several minutes then walks up to the boy and asks, "What are you doing?" The little boy answers, "I'm saving these starfish so they won't die." The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

Some would say that the man has a point.. after all...there are so many starfish on the beach... what will throwing a few back do?  How can the kindness and generosity of one boy make a difference?  Truth is... one person can’t do it all.  

But one person can do something.  And when enough people do something... big things happen.  Lasting change occurs.  What once seemed unachievable becomes reachable.   Every act of generosity matters... and every sacrifice... every gift... every commitment toward helping someone become the person they were created to be is important.   

You have to answer two important questions:  

1)  Are you obedient in your giving?

2)  Are you able to part with the temporary to affect the eternal?  

When you follow God’s directive to be generous… you put yourself in a position to be blessed.  So many are wondering why they aren’t experiencing the breakthrough in their lives…  could it be because they have shifted into worshiping the provision and not the Provider?   When we give of our resources, God does something supernatural with the money… making it far more effective than if we’d spent it ourselves.   

Looking back at the starfish story... I want to share with you what the boy said in response to the man’s discouraging words:

“The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

The little boy reached down and picked up another starfish and said, "it will make a difference to this one" as he threw it into the ocean.”

You may hesitate to give because you don’t think it matters... that your commitment won’t make a difference.  Let me assure you... it does.  Your kindness...your faithfulness...and your generosity in supporting the vision of Potential Church affects not only campus development now... but will help assure that future generations will discover and grow in Christ just as you have.    It’s my prayer that we wouldn’t see giving as just an opportunity to give resources... but understand it as a chance to change lives with what God has blessed us with.  Let’s come together... all of us... and make a difference for the Kingdom. 

300

“…A man reaps what he sows.”  Galatians 6:7b

The weekend is here.  We’ve talked about it during our 300 series… I’ve posted about it here on my Facebook devotional page… and you’ve hopefully spent some time praying and thinking about what role you can have in it… it is Temple Centurion kickoff weekend.  

It is my prayer that whichever area you choose, you would know that you are making a difference around the world.… Remember, Temple Centurion is a year-long initiative but we are asking all of our Potential Church family to contribute as much of that yearly commitment as they can this first weekend.  This will allow us to get right to work in some much-needed areas.

It’s not easy to talk to you about money.  I’ve been honest about that from the start.  I do it because Jesus talked directly about it.  In fact, He talked more about resources than He did about Heaven.  Why?  Is it more important?  Surely not.  But He knew that it would be the resistance to sharing our resources that would hold us back from moving forward in so many areas of our lives.

I just know that when we are obedient with the resources that God blesses us with, we put ourselves in a position for blessing.  That’s what I want for each of you… I don’t want you to stress over your finances… I don’t want you to wonder what it is God is looking for you to do… and most of all… I don’t want you to miss out on the blessings that come with generosity.  

Remember, it’s not about equal amounts.  Not everyone can afford to give the same thing.  It is, however, about equal sacrifice.  Allow God to stretch you in this area.  Were you a silver Temple Centurion last year?  What would have to change to allow you to give at the gold level?  Didn’t participate last year?  What’s holding you back from the opportunity this weekend?  Are you blessed to the point of giving at the platinum or diamond level?  

I hear so many stories from people who prayed about it and jumped in last year as Temple Centurions.  They tell me that they were unsure at first if they would be able to afford giving anything above the 10% they already contributed.  But when they stepped out and trusted… God did amazing things.  Things way beyond what they imagined would happen as a result of their generosity.

I want to challenge you as your Pastor… pray through this. Let’s not dismiss it and count on others to do it in our place.  It’s our time to step up and be counted as Temple Centurions.  Will you join me?   I’ll see you this weekend.  

The Journey Begins

TODAY’S VERSE:  Luke 6:38 “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” 

As the kickoff to our Temple Centurion season draws closer, I would like you to watch Amaury and Roxy’s story (linked below).  As you watch it and pray over your own commitment…  keep today’s verse in mind…

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I believe it?

Do I have the courage to live it out?

Do I trust God in what He says?

Am I ready to activate my generosity?

This weekend, all of us will have the opportunity to begin the Temple Centurion journey:  our generosity…. God’s faithfulness and blessing… and a life lived knowing that we invested our resources into something bigger than ourselves.

As I’ve invited you to do for the past few weeks… please continue to pray and fast… asking God what part He would have you take in this historic weekend.   For more information about becoming a Temple Centurion, check out our website here:  http://potentialchurch.com/new2014/?page_id=13317

Video link:  https://vimeo.com/95147758

Pour It Out

I once heard a story of a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time his throat became very dry, about that time he saw a little shack in the distance.  He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water and a note.

The note read: "pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it, if you do this you will get all the water you need". Now the man had a choice to make, if he trusted the note and poured the water in and it worked he would have all the water he needed. If it didn’t work he would still be thirsty and he might die. Or he could choose to drink the water in the jug and get immediate satisfaction, but it might not be enough and he still might die. After thinking about it the man decided to risk it. He poured the entire jug into the pump and began to work the handle, at first nothing happened and he got a little scared but he kept going and water started coming out. So much water came out he drank all he wanted, took a shower, and filled all the containers he could find. Because he was willing to give up momentary satisfaction, he got all the water he needed. Now the note also said: after you have finished, please refill the jug for the next traveller.” The man refilled the jug and added to the note: “ Please prime the pump, believe me it works”! 

We face the same choice everyday.  Hold on to what we have in case we need it... or give it all up to God so that He can come through on His promises.  Drink all the water we see or pour it in and trust?  Temporary satisfaction or long-term provision?  Here and now or now and later?  

What are you afraid to give up?  Are you holding on to the water you have or taking a “risk” that God will come through?

-  Do you want to run your own life for fear that God can’t or won’t?

-  Are you holding on to 100% of your income because tithing makes you nervous?

-  What are you doing with your talents and abilities?  Pouring them out for others?

When was the last time you asked yourself... “Do I really trust God?”

We claim to.... we tell others we do... we want to... but isn’t it risky?

Trusting God is not a risk.  

“Those who know your name trust in you,

    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10

“O Lord, I give my life to you.

   I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”  Psalm 25:1-3

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

    and he will show you which path to take.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

“See, God has come to save me.

    I will trust in him and not be afraid.

The Lord God is my strength and my song;

    he has given me victory.”  Isaiah 12:2

Verse after verse we are reminded that trusting God is important.  But how?

Pour out what you see in front of you... give Him what you have and all of who you are.  Not only will He come through... scripture tells us that He will provide more than you could ever produce on your own.  

Give up trying to be God.  Instead, allow yourself to trust.  I know people around you can (and have) let your down.  But God is not like that.  He is trustworthy, proven, and bigger than the situation you face.  He is worthy of our praise, King of all Kings, and takes great joy in watching His children succeed.  He makes streams in the desert and mends the hearts of the hurting.  

You can trust Him.

See what you have now?  That little jug of water?  Give it up to Him completely and watch Him flood your life with blessings.  

The Heel

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”  Ephesians 6:12-13 

Maybe you’ve heard the ancient story of Achilles... a great warrior and hero of Homer’s Iliad.  As legend tells it, his mother dipped him into the magical river Styx when he was a boy.  Holding him by his heel and lowering him under, she knew that immersing him in this body of water would make him invincible.  It worked.... Achilles became a strong warrior that couldn’t be defeated in battle.  However, he did have one weak spot.  Where?  You guessed it... the only spot that didn’t get dipped... his heel.   The one spot that his mother failed to cover in the magical water would be the exact place an arrow would land and sink in... killing Achilles.  This fictitious hero of legend was felled by a weak spot he didn’t even knew he had.

In Ephesians 6:12-13, we read that we, too, are in a battle.  And the enemy that fires his arrows is relentless and has great aim.  His sights are set on the areas of our lives that aren’t covered in armor.  His goal?  To take us down... to neutralize us by exploiting where we struggle.  

Where is your achilles heel?  For many, the struggle is generosity.  

We hold tightly to what we have in fear of not having enough.  We give what’s left over because we don’t trust.  We forget that giving to the local church is an act of obedience… of faith… and reveals whether or not we trust what God says in His word about provision.  

Do we really believe the Bible?  Are we in love with the parts that make us feel good and skim the parts that challenge us to stretch?  Why did Jesus talk so much about money?  Because He knew that it would be the one area that exposes many to the attacks of the enemy.  And the devil is a good shot.

How do we protect ourselves?  We simply have to have a plan. 

This weekend could be the start of a brand new plan for your life.  Everyone that calls Potential Church home has the opportunity to start the Temple Centurion journey… giving an offering above their normal tithe toward one of five areas:  

1)  Launching new campuses

2)  Impacting the world through missions

3)  Campus development

4)  Staying on the cutting edge in television and the Internet Campus

5)  Reduce and eliminate outstanding debt 

As the weekend quickly approaches, I want to challenge you to pray, fast, and talk together as a family about this.  How can you get involved?  What is God whispering to your heart?  Are you feeling a nudge toward giving to one of these five areas?  

I know this.  When we are generous with what God trusts us with… we receive blessings from Him.  And maybe one of the biggest blessings of all is knowing that the enemy can’t take us down by the achilles heel of giving.  Are you ready to put on that piece of armor?  Let’s get stronger together… 

Starfish

A man is walking along the shoreline of an ocean when he comes up on a little boy standing in the midst of thousands of starfish that had washed up along the shore. The man watches the little boy as he picks up a starfish and one by one throws them back in the sea. The man watches for several minutes then walks up to the boy and asks, "What are you doing?" The little boy answers, "I'm saving these starfish so they won't die." The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

Some would say that the man has a point.. after all...there are so many starfish on the beach... what will throwing a few back do?  How can the kindness and generosity of one boy make a difference?  Truth is... one person can’t do it all.  

But one person can do something.  And when enough people do something... big things happen.  Lasting change occurs.  What once seemed unachievable becomes reachable.   Every act of generosity matters... and every sacrifice... every gift... every commitment toward helping someone become the person they were created to be is important.  As we approach the May 17/18 weekend, and the opportunity to begin this year’s Temple Centurion journey, I want to remind you of a few things.  

Temple Centurions are those that give above and beyond their tithe toward one of five areas...   Launch (start new campuses), Impact (missions), Elevate (upgrades to existing campuses), Innovate (Television ministry and iCampus), and Accelerate (debt reduction).   Each of these are equally important but you might be nudged to contribute to one particular area.   We’ve made that very easy on the newly updated website found here. 

Over the past few weeks, you’ve been given a black Temple Centurion envelope in your program.  Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet... we’ll have them available on the weekends leading up to May 17/18.  I want to encourage you to take some time over the next little while, and if you haven’t already, pray with your family.  Ask God what He would have you give and how far He’s asking you to stretch.  As I mentioned from the platform, I’m asking everyone that is becoming a Temple Centurion to give as much of their commitment as possible that weekend at all of our campuses.  This will allow us to quickly begin work in all of those areas.  From there, it’s simply a matter of continuing to give your tithe each week and an additional amount above that to Temple Centurion.

Were you a Temple Centurion last year?  Maybe He’s nudging you to increase your commitment to reach the next level.  Never been one before?  Silver Temple Centurions give just $500 above and beyond their tithe... that’s only a couple of Starbucks coffees a week.  

Why is that amount so reachable?  

Because we believe that everybody may not be able to give the same amount... but everybody can do something.  And everybody’s something can make a difference.  

Looking back at the starfish story... I want to share with you what the boy said in response to the man’s discouraging words:

“The man says to the boy..."There are too many to save, it won’t make any difference." 

The little boy reached down and picked up another starfish and said, "it will make a difference to this one" as he threw it into the ocean.”

You may hesitate to become a Temple Centurion because you don’t think your giving matters... that’s there’s a lot to do and your commitment won’t make a difference.  Let me assure you... it does.  Your kindness...your faithfulness...and your generosity in supporting the vision of Potential Church affects not only campus development now... but will help assure that future generations will discover and grow in Christ just as you have.  

It’s my prayer that we wouldn’t see this as just an opportunity to give resources... but understand it as a chance to change lives with what God has blessed us with.  Let’s come together... all of us... and make a difference for the Kingdom. 

Enough

2 Corinthians 9:10-15

"For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.  And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!"

As I was praying about a few things... God led me to the topic of generosity. What does that look like in the heart of a believer?  What does it say about our faith in God.  As I thought through this, I came across a great devotional from our friends at NewSpring Church in South Carolina.  I have included that devotional below.  I hope it inspires you as it has me... 

"I worry about not having enough, not doing enough, not saying enough. I behave as if what God can do through me is limited to what I can provide. But God makes a clear promise in 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 that we will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.

God's grace will never run dry. He will supply us with overflowing generosity. That generosity isn't meant to be hoarded; it's meant to be given. God’s generosity to us should spill out to those around us. We will never have to worry about giving enough or being good enough because God's grace poured out to us will never run out. 2 Corinthians 9:13 says, “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”

What God can do through us is not limited to what we can provide. It is exponential and unfathomable when we live in obedience, expecting His provision and sharing generously the gospel of Christ and what He has and continues to give us."

The entire devotional can be found here:  https://newspring.cc/blog/devotionals/overflowing-generosity