Bless His House

Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians: We wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given to the churches of Macedonia, that in great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Paul also states they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by will of God.

Here we have poor churches sending money to the people in Jerusalem. They wanted to support other believers just as we, as a church family, desire to help others in need- whether it be Len and Alice in the Philippines, Pedro and Marolyn’s ministry to Ecuador, and even those in our community. King Hezekiah knew it started with giving to the Lord and putting the House back in order. We also have a sanctuary that we call home; it is His House and there were many miracles surrounding how we received it. This building has a history that extends back in time where many prayers were said. I know we can’t wipe out our debt overnight (unless a miracle arrives) but we can provide “heaps” just like the people of Jerusalem and the Macedonians.

Why, you might say? A church is more than a mere building; it contains people who are seeing the Lord for their needs, their troubles, their future, their safehaven. And people who love the Lord like to give because they know beyond reason that God will bless abundantly. We don’t need animals for sacrifice anymore – we don’t give tithes of wheat, honey, oil, etc. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”

I feel that my Father has given me a special place that brings me joy. He has given me friendships that have lasted for years; I have seen little children grow into adults; I have grieved the loss of those who crossed over; I have been helped in times of need, and so many prayers have been said for me. I believe most of us feel that same way and that’s why we desire for others to know the Jesus we know; to be part of something bigger than we are and now we have a proclamation before us by the Pastor. It is the month of giving so let’s have some fun and make “heaps and heaps” of stuff.

Today, there should be a gift box for everyone to bless His House. This is for men, women old and young, families- what you put in the box how many times you bless His House is up to you. I guarantee you that you can go to a local Dollar Tree/General Dollar and find something! We have put out a flyer with ideas and God might inspire you just like He has me. Cleaning supplies can cut the cost on buying supplies for a while; use the box to bless those who maintain his house; don’t take for granted the 8 oz. foam cups, the napkins, the toilet paper, the coffee, paper towels, etc. The church provides plus benefactors but we have a desire to lessen the debt. Different departments have desires-we asked them. They were not selfish-small diapers, goldfish crackers, sugar free gum, peppermints for the season, flour and sugar, little stuff upstairs, a few new toys, dish towel and dish cloths are badly needed. We are going to stock the upstairs kitchen for the kids/teens- so that enlarges the need.

You say my tithe takes care of that stuff-I didn’t say the electric bill will go up because winter is coming; I didn’t say the phone bills, the sound system, microphones, toilets, computers, etc. that have to be maintained. If everyone knew how God blesses the one who gives, they would tithe, give offerings and be part of the Unleased program. People who don’t feel they can give something in the box need to read about the Macedonian churches or the woman who gave two mites.

If the Holy Spirit tells you something that’s not on the flyer then toss it in there. The box will be there the month of December. Men if you want to give something as a group-great; teens could do the same. If you want to bless the cooks put a gift in the box. If you want to bless the choir give them cookies/pizza but please don’t put it in the box!!! While you are at it-put a note in the Christmas post box to say how much you appreciate the church works-that includes the prayer intercessors!

Let us continue to show our respect for His House, His ministers, His praise and worship, His people who give all for Christ. We love being His! God Bless and Merry Christmas.

Sharon White