More Than Enough Series

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men 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. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

“More Than Enough”

This year’s stewardship drive is going to be a little different. More than ever, we will be focusing on how great God is and telling stories about all the ways God is at work. For this, I’m going to need some help from you all during worship. You… are getting homework, and I really… REALLY need your help with this.

Next week is going to be “Giving Stories Sunday.” I want to hear from you about giving. How did you learn about giving? Why do you give? When has your gift made a difference for someone? When did someone else’s gift make a difference for you? How has God blessed you with more than enough? So, stop by my office… put it down on a note and put it in my box… send me an e-mail… share your giving story. You will not be asked to get up in front of everyone and the story can be anonymous if you want… but I’m hoping there is at least a few of you willing to help by sharing your giving stories.

In two weeks, we will have our “Celebration Sunday.” Have you seen someone with a huge talent or have you used a talent yourself that has yielded an amazing harvest? What ministry in your eyes is one worth celebrating? Again… drop by… write me a note… or send me an e-mail. You will not be asked to get up and read it and it can be anonymous.

Finally, I will need 3 guys and 1 gal to volunteer for a very short drama in three weeks. This is when we will celebrate our “Commitment Sunday.” That is where we are going and I hope you will take some time to help make these worship services very special. Now, it’s time for us to switch gears and focus on where we are.

Last week, we talked a great deal about the economy… about how we are stressed out and concerned. How… more than ever… we are looking to material wealth for our comfort and support. Today, we are going to try our very best to look at scripture and see what words God might have for an anxious people… during an anxious time. But before we do, I’d like to share with you the story of Farmer Joe!

Farmer Joe decided his injuries from the accident were serious enough to take the trucking company (responsible for the accident) to court. In court, the trucking company’s fancy lawyer was questioning farmer Joe. "Didn’t you say, at the scene of the accident, ’I’m fine’?," questioned the lawyer.

Farmer Joe responded, "Well I’ll tell you what happened. I had just loaded my favorite mule Bessie into the..."

"I didn’t ask for any details," the lawyer interrupted, "just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, ’I’m fine’!"

Farmer Joe said, "Well I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road..."

The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman on the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question."