Source SM Recap: Volume #36
Current Series: Imitate Title: “Giving” The Word: Matthew 6:19-21, 24, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Mark 12:41-44 Main Thought: Where you spend your time and money is what reflects your heart.
Message Explanation: Have you ever walked into the store to pick up one small item but walked out with way more than you need? Money, money, moneyyy!!! Everyone wants it. Most people think it will make you happy. But if you look around, you will notice that money doesn’t always equal true happiness and fulfillment. Did you know there are around 2,350 verses that talk about money and possessions in the Bible!
You can break it down into two areas. NEED or WANT. There is a difference between need and want. God OWNS it all. It all belongs to God, that is what matters. We are to manage it WISELY.
2 Corinthians 9:7: “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.”
The Bible talks about money!
1. Giving reveals our heart motives. Matthew 6:19-21: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
2. Giving on earth will be rewarded in Heaven. Matthew 6:2:1 "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Giving is worship. How we give our time and money will be rewarded in Heaven. Jesus looks at the heart more than the outward:
Mark 12:41-44: “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” She gave everything she had to live on! All she gave was around 2 cents! She trusted God to provide for her although she didn’t have much at all. How much do I give to God? Tithing is the least we should do as a follower of Christ. 10% of income to God.
3. Giving is a sign of a follower of Christ. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Where you spend your time and money is what reflects your heart.
Element of Fun: The middle school students played a game called, “Make it or Break it.” It is a video driven game that each grade competes each week for this series!
Music: Relentless, Your Love Never Fails, Holy Spirit, The Church.
Favorite Moment: A 9th grade guy sitting down with me and beginning a relationship with Jesus!
What’s Next: We will continue the series, “Imitate” as we talk about how to share your story!
To watch any of the series messages, check out the vimeo page
Costa Rica Mission Trip Recap!
What happens when 31 people with the same heart and same vision converge on a short-term mission trip?
Life change!
We spent the week serving all around San Ramon, Costa Rica and sharing the love of Christ. One of the most rewarding parts of student ministry is watching students serving others. I loved watching students share their faith, testimonies, songs, scripture and more. I believe that this generation is the church now and not later.
We created three vbs teams and each team went to two spots per day. We gave out almost 50 bibles to new disciples and those who did not have one. One of the most heartbreaking moments was running out of bibles and children and youth asking for one. I am not used to people so hungry for the bible! I was able to see in that moment that being on mission is being the hands, feet and voice of Christ. We need to show it by our actions and take the next step to verbalize the gospel. God showed up at each location through the simple extension of people who love children. See how Jesus responded to children!
Luke 18:15-16, "One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
