Posts Tagged stewardship

Leftovers, Part 1 – Malachi 1:6-14

May 12

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 1 Comment

Friends,

Another great day to be in the House of the Lord!  Mother’s Day is always a special time of worship and a reminder to me of just how blessed we are in our congregation.

As we continue our walk through Malachi, we come to the 2nd sermon in the series.  This passage really challenged me to think not only about what I am bringing as an offering to God, but the quality of what I am bringing.  Originally written to the priests in the Israelite community, I believe this passage speaks to us all.

Malachi 1:14 in particular really hit me hard.  How often in our relationships (marriage, parenthood, etc.) do we make a commitment, only to fall short too quickly?  What about in our school work, job, community organizations?  Too often, I believe, we commit our best, and we truly desire to give our all; but in the end, sometimes all we can offer is our leftovers.  Our leftover time, leftover energy, leftover resources, leftover money.

There are some powerful questions raised by this passage:  What kind of offering are you bringing to God?  Is it your best?  Or is He only getting your leftovers?  What are you doing to make God’s name great among the community?

Anyway, take a listen…your thoughts?

You can download the sermon here:  Leftovers, Part 1 – Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Malachi 1:6-14
  • Leviticus 22:17-22, Deuteronomy 15:21
  • Numbers 30:2
  • Matthew 5:33-37
  • 1 Peter 1:19

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Reflexions 3.6.09

Mar 6

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon | No Comments

Friends,

I found myself thinking about the idea of stewardship this morning.  What do we do with the physical, intellectual, financial, material, spiritual, etc. blessings that God has so abundantly given us?

Certainly we have heard that we are supposed to tithe, or give 10%, of our finances to God, and I believe most of us truly desire to do that.  And most of us understand that tithing is more than just our money.  But what do we do with that?  How you keep track of your giving outside of your checkbook?  What counts?  Who decides?

When you read scripture, you can find numerous times where God reminds us that His greatest desire is our heart more than our sacrifices (offerings).  Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (NIV)  Some people, when they hear about God and/or the Bible, think about all of the rules that are laid out for their life.  But before He receives our obedience, God first wants our hearts, to know that we are truly striving to live each and every day for Him.

There are many things every day that I do (or try to do) for Annie.  I do them not out of fear, but because I love her and am committed to her.  But even more than that, I believe it is important that through my words and my actions she know she is a top priority in my life.  I’m not just ticking to-do items off my list; I am seeking to express my love for her in practical ways every day.

In the same way, I don’t believe God wants us to do things for Him just so we can check them off our list…no, I believe He is looking for us to live our lives in a way that show He is a top priority in our lives.  This is one of the reasons why worship, Bible study, prayer, etc. are so important.  God will not make Himself a top priority in your life…that part is up to you.   How important is God in your life?  Does He know that?

Blessings

Pastor Bryon

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DON’T BE A WISE MAN – Matthew 2.1-12

Jan 12

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 3 Comments

Friends,

Happy New Year!  What a wonderful start to the year it has been for us in worship.  Yesterday I preached from Matthew 2.1-12, the story of the Magi, or Wise Men.  It is a familiar story, but as I read it this past week, it struck me that after they brought their gifts, they are never heard from again.  I’m not attempting to put them down, they certainly fulfilled their prophetic purpose.  But, there are so many other stories within the Gospels where a person or group has a singular encounter with Christ, and then we never hear of how their lives were changed.

This got me thinking, what can be told of our story after our life-changing encounter with Christ?  As much as there is a need for us to continue to bring others into the family of God through evangelism, I believe we also need a greater level of commitment and perseverance in faith.

After watching the horde of people at the Y exercising on Saturday I wondered…how many of these were starting their year off strong but would fade as the year continues?  Likewise, Christians often begin their faith or a new year off great in terms of Bible study, prayer, tithing, missions, and worship.  But how often do we fade in one of these areas?

Our Father God is faithful, and never fades from that commitment to us.  Likewise, we should seek to be strong in our commitment to Him.  What are you doing with your time/talents/finances?  Have you kept the faith?  Thinking about your original life-changing encounter with Christ, where are you now?  The wise men came and brought their gifts, never to heard from again.  Don’t be a wise man.

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Matthew 2.1-12
  • Deuteronomy 7.9
  • Matthew 9.37
  • Matthew 25.14-30
  • Mark 15.21, Acts 13.1, Romans 16.13
  • Luke 9.23
  • Acts 2.42, Acts 20.31-32
  • 1 Peter 4.19

Your thoughts?  Share them with us!

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