February 20, 2005
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Our sermon today was on the transfiguration on the Mount. Our pastor shared a Ben Franklin essay with us, where he was going to report on a sermon, and had in his pocket coppers, silver and some gold. At first he was not going to contribute anything, but as the sermon progressed, he decided copper, then later on silver, then later gold, then later all the contents of his pocket. Our pastor said, “I would like a copy of that sermon!”
But he pointed out that the disciples went through a process of growth too. At first, when they met Jesus and saw the first miracle, the wine at the wedding, they were willing to invest the copper. As time went on, and the tansfiguration occured, they then decided to give the silver of their lives. After the crucifixion and the resurrection, then the disciples gave their all (they were martyred, except John who also faced severe torture).
And our pastor went on to point out that we, in our spiritual walks also begin to invest more and more of ourselves, and hopefully at one point we will grow to where we can give all to God. And that is when we realize just how much we are getting in blessing by giving our all from our hearts.
Kind of cool. Here is a site that has that essay, it is about 2/3 of the way down the page:
http://www.geocities.com/fdocc/b-franklin.htm
Heather
Comments (16)
You always leave such kind comments on my site… thank you for that (((hugs)))
I often feel like I’m chincing on God. Still a work in progress. I tried to access that site, but it’s down for now. Look forward to reading it later though.
Thanks for signing my site. You are just so sweet. We had a fantastic service this morning also….about building on the Rock…. wish i could recount it verbatim
RYC: I am curious too about how they will respond. But I think it will be fine, this school seems to be a bit more open to things then some other schools around here. Such as, this school does an all school pledge of allegiance every Monday, where as other schools don’t do it at all. And this particular class does it every day. So we’ll see.
I got you added to my list! Thanks for being interested!
Take care!
Hehe, ditto.
((hugs)) No worries.
<3
Yes. Thank you. I must admit, I was nervous about Niko with a baby because of his past history of abuse, but he was so wonderful with Joshua. Yes, even dogs can overcome. I added a picture I think you might like.
Very Cool – Usually, I’m more of a “this is what I’ve budgeted” type giver. I have had moments (not generally while listening to sermons but stranger things have happened) where I’m just so grateful to be alive that the only thing I could do was open up and GIVE to God whatever I had at the moment.
I’m actually better at giving money than I am myself. I’m a long way from the gold, sad to say. But I’m a lot closer than I use to be, so it’s improving. Fortunately God is patient. We are the ones that lose out. I guess it’s better tho to give a little with the right attitude, than a lot with the wrong attitude, maybe that’s what they mean by the gold.
That sounded like a good sermon. Our pastor preached on tithing. I am glad I already had my check ready. LOL.
thanks, Heather
cool example. what if God wants more than silver, gold and copper? what if He wants to lead us to death in order to preserve our fellow man…..and to bring them to Christ b4 we die, or in the process? i gave my all to reach my parents. we went $70000 in debt to provide what they never did for themselves…a home. through it all (including all the bad that was happening to me), i may have developed ms, and my parents became christians. was it worth it? YES! does it hurt? yes. did i wish for another way? yes. was God faithful? yes. would i do it again? who for. not as quick now to be hurt by others like i was. but God is faithful!!! YAY!4GOD!!!!
Linda, I think it is great that you helped your parents, because it does say to honor your father and mother. I suspect though that sometimes it is not the amount of money given, it is what is given from the heart, in obedience too. I know that God cared so much for the widow’s mites way more than those who gave large amounts of money. But God also wants us to take care of ourselves.
I have to believe, given my own past, that if God wants to reach someone, he can inspite of the person or their circumstances. I was such a hard case that I am certain that many who prayed for my soul felt despair for the seeming hopelessness of it. But God got through inspite of my defenses. Sometimes I have felt a compelling by God to reach in my pocket and share some money with someone I have come across. Sometimes all I have is a couple of dollars, sometimes more, it isn’t the amount. One person in our church was in tough times and all I had was $10. I gave it to him in obedience, and told him I wish it was more. It was just what he needed at that time.
I am so grateful that you do not mind me visiting your sites, I love hearing what you have to say. I have gained so much insight from reading what you share. And have grown to care so much for you.
My son wants the computer before going to bed, so I will try to come back later.
Heather
Sounds like a GREAT sermon!!!
i attend golden gate seminary here in california.
your post makes me wonder what i invest my life in lately…in order to be blessed, i must give my all.
thanks, joy
Beth Moore? I’ve heard of her. Maybe I should look into that…
great entry. liked the sermon.