Pastor Ross talked today about having a generous spirit. He talked about how everything God does he does it abundantly. He turned one barrel of water into gallons of wine. He took 5 loaves and two fishes and fed a multitude. The principle is that of sowing and reaping and what Luke says chapter 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Our God is a generous God. His love for us is demonstrated in His generosity. "For God SO loved the world that he GAVE... (John 3:16) He freely forgives, abundantly blesses and is gracious in mercy. His greatness overwhelms the enemy and when his light shines the enemy must flee. The whole earth is full of his glory. He is a God of abundance and he has blessed us abundantly.

The word of God challenges us to give; to give out of our abundance and out of our need. We need to forgive freely, bless always, love passionately, give financially to God's kingdom purposes and worship God with abandon. A withholding spirit and the cares of the world will choke out the harvest and will not allow blessing to flow. God asks us to be generous and He will generously give back to us in salvations, blessing, restoration, healing and finances.

We just finished our week of prayer and I am excited to see what God is going to do this year. Our theme was Dare to Ask: to repent, ask for forgiveness and believe he will do it. Dare to wait on God and see what he is doing, and get in step with him. Dare to ask for His will as revealed to us through his word and be obedient to it. Dare to believe. Believe that he wants to answer our prayers. To live by faith and not by sight. And dare to rest. To rest in the promises of his word, know our God is faithful and will accomplish His good will for us.

I believe that as we dare to approach God with humility and an understanding of our position in him, and as we live lives of generosity, knowing that each one of us is important to God and we matter to him and his kingdom purposes, we will see a year of miracles and the church impacting people in the church and throughout the world in amazing and God honoring ways.

My Resolution for the New Year

I like this song that Jeremy Riddle sings and it is my prayer for the new year. I hope it blesses you as much as it does me!

FULL ATTENTION

May Your voice be louder
May Your voice be clearer
Than all the others
Than all the others

May Your face be dearer
May Your words be sweeter
Than all the others
Than all the others in my life.

Please keep my eyes
Fixed on You
Please root my heart
So deep in You
Keep me abiding
Keep me abiding
keep me abiding
That I may bare fruit

May Your presence be truer
May Your presence be nearer
Than all the others
Than all the others

May Your light burn brighter
May Your love move deeper
Than all the others
Than all the others in my life.

Another song says: In the quiet of my soul, in the stillness I hear Your voice call, and I am overwhelmed, and I am lost for words to describe You.
Jesus, You're more than a friend. Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express.
Your love and Your grace never fail me. Your merciful touch always heals me. You bring joy to my soul!

My heart longs to worship You my king.
I long to bring You a pleaseing offering. 'Cause I am overwhelmed and I am lost for words to describe You!

My prayer for each of you this year is that you will come to know our Father in heaven in a more intimate way, that you would understand who you are because of Jesus, walking daily in his presence with boldness, authority and great love for the people around you! I pray that you would know Him more intimately, have a passion for his word and choose follow him daily.