Monday, December 22, 2008

The Greatest Gift Ever!


Oh if the world would only know of the greatest gift ever. When the Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. For He was given to us as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Yes the greatest gift ever. We celebrate the birth of our Savior through whom we recieve eternal life.


Its a wonder to me why some many give gifts to others on Christmas but fail to do the same any time else. We need a holiday to motivate us to good deeds instead of Scripture. And with this motivation comes improper focus. We stress over who to buy for and what to get them. Them, most of the time being, those who are not in need of anything we get for them. And we give and recieve even will those who are in such great need still go without. Why is it that we don't focus on giving in a way that centers around the greatest gift ever? Can you imagine if we gave with the sole focus being for God's glory! If our giving was to represent the Greatest Gift Ever? For if we have recieved the greatest gift ever, then nothing we give short of the greatest gift ever could compare.


Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 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. 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. 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. 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. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Oh yes. Thank you Lord for your indescrible gift. May we all share this gift with those who need you. Those whom you long for. May that be our gift to you Jesus.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Calvary Chapel of Surprise--Missions Ministry

Welcome to the CCS- Missions Ministry blog site. We are delighted to have you join us for it is our desire to see our local body of believers glorify God not only locally, (Petrine Missions), but beyond our borders as well, (Pauline Missions). Deep inside so many believers’ hearts is the desire to be a part of a the great kingdom purpose of God and to accomplish great things for Him. So we usually ask ourselves, "what is God's will for my life" or "what I can do for God". And we usually use our gifts and strengths to become involved in meaningful activities. But too often we lose sight of God’s eternal purpose and we never fulfill that great desire in our hearts.

It is unquestionably clear throughout scripture that all the nations or peoples of the earth will worship before the Lord. Psalm 86:9 states “all of the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.” Revelation 5:9 makes it clear that there will be “people from every tribe and language and people and nation” worshipping before his throne. From scripture, we see that it is God’s heart to raise up a remnant, those who will worship Him from every nation, that is, from every people group of the earth. But while most of us ask, "what I can do for God", there still remain two hundred million Muslims, Hindus and others in Southeast Asia, making up many people groups, who have no opportunity to hear about Christ.
Stop and think for a moment. Imagine these nations worshipping through the eyes of faith. What do you see? And, what do you think would transpire if we all looked first to the unchangeable global purposes of God and allowed Him to bless all the peoples of the earth through us? What if we were to ask “what does God want done” rather than “what can I do for God”? Our focus is then taken from what we can accomplish, to what an all- powerful God can do through us. And maybe what we do would bring inexpressible joy to our hearts as it brings glory to Him and becomes a part of His great purpose of reaching nations for Christ.