This time of the year often brings high expectations, and expectations have the potential to make us blind to what God is doing in our midst. I know from experience that high or wrong expectations can rob us of many wonderful experiences and insights.
I became aware of this many years ago as I was leading a congregation in evaluating their worship style. I found myself along with others entering the sanctuary on Sunday mornings with certain expectations, and when they were not met, I left with a feeling of disappointment. Over a period of time, I began to hear the disappointment grow into criticism. It was important to teach those I was leading to ask a critical question that is directly tied to our spiritual maturity and growth:
"Does the fact that our expectations were not met mean that God didn't show up?"
The answer is certainly "Of course not!" It simply meant that we couldn't see the wonderful ways God was at work because we were so focused on our expectation and my frustrations because they were not being met.
It was decided by the group I was leading that they would consciously enter the sanctuary every Sunday with expectancy instead of expectations. What was learned was by this group of individuals was that not everything happens during worship is according to my preferences, by when we come with a spirit of expectancy it opens us to experience God's presence in incredible ways.
So during this Advent season, let us enter into God's sanctuary at Rockport standing on our spiritual tiptoes with expectancy - eagerly waiting - creating space for God's blessing, blessings that are just looking for a place to unexpectedly land in our presence. Expectancy creates that kind of space!
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Proportionate Giving
We are now entering into our season of stewardship at Rockport United Methodist Church.
Stewardship almost always brings anxiety to people. I ran across a short article that I am sure many of you have read before. The article stated that there are three kinds of giving and givers:
1. Grudge Giving - which says, "I guess I have to give to God."
2. Duty Giving - which says, "I guess I ought to give to God."
3. Thanksgiving - which says, "I want to give to God."
Do you know what is so important about your giving to support God's work at Rockport UMC? When our giving comes from a thankful heart, it opens the gate that moves us into the love of God.
As we consider our giving level for 2010, I pray that we would practice Proportionate Giving. Some might ask, "What is proportionate giving?" It is the type of giving that makes provision for Christ's work first, regardless of other claims that may be made upon our personal budget during the year.
On the other hand, when we wait until the need at church presents itself and then we decide if we are going to reach into our pockets to see if we support the program or whether we can spare the extra money from our resources, we put the work of Christ at Rockport second on our list.
Remember what Matthew 6:33 says to us: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and God's righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."
As we enter this season of stewardship reflection, let us put God first in our lives and first in our giving.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
Stewardship almost always brings anxiety to people. I ran across a short article that I am sure many of you have read before. The article stated that there are three kinds of giving and givers:
1. Grudge Giving - which says, "I guess I have to give to God."
2. Duty Giving - which says, "I guess I ought to give to God."
3. Thanksgiving - which says, "I want to give to God."
Do you know what is so important about your giving to support God's work at Rockport UMC? When our giving comes from a thankful heart, it opens the gate that moves us into the love of God.
As we consider our giving level for 2010, I pray that we would practice Proportionate Giving. Some might ask, "What is proportionate giving?" It is the type of giving that makes provision for Christ's work first, regardless of other claims that may be made upon our personal budget during the year.
On the other hand, when we wait until the need at church presents itself and then we decide if we are going to reach into our pockets to see if we support the program or whether we can spare the extra money from our resources, we put the work of Christ at Rockport second on our list.
Remember what Matthew 6:33 says to us: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and God's righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."
As we enter this season of stewardship reflection, let us put God first in our lives and first in our giving.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
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