If God Allowed It, God Will Use It

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

Paul was in prison when he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always." AROUND him was the cruelty of men, but WITHIN him was the Kingdom of God.  How is such joy possible?  Paul gives us the key: "We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).  Child of God, there are things we see that the world doesn't.

Paul was saying, "You can lock me up, but you can't keep me in.  Outside these bars Caesar rules, but in here Jesus is Lord, and when my assignment is complete, I'm out of here. Go ahead, take your best shot.  Beat me, imprison me, lie on me, false accuse me, behead me, but one second after the axe falls I'll be more alive than I am now."

There's nothing you can do to a man like that.
He's beyond your reach.

Paul was saying, "This is the best it will ever be for you, but you ought to see where I'm going!"

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved  we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

That's a God-altered perspective!

When you praise God, not because of what you FEEL, but because of what you KNOW, you'll have joy that transcends anything that comes against you!

Sometimes you don't FEEL like praising God.  However, we don't live by FEELINGS...we live by FAITH.

• You won't always FEEL like loving people.
• You won't always FEEL like forgiving people.
• You won't always FEEL like praising God.

I think of JOSEPH (one of my hero's) and the great injustice that was done to him.  He chose to FORGIVE a great WRONG...and likewise we are to do the same.  Is it easy?  NO!  But if God has forgiven us...we have the responsibility to forgive others too.

1. His brothers had DRIVEN him AWAY; he calls them to come near. (Genesis 45:4)
2. His brothers had LEFT him without comfort or home; he encourages his brothers and comforts them. (Genesis 45:5)
3. His brothers had been willing to ALLOW HIM TO DIE of starvation and thirst in a pit; he gave them provision for their trip home to Canaan. (Genesis 45:21)
4. His brothers SENT HIM AWAY on the back of a mangy camel; he sends them home on fine Egyptian carts. (Genesis 45:21)
5. His brothers had RIPPED THE COAT of many colors off his back; he gives them the expensive garments of Egypt. (Genesis 45:22)
6. His brothers SOLD HIM FOR SILVER; Joseph gives them silver for their trip. (Genesis 45:22)

For Joseph to do this...is a picture of GRACE.

Have you ever been hurt by someone?

Have you ever been offended?

Have there been times when people have wronged you?

What do you do when that happens in your life?

We have the example of Joseph.  He forgave his brothers.  We also have the example of Jesus. When He was hanging on the cross, about to die for sin, as the religious leaders and the crowds passed by mocking Him, He prayed for their forgiveness.

When we are wronged, and it WILL happen, we are to forgive to the same extent that we have been forgiven.  In fact, we are to go the extra mile in our forgiveness of others.  That is not an easy requirement, but it is the will of God for our lives, and it is the only attitude that pleases God.

The key is to return "good for evil." (Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 5:44-48)

How could Joseph forgive his brothers like he did?  Joseph could forgive because...

• He could see the hand of God in everything that happened to him.
• He knew that God was behind every disruption in his life.
• He knew that even his brothers sins against him were part of God's plan for his life.

If you and I are going to get past the hurts we experience, we must adopt the same attitude. If something takes place in your life or mine, it does so only because God gave it PERMISSION to occur.  He is behind every single event that takes place, even the HURTS we experience.  

If He has allowed it...then He will use it for my good and His glory in His time.  My responsibility is to accept the things that come my way and trust Him to work out His will through it.  If I can see His hand in the hurts I experience, it will make the hurt easier to bear.

When the Warranty Runs Out

What happens when the warranty runs out?  

Recently, the overhead light in our mud room quit working. At first, I thought the bulb was blown so I changed it.  When that didn't work, I checked the breaker box.  When that didn't work, I called a friend.  When that didn't work, I called our home builder.

I actually expected to be told, "We're sorry Mr. Hylton, you're outside your warranty period. There's nothing we can do."

To my surprise, I was elated when they called me back and said, "Mr. Hylton, we understand and apologize for any frustration this has caused.  We're contacting our electrician and they will be in touch with you to set up an appointment."

I kept waiting for them to say, "Sorry man...this is isn't our problem anymore."  However, they went above and beyond and delivered amazing customer service...even after the warranty had expired!

Their loyalty to me makes me want to be loyal to them.

Granted, I may not know everything about this company or even who the CEO is...I just appreciate the wonderful customer service I received when I was in a desperate situation.

Do our churches send the same message?

People don't come to our churches because of our theology or our preaching styles.  They really don't care about hermeneutics, homiletics or who wrote the book of Hebrews.

What they care about is when...

• They are broken in spirit,
• Their marriage is in trouble,
• They've been hurt by other churches,
• Life has let them down,
• They're skeptical of "church people",
• Their kids are acting crazy,
• Their finances are messed up, 
• Their loved one has passed away,

...someone will be there to pick them up and care about them as a person who MATTERS!

They matter...

• In the parking lot.
• When dropping their kids off in the nursery.
• When they receive a smile, handshake and even a warm hug just for walking through the door.
• The church considers them as a "guest" and not just a "visitor."

Think about it...

• People want to know that they matter.
• They want to experience authentic community.
• They want to receive a life-changing message when they're at the end of their rope.

Our goal as a church is to extend EXCELLENT "customer service" at the right moment, so that we can help HEAL hurts, BIND up wounds and FREE people from their frustrations!

People are looking for HOPE!  They want to hear some news that will lift them out of their state of depression, frustration and aggravation.  

When we stand in our pulpit(s) (wherever your's happens to be) we must SMILE!  There's enough sadness and hurt in the world to bring even the happiest disposition down.  When people walk through our doors, we only have ONE SHOT at impacting them instantly!  We must intentionally seek to lift the hands of the weak, weary and worried by showing them Christ's love in a practical way.

Our theology isn't the reason that a visitor is going to stay…or leave:  at least not initially.

We want to fulfill the Great Commission, but we won't get people to hang around long enough to soak it in, unless we give an eye to their "customer service" experience.

Theology does matter.  What we believe is of primary importance in our local church, and it drives what we do each and every week.  However, it doesn't matter to people when they're on the outside of faith or when life has fallen apart.

"Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt

I'm committed to LOVING people where they are - NO MATTER where they are!  You're going to meet someone today who needs some great "customer service."  I pray you'll be the person that shares Jesus so BRIGHTLY that they'll take the first step to see their way out of darkness!

By the way, our mud room light was repaired, and it didn't cost us a dime! #winning :)

You Matter

Dear BFWC Family,

To everyone who volunteers at Bethel Family Worship Center...YOU ARE AMAZING!!!  God is using YOU to reach people...and lives ARE being changed because of the time and effort you put in each and ever week.

Last night was simply off the charts! 1600 people walked on to our campus for a night of fellowship at the FALL HARVEST FEST!  We have never seen so many cars parked on our campus before!  They were lined up and down the streets...It was unreal!

YOU MADE IT HAPPEN!

• You donated candy!
• You showed up to serve!
• You gave away smiles, hugs & handshakes!
• You kept a good attitude when the crowd was overwhelming!
• You served people!
• You invited people!
• You represented JESUS!
• You stayed late to clean up!
• You connected with one another!

EVERYTHING you do matters!

• To our greeters - YOU matter!
• To our ushers - YOU matter!
• To our parking lot team - YOU matter!
• To our Children's Ministries team - YOU matter!
• To our media team - YOU matter!
• To our gate keepers - YOU matter!
• To our hospitality team - YOU matter!
• To our 3one7 Students - YOU matter!

To every volunteer in ANY area of our church - YOU matter!

We're sure there might be days that you are tempted to think, "Does it really matter whether I show up today or not?"  The answer is an astounding YES!  Everything you do matters...and it IS making a difference - both NOW and for eternity!

BFWC...we understand that a church is NOT effective when the pastor ministers to the people - but rather when the BODY ministers to the body!  WE need one another!

And so week after week people show up, work with children, direct traffic, clean the place where we meet...all so we can work together to impact this community...and IT's WORKING!

It is an honor and privilege to serve with you!  We can't wait to see you on Sunday! 

Love,

Russell & Beverly Hylton

Lead Pastors

The Spirit of Indifference

The problem with indifference is that many who have it don't know it; and those who do...don't care.

Definition of Indifference

• Apathy, unconcerned, disinterest.  
• Not mattering one way or the other. 
• Having no particular interest or concern.  
• Lack of diligence, dedication and devotion.  
• Attitude and actions say, "I don't care!"

God's people have always been plagued with indifference.

• Lamentations 1:1-12 - Judah is doomed to captivity and the people act as if it is nothing.
• 1 Corinthians 5 - At Corinth there was a case of fornication in their midst and the brethren had done nothing.  They were not even upset about it.
• Revelation 3:15-16 - Church at Laodicea was lukewarm.

Indifference is a CANCER that eats away at the life of a Christian and a local church.

The people of God should be DILIGENT, DEVOTED and ZEALOUS!

• Matthew 6:33 - seek first the kingdom of God.
• 2 Peter 3:15 - sanctify the Lord (set him apart) in your heart.
• Romans 12:11 - fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
• Colossians 3:23 - put everything you have into the service of The Lord.
• Ecclesiastes 9:10 - whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
• Titus 2:14 - zealous of good works.

More to come...

A Good Soldier

With bullets flying and danger all around, a soldier who uses his/her influence to encourage others to fight against the enemy will be held in high regard by their fellow soldiers.

Soldiers who use their actions to motivate others to do good not only earn a medal; they earn the love, respect and admiration of their peers.

How much more should we, as Christians, follow the One who endured suffering and death to rescue us from the most horrible fate of all - an eternity in hell?

Apostle Paul, a jail bird if you will, wrote to young Timothy when he was being weakened in his ministry at Ephesus by relentless opposition from heretics, apostates and persecutors. Timothy is no different than any Christian who experiences difficulty because of following Christ.  He just needed to be reminded again of his task...to suffer hardship as a GOOD SOLDIER of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No man warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

A Good Soldier...

• Does not simply do the minimum duty, but rather is one who serves with everything they have in them.
• As a Christian, that's what we are called to do.  Paul's words to Timothy are our marching orders...we must STRIVE to be a GOOD SOLDIER of Jesus Christ!
• Is willing to suffer hardship with the rest of the soldiers. 
• Notice that Paul says "with me" - a reminder that he isn't asking Timothy to do anything that he wasn't willing to do.  In fact, Paul was writing from a prison cell.
• In the United States, we have yet to shed blood for our faith. (Hebrews 12:4)
• We really don't have an understanding in our culture of what it really means to suffer for the Lord.
• Yet Jesus said, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20)
• Is marked by his separation from the "normal " life.  
• When you are enlisted in the military, you do not have a 9 to 5 job or even a 60-70 hour work week.  
• A soldier is a soldier 24 hours a day, everyday of the year.  
• His body, his health, his skills, his time - all that he is - belongs to the military.  
• Even when on leave, he is subject to recall at any time, without notice and for any reason.
• Separating yourself keeps you from being ENTANGLED in the affairs of everyday life.  The thought is, GOOD SOLDIERS cannot be enmeshed with former things.
• We should never allow earthly matters to interfere with the fulfillment of our duty to the Lord. 
• Temporal concerns and activities, innocent in themselves, have neutralized the effectiveness of many pastors, special ministries and churches. They they once labored faithfully in the primary purpose of serving Jesus to advance His Kingdom against the forces of darkness, they have unwittingly taken themselves out of the battle.
• Has a genuine desire to "please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."
• In a greater way, the Lord deserves our honor, affection and obedience for all He has done for us.  He stayed the course and went before us to to WIN our freedom and eternal life.

Keep fighting soldier!

• God will use the PERSECUTION to change your DIRECTION and SHAKE you out of broken SYSTEMS, STRUCTURES and SHALLOW relationships!
• What you're CRYING about today...you'll be SHOUTING about tomorrow!  Go ahead and thank God in advance that He used the PERSECUTION to pull you out of DYSFUNCTION!
• Realize that God can use the BLAST of the FURNACE to PUSH you OUT, PURIFY you THROUGH and POSITION you INTO your next level!
• Your PAIN will bring GAIN!

Keep Your Uniform On

I suit up in my uniform every week, regardless if the coach keeps me on the bench or puts me in the game.  Faithfulness wins championships!

Have you ever felt like a "bench warmer?"  In one ear your emotions are telling you, "You aren't worth anything.  The coach doesn't respect you...no one does.  Why sit here and take this?  Go ahead - just get up and leave.  You don't need this humiliation."

This is a tough place to be.  You don't want to listen to this voice because your training has taught you to be a team player.

The voice of a team player says, "You've worked so hard.  You deserve to be here, ready when needed.  Your best friends are in the game and you are part of the team. You are wanted."

It can be difficult sitting on the bench, while others seem to be getting all the playing time. Watching from the sideline after you've given endless hours of work, dedication and pushing yourself to the limit...the last thing you want is to do is sit on your hands.

This feeling can apply not only in sports and careers, but also in ministry.  It is frustrating to be a SPECTATOR in what you love doing. 

To keep the proper perspective, you have to consider WHY you are where you are at. Truthfully, you love doing what you're doing or you wouldn't be doing it.  There is nothing like the thrill of seeing goals met, championships won and fruitful results as a result of giving your all!  Even the bruises are battle wounds worn proudly at the end of the day!

I've learned in the ministry that even if you don't play much, you participate in every practice. Why?  Because you are part of a team who sticks together like family.

Serving on a TEAM is where God designed us to function best!  It doesn't matter if we're LEADING the team, NEW to the team or have the LEAST responsibility on the team - WE were designed to be on a TEAM.

John Maxwell said it best...TEAMWORK makes the dream work.  As I think about the TEAM God has placed me on, I realize how BLESSED I am.

THE RIGHT TEAM

1. The right team fits together like peas and carrots.  Serving on a team isn't so much about loving the work we do...it's about loving the PEOPLE we've been called to do the work with.  If there isn't REAL LOVE, the team will be dysfunctional.
2. The right team shares the LOAD together.  Why?  Because problems don't belong to "ME" they belong to "WE".
3. The right team speaks the TRUTH in LOVE in an environment of respect, because they love the church and one another too much to allow disrespectful behavior or constant COMPLAINING.
4. The right team will discuss difficult things in a DIGNIFIED manner to make a right decision, rather than just making sure everyone is happy.
5. The right team will operate and function in COVENANT relationship with one another. Refusing to talk ABOUT one another; rather talking WITH one another.
6. The right team will show up EARLY, stay as long as NEEDED and make sure the work load doesn't fall on one person.
7. The right team will CONTRIBUTE their fair share, without complaining when more is required.
8. The right team will APPLAUD one another, rather than be JEALOUS of one another, knowing that when ONE wins...we ALL win!
9. The right team will be FAITHFUL to their post, not because they have a POSITION but because their DISPOSITION is to SUPPORT the BIG PICTURE and VISION of the church.
10. The right team will push past STAUS QUO to advance the cause!  The right team is more obsessed with their DREAMS of what COULD BE rather than the memories of what HAS BEEN.

Serving on a team isn't difficult when I consider the joy that being a part of a team brings me - and not just any team, but MY TEAM!

I love what we do and I love my TEAMMATES!  When you think about it that way, the view from the bench really isn't so bad after all! 

You're Next In Line For A Miracle!

I speak healing over you in the name of Jesus!  Yesterday, a young man in our church, Duke Lovins, testified that the doctors told him he would be in a wheelchair before age nineteen. Today, he's twenty four and still walking!  Walking hasn't always been easy, but in the past ten weeks he's been pain free and actually walking for exercise with his mother!  

GOD IS YOUR HEALER!

http://bfwcindy.sermon.tv/9305615 

Luke 17:17 "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

Jesus healed the lepers and provided us with some important lessons:

1.They seized the moment!  Luke 17:13 says, "They lifted up their voices and said...Have mercy on us!"  DESPERATE people do DESPERATE things!  Who cares about appearances when you're dying? Jesus was passing by!  The most frightening thing that can happen to any of us is for Jesus to pass us by.  That's why they seized the moment, and cried out to Him.  You see, nobody can hear you like Jesus!

2. They had to "walk it out."  Their healing was not immediate - it was a PROCESS.  Luke 17:14 says, "As they went, they were cleansed."  Often, that's how it works!  It's not simply one step, but a relentless plowing through obstacles and insecurities until you get to your miracle!  But you appreciate it more when you have to "walk it out" day by day, depending on God!

3. Only one returned to give thanks.  That's why Jesus asked, "Where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17).  Were they too busy?  Too self-absorbed? Or just plain forgetful?  He said to the one who came back, "Thy faith hath made thee whole" (Luke 17:19).  You see, healing can be found in many places, but you can only become whole when you spend time daily with Jesus!

You want to know what a miracle is?  

Look in the mirror!  Go down to Wishard Hospital or take a trip to skid row and you'll realize how BLESSED you are!

Life isn't always fair, polite, kind or courteous...but The LORD is the LIFTER of your head and your HELP in the time of need!  

Instead of complaining about how life is treating you, how the church is treating you, how your family is treating you, how your pastors are treating you, how your job is treating you or how the government is treating you...REMEMBER how GOOD GOD HAS BEEN TO YOU!

Send up a PRAISE and allow the PROCESS to PERFECT you!

As we listened to Duke share his testimony - he POINTED us to JESUS!  He didn't share all the details of his PAIN, he shared the details of his PRAISE!

We become like the nine lepers, who didn't come back to say "thank you!" to Jesus, when we remain absorbed in our own lives, drama, hurts and feelings.  Start PRAISING the Lord for what He's already done in your life and you'll get a new sense of appreciation for the MIRACLES He's getting ready to do!

Your Struggle Will Be Your Success! (Part 2)

SUCCESS is birthed out of STRUGGLE!  Your journey began at the moment of your spiritual birth and will end when you are TRANSFORMED from corruptible to incorruptible. (1 Corinthians 15:53-54)  Until you reach Heaven, you'll have to keep "fighting the good fight" and learn how "to endure hardship as a good solider of Jesus Christ!"

On your journey upward, you will gain and lose some relationships.  Honestly, as long as you're in your small beginnings, folks will accept you.  However, when you begin to accelerate into new levels, some folks won't be able to get a handle on your growth.

It's like the old story of Cain and Able.  Cain became very angry when God received Ables' offering and not his.  God addressed Cain and said, "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door..." (Genesis 4:6-7)

Some people carry the SPIRIT OF CAIN in their uncrucified flesh.  When they attempt to get close to you, its for the purpose of looking for a kink in your armor so they can criticize your journey and ultimately try to discredit you.  

How do you defend yourself from this kind of spirit?  Do you fight it?  Do you defend yourself? Honestly, if you consume your time trying to reason with this spirit, you'll stay locked up in the prison of explanation all the days of your life.  Sometimes, the people closest to you will be your foes.  Jesus said, "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:36).  Your enemies are too far away to wound you but it's the people who sit at your table who can hurt you the most.

Didn't Jesus encounter the same thing?  At the "Last Supper", He sat with John the Beloved on one side and Judas the Betrayer on the other.  Basically, we have to be able to DISCERN which one is which.  They were both very close...John laid his head on Jesus' bosom and Judas was close enough to betray Him with a kiss.  Ironically, BOTH were used to help Jesus achieve His destiny!  Friends, God can use both in your life to PROMOTE you to His PURPOSE!

With your CALLING comes RESPONSIBILITY.  The more you have...the more you are responsible for.  If you have a car you have a responsibility to keep it maintained with oil, gasoline and lest we forget...INSURANCE.  People who have no car need no gas. :)  It's comical for me to hear ladies talk about how much they have to clean all the nick-nacks in their house, and yet, they asked for all of it.  Friends, everything God gives you requires MAINTENANCE!

I guess that's why Jesus said, "No man builds without counting the cost." (Luke 14:28-30)  So, ask yourself today... 

• "Am I willing to pay the price to get the blessing?"  
• "Am I willing to endure the criticism and the ridicule that comes with success?"  
• "Am I willing to accept the STRUGGLE?"

Not everyone who says they want to be in ministry today can answer those questions with a "yes!"  

• We want the BLESSING but not the BATTLE.
• We want to be USED but not ABUSED.
• We want the OFFERS without sacrificial OFFERINGS.
• We want the TITLE without the TRIAL.
• We want the POSITION without SUBMISSION.
• We want the SUCCESS without the STRUGGLE.
• We want the OPPORTUNITY without the OBSTACLES.
• We want the IMAGE without the IRRITATION.

There are some women who say they want a husband and children but don't want to cook, care or clean.  There are some men who say they want a wife but don't want to love, provide and nourish.  Most people are in love with the IMAGE of success, but they haven't counted the cost of POSSESSING the BLESSING.

It's a good thing that God doesn't give us everything we ask for!  We have a habit of asking for things because they look good in someone else's life.  However, we're not always ready to receive those things and it would probably destroy us if we did receive them because we're not prepared to maintain them.

• You may have a FIERY TESTIMONY but that doesn't mean you're ready to pastor a church.
• You may have a GREAT VOICE but that doesn't mean you're ready to lead a congregation in worship.
• You may have a LIKABLE PERSONALITY but that doesn't mean you're ready to oversee people.

God knows what we can presently handle.  When we learn to master the BASICS then we can be trusted in ADVANCED areas.  For example: If God can trust us with the BASICS of Tithes & Offerings, then He can trust us with ADVANCED areas of financial increase.

Ultimately, I want to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:23)

More to come...

Your Struggle Will Be Your Success!

Everyone I've ever met desires to be SUCCESSFUL!  I don't recall meeting anyone and hearing them say, "I want to be a loser!"  Since success is our GOAL, why do we struggle so much to achieve it?

You only get the CROWN after the battle is over!  Yes...I said BATTLE!  If success were easy, anybody could do it.  However, SUCCESS is only SUCCESS after you've come through the STRUGGLE with victory!  Sure, you may have some wounds from the battle...but SUCCESS is inevitable for the child of God who not only SURVIVES the attack...but THRIVES as well!

How can you have a VICTORY without a CONFLICT?  You can't!  In order to be an OVERCOMER you have to have something to COME OVER!

Anyone who thinks that they'll reach their goal without a STRUGGLE is wishing for something that COSTS nothing.  Anything that COSTS you NOTHING won't have the same VALUE as that which you have PAID for on the BATTLE FIELD!

In department stores, before the surge of electronics, people used to switch price tags on clothing and items in order to lessen the price of the product they wanted. It's no different today!  Many are trying to do the same thing in their SPIRITUAL LIFE!  They want the CHRISTIAN DISCOUNT on the promises of God!  They don't want to have to PAY for anything of VALUE.  Thus, we've birthed a generation of SELF-CENTERED, CHEAP, CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANS who want SOMETHING for NOTHING!

Friends...your PAYMENT helps you appreciate the BLESSINGS when they come because you know the EXPENSE!

With the EXPENSE comes an APPRECIATION for every STRUGGLE you had to endure to make it to where you are today!  Your STRUGGLE actually PUSHES you up!

Don't be surprised by the ATTACK of the enemy when you become to achieve GRACEFUL SUCCESS!  Sadly, there will even be people in the body of Christ who will become offended at your success and seek to discredit anything you do in the name of The Lord.  

You can't concern yourself with those who seek to find fault, criticize you or shun you.  Often, people are offended at what God has done for you and the FAVOR that is upon your life.  They'll never rejoice with you because somehow they feel that your success came at their expense.  Friends...NO DIPLOMACY can calm a jealous heart.

I want to encourage you today to WEAR YOUR COAT of FAVOR!  Man may try to steal it...but when you wear it long enough on the OUTSIDE...your INSIDES will recognize the DESTINY before you!

You are BLESSED and HIGHLY FAVORED!  Your STRUGGLE is preparing you for SUCCESS!

More to come...

Giving Should Be Our Style of Living

How do you see INCREASE in your life?  The key to increase is INVESTING.  

There's a verse in the Bible that I love, because it speaks VOLUMES about the POTENTIAL of PROSPERITY in our lives through our GENEROSITY!

"A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed!"
(Proverbs 11:25 NIV)

It's not the SEED you KEEP that multiplies...it's the SEED you SOW.  That seed NEVER leaves your life, and it moves from your PRESENT into your FUTURE.  It goes ahead of you, to rearrange tomorrow in your FAVOR!

I don't expect people in the world to understand this principle and, sadly, not everyone in the church understands it either.  NOT KNOWING how this principle works places us on the opposite side of God's blessings.

When you can GIVE with no strings attached, you've learned how to CONQUER a GREEDY spirit.  It's also proof that you've conquered your FEAR of lack.  When you GIVE, your gift tells God that He is first in your life.  It says you're totally confident that He is going to meet your needs and BLESS you!

Can I cheat myself out of a blessing?  Yes!  If you're not SOWING, you're ROBBING yourself of the harvest.  

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."
(Proverbs 11:24 NIV)

See, it's possible to GIVE away and become RICHER!  It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything!

GIVING should be our style of LIVING!

Trust me, God will give us plenty of opportunities to WATER others - - and when we do, blessings will begin to pour back upon us!