Little Leads To Bigger

King David did not start off as a king. He started as a shepherd. He needed to feed, guide, and protect those sheep. One time he had to protect them from a bear. Another time he protected them from a lion.

David took care of his father's sheep, and always did his best. As a result, God our heavenly Father, put David in charge of the people of Israel -- God's sheep. Because David was faithful in little ways, he was rewarded in big ways. Because he was faithful with small responsibilities, he was later trusted with bigger responsibilities.

That's the way God works. God watches to see if we handle small things well. If we do, we are rewarded and given the opportunity to do bigger things.

Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

Matthew 25:23 “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

A couple of other verses to read are Revelation 22:12 and Psalm 62:12.

Each of us, no matter how old, have things we should take care of. If you are faithful with little stuff, you will be rewarded with more. That's the way God does it.

Are there any little things you should be taking care of today? Pray about it, and then get up and do your best! You will be glad you did!

The Wise Person

Last Sunday we spoke about having lives built on the solid foundation of God's truth. Jesus talked about this in Matthew 7:24-27. Take time to read that. We had a crazy time with a couple of clowns acting out this story.

Jesus said, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

It's important to not only HEAR God's Word, but also put it into practice.

People can have coaches tell them what to do in sports...but they also need to put it into action.
Musicians can have lessons on their instruments...but they also have to practice what they've heard.
Christians can listen to pastors, parents and teachers...but it doesn't count unless actions accompany the learning.

Are there things God has told you to do that you need to do?

There is a time to listen, and there is also a time to then get up and DO it!

For a fun time, you may take turns leading "Simon Sez." One person gives directions, and others do the actions. It's important to listen to the right person giving good directions in this game. Even more important, we need to listen to God's directions and DO what he says. That way, you may be a winner in the game of life!

Faithful In the Little Things

Take time to read Luke 19:11-27. Here is a story of a ruler who allowed his servants to work with the money (counted in "minas") that he owned.

The ones that were faithful and diligent were given more.

What are some little things around the house that you are asked to do?

Can you be trusted to do them on your own?

As you show yourself faithful and trustworthy, the people in charge will notice, and you'll be rewarded too!

That's the way God works too.

Selflessness

God calls us to think less of ourselves and more of Him. ...less of ourselves and more of others.

In second service, Madison said to us that a good way to think of serving Jesus is by using the world JOY.

Jesus first.
Others second.
Yourself last.

Take a moment to read Philippians 2:3&4. This is great advice for our families.

How can you put others before yourself? What can you do to help others, rather than look out for your own wants? Are there times you can put the interests of others before your own interests?

Sometimes this is hard to do, but if we are going to be more like Jesus, we need to work at this. Read Philippians 2:5-9. It tells us about Jesus attitude. Let's pray that we all have attitudes that look to help others rather than focus on our own selfish wants. When our attitudes are more like Christ, it will also affect our actions.

Have a great week serving Jesus!

March Missions Madness!

During this month, we will be giving focus to missions in a fun and exciting way!

Have you ever experienced the energy and passion of the NCAA basketball tournament in March? Some fans spend hundreds of dollars to get to the game, dress up in their team's colors, and support their school. Millions of dollars are spent on television to show the games. People skip work to watch the games. So, they are losing money, instead of earning money during that time. This is all done for a few guys who take a round ball and put it through a hoop. This is all part of "March Madness."

I think basketball is exciting, but there's something even MORE exciting. It involves people who are part of God's team. We have a goal and it's even more important than putting a ball through a hoop! We want to put the gospel into people's hearts! Fact is, our coach (Jesus) wants the message of his great love to spread all around the world.

So, this is what we are doing:

1. This Sunday (March 8), every child that comes to kids church will receive a M&M container. (It's for March Missions!) Children may eat, or share, the M&M's. Then, for the next three Sundays they should try to fill their container with quarters. (No pennies or washers, please.) Every Sunday in March, they may bring back their container to Kids Church when it's full. We will give them ANOTHER new M&M container each time they bring back a full one.

2. On March 15th, we will have special guests -- Africa missionaries, Jeff & Abby Hunt! Years ago, Abby was the assistant children's pastor for Pastor Randy while they lived in Wisconsin. Jeff & Abby are great folks that love kids. They will be sharing in our Kids Church service.

3. On March 15th, we will be giving out awards to the kids that have reached the different giving levels.

4. Each Sunday in March we will be giving out secret chair prizes that relate to our March Missions Madness basketball theme. YOU could be a winner!

5. This Sunday morning, Renee Barnes will have a special B.G.M.C. display in the foyer upstairs. Families and adults are encouraged to pick up a B.G.M.C. box which they may use throughout the year. (These are not for kids who already use Buddy Barrels or the M&M container.)

Thanks for being a part of sharing Jesus with people all around the world. Please be in prayer with us for our missionary friends. Also, please pray with us that more money will come in so that we can help more missionaries.

Pastor Willie George says this, "The gospel is free. But, it takes money to get it out there!" Let's do our best for Jesus.

Time to go search through your couch cushions! There might be some money hiding there that will help others come to know Jesus.