Blessing or Burden

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time wewill reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity,let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family ofbelievers.
- Galatians 6:9-10

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Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
- Galatians 6:8

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The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their foodwith the poor.
- Proverbs 22:9

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Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6

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Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart togive, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Mixer

What are some gratitude practices you have implemented? What benefits did you notice?

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Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Matthew 6:19-34; Malachi 3:10

1. Pastor Jared introduced the five uses of money: 1) supporting a lifestyle, 2) repaying debt, 3) paying taxes, 4) saving, and 5) giving. The order in which you place the buckets reveals what’s in your heart. How would you order your actual use of money from priority #1 to priority #5? What does this say about your heart and attitude toward God?

2. Read Matthew 6:21. Share how this verse resonates with you.

3. Pastor Jared shared that we all have something sitting on the throne of our hearts and our money is the roadmap to our souls. With this in mind, what might be taking the place of Jesus as it relates to our finances?

4. Matthew 6:22-24 reminds us "The eye is the lamp of the body," meaning what we crave & covet leads us into either light or darkness. What are your biggest weaknesses when it comes to the use of money? Some examples might include shopping, credit cards, tobacco, alcohol, travel, etc. How do these purchases affect your heart? Are the results temporary or eternal?

5. List some reasons why money is a terrible master. List some reasons why God is a good master. What is one step you can take today to solidify God as master over your finances?

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Serve

Have you checked out the 2023 Impact Report  yet? God is doing amazing things as we raise up new Go First leaders who want to partner with Him! YOU could be one of them! Click here to check out ways that you can start serving within the walls of the church today.  

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Pray

Please pray over our Collide Year-End Offering that kicked off this week through December 31. Pray that God’s plans for our church are perfectly revealed as we all step in exactly as we are called. Pray that we begin to posture our hearts in the direction of gratitude in all that we do, generously, one day at a time.

Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:2-5