THE LAW (Leviticus)

What a great day we had yesterday as we had "Share the Vision" for 2009.  Here are some highlights:  Goals:  5,000 saved through soul-winning efforts; 300 baptized throughout the year; 100 families joining our church.  Special Days: Mission's Conference; Spring Enlargement Campaign; 1st Annual Men's Meeting; Ladies Conference; Family Conference; VBS; Missions Trips to Africa, Philippines, and India; Fall Enlargement Campaign; Preaching Conference with Dr. Jack Trieber. Program Growth:  S.A.L.T. Bible Class (Single Adults Living Triumphantly); Two new bus routes; Additional Adult S.S. Class in the Fall; More teachers and workers involved.  Theme for the Year: THROUGH CHRIST!  I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth me.  Goal is to not accomplish anything by our efforts alone, but do all things "through Christ"!  Reading in Exodus and Leviticus, here are just a few thoughts: 1) SHOW ME.- In Exodus 33:18, it says: "And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory."  Moses wanted to see God.  In verse 11, it says: "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend."  This sure is a long way from Exodus 3:6 when it says: "And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."  The truth is that we grow in the Christian life!  We start out sometimes not sure what to to expect and timid about jumping in with both feet.  People tip toe into serving the LORD and are unsure what to expect; but later, having shown that our way of half hearted service and commitment just doesn't work at all, we jump in with both feet only to find that God is all that He said He is and more!  Dear Christian, jump in... the water is fine and Christ will take care of you! 2) TOO MUCH?  Exodus 36:7 says: "So the people were restrained from bringing." (7) For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much."  Want to see a preacher faint away?  Imagine him having to tell the congregation that they brought too much for the church to use.  Imagine not know what to do with the excess.  What goes on then?  Well, I've never know this situation.  I've always been thrilled if we bring in enough to continue to function, but how thrilling it would be to announce to people that they had brought "too much."  Lord, help us to have such a giving spirit.  I was thinking yesterday as I gave my tithes and offerings that if only 100 families match what I was giving we would take up more than is need for the month.  But, then pastor's give more than most everyone in their church because that is where our heart is. 3) THE OFFERINGS- The first several chapters of Leviticus tell us how God wants the offerings.  God is a God of order, and has an order for doing whatever He tells us to do.  We too often live in disorder, but not God.... What if God ran the world, then way you run your world?  Would it be orderly or chaotic? We need to learn from God about living orderly lives.  We should not have piles of stuff, but have it ordered out.  Well, have a blessed day in the LORD!  Pastor Mike Mutchler