2 Corinthians 9:6-13 (NKJV):  But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.  For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,  while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

consumerist
(As defined from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/consumerist):
adjective

uk ​ /kənˈsjuːmərɪst/ us ​ /kənˈsuːmərɪst/

› ECONOMICS relating to a society in which a lot of goods are sold to individuals, and this activity is very important to the economy:

             Today’s consumerist economy sustains profitability by creating needs.
             China’s consumerist boom

› often disapproving giving too much attention to buying and owning things, often things that are not really necessary:

             Our culture often seems extremely consumerist and self-centered.
There is this question we need to ask ourselves, Are we acting like a consumerist when we come into church?
Why? Because there are many who are coming into churches in today’s world, expecting to be entertained. They expect that the music is like a concert, that the message is about 20-30 minutes long and if it doesn’t meet their expectations, then they will withhold offerings. However, this is the wrong attitude to have when it comes to attending church and giving to God.
As we can see here in this passage, Paul is addressing that giving should come from the heart. It should be something that we enjoy doing, because of what God has done in our lives. It should be something that is used to further The Gospel, not pay professionals to put on a show. It is used to help invest in ministries that help others, Know Christ and even help others who may be in need.
Are you showing up to church and not applying what you learn from the message into your life? Are you running a ministry to “tickle ears” and perform so that others will give? Are you giving because you feel obligated?
Maybe it’s time to seek repentance from The Lord and seek what He would want us all to do. If we acted more like The Body of Christ and gave without expectations of accolades, if we spent time in our ministries not worrying about putting on performances so that people would give and spent more time in teaching The Word of God, maybe, just maybe, we would make a difference in the world today.
If we are to please God, we need to allow The Holy Spirit to set us apart. We need to pursue a sinless life. We are to seek Righteousness. How do we do it? Through prayer, study, fellowship, being willing to be corrected/accountability, discipleship, and service.
 

It starts with Our Relationship with Jesus. If you don’t have a Relationship with Him or you need to rekindle that Relationship, do it now. Call out to Him and seek his Love and Forgiveness. It really is as hard or easy as you make it.

We should look to Him daily to seek a relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to seek Him today, if you haven’t already. If you need help, have questions or need direction in this regard, please, feel free to let me know.

Maybe today you are struggling with something. Maybe you may have found yourself not as close to The Lord as you thought. We would like to help you in this through prayer and guidance. If you find yourself in need of prayer and/or encouragement, please, feel free to call or text +1 (505) 600-1027 or email cross66info@gmail.com

Or, you can download our app at:  www.pray.com/Cross66.

If you are seeking to grow in your Faith, please check out CCF College at: www.ccfcollege.com/15.html

Interested in supporting our ministry? Please, feel free to give at https://www.paypal.me/cross66

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Mark Grothe
https://www.cross66.org
Mark is a US Army Veteran and has called Albuquerque home since 1997. He earned degrees at Albuquerque Bible College, and Faith Evangelical Seminary before attending the Shepherd’s School at Cross Christian Fellowship. He has felt a calling to start a church along Route 66, in Albuquerque to reach others for Christ. Mark has had struggles with addictions, drugs, alcohol and other things, in the past. He has recovered from them, with Christ and has a desire to help others with them as well. He has a desire to setup a recovery home in Albuquerque, or nearby, to help others in the recovery process as well as help them gain some job skills and learn to have personal interactions with others. Mark grew up in traditional churches. He did not find the true meaning of having a Relationship with Jesus. At the age of 31, after hearing a Pastor talk about this Relationship, he rededicated his life to Jesus and started on a path for ministry. You can check out Recovery In Action Ministries FaceBook Page for more info on Recovery issues. Mark has been married to his wife Rebecca since 2005. Together they have four boys between them. They minister together to help others grow in their relationships with their spouses, children and family. In his free time, Mark likes to ride motorcycles, shooting and building things.
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