SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103:8-14, Hebrews 12:5-11, Luke 11:11-13 NLT

MAIN POINTS:

The CHARACTER of a good father gives life to his children.

• restrained
• compassionate
• forgiving
• yielding
• merciful
• patient
• careful
• steadfast
• loving
• understanding
• forgetful

The DISCIPLINE of a good father gives life to his children.

The GUIDANCE of a good father gives life to his children.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Main Points:

• Giving to God is a MINISTRY to reach the lost and provide for the poor.
• Generosity leads to abundance and a DELIGHT in sharing with those in need.

Notes:

Generosity Falsehoods

• You can’t afford to give
• The church is greedy
• God understands you need your money
• Giving is legalistic and Old Testament
• You will give when things are better
• Giving your time is enough

God’s Generosity Pathway (Old Testament)

• Honor God with your wealth, and your blessings will overflow
  • (Proverbs 3:9-10)
• Generosity = Prosperity
  • (Proverbs 11:24-25)
• Your money doesn’t last because you don’t honor God
  • (Haggai 1:5-6)
• Stop cheating God and watch him bless you. Test him!
  • (Malachi 3:8-10)

God’s Generosity Pathway (New Testament)

• Treasures impact your heart’s desires. God will provide!
  • (Matthew 6:19-21 & 31-33)
• Generosity to the poor matters
  • (Matthew 19:21)
• Tithing is just the beginning of honoring God
  • (Matthew 23:23)
• Generosity = Prosperity for sharing with others
  • (2 Corinthians 9:6-12)

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:25-29, Exodus 20:8-11, 31:12-17, Mark 2:27

Main Points:

• Why does a pastor need to take a Sabbatical?
• Make Time to rest.
• Generational Stress.

Notes:

What is a Sabbatical?

• NOT a vacation or a break from the work of ministry.
• NOT a reward for time served in ministry.
• An investment into the future of ministry.
• A chance to heal from the emotional and spiritual strain that accompanies ministry.
• A time, through healing, to reconnect with God in the quiet.
• A time for safety from surprise traumas or events

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality-Pastor Peter Scazzero

Sabbath is a 24-hour block of time in which we stop work, enjoy rest, practice delight, and contemplate God.”

• Stop – God is in control, not me
• Rest – Intentional recovery for the soul
• Delight – Enjoy God’s gifts/creation
• Contemplate – Focus your life on God

The Science of Stress

• Stress releases adrenaline and cortisol
• Increased BP, Heart Attack & Stroke
• Decreased immune function
• Hormonal imbalances
• Digestive disorders and ulcers
• Muscle tension, headaches & body pain
• Alters memory, mood & emotions
• Shortens DNA protective caps, telomeres
• Anxiety, Depression, & sleep disruption