Archive for June 3, 2007

A Willing Heart

June 3, 2007 by PastorMark.

Play now#279, A Willing Heart, Sunday 06-03-2007

Text: 1 Chronicles 29
Theme: God accomplishes His work through people whose hearts are willing.

 

Introduction:

 

  1. The most photographed site in the world is the temple mount area in Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock.
  2. This site was once dominated by arguably the greatest structure ever built – the temple of Solomon.
  3. King David had it in his heart to build the temple.
    1. God told David it would be his son Solomon.
    2. The later years of David’s life, he dedicated to preparing the work.

 

Text: 1 Chronicles 29 - God accomplishes His work through people whose hearts are willing.

 

  1. Let’s look at what happened then and there.
    1. David knew the task was from God. (v 1)
    2. “He (David) gave him (Solomon) the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind” (I Chronicles 28:12)
    3. “The task is great” (v 1)
    4. “this palatial structure is not for man but for the Lord God” (v 1 b)
    5. David was willing to become personally involved.
    6. David encouraged his son Solomon. (I Chronicles 28:20)
    7. David gathered the leaders and people together. (I Chronicles 28:21)
    8. David used his influence to direct resources. (vv 2-3)
    9. David gave personally. (v 3)
    10. “Besides, in my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my god, over and above everything I have provided.” (v 3)
    11. As a result of David’s lead, the other leaders became personally involved.
    12. They “gave willingly.” (v 6)
    13. They gave generously. (v 7)
    14. They gave creatively (precious stones) (v 8 )
    15. As a result of David and the leaders, the people came on board.
    16. The people rejoiced at the willing response of the leaders …” (v 9)
    17. David proclaimed, “And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.” (v 17)
  2. What does all this have to do with us here and now?
    1. Tuesday morning, March 13, 2007
    2. My father-in-law is ready to sell and wants you to have the first opportunity to buy.”
    3. Background … this church last purchased property in1981.
    4. Pastor Stanley and leaders asked the Eldridge family about selling in the 80’s.
    5. I have asked a few times, our expansion committee has asked … no deal.
    6. For years we have been wondering what to do.
    7. About 2-3 years ago we experimented with the possibility of an addition. (cost: $3.6 million)
    8. My heart wasn’t in it.
    9. Our expansion committee kept meeting.
    10. We were the “waiting” committee.
    11. We also prayed, fasted and saved money.
    12. On Friday. March 19, 2007 I called to work out a price, negotiation.
    13. That morning’s devotions: “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with one, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)
    14. After the deal was agreed, it occurred to us about the property next to that one.
    15. In building something you usually have to get the opinions of the neighbors.
    16. The house at 866 was sitting for about 1 year.
    17. We did the math for both properties and came up with a monthly payment of 4,200+ (about the same amount we were paying in 1995)
    18. On April 19, the members spoke by a vote.
    19. “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” (Acts 15:28)
    20. Before this we had a dream, but no room.
    21. God has given us a dream and an open door (new sanctuary, youth center, classes, gym, fellowship hall, etc…)
    22. We voted to “Take the Land”
    23. Existing property: 3.9 acres
    24. New properties: 2.13 acres
    25. Combined: 6.03 acres (55% increase in land)
    26. Frontage: increase from 300’ to 500’.
    27. We have a financial goal (30/30 Vision)
    28. Our family is getting involved.
    29. The leaders of the church are getting involved.
    30. The leaders of the church are getting involved (25,800 pledged in April.
    31. Will you step up with a willing heart?
    32. Next week: Personal Commitment Cards
    33. One unit is only a dollar a day.

 

 

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Chronicles 19:14)

God accomplishes His work through willing hearts.

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