If you are a church goer you have probably noticed that some sermons stick to you longer than others. Those are usually the sermons that feel like they are directed toward you and only you. Just so you know, most preachers don't do that. We find it doesn't work the way we see it working in our heads. Usually the one you intended the sermon for will inevitably come out of the sanctuary, shake your hand, and with complete oblivious sincerity say, "Pastor, that was great. I hope those people heard it." It is crushing. Anyway here is something you may not know. Some sermons stick longer to preachers. My last one has been like that for me. I preached on being a "big scoop" person. The message was taken from the parable Jesus taught where he said "by the measure you use it will be used to you." I said there are two measures we use. A little tablespoon and a big scoop. We normally give the tablespoon measure away and reserve the big scoop for ourselves. We are miserly with compliments or with money or with encouragement or with our time or even with our love. Jesus wanted to create a bunch of big scoop people. People who would be wildly generous with their time, their love, their money, with everything. I have decided I really want to be a big scooper. So, the last week or so I have been trying. I think I am especially small with my time and with my compliments. I hope not with my love or money but everything is up for grabs right now. It is hard to change habits but I long to be a big scooper. I guess I am just inviting you to join in on the struggle. Some of you are great at it. I love you guys. Keep it up. You inspire us who are not so big scoopers. For those of you who are like me, find someone and something to be generous with. Find a friend and tell them they are doing a great job with their kids. Pick up a check. Give a hug. Forgive a grievance. Do something just because God has been so outrageously generous to you. I want to start a big scoop revolution and I want to start it with me...and now you.
Friday, May 21, 2010
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4 comments:
Great post. I hope I can do the same.
Pastor Coffey, just want you to know that for my daughter & I, this sermon was as sticky as it gets! We've started using the phrase "Big Scoops" with each other as a reminder to be patient, loving & forgiving when dealing with people or situations that are challenging. It's like taking a deep breath & almost always brings a smile:) Big Scoopers unite!
hi pastor joe,i am a little late on this one but the big scoop sermon was and is a monster.you are an excellent teacher to me and my son at church.i have been bringing several friends to church also,they agree that you can deliver the message.we are trying to be big scoop people also.i believe that since we have been coming there the past 6 months God has grabbed my nine year olds heart also,i can tell.thx....tom scott
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