How many times did you hear your parent or some authority figure say this to you or to others? I heard it many times from my father - and had the privilege of watching him live his life that way.
 
My Dad was real big on only buying what you could afford.  I don't remember my father ever using a credit card while I was growing up. He reluctantly caved into getting a credit card much later in life, but he paid the bill in full every month. That lesson has paid Kathe and me great dividends. We do as my Dad did, so we're not assessed interest and fees. The ability to use credit cards is a great privilege, but as too many people have experienced in our culture, the misuse of this privledge can cause a person great harm.
 
This week we're going to look at what Jesus says to our culture and to us individually about the privileges He has given to us.  The privledges that come from His love for us and His intervention in our lives. He's brought the Kingdom of Heaven to us to live in. But with this grand privilege there is a responsibility on our part.
 
It's important that you gather with us this Sunday as we come demonstrate our love for God and for each other. And there are three benefits you will receive from this week's teaching 1) We will gain insight into how and why God holds us accountable with what we do with Jesus, and why that is good for us. 2) There is no greater personal benefit than submitting and surrender to God's purposes and plans for your life.  But it's often those who call themselves Christians who end up resisting God's claims on their lives.  We will learn how to join with Him rather than fighting Him. 3) It is possible to learn to walk in God's Grace, Favor, Love and Acceptance on a daily basis rather than fear, worry, rejection and stress. Your sense of purpose, direction and confidence will go through the roof as you learn to respond to God's Rule and Reign in your life.
 
I am so proud of you, CVCC family, and your commitment to meet each Sunday as we gather to become intimate with Jesus through worship, the study of God's Word and spend time loving and caring for each other by listening and learning from each other. I look forward to spending time with you either at the 9:30 A.M. or 11:15 A.M. service.
 
It is a great privilege to be your Pastor. It is also a great responsibility to serve and care for you and take the charge that God has given to me very seriously. You are joy to me :-)