9.5.8 "AM I?"

"AM I?"

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 22:20-21

The "A" of DREAM represents Active Ministry Involvement. What's that all about? Today's scripture readings seem to have a lot to say about it.

I like to shorten things, you know, come up w/ abbreviations, etc, so Active Ministry Involvement is AMI. So I like to put it this way: "AM I?"

Depending on your understanding of AM I, you may think it means getting involved in a ministry. That's actually only the "fruit" of living the A of DREAM. The spiritual principle behind AM I is Responsibility. We have a responsibility to take the gifts God has given us and put them to work. These gifts are not just talents to use in a ministry, but include Time, Money, and any other gift God has given us.

Here are some main points along with the scriptures from today's reading.

1. We are responsible to use our resources for the Kingdom!

Ecclesiastes 11:9 "Young man, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to; take in everything, but realize that you must account to God for everything you do!" (notice the accountability to God which places responsibility on us).

2. Difficult times do not excuse us from this responsibility.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul is telling the church of Corinth about what has been going on in the churches in Macedonia: "Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving to others. They gave not only what they could afford, but far more;"

3. It's not just a commitment of "stuff" it's a commitment of self.

2 Cor. 8:5 "Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us, for whatever directions God might give to them through us."

4. As we mature, the responsibility increases.

2 Cor. 8:7 "You people there are leaders in so many ways - you have so much faith, so many good preachers, so much learning, so much enthusiasm, so much love for us. Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving."

5. Just because you can't do what someone else can, doesn't excuse you.

2 Cor 8:12 "If you are really eager to give, then it isn't important how much you have to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you haven't."

6. Go past emotion into action.

2 Cor 8:11 "Having started the ball rolling so enthusiastically, you should carry this project through to completion just as gladly, giving whatever you can out of whatever you have. Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equalled by your realistic action now."

7. You will reap what you sow.

Ecc. 11:1-2 "Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for in the days ahead you yourself may need much help.

2 Cor. 8:14 "Right now you have plenty and can help them; then at some other time they can share with you when you need it. In this way each will have as much as he needs."

8. You do your part and God will take care of what happens with it.

Ecc 11:6 "Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow - perhaps it all will."

9. What are you waiting for?

Ecc. 11:4 "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done."


After reading all of that, I must ask myself. "AM I?"

Let's make sure we're being faithful to all that God has put our hand to.


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ