Jarrod Jones

I was in the middle of preaching through the book of Nehemiah from a series called “Envision.” Then, God began to lay on my heart another direction:  Tithing.

Tithing? Woo-hoo! The perfect sermon series for Church growth! The sermon series that will generate untold buzz around the community that will bring people flocking to Grace! The sermon series in which people will make countless phone calls and write countless emails inviting friends and family to come!

Not.

Grace’s Executive Pastor, Mark Lingerman, and I had discussions about tithing. Then we both wrote articles for Grace’s monthly periodical. One of our Elders had talked about the need for discipleship when it came to tithing.  And seeds from those discussions began to sprout in me. A couple in our small group, after having read the periodical, said to me, “Jarrod, I hope we’re not stepping out of bounds to share this. But when you start praying through a future sermon series’, maybe think about tithing.”

(Insert Twilight Zone theme song here).

The following week, again in our small group, I shared my fleshly hesitancy to preach a sermon on tithing, much less a series. Then a new believer in our group said to me, “Jarrod, if you know something that will draw me closer to the heart of Jesus, you have to tell me.”

Um, wow…

That basically did it.  Still, the following Sunday, I took two sermons with me into the Worship Center. One was a sermon from the “Envision” series out of Nehemiah, and the other was the tithing sermon.  As I stood before the people I knew the Lord wanted me to trust Him and launch us onto a journey about money, tithing, and giving.  I didn’t have a title for the sermon, much less the series.  I had a video clip I was going to use with the Nehemiah sermon, but instead used it for the tithing sermon and launch of the series. As I began to preach, I choked up with tears. And I said, “My fear is that you will miss out on God’s pleasure by not tithing and giving for the glory of Christ and His work.” I don’t know where the tears came from, nor the words (though I think it’s safe to say, the Holy Spirit), but I meant every word and still do.

And the series right then and there became entitled, “God’s Pleasure.”

We are 3 weeks into the series ( I had to leave for the last two weeks but kept the series in front of our people by way of video and Grace family testimonies). I have no idea how long the series would be. I’m still not sure. But it’s like a mini-revival is happening in the hearts of the Grace fam. We are growing into “fully devoted followers of Jesus”, and we’re experiencing God’s pleasure. Yes, our giving/tithing has gone up. But what excites me is that it’s not a one time call to give that people are responding to. Rather, it’s a response to the gospel and giving/tithing becoming part one’s DNA. A lifestyle of worship…

I’ve gotten some emails in response to the series. The following clip of a recent email sums it up best.

“What an even greater privilege and joy it will be for our family to offer the first and best we receive from God because He gave the first and best He had, His Son.  Thank you!”

Are you experiencing God’s pleasure through tithing and giving to your local church and missions? Don’t miss out on God’s pleasure.

This was a video put together by a good friend, Grace member, and Marine, Carey Abbott, for our Christmas Ever services. Heart-moving… Enjoy.

Music: “Welcome to Our World” by Chris Rice

11 hour drive from Ocoee, TN to Marshall, TX yesterday.  Stopped through B’ham to have lunch with Christie and the boys.  The boys and I were all piled into one booth. They wanted to sit with daddy :). I couldn’t stop hugging and kissing them. It had only been two weeks since I’ve seen them.  But it felt like forever. I swear they’ve grown since I last saw them. Swiped a few hugs and kisses from Christie too.  My heart refreshed and encouraged after just sitting and talking for a little while—- even while the boys were like two squirrels at the table.

The trip was absolutely uneventful.  I listened to Mat Kearney’s new album, City of Black & White, about 4 times. (Click HERE and listen to his music free and watch a couple of music videos).  This kept me sane. I didn’t feel like listening to sermons or podcasts.  I’m kind of burned out on that right now.

Mat Kearney is a flat out musical and lyrical genius.  He’s not a worship leader nor a christian musician. He’s an incredibly talented singer/songwriter who just happens to be a Christian.  His lyrics so deep and profound and stirring that I can’t get enough. He just deals with the stuff of life, the pains, joys, sorrow, love, relationships, and hope. What I love about his music is trying to figure out what the story is about and who he is singing about.  Is he singing about the love for a woman, the love of a woman, or the love of God, and love for God?  Or are the songs parables pointing to Christ?  In certain verses he speaks of prayer, the Lord, the Cross, the hope of God. But it’s not overt.  It is genius. And I worship the Lord more to his music than the worship music out there today.

Okay, as you can tell I don’t have that much to write about today so I thought I’d just give a big plug to my, and Christie’s, favorite singer/songwriter, Mat Kearney. Get his CDs!  His previous one is “Nothing left to lose.” His newly released album is, “City of Black & White.”

Got here to East Texas Baptist University about 8:30pm last night. Here this week for SuperSummer Texas camp ‘09. Ate some grilled Tilapia at Chili’s (which was outstanding by the way), then washed clothes until midnight last night. I’m staying in a college dorm room, better known as “University housing.”  My bed is about as wide and long as a tray.  Not complaining, just giving you a visual.  Looking forward to a great week.

I have today to myself so I’m sitting a a place called Central Perks, with a green tea, a book, my Bible, my journal, and my laptop.  Think I’ll read a bit.

Peace.

Great night last night with Bellvue students.  I don’t think there is really a “bad night” at youth camp gatherings. Although, I do remember one about 4 - 5 years ago in Lousiana.  Put it this way, a dude from the crowd challenged me while I was speaking! I should have stopped and prayed. Instead, we exchanged words. Yes, I wish I could take that one back. Weird and awwwkwwaaard. No matter what he said or how he acted it didn’t warrant a “response” from me. Anyway, I have no idea how I’ve gotten off on this subject. Suffice it to say, I learned my lesson. In the recent past, I have had to stop during a camp worship service and pray because of distractions, interruptions, and a sense of the enemy’s influence in a place. Stopping on a dime and praying is the right response, duh. The fight is against spiritual darkness, not flesh and blood. Of course, none of that thas been the case at this camp.  These kids are great.

Preached on the gospel last night—-”A Life for a Life:  Jesus gave His Life so that we could have Life.” This camp is mostly home schooled Christian students, and believers.  It’s more of a discipleship camp.  My favorite! I love talking to “Church kids.” I was one of those “Church kids.” A Church kid is one who has “been there, done that, heard all the bands, heard all the speakers, yada, yada, yada.” But I love’em. I think of how I was when I was a teen at a camp and I speak to what I needed to hear when I was where they are. It seems God uses me in a unique way with these kinds of kids too. Praise Him.

On another note, I met a kid last night who was a former satan worshiper.  Interesting huh?  Home-schooled Christian kids, churck kids, and a satan worshiper.  I love camps. He raised his hand last night to embrace Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Sat with a group of high school fellas at lunch today. About six guys and we talked about everything. They asked me about some things from my talks. I asked about their lives. Three of them are home-schooled, two of them public-schooled, and one Christian private-schooled. They are sharp. And from what I sensed they truly love the Lord.  Refreshing.

This morning, I dealt with purity.  Again, a monumental issue in our culture.  As I said on a previous blog, I have battled with what to speak on throughout this week as I do at every camp. I was leaning strongly toward this talk.  Then I decided last night and earlier this morning to go in a different direction.  Then, about 5 minutes before I left my room, I decided to go with the purity talk again. Praise God I did.  The Lord totally led in that. It was affirmed by concerns the leaders were sharing at the counselor meeting this morning before the service. As I spoke on it, you could have heard a fly breathe.  You would think these students have heard all the purity talks under the sun. But for some reason (maybe… God?) this talk holds kids in rapt attention.  Again, bless God.

I’ve been recruited to play in a basketball tourney today. Already played on a junior high team. I was the tallest one out there (I was probably about a foot taller than them all). Well, we won the tourney.  Now, I play with a HS team. There are some good players here from what I’ve heard. I look forward to a fun competition.

A great group of students at this camp.  Having a great time with them.

Thanks for reading…