Acres of Diamonds The story that launched a university

Just a Thought Several years ago I preached a sermon “How to Kiss a Frog” It started a frog collection that is now over 300 I thought I would preach a sermon about diamonds and see what happened Several years ago I preached a sermon “How to Kiss a Frog” It started a frog collection that is now over 300 I thought I would preach a sermon about diamonds and see what happened

BackgroundBackground Russell Cornwell raise $7 million – in 1843 This money founded Temple University in Philadelphia, PA He told this true story in every place he went to raise funds Russell Cornwell raise $7 million – in 1843 This money founded Temple University in Philadelphia, PA He told this true story in every place he went to raise funds

BackgroundBackground An American farmer had a dream of searching for diamonds He sold his farm, moved to South Africa He spent his entire life and savings searching for diamonds that would make him rich and famous An American farmer had a dream of searching for diamonds He sold his farm, moved to South Africa He spent his entire life and savings searching for diamonds that would make him rich and famous

BackgroundBackground He died – broke – in despair – suicide He was buried near the small shack he used as his home When they dug his grave – they discovered diamonds This land is known today – the DeBeers Diamond Mine He died – broke – in despair – suicide He was buried near the small shack he used as his home When they dug his grave – they discovered diamonds This land is known today – the DeBeers Diamond Mine

IllustrationsIllustrations My grandfather (Manly) and my uncle were deer hunters Every fall they would drive 400 miles into the UP of Michigan, camp and hunt My grandfather was getting too old to camp in the woods – stayed home My uncle spent 2 weeks – nothing! My grandfather (Manly) and my uncle were deer hunters Every fall they would drive 400 miles into the UP of Michigan, camp and hunt My grandfather was getting too old to camp in the woods – stayed home My uncle spent 2 weeks – nothing!

IllustrationsIllustrations My grandfather stood at his back door, saw a huge buck in the back yard He got his gun and shot a 12-point buck without leaving his house My grandfather stood at his back door, saw a huge buck in the back yard He got his gun and shot a 12-point buck without leaving his house

IllustrationsIllustrations Gas Station owner became successful When asked how he did it – Every morning I ask, “What can I do to increase service today? Many are looking for the pot of gold (or diamond mine) We fail to see what we have right here Gas Station owner became successful When asked how he did it – Every morning I ask, “What can I do to increase service today? Many are looking for the pot of gold (or diamond mine) We fail to see what we have right here

Lessons to Learn Know your jobKnow your job –Know your company, its goals –Know the skills needed, the demands –Understand your mission and purpose Spiritual ApplicationSpiritual Application –Does this church exist to pay bills and pay of the bank loan? –Why are we here? Know your jobKnow your job –Know your company, its goals –Know the skills needed, the demands –Understand your mission and purpose Spiritual ApplicationSpiritual Application –Does this church exist to pay bills and pay of the bank loan? –Why are we here?

Lessons to Learn KNOW:Opportunity for:Scripture ChurchSalvationTitus 2:11-12 Titus 2:11-12 Titus 2: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Lessons to Learn KNOW:Opportunity for:Scripture ChurchSalvationTitus 2:11-12 CongregationServiceJohn 9:4 John 9:4 John 9:4 – I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

Lessons to Learn KNOW:Opportunity for:Scripture ChurchSalvationTitus 2:11-12 CongregationServiceJohn 9:4 PeopleLife, Joy, PeaceJohn 10:10 John 10:10 John 10:10 – The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Some Suggestions Explore present job opportunities Don’t poke your head in a jug –Farmer stuck a small pumpkin in a jar –It grew to fill the jar – and stopped –Don’t limit your possibilities Study – Read, tapes, internet, attend classes, attend lectures Explore present job opportunities Don’t poke your head in a jug –Farmer stuck a small pumpkin in a jar –It grew to fill the jar – and stopped –Don’t limit your possibilities Study – Read, tapes, internet, attend classes, attend lectures

Some Suggestions Get Involved – find ways to work – use what you have learned See opportunities – night is coming Spend your efforts in service, ministry Get Involved – find ways to work – use what you have learned See opportunities – night is coming Spend your efforts in service, ministry

Prodigal Son Remember the prodigal son –Came home to find the happiness he did not find when he lived there –He was ready to work, be a hired servant Don’t limit yourself See the diamonds where you are Remember the prodigal son –Came home to find the happiness he did not find when he lived there –He was ready to work, be a hired servant Don’t limit yourself See the diamonds where you are