FROM THE PASTOR
Giving From the Heart
Giving From the Heart. Soon we will be sharing with you the report of our giving in June. As you know the trend has been increasing deficits between the offerings we receive and the money we spend on our ministry. My prayer is that each of us, giving from the heart and in gratitude to Jesus for all of our blessings, will make regular and generous contributions to the mission of our church.
Our life as disciples of Christ and stewards of God’s blessing is centered in the Word of God. Here are some Bible passages to think and pray about as we consider our own contributions to the life of the Church.
- Giving First to God, 2 Corinthians 8-9-“First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us”
- A True Offering, Mark 12: 41-44-“but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had”
- On Guard Against Greed, Luke 12:13-21-“so it is for those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God”
- Abundant Blessings, John 6:1-14-“Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted”
- Where is Your Treasure? Matthew 6:1-“For where your treasure is there your heart will be also”
- Bringing the Full Tithe-Malachi 3:10-11-“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse”
- Using Gifts Wisely, Matthew 25:14-30-“Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master”
- Camels and Needles, Luke 18:18-30-“indeed it easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter into the kingdom of God…what is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”
- Being Accountable, Luke 16:1-13-“No one can serve two masters”
- Fully Satisfied, Philippians 4:11-19-“And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
From our hearts to God,
Pastor Stephen Bouman
