Hello family – instead of the normal article on just one topic I thought I would instead share a couple of things that have been on my mind lately that I have been praying on. I hope that as you read these things, that you too will spend some time thinking about them as well:
- Our reading – If you have been reading along with us in our congregational challenge – then you already know that we have finished up Mark and moved into the book of Acts this week. I am very thankful for those that have been in class Sunday morning to discuss the readings and encourage one another in them, but even if you haven’t been in that class I hope you will start reading with us. The word of God is so vital to us understanding what God wants us to know, and what He would have us do. It also brings encouragement, hope, peace and perspective that you will not benefit from if you aren’t in the Bible. So please – join with us! I’m using the YouVersion app to track my reading which you are welcome to do along with me. I like this app because you can set up reminders, and it tracks the days readings for you.
a. If you would like you can add me by following this link https://www.bible.com/users/northeastminister Doing so will allow us some more accountability because it will allow me to see what you’ve done, and vice versa. I have my reading plan open to be seen by those that are my friends so you can see if I’m slipping!
b. You can find the plan at this link https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/232 - Our attendance – please make an effort to be here when we meet. I know many have said it, but I just want to reiterate it. Being together is a part of God’s plan for us. As Lord of our life, He calls us to grow together, encourage one another and to be the body of which Jesus is the head. So make every effort to destroy all excuses and meet together with us. I know some are not able, and we are grateful that the online option is available to you. But if you can, come and be blessed by what God has in store for you. You will benefit from the relationships that are built in this church community. We will benefit from having you here and being a part. If you need help for any reason, please let us (me) know.
- Our giving – if you look at the reports then you know that some weeks our giving totals are up and other weeks they are down. This however, isn’t simply a call to give more. I have been praying about the thoughts and motivations behind our giving. I hope you ask yourself regularly, why are we giving? Why am I giving? Certainly, giving to the work is good. Financially supporting what you think is good is a blessing that helps that work continue. However, giving is first and foremost an act of faith and worship. We give to God as a part of our thankfulness for all that He has given us. When Israel was called to tithe 10%, it was taken first off the top of everything. Giving came first. This allowed them to show how thankful they were to God for his gift and how much faith they had that he would continue to provide. God loves a cheerful giver, and what better way is there to be thankful in our giving than to think of the blessings we have received from God as motivation for how much and why we give?
- Our prayers – please remember to give thanks for the answered prayers. You may already be doing this, but we have so much to be thankful for. Not only does that allow you to make sure that you are giving honor to whom honor is due, but it also helps you in your perspective on the world (God has been at work!) and as you walk by faith (He will do it again!)
Striving alongside you for the prize,
Jay