Over last weekend's English-language services Bronx Bethany had a guest speaker. Dr. Herman Norman returned to us to encourage us in the Lord as we continue our Lifestyle Stewardship Capital Campaign. Dr. Norman shared with us that there was a time where the apostle Paul visited churches and asked them to give, then visited again a year later for a "progress report." Our speaker, who returned after a two-year absence, quipped, "I'm a year late."
Can you remember the previous two years of our lives? Some members of our church have moved; some have obtained new or better employment; some have become unemployed. But whether our lives have changed drastically or stayed the same, we as a community of faith continue to embrace this call to give.
Dr. Norman brought to our remembrance one of the sayings of our campaign: "Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice." He also noted that the apostle Paul was very frank in stating that his "giving" churches were in fact extremely poor, yet they gave joyfully to the work of the Lord.
Today, the Lord brings us to His side and asks us to confess where we stand concerning giving to His work. Yes, He already knows the answer. But He has given us confession as a means of spiritual discipline. We have the privilege of being open and transparent in the presence of our Lord who loves us. Will you take time to talk with Him today about your attitude toward giving to Him?
Lord God, give us the grace we need to give to You with authentic joy and gratitude.
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (Second Corinthians 8:1-2)
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