Jeff's Journal

Thoughts and reflections.

A local church recently held a seminar about how government is taking God out of the schools and public sector. The article in the paper publicizing the event created some controversy and generated letters to the editor. The pastor of the church was articulate in his response. The whole focus was about how governmental forces, secularists and the ACLU are successfully removing references to God and the ability of schools to support religion in any way. How interesting to discover the meeting was held — in a school.

You will hear me say over and over again, there are a 100 ways Christians can have a presence in the schools, without having the blessing of the federal or state government. Christians simply need to be Christians but not expect the school system to do their job for them. There are some good Christian folks who I disagree with. I do not want them to have the ability to teach my children their brand of Christianity.

                        *                                         *                                         *

Recent television ads have been encouraging you to sell your "scrap gold" to them. "Scrap" gold? Are you kidding me.

                        *                                         *                                          *

Very soon, you will be receiving letters regarding our 2012 stewardship campaign. You will be asked to consider a gift to the church which will support all our ministries here and the work of the church in the world. As I always say, do not give if you are not currently meeting your obligations or just simply can't do it. But for those who are able to give, I ask you give very special consideration to making a generous gift to the church for the new year. We need everyone to step up and believe that the blessings God has given are meant to be passed on to bless the church and the world.

Have you ever considered giving a set percentage of your income? The Bible talks about a tithe or 10% of your income. However, you may not be ready for a tithe. How about considering 3, 4 or 5 per cent as a gift to the church for the year?  I am confident if everyone gave 5% of their income, we would be able to be able to restore our outreach giving to its former level.

Giving, ultimately, is about joy. Give until you feel the joy of supporting the most wonderful and generous out post for grace in the world — which is the church.

 

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff