We here in America have it easy. I don't mean the economy or whatever. But religious persecution at least to me seems that persecution for Christians here is relegated mainly to being not included in others' plans, being made fun of, or otherwise socially outcast. Here are what some brothers and sisters in Pakistan are dealing with. Read about it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/world/asia/03pstan.html?_r=2
Jesus, please encourage and comfort them right now, in your Name.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
lesson 18 reflection
The Church needs individuals of all generations committed to a biblical
understanding of whole-life stewardship.
We have to constantly teach the next generation about giving of their time, talent and treasure for the purpose of honoring God. If not, they will miss out on the blessings that come with knowing they're serving the Lord and future generations will not get to know the Lord.
Reflect on your own attitude in each of the six categories from the lesson resource.
Environment- has recently become more important to me, recycling and reusing things like paper and plastic have become normal in my life
Personal lifestyle- offering my gifts and abilities to help people know about the Lord is what my life is dedicated
Faith community- as a Christian, I understand that I'm a part of something larger than myself, I am part of the family of God
Outreach- This area has always been important to me, but could be put a little more passion/thought into
Wealth- I don't view wealth as a bad thing, mainly because we always have enough to meet our needs. I've thought for a long time if we ever get a super-abundance of income, that I would have fun giving to meet others' needs. For now I will give when moved to give and when able, in that order.
General financial commitment- I don't know how many different ways to say this, but I understand that God is my provider of everything, and make sure that in budgeting, He gets the first offering, not what's left over.
understanding of whole-life stewardship.
We have to constantly teach the next generation about giving of their time, talent and treasure for the purpose of honoring God. If not, they will miss out on the blessings that come with knowing they're serving the Lord and future generations will not get to know the Lord.
Reflect on your own attitude in each of the six categories from the lesson resource.
Environment- has recently become more important to me, recycling and reusing things like paper and plastic have become normal in my life
Personal lifestyle- offering my gifts and abilities to help people know about the Lord is what my life is dedicated
Faith community- as a Christian, I understand that I'm a part of something larger than myself, I am part of the family of God
Outreach- This area has always been important to me, but could be put a little more passion/thought into
Wealth- I don't view wealth as a bad thing, mainly because we always have enough to meet our needs. I've thought for a long time if we ever get a super-abundance of income, that I would have fun giving to meet others' needs. For now I will give when moved to give and when able, in that order.
General financial commitment- I don't know how many different ways to say this, but I understand that God is my provider of everything, and make sure that in budgeting, He gets the first offering, not what's left over.
Lesson 19 reflection
Reflect on your own attitude about tithing and giving. I believe in tithing and have never really had an issue with it. I cannot remember a time where I wish I had the tithe money for myself. I do my best to give to special offerings whenever I can. We also sponsor a child in Nepal through Nazarene Compassionate ministries.
- Reflect on your commitment, and history in tithing.
I made a commitment early on to practice tithing, and as far as I know, have stuck with it since then. I did find an envelope buried in the back of a drawer the other day that was supposed to be given a couple months prior. So I just turned it in with the rest of my tithe the next Sunday.
- the "Big Idea"
Whole-life stewardship recognizes God as the ultimate source of all things. (2 Cor 9:8)
Whole-life stewardship is God‘s method for supporting the local church. (1 Cor 9:6-14)
God is the one who provides our every need, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental. He provides our shelter, food, clothing and jobs.
Not only does our tithe help us support the church financially, our gifts and talents help support the leadership of the local church; lifting their burdens and allowing others to experience God's grace as well.
- Reflect on your commitment, and history in tithing.
I made a commitment early on to practice tithing, and as far as I know, have stuck with it since then. I did find an envelope buried in the back of a drawer the other day that was supposed to be given a couple months prior. So I just turned it in with the rest of my tithe the next Sunday.
- the "Big Idea"
Whole-life stewardship recognizes God as the ultimate source of all things. (2 Cor 9:8)
Whole-life stewardship is God‘s method for supporting the local church. (1 Cor 9:6-14)
God is the one who provides our every need, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental. He provides our shelter, food, clothing and jobs.
Not only does our tithe help us support the church financially, our gifts and talents help support the leadership of the local church; lifting their burdens and allowing others to experience God's grace as well.
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