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"My Decision...God's
Decision"
As we draw near to the date that we will record our response to
the
vision set before us it is important to ask a few questions.
1. Am I seeking God in prayer to make my decision?
2. Does my decision represent a true sacrifice that will please
God?
3. Does my gift represent my heart for God?
4. Do I have peace and joy in my heart as I offer this gift?
The Stewardship Campaign is about our heart and our relationship
to God. No one can say this campaign is the most important
priority for you and your family at this time. As disciples our
priorities are built around God and his Kingdom, which include the
way we spend God's resources for our families and the everyday
decisions of life as well as church ministries and missions.
It is a difficult process we are all undergoing. We believe it
will be one of the most rewarding spiritual growth experiences of
our lives. It is beneficial to examine ourselves before the Lord.
Many things may be revealed to you by the Holy Spirit. Some will
be wonderfully refreshing. Some may be a little disturbing. All
will be purifying.
The day we hear of the collective response of the South Florida
Church of
Christ (October 30) will be a day we will never forget. It will be
a day of jubilation and praise as we witness the results of the
power of God among us.
Leadership Challenge
At SFCC, we are blessed with many disciples who have offered their time, resources, money, talents and gifts – their whole hearts – to help mature and grow our congregation. Last Saturday, many of these brothers and sisters, from Dade to Palm Beach, were invited to participate in a “Leadership Challenge.” The “Challenge” called these leaders to prayerfully consider making a pledge that is not only sacrificial, but one that is committed two weeks before the rest of the congregation!
According to Julie Bennett, “The most profound thing about the meeting was John Brush’s humble yet well-thought- out explanation of how he arrived at the figure he was going to dedicate toward the fund.” John and Pat looked into the expenses they presently have; determined when some of those expenses would be paid off; and re-allocated those monies to their campaign pledge. Some of these expenses would not be paid off until next spring, but they were figured into their plan. Here is a breakdown of John’s three-year plan:
· 1 year Special Missions contribution x 3
· Monthly computer payment x 29 months
· Car insurance reduction (daughter getting married!) x 3
· College expenses (twin daughters graduate!) x 3
· Lifestyle changes: cut backs on dining out and entertainment
The presentation inspired the members to take a critical look at their own expenses and find money hidden within their budgets, instead of looking at an empty bank account!
“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 29: 9
“Therefore I tell you,
whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours.” Mark 11: 24
Disciples of Christ are familiar with prayer. With prayer,
we bring our petitions before God with praise and thanksgiving.
With prayer, we establish intimate communication with our creator,
we gain strength and peace, and we are reminded of the great
blessing of knowing God. Fervent prayer is key to the SFCC’s
stewardship campaign. The daily prayer reminder distributed last
week was intended to mobilize the church as we chart our “new
course.” Our part week was focused on prayer that our plans are in
step with God’s will. This week, the focus is more individual: for
each and every disciple to walk closer to God. For, “if you come
near to God, He will come near to you” (James 4: 8). Such prayer
will not just benefit the church and this campaign, but will help
each disciple reach our ultimate goal, “an inheritance that can
never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:
4).
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