In this week's installment of my Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I want to share with you some feedback I received on last week's words from 1 Chronicles 29 about funding this ministry. The same man also wrote to me about what I shared in the services for the offering. Here are excerpts from both notes:

"Perhaps one reason people are not giving God back His portion is that they have lost sight of the reality that it is all His. He is generous with us to allow us to manage (the stewardship bit) His money and resources, but we mishandle it in our sin and fail to return what is due to the Master. Financial Peace University, the Dave Ramsey program we offer at Dayspring, has a major theme that when we learn to deal with debt, change our mindset about handling money, and get control of our finances, we are free to give back to God what is rightfully His. Dave makes the point very strongly that it is all His, and by teaching our believers how to handle their money wisely, we will see the support naturally grow. FPU helps people get their priorities right. As we promote FPU, and have more and more people gain control over their finances, we will find their hearts are opened to be givers."

"The statements you made on supporting the church were well chosen. We had friends over for dinner after Saturday service and they all felt that you delivered the best presentation they had heard on the responsibility of the body to support the work of the Church. As we mature as believers we will appreciate the joy of honoring God as He directs us. I appreciated your frank, factual approach to the need for participation. I heard no pleading nor guilt inducing platitudes. Perhaps more frequent direct statements about the need for support is in order."