I want to share some very, very encouraging news. Every Monday I'm sent a spreadsheet showing the amount of our weekly offering. This week the amount was the biggest I think I've seen all year! And on a holiday weekend!

I had mentioned in my sermon that just as lepers in ancient times had to rely on charity so does the church today tend to only get leftovers. In lean times back then there was nothing extra and today, in our difficult economy, many churches are struggling. The Bible teaches that giving is to be proportional, planned and an act of praise, not a payment for a performance or a tip for exceptionally good service. A first-fruits mentality is a needed strategy to help us fulfill our purpose - hence my inclusion of these thoughts in this installment of my
Messages About Purpose and Strategy.

Here are some thoughts from a note I fired back to the staff and elders who also received that great weekly report: I usually open this email with some fear and trepidation - the numbers are not often pretty - but this is a great offering! It won't take care of everything, but it is a great reminder of God's faithfulness and the love and commitment of our people! It would be right to take the time to praise God that he is supplying what we need to make ministry happen in exciting ways here! He is worthy of our worship!

Let's not let this 4th of July season go by without declaring our dependence on God! Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing." Paul said, "I labor by the strength that God supplies." Sure, we work, give and serve, but our success comes from God! That's why we look to him in prayer and that's why we praise him for his provision. Praise God with me!