So Many Needs, So Little Money
It seems to me that one of the worst results of the economic recession in America and in the world is the lack of income for missions and other local ministries. My daughter, Lori, and I talked about the missions end of it last night. I have been facing it for several months, as I have seen various ministries soliciting funds from the church and individuals. It is really a sad situation.
The world needs Jesus. As Christians, we believe that a person can't be saved from their sins apart from putting their faith in Jesus as Lord of their lives. Therefore, missions should be a vital part of what we do. It is our responsibility to carry out the Great Commission and make disciples in every people group in the world. We can't do it, unless we give sacrificially, and we go personally to share the truth of the gospel. So few seem willing to make that sacrifice when finances are tight. I am so proud of our church in the area of international missions. We raised our offering from just over $12,000 to over $14,000 this Christmas season. However, I am not sure how many churches were able to do that. If we do not reach the full goal of the Southern Baptist Convention of $175,000,000, there will be more cuts in our missions efforts. It is tragic to think that could happen.
Then, there are so many local ministries such as food pantries, drug rehab centers, pregnancy resource centers, youth programs, and children's' ministries that need money. They are all prayerfully seeking God's blessing and asking people and churches to help. Every cause is close to the heart of God, but the money is so tight. I know God provides, but He does so through His people most of the time. If people are not giving their tithe of 10% of their income and giving generously to other offerings, some of these ministries will not be able to operate. I pray that all of us will give exactly what God wants us to give, not a penny more or less. Then, His kingdom can be expanded for His glory.
I could go on, but just suffice it to say, we are His hands and feet in this world. We are also His conduit for supplying the financial resources for His work. If we are not faithful, souls will be lost and lives will be radically effected.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 5-7.
The world needs Jesus. As Christians, we believe that a person can't be saved from their sins apart from putting their faith in Jesus as Lord of their lives. Therefore, missions should be a vital part of what we do. It is our responsibility to carry out the Great Commission and make disciples in every people group in the world. We can't do it, unless we give sacrificially, and we go personally to share the truth of the gospel. So few seem willing to make that sacrifice when finances are tight. I am so proud of our church in the area of international missions. We raised our offering from just over $12,000 to over $14,000 this Christmas season. However, I am not sure how many churches were able to do that. If we do not reach the full goal of the Southern Baptist Convention of $175,000,000, there will be more cuts in our missions efforts. It is tragic to think that could happen.
Then, there are so many local ministries such as food pantries, drug rehab centers, pregnancy resource centers, youth programs, and children's' ministries that need money. They are all prayerfully seeking God's blessing and asking people and churches to help. Every cause is close to the heart of God, but the money is so tight. I know God provides, but He does so through His people most of the time. If people are not giving their tithe of 10% of their income and giving generously to other offerings, some of these ministries will not be able to operate. I pray that all of us will give exactly what God wants us to give, not a penny more or less. Then, His kingdom can be expanded for His glory.
I could go on, but just suffice it to say, we are His hands and feet in this world. We are also His conduit for supplying the financial resources for His work. If we are not faithful, souls will be lost and lives will be radically effected.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 5-7.