Tithe Sunday Challenge :: Update!

I wanted to share an exciting update for everyone regarding our Tithe Sunday Challenge.

YTD Weekly Tithe Average: $ 8,167
Tithe Sunday Challenge: $15,638

PRAISE THE LORD!!! I'm excited to see how everyone's faithfulness has proven to be amazing. So here's something to think about. What would happen if everyone was faithful with the blessing of God in our lives and committed to tithe regularly and consistently? Because we aren't just talking about money; we're talking about lives that would be changed. Every dollar invested in God's Kingdom is ultimately attached to reaching someone without God, providing discipleship, and releasing them to reach others. It's walked out every week in our ministries to kids & youth, in the planned outreach events, through small group discipleship, by helping those in need, and caring for others.

Even though stewardship involves money that's not what it's all about! It's about people. It's about lives that matter to God. It's about obedience to God's plan and the promised blessing of God. I've already heard several testimonies of how God has ALREADY proven faithful this past week as people were obedient to step out and give faithfully. I look forward to hearing more as God proves himself in your life as well.

Let's keep on stepping out in obedience and faith. Just watch what God is going to do!!!!

Pastor Mark

Take God At His Word

A devotional by Buddy Owens, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church.

“I am convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion” (Philippians 1:6 GWT).

Lasting change doesn’t start with you. It starts with God. And it all begins when you say, “Yes Lord, I’m taking you at your word.” God isn’t asking you to make a promise that you can’t keep. He is asking you to receive a promise that only he can keep.

When you confess your faith, you are receiving God’s promises into your life, and he always keeps his promises. When you confess your faith, you are taking God at his Word, and you can!

• He loves you – you have his Word on it (John 3:16).
• You are forgiven – you have his Word on it (Psalm 103:3).
• You belong to him – you have his Word on it (Romans 1:6).
• He will never leave you or give up on you – you have his Word on it (Hebrews 13:5).
• He will meet your needs – you have his Word on it (Philippians 4:19).
• He has a plan and a purpose for your life – you have his Word on it (Jeremiah 29:11).

As you build your life on the Word of God, he will truly make you into a new person – a total makeover from the inside out. And what God starts, he will finish.

Your responsibility is to confess it. Let it renovate your life. “Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” But let me warn you: expect to be challenged. The Devil doesn’t want you to be free, so he will whisper old lies to you. He’ll try to discourage you and accuse you. He will bring up your past to haunt and harass you. But, as Greg Laurie says, “Whenever the Devil tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.” And start confessing your faith.

What lies do you still believe? What is keeping you from walking in the freedom and joy of the Lord? Start declaring the truth of the God’s Word and then act on that truth.

And that will truly make a new you.

Big Win...Bigger Wins!

I certainly consider myself a football fan in general and a Packer fan specifically. Everyone around Green Bay is in a state of euphoria about the Packers win last night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV (that's 45 for those of you who are confused by roman numerals like me). Where I watched the game I saw people jump, shout, clap, run around, and almost pass out at times. The energy was high and the passion ran deep. It was a great win for a city still divided about whether they would wear a jersey with a 4 or 12 on it (either is fine). It was a Big Win!

I've joked with a few people this morning because I've heard people saying, "We won the Super Bowl!" My question has been, "If WE won the Super Bowl, where is my ring and when is the check coming?" Nobody has been able to give me a date yet. (ha.ha.) In last night's game, I never stepped onto the field once. I never threw a pass, covered a receiver, or scored a touchdown. My greatest contribution was making several trips to the food table. Aside from my occasional cheering and armchair quarterbacking I didn't contribute much to the big win.

But for me and for you there are Bigger Wins! Bigger than the Super Bowl and bigger than the Lombardi trophy. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." In a world full of awards there is only one that I'm striving for; the crown of life! It is our persistence through trials and struggles, our determination to be a Godly spouse, parents, and individuals that earns us this win. Is it easy; no! Is it worth it; yes!

Celebrate Green Bay! Celebrate a Big Win! But also remember that there are BIGGER WINS to be had today in your everyday attitudes, decisions, and obedience to God.

Have a GREAT day!