Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
Where Your Treasure Is
A monthly stewardship update from the CCCCApril 2010
Treasure
 
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This newsletter is developed by the leadership team of the Comprehensive Campaign, "Sharing His Vision - More Than We Can Imagine".

"Where Your Treasure Is" is an email devotional from the CCCC office to your inbox on the 15th of every month, to remind us of biblical principles of stewardship.  This initiative was launched because our Lord has said much about Stewardship, and all His people are to be listening.  I hope you find these devotionals helpful.   If you do, feel free to forward this publication to others, inviting them to join our mailing list to receive it directly in the future.  If you do not wish to receive this monthly devotional an unsubscribe link is provided on the bottom of this page. Today's devotional focuses on the connection between giving and love, and God's exhortation that like Christ His disciples would aim for this holy combination.
Many people believe that money raised is the most significant measurement of a stewardship emphasis.  If this is true for the CCCC, our current campaign entitled, Sharing His Vision: More Than We Can Imagine is only successful if we raise the five-year $5.1 million goal by 2014.  However, it is possible that a ministry could reach their fund-raising goal in a stewardship program and the lives of many people who are a part of that ministry have not been changed in any way.
 
We learn something about stewardship when we read the words of the minor prophet, Hosea.
 
"But I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.  You shall acknowledge no God but me, not Savior but me.  I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat.  When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgoft me. (Hosea 13:4-6)"
 
Hosea tells the story of the Hebrew people as God led them out of captivity and slavery from Egypt.  God provided for those people in many ways.  He gave them direction with the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.  He provided manna from heaven for their food.  He gave them fresh water.  He delivered them from the Egyptians who pursued them and from the enemies who challenged them.  The Hebrew people enjoyed these many blessings of God and worshipped the Lord.  But, then they became comfortable and satisfied and became proud.  They forgot God's provision and assumed that they were totally responsible for their health and welfare.
 
This lesson teaches us that the true goal of stewardship is humility before God.  A faithful steward understands that everything in life is a gift from God to be dedicated to His service.  A faithful steward joyfully worships God and gives back his/her time, talents, and treasures for His use.  A faithful steward is humble before the Lord and is grateful for every gift that comes from above.  While a financial goal has its place, the true measure of the success of a stewardship emphasis is the evidence that people are humble for the Lord, recognizing his provision and sharing His blessings.
 
Ron Hamilton, 
CCCC Director of Church Multiplication