Bob Russell (When God Builds A Church) writes that his wife was the person who oversaw their tape ministry. After preaching four straight sermons on money, a preacher wrote her a letter:

"You better tell Bob he'd better quit preaching on money, or there won't be anyone left to occupy that new building."

To which she replied: "Dear Sir: You may be interested in knowing that during the month Bob preached on giving there were 176 responses to the invitation, about double the normal number.  Did you know that half of Jesus' parables were about money? Maybe you should preach more on the subject!" (p. 231, When God Builds A Church)

We shouldn't be fearful to talk about what God says He will bless.  That would be like saying, "I'm not going to talk about salvation because if I do, I'm going to have to mention hell as well as heaven.  I'm not going to talk about grace because eventually, I'm going to have to get around to talking about judgment." To refuse to talk about being good stewards will be to willfully omit, according to Brian Sluth, former president of the Christian Stewardship Association, ". . . 2,350 passages in the Bible dealing with money and material possessions - more than any other subject - but it's the least talked-about subject in the church." (p. 234, When God Builds A Church)

Today, we launch our new series, "INFLUENCE: HOW GOD WIRED YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."  One of the ways we make a difference is by being faithful stewards of all God has given us.  As you study the scripture references below, enjoy learning what God has to say about the blessing of giving.

Read it:

Acts 20:27; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 4:4; Mark 10:21; Luke 16:13; Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:10;

Study & Reflect:

After reading just these few passages on giving, what would you, in all honesty, conclude that you should do as a faithful steward of God's resources?  Don't delay.  Delayed obedience is called disobedience.

Have a great day worshiping and serving God!  Be a FANTASTIC STEWARD!

            














































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Every person who considers themselves a Christ follower must serve someone, sometime, in order to be like Christ.  We are the body of Christ.  And as such we have a responsibility to look like Jesus!  Read today's devotional and if you're not currently involved in the ministry of your church, sign up this weekend to do so.  If you are already serving, recommit yourself to that place of service God has entrusted to you.

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church and author of The Purpose Driven Church, says, "God gave me a gift, not for me but for you, and God gave you a gift, not for you but for me.  If you don't use your gift, you're depriving me; if I don't use my gift, I'm robbing you."
(page 180, When God Builds A Church)

Getting to know you:

1.  Is there any task that you would consider to menial for you to do in the ministries of your church?

2.  What is it you enjoy doing in service to others?

Read it:

   Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 2:9

Study it:

1.  What is the central ingredient in salvation? (Eph. 2:8)

2.  Is there anyway to earn salvation? (v9)

3.  What is to be the result or the do of being made a new creation in Christ? (v10)

4.  Since God chose us, what kind of royalty did He say we are?  As His possession, what are we to do? (2 Peter 2:9)

Go with it:

Be willing to be still, be quiet, and listen for God's voice as you commit to serve Him by serving others.

What good works can you do in your family or workplace today that will bring honor and glory to God?