by Dr. Frank R. Lewis
There's a man in another congregation whose wife died on December 24, 1998. On the first anniversary of her death, he walked into his pastor's office and gave him a check. It was not his tithe and it was not a "catch-up" offering. It was something else.
He's an older fellow, not wealthy by any means, but nevertheless he handed his pastor a check for $1,224.98 and said, "Use this to help people." He did it again the next year, and the year after. He's done it every year so far since her death -- a check in the amount of the date of her death: 12-24-98. He gives to commemorate, to remember, and to know that the money can do what she can no longer do. It's a celebration of her life and the love they shared.
Why do you give? During the month of September I'm preaching a new series of messages called the iGb series. iGb stands for "I Give Because..." and serves as this year's stewardship theme at First Baptist Nashville.
With our national economy being as vulnerable as it has been in recent years, there's probably not a better time for us to consider the counsel found in God's Word concerning our finances. Each week we will explore a pertinent and timely truth regarding the reasons we give. My guess is that by the time the series is over, some of us may change our thinking about giving, but almost every one of us will discover something more about our relationship with God.
To help members and friends of First Baptist Nashville get the most out of this series, we are providing a 40-day devotional guide for you to use as you begin to apply the truths of Scripture and sermon in your life. Each day's devotion contains about five scripture verses. You are asked to choose one and simply meditate on it asking the Lord to take it and apply it to your heart. Be sure to pick your devotional guide up at the church. You will find it to be a great resource during this series and in the future.
As a church we continue to enjoy God's blessings in these days. Attendance is up, the mood of the church is happy, new faces are showing up each week, and there's a sense that God is stirring in our hearts. We are praying more and finding worship to be more important in these days as we continue listening for God's voice in all we do.
It's a joy to be your pastor!
