Stewardship
By James Bland --
Thank you Jesus! I cannot count the number of times I have said this phrase over the past few years. I continue to be amazed as I see God work through many of you to provide for each other and for Greater Portland. A couple weeks ago, an email was sent out asking for support because our benevolence fund was depleted, and before the week’s end, you stepped up generously to provide for each other.
What do you think of when you hear the word stewardship? I hear it and naturally my thoughts turn to money, but stewardship is about much more than tithing. It is about taking care of all that God provides. He gives each of us incredible gifts and He wants us to use them.
"Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace." 1 Peter 4:9-10
Stewardship is about taking care of all the resources that God provides—time, skills, talents, and yes, money. Many of you use your skills and talents to serve our community through the food pantry, disc golf, Compassion Clinic, and Wilson High School clean-ups. Your faithfulness to use your gifts has established Greater Portland as a provider to our community.
Stewardship is using our spiritual gifts that God provides to each of us. It is on display each week throughout the ministries at Greater Portland. I see many of you serving in hospitality, security, kitchen, coffee corner and on children’s, youth, and worship teams. It is encouraging to see so many of you using your gifts to serve our faith community.
Finally, stewardship is also about money. As we wrap up this fiscal year, the elders and I are so very thankful for your continued faithfulness in the giving of tithes and offerings to provide for each other, our global partners, and the ministries of Greater Portland Bible Church.
Thank you for continuing to be faithful in ALL that God provides! I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as Vincent Hollingsworth shares from Jonah and we continue our series, Rebellious Grace.