Stewardship on Display
By James Bland --
June is the best month to be an elder! We are reminded of God’s greatness as we wrap up our fiscal year and celebrate how He provided for Greater Portland Bible Church. I continue to be amazed as I see God work through many of you to provide for each other and for Greater Portland. Thank you Jesus!
I also want to thank you! Tithing is intended to be a joy and a blessing with an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. We see that on display each week as you continue to respond to God’s prompting in the giving of tithes and offerings. Thank you for your continued stewardship of the things that God provides. I appreciate and value your support for the ministry’s efforts at Greater Portland not only through tithes, but going above and beyond to support efforts like Global Partners and Advent Conspiracy—your stewardship is clearly on display.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
Stewardship is about so much more than money. God is asking us to take care of all the resources that He provides—time, skills, talents, spiritual gifts, and yes, money. I see many of you use your gifts to serve our faith community through the ministries at Greater Portland. I see many of you use your gifts to serve our community through the food pantry, disc golf, Compassion Clinic, and Wilson High School clean-ups. Your faithfulness to use your gifts strengthens Greater Portland and affirms our commitment to the community.
Finally, I want to thank the staff, ministry directors, and pastors for all the prayer, time, and effort that they put into pouring over their budgets. I know that it is a lot of work to review and prioritize how to invest in their ministries. I truly appreciate their commitment to walk alongside the elders in this process as we continue to focus on helping people follow Jesus together.
Thank you for continuing to be faithful in ALL that God provides! I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as Jay is continuing in Proverbs.
James