The Closer We Get!

Posted on Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 under Blog

As each week passes we come closer to something. Maybe it is closer to retirement. For some, closer to college. For others closer to marriage. Still yet for a Christian we get “closer to heaven” and eternity with our Savior.

At Hope Church we have been striving for a goal. Last June we set out on a plan to retire our church mortgage ($225,000) and to expand our facilities, reach in the community, etc. With God’s help and favor we received a matching pledge equal to every penny we raise. Essentially for each dollar contributed, we receive two dollars.

Since this time with the faithful and generous support of many who love Hope Church, we have reached $145,000 in total dollars given and collected. In less than 5 months we will reach the end of the window for our matching challenge. At that time we believe God will enable us to reach the full amount of the pledge for $225,000. When this happens we will retire all of our debt, and have $225,000 left to do the improvements we need, expand our parking lot, and make other enhancements to the property.

When I first launched this campaign last June I shared Four Levels of Giving. Do you remember them? Perhaps you have forgotten them. As a reminder I want to share them here again.

1. Systematic Giving- This is giving where we have a routine. Perhaps one tithes and gives 10% of their income. Others may give $100 a week. But there is some system one follows. This system of giving is essential to the church and important for the believer in Christ. Not because of what will happen if we “don’t” but because of what God promises, when we do.
2. Sacrificial Giving- This is the kind of giving where we make some kind of sacrifice.  Examples might include; Giving up golf for a time and donating the green fees. Taking lunch to work or school and pledging “going out” monies to a project or cause. More dramatic examples might be reducing housing size to reduce mortgage or rent and giving the remainder. Another may sell stocks or retirement monies. This kind of giving often has an established period or duration and many times will be a one-time gift.
3. Supplemental Giving- Supplemental giving examples might include a part-time job for a short term with proceeds going toward a project. Babysitting and giving the monies away. Receiving a raise at work and pledging the “extra” to God’s work. Like sacrificial giving, supplemental giving also generally will observe an established period of time.
4. Supernatural Giving- This kind of giving is where when it seems there’s nothing left, God supernaturally intervenes. Like the widow in the Old Testament who was facing death; she had just enough food for herself and her child. Yet, God’s prophet asked her to feed him first. WHAT? She only had enough for herself and son. Yet, she agreed. God supernaturally came into her home that day. Scripture tells us the stories end. Each time she would reach into the barrel for cornmeal, and pour out of the pitcher the oil, there was ALWAYS enough. When God is first, He supernaturally comes to our aid…even when times may seem bleak.

Thank God for the privilege of partnering together to work His plan and to be a part of His vision to give Hope to others.

Let’s Trust HIM!

Pastor J