Points from the Pastor

Dr. Bruce Swihart,
Senior Pastor

A young boy had just learned to tie his shoes. It took him several tries before he finally completed the task. His mother praised him by saying, "Wonderful job son. I'm so proud of you. You have completed a hard task very well." As he left the room, she heard him begin crying. She wondered what could be the matter. Following him and in a calm voice she asked him, "What is wrong son? Was the task too hard?" "No," he sobbed, "but now I'll have to do it for the rest of my life!" I believe that's how some people feel about beginning a life of responsible stewardship. They want to learn, but are not sure it is something they want to do for the rest of their life.

From a branch overhanging the lake, some swallows were teaching their young to fly. One by one the mother bird pushed each of her chicks to the end, until somewhere between the branch and the water, they discovered they could fly. Their mother understood what they didn't--until we learn to fly, you're not really living! We, as Christians, must understand this: giving is an action built into us by God; it is the air into which we were born. However, until we realize that, we cling to everything we have believing we do not have enough to give anything away. The apostle Paul wrote, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each  man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Think of a seed. Life begins in the seed. Your seed is anything that can multiply: our love, our time, and our money. The harvest is what we receive back in benefits of joy, peace, good relationships and good finances. If what we have is not enough to be a harvest, we need to sow it as seed, believing God will multiply it back to in the areas where we need it most. Give and trust God for the results. Giving is like flying. When we learn to let go of what we're clinging to and launch out, we then realize, "This is how we were born again to life."

The economic times are uncertain. Honoring God by continuing to be obedient in the stewardship of our lives and our money is important. It is important to us, to our church and to our walk with the Lord. I encourage you to be faithful with all that God has blessed you.

~Bro. Bruce