Happy Holidays

This is the last post before we go on our holidays. I hope you all have a good summer, and find the summer programme on re-discovering the Bible in different ways helpful. Have fun, and make sure you thank God for the beauty and richness of His world as you discover more of it.
Andrea

Give to Grow Week 2

If you could keep only 3 possessions, then just one, what would it be.
I think for me it would be things of sentimental value, rather than monetry value - my 'mum's treasures box' full of bits and cards the kids have made, photos, etc. But thinking about it, my most treasured possession is my engagement ring. Before you all reach for the paper bags! let me explain. It is most precious because of what it represents - Al's love for me, and because I know what it cost him that I might have it.

Studying the rich young ruler this week has reminded me that what we offer to God is in response to the most precious gift, Jesus and the possibility of eternal life, and what it cost that we might have it. No wonder Jesus' response was one of sadness. The man had failed the timeless test of every heart. It is not about what he was unwilling to give, so much as what he was preventing himself from receiving from God.

We all have important possessions and money we can't live without. But these things become idols if they become more important than the things of God, and the things he has given for us to enjoy which cannot be measured in monetry value.
When talking to Amy & Tom about their pledge, the question was asked ' if someone offered you a million pounds for me, would you take it' Of course we answered 'no' but it was not until the question was reversed that the value of family and priceless people was really understood.

Blessings to special people
Happy studying
Andrea

Hi Folks,
This week has been pretty hectic for me, but I have had a lot of 'Give to Grow' thinking time.

It started a few weeks ago with planning for the 'Give to Grow' programme, it then became reality on Sunday morning when John was introduced to the Corps, I just had enough time to listen to what John said about this not being a 'giving time' it was more of a 'thinking time', and then I had to leave for X factor.

A few people had mentioned during the week that they felt that the 'Give to Grow' programme was a pointless exercise, as many people already knew what they were going to give without the Programme and the meal. And I must admit I sort of thought along those same lines.

As the week progressed and I got to some of the planned events that the Corps were hosting, I started to do some personal stock taking, looking not at what I should give to God, but looking at what God has given me.

When I started attending Bellshill Salvation Army, I always told people that I didn't know why I was coming to the Corps but I just felt that it was the right place to be, I knew God was planning something for me but I wasn't yet aware of what that something was.

The week before the 'Give to Grow' programme started I told someone that I still didn't know what God had put me in this Corps for. At the end of the programme and after a bit of stock taking I realise what a terrific change God has made in my life:
He has brought me to a place where I feel really at home amongst like minded people, He has allowed me to openly talk about my faith and my love of God, He has put me in a position where I can keep in touch with the needs, hopes and fears of the youngsters in our Corps, He puts me in a place where a bright new future for Bellshill Corps is just around the corner.
God has been really good to my family and myself, I just needed some 'thinking time' to realise it, thanks to the 'Give to Grow' programme it made me take stock of my life and it has been a great help in me looking at my/our pledge. I feel that it's pay back time and now I gladly Give back to God what is owed to him.

Bobby

Give to Grow Week 1

In our consumer age people's expectations often determine expenditure. There are two important implications to this:
1. We give according to what we want to receive
2. What we spend our money on shapes and influences who we are.
So, as Christian people the attitude with which we give is far more important that what we give.
Giving to God is different to giving to charity. If we gve to charity, our 'reward' is the satisfaction of knowing we have helped make a difference to someone's life. The great paradox of giving to God is that we give as a sacrifice of praise because God is shaping and influencing who we are, not for anything in return, but if we give this way, God has promised to pour blessings on us. More than we imagine or can even take in.

1 Chronicles 29:1-20 is our passage this week.
The perspective of our giving matters - v1 shows the gifts were not just for the temple but for God. We don't give to keep our doors open, but give with the wider perspective of giving to God himself.

The intensity of our giving matters - v2 - with all my devotion, with all my resources

The response matters - v17 they wanted to give, so gave willingly

The consistency of giving matters - v18. We give out of trust, even when we don't understand why God acts in the way he does.