Newsletters - First Baptist Church of Walterboro

As we think about February the first thing that comes to my mind is Valentine’s Day. This is the month of LOVE. We have priorities as to how we love, the Bible states, “We love because He first loved us”, 1 John 4:19. Jesus is to be enthroned upon the heart of every Christian and He is to take first place in our lives. The Great Commandment is dear to all of us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. This is the great and first commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38. I pray February will be a month that your love for God will deepen and be demonstrated in fresh new ways.

The Lord has given each of us a tremendous responsibility to steward the things He has given us. I believe the old cliché is true, “God owns it all”. At least that’s how Errin and I see it when it comes to caring for everything God has graciously blessed us with, from possessions to family members. We hold things loosely in our hands as we steward everything for God’s glory. This is how we love God; we hold on to Him tightly, walk with Him closely, and we loosely hold everything else.

This brings me to the exciting and joyful topic of giving - specifically, the giving of our tithes and offerings. We look at offering God our financial resources as an expression of His Lordship in our lives. When giving is looked at from a selfish perspective we hear people say, “All they want is my money down at the church!” I’m happy to say God doesn’t need your money, nor do I! God wants your heart and I want to see you walk in God’s victory and obedience as you bring Him pleasure with your life. That’s why the Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” A cheerful Christian lives in abounding joy when he trusts Jesus. It’s an outward expression that shows your willful trust in God that He has captured your heart as you give him first place in all things.

During the pandemic, we have put our joyful responsibility of giving our tithes and offerings on the back burner. We have said little about it and we have taught very little about good stewardship. It has been a while since we talked tithes and offerings and the cheerful responsibility of every Christian, young and old. As your pastor, I am grateful for where you are now as you demonstrate Kingdom faithfulness. God bless you. But would you be willing to ask God if you are doing enough? The question could be, “Lord, I love you and I want to demonstrate to you my trust in you and that I am dependent upon you for all my needs. Should I be giving away more than I have been?” We best reflect the Lord when we give. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” John 3:16.

We are seeking to make your giving opportunities convenient and meaningful. I give the first day after every pay period. It’s my first fruits giving. I use the Abundant app that can be found in the Apple App Store or the Google App Store. I set it up with a top-secret password and biometrics to secure my resources and to ensure I give Jesus my best every week. I encourage you to try the Abundant App. I think you’ll love it!

So welcome to February, the month of love. Let’s Love God loudly as faithful stewards so we can honor the Lord and love people in Jesus name!

Called To Serve,

Dr. Jeff