Pastor’s Message, October 2010

“And where the spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom.”
True freedom is the ability to give.
We hear so much from advertizing, politicians, and the media about the importance of freedom.
Freedom to choose.
Freedom to vote.
Freedom to be an individual.
And yet, all this freedom and all these choices don’t seem to bring us peace in our spirit or serenity in our lives. The truth is that freedom does not come from the outside; freedom comes from within. We are only free when we become whole and holy within. Holiness and serenity begin with humility and self control through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, self denial, worship and giving. You will never feel more free than when you practice proportional giving (tithing). Giving back a portion makes our faith come to life. We become more conscious of God’s grace and abundance when we give a percentage of what God gives to us. Tithing is the spiritual practice of proportional giving.
In this month when you are asked to estimate you’re giving to the church for next year, focus less on the amount and more on the percentage. You will find true freedom.
Grace & Peace,
Gary
Celebration