I pray you will participate in our Mighty 90 emphasis. The challenge is simple: Give your title--10% of your income--faithfully for 90 days, now through August 22, 2010. God's Word is clear. As we obey, He is faithful. Let this 90 days be a test of your obedience and God's faithfulness.

The story of Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 is a fascinating story for a number of reasons. Obviously Jesus performed a mighty miracle--one of the most remembered miracles of His ministry on earth. But there are aspects about feeding all those people that are not as well known and apply to how we practice stewardship today.

One person's gift made a difference. One boy with five loaves and two fishes was instrumental in Jesus feeding more than 5,000 people. I bet that boy had no idea when he brought his lunch that Jesus was going to multiply a simple meal to miraculous proportions. Remember, to Christ, each and every gift is important.

The disciples did the work. The disciples gathered to loaves and fishes. After Jesus blessed them, the disciples distributed the food, and then they collected the excess. We see this same example in the church today as Jesus blesses our giving as we faithfully do the work of ministry.

Jesus provided more than was needed. I sometimes wonder why Jesus didn't provide "just enough" food for the 5,000-plus who needed dinner. I think it's because He wanted us to know He gives more than enough. We must remember that our resources are His--and we have more than enough to accomplish His purposes through our church and in our world.

I hope you will join me in living out Jesus' example through your faithful stewardship during Mighty 90. Let's all be obedient to God's Word and see how God's faithfulness is multiplied in our giving and our lives this summer.

In Christ,

James Merritt,
Senior Pastor