“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10

A steward is one who is responsible to transact the business of another.  A steward is not an owner, but a representative of the owner.  A steward is one who manages that which belongs to someone else. 

All of us are managers and stewards for God.  According to Psalm 24:1, the earth and everything in it belongs to God.  God has entrusted us with managing God’s resources.  For that reason, as God calls us to a level of deeper devotion, we view our time, our talents and our treasure as gifts of God’s infinite grace, as blessings God has loaned to us for a short time.
As managers and stewards, we use our time and our talents to do that which God has called us to do in ways that will strengthen this ministry.  Similarly, we use our financial resources for God’s glory, for the good of others, and for the furtherance of this ministry.

In this annual stewardship emphasis, God is asking each of us to step out by faith concerning our finances and our giving.  God is asking each of us to demonstrate by our actions that we really believe God will fulfill the promises of Scripture as we respond in obedience.
It’s what Jerry Bridges, Vice President of The Navigators, meant when he said, “When God burdens your heart about something and you confirm God’s leading based on the Scriptures, you can obey, being fully confident that God will provide a blessing, even when circumstances appear contrary.”
As we consider our giving in the coming months, we have a choice.  Each of us can analyze our financial situation and make a commitment concerning our giving based strictly on human logic and reason.  Or, as “Faithful Stewards of God’s Infinite Grace,” we can step out by faith in response to God’s leading.  As we follow God’s direction, we know that God will provide, even if we do not know the source of the funds.

As you consider your life during this time of stewardship emphasis, will you — like the Macedonian Christians — excel by first giving yourself to the Lord?  Will you then respond by giving your time, your talents and your treasure for God’s glory in the ministry here at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church?
Please ask God to give you specific direction concerning what you should give. Then, please complete the Faith Promise Card which is included with this brochure and bring it with you to the worship service on “Harvest
Celebration Sunday,” October 3, 2010.  Thank you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for your faithful financial support in the past.  Thank you as well for being one of the “Faithful Stewards of God’s Infinite Grace” here at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.  And thank you for following the Lord’s leading concerning your financial support in the coming year.

“It isn't what I give, but that I give...right?”
Actually God does care about what we give and how we give it.
2 Corinthians 9:7 [NRSV] Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Prayer: Lord, please guide my decision-making and help me to be a cheerful giver

Day 2

“I love having options—like my right to choose what to do with all that I have.”
Matthew 10.8b [NIV] “Freely you have received, freely give.”
Prayer: Lord, please help me to remember those who are less fortunate, those without “options,” as I commit to giving to your kingdom.

Day 3

"I don’t mind giving, but do I have to make a pledge?"
1 Sam. 12:24 [NIV] But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Prayer: Lord, please help me to release my fear of committing and
trust you completely.

Day 4

Giving reveals the condition of the heart, committing reveals the power of the will, fulfilling reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 12:43-44 [NRSV] Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 [NRSV] Blessed are those who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes (or when the stock market falls), and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Prayer: Lord, I trust you to provide. May my willingness to commit reveal the priority of Christ in my heart.

 

“I’ll commit to give, but how much should I pledge?”
Proverbs 3:9 [NRSV] Honor the LORD with your substance (as opposed to your surplus) and with the first fruits of all your produce (earnings and assets).
Prayer: Lord, you are the God of Truth, not of confusion. Please help me to know how much to pledge in faith.

Day 6

“I know God wants me to sacrificially give, but what does that mean in practical terms?”
2 Corinthians 8.3 [The Message] They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could  afford! - pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.
Prayer: Lord, please open my eyes to additional ways of giving—and give me the courage to commit.

Day 7

Today is the day—I’m committing to invest in God’s eternal kingdom!
Matthew 6:20 [NLT] Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and  where they will be safe from thieves. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and faithful guidance.  Receive my pledge as an expression of love for you!

Weekly Income	1%	2%	3%	4%	5%	6%	7%	8%	9%	Tithe 10%	Above 12%	Above 15%
$100	$1	$2	$3	$4	$5	$6	$7	$8	$9	$10	$12	$15
$200	$2	$4	$6	$8	$10	$12	$14	$16	$18	$20	$24	$30
$300	$3	$6	$9	$12	$15	$18	$21	$24	$27	$30	$36	$45
$400	$4	$8	$12	$16	$20	$24	$28	$32	$36	$40	$48	$60
$500	$5	$10	$15	$20	$25	$30	$35	$40	$45	$50	$60	$75
$600	$6	$12	$18	$24	$30	$36	$42	$48	$54	$60	$72	$90
$700	$7	$14	$21	$28	$35	$42	$49	$56	$63	$70	$84	$105
$800	$8	$16	$24	$32	$40	$48	$56	$64	$72	$80	$96	$120
$900	$9	$18	$27	$36	$45	$54	$63	$72	$81	$90	$108	$135
$1000	$10	$20	$30	$40	$50	$60	$70	$80	$90	$100	$120	$150
$1100	$11	$22	$33	$44	$55	$66	$77	$88	$99	$110	$132	$165
$1200	$12	$24	$36	$48	$60	$72	$84	$96	$108	$120	$144	$180