How to Decide What to Give

Resources for Daily Renewal
The Bible – meditate on the book of Mark, as Sunday sermons will be preached from this book throughout the Future Grace Giving Campaign.

28-Day Devotional Guide – Walking with Jesus Through the Word

Suggestions for discerning God’s will for your Future Grace giving:

• Pray every day, throughout the day. Pray that God will speak to us, individually and as a church, during this six-week spiritual process.
• Consider times of fasting (e.g., from food, television, computer, telephone) that would allow you to pray and reflect for a greater length of time.

As you fast and pray:

• Purpose to give what you believe God wants you to give. Don’t compare yourself to others. The principle to follow is “equal sacrifice, not equal gifts.”
• Purpose to give what you believe God wants you to give. Keep yourself open to God leading you differently than you first expected.
• Ask the Lord to lead you to give in such a way that it builds your faith, deepens your sacrifice, and increases your joy.
• Keep a journal with you. Write down possible ways to increase income or decrease expenses and debt to allow you to give.
• Ask God what you are to give as a cash offering on Commitment Sunday, May 4.
• Ask God what you should pledge to give over the next three years. Future Grace pledges are to be what you intend to give in faith “over and above” your regular tithe. “In faith” means that you are committing to an amount of money that will require God’s help to fulfill. You can give far more than you thought possible when it is spread out over time (see My Giving Potential).
• Ask God how you are to give of yourself through your church in 2008, committing to pray, serving in a particular ministry, and participating in outreach beyond the church to help make disciples and to advance God’s kingdom.
• Commit yourself to trust God and to obey. He will give you the spiritual resolve to be diligent in saving and giving. Rejoice in your decision to give! Pray that God will increase our spiritual growth and that we will be poured out in service to our city and throughout the world.

Select the date of your Household Meeting now and mark your calendar.