Last week I spoke with Pastor Joe Girdler, our District Superintendent. He said that giving among churches was down across the state and nation. Economic times have tightened up. Gas, food, and other necessities cost more than they did one year ago. This has made every one's budget tight. There is not as much disposable income available as there once was. I know our church budget is tight. We are in the red for the year. These economic times test your faith. Will I be faithful in my tithes and offerings or will I withhold them? That is a question everyone has to ask themselves. I encourage you to remain faithful in your giving. God's Word is true during good times and bad. God is faithful during plenty and during want. I believe that if we stay faithful, God will be faithful. If we pull back and decrease missionary support, we cut off God's blessings to our church. If you pull back and don't tithe or decrease your giving, you cut off God's blessings to your finances. Keep faithful. It is easy to give during an economic boom. It is a test of faith to give in these economic conditions. Stay true to God's Word. Live by faith and not the evening news. Don't go by your feelings but God's promises. God will be faithful to you and our church.
