There’s so much bad news out there that it’s easy to get caught up in fear and negativity.  Our tendency when things get tough is to want to circle the wagons, to work even harder at building security for ourselves.  This is, of course, futile.  The only real security we have is in God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  There is an alternative to worry and fear and the self-protective behaviors that often flow from these.

One thing we can do is to, in the words of an old hymn, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” (I probably don’t’ have that exactly right, but I hope it’s close.)  When we take time to count our blessings, we are reminded how very much God has blessed us with from Jesus, to family and friends, to the church, to material wealth unmatched anywhere in the world, to the beauty we see around us, to special talents and abilities, to even the trials we experience that help us grow, and the list goes on and on.  Give God thanks for all of these and ask for help in entrusting worries and fears to God.

We can also remember that God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. (Genesis 12:3)  God has given us so much so that we can share what we’ve been given with others.  “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)  This does not mean that you have to give to every good cause and every special offering.  It does mean that even when finances are tight we can keep on giving, because God will continue to bless us.  God can take whatever we can give and bless others with it.  Remember, Jesus is the one who took the five loaves and two fish that were offered and multiplied them to feed 5000 people.

The leadership of Aldersgate is diligent about being good stewards of the contributions you make toward the ministries of the church and the other resources we have.  Last year, our second mile giving was $35,279.  That was significantly greater than in recent years and couldn’t have come at a better time.  Most of this money came from sources outside of our pledged giving.  It’s a great testament to the hearts of Aldersgate folk who continue to reach out in these tough economic times.  I thank you for your generosity that makes this possible.  I pray we will continue to be responsive to the growing need and trust that God will continue to make it possible as he blesses us.

I pray you had a chance to participate in and be blessed by A Call to Prayer.  If you didn’t have time in June, you can do it any time.  Pick up a guide on the shelf behind the welcome table.

In Christ’s love,