Clever Free Methodist

  The book of Sirach may not be one you are familiar with unless you have studied the Old Testament or, perhaps, grew up in the Catholic faith. Sirach 35:1-12 speaks of stewardship and sacrifice which is quite relevant for us, today.   1 He who keeps the law makes many offerings;     he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. 2  He who returns a kindness offers fine flour,     and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. 3  To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,     and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement. 4  Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, 5      for all these things are to be done because of the commandment. 6  The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar,     and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. 7  The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable,     and the memory of it will not be forgotten. 8  Glorify the Lord generously,     and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. 9  With every gift show a che

  While a student at Liberty University, I always remembered the words of Dr. Jerry Falwell who told us “You do not determine a man’s greatness by his talents or wealth, as the world does, but rather by what it takes to discourage him.”   It is safe to say, when the heat is turned up or when obstacles and challenges mount, we feel like it is so much easier to just throw up our hands, quit, and sometimes, just give up completely. It’s not easy to get the wind knocked out of you and face having to start all over again.   The same can be said for the Church. When life is challenged, forces bear down on us, and commitments get out of hand, it always seems that the Church and ministry-related events are the first things we get rid of in order to gain more room in our schedule. Let’s be honest that we struggle with making God, our faith, and ministry a priority.   I believe when the first response is to skip Church, not attend Church events, or to simply quit, give up and go home, we can lea