An Offertory Devotional video for Sabbath, February 12, 2022, in your @adventistchurch: vimeo.com/657373897.
Putting God first can be difficult. What can we learn from this video that will help us put God first in our lives today?
Also available in #Spanish and #Portuguese. Put #GodFirst #StewardshipMinistries
____________________________________________________________________________
For more information on the Stewardship Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, you can head over to stewardship.adventist.org/.
We worship with our resources because God invites us to engage in acts of love and compassion. Matthew 25 reports on how those who believe in the imminence of the second coming of Jesus should act while waiting. The parable of the ten virgins teaches about the importance of nurturing one’s spirituality. The parable of the bags of gold talks about using God’s given talents and gifts to accomplish His mission. Finally, the parable of the sheep and goats emphasizes the importance of acts of love and compassion as service to God. Our task, while waiting, is incomplete if we do not serve those in need. At the time of judgment, God will hold us accountable for how we treated the least of these.
The Beau-Bassin church in Mauritius has chosen to be an agent of love and compassion in their community. Years ago, the pastoral intern of that church met with two homeless people. Being touched by their condition, he asked them how the church could help them. “We would like to have a regular meal once a week,” was their answer. One more night with full stomachs meant a lot to them. In response to this call, the Beau-Bassin church began serving a meal once a week for the homeless and needy of their locality, feeding 25 to 40 people. The pastor left after some time, but the church members remained committed to the project; through special donations or by bringing already cooked meals, they have supported this ongoing ministry. Many volunteers of all ages have given of their time, often stepping out of their comfort zone. This year they are celebrating 25 years of generosity and service to the homeless.
As Jesus’ disciples, would you choose to be a channel of blessings, drawing a smile on the face of the least of these and on the face of God? This week, we have another opportunity to be a blessing by worshipping with our tithe and regular offerings, called Promise.