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"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the
same Spirit; This new year is a time for reflecting over the past and anticipating the future. As you prayerfully consider how you may support the First Baptist Church of Malden in 2006 with your time, energy, and money, I encourage you to reflect on the following (slightly updated) words of the influential 19th century English preacher, the Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon: "God's work is like a net of many meshes, and these are all connected with each other. We are links of the same chain, and cannot move without moving others. We are members of one body, and God acts towards us with that fact in view. He does not bless the hand for the hand's sake, but for the sake of the whole body. Well then, dear friend, you are saved that you may save; you are taught that you may teach; you are confirmed in the faith that you may confirm others; talents are allotted to you that you may turn them over and bring in heavenly usury for the Lord. Whatever you have is yours not to hoard for yourself, or to spend upon yourself, but that you may use it as a good steward of God. Who knows whether you are coming to the kingdom which God has given you for such a time as this, when there is need of you and all that you have?" This is the time of the year when we focus on the wonderful gifts of God and how we may be good stewards, or managers of all God's blessings. Pastor Martha Dominy Show Faith in God in All We do |
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