In two recent Stewardship pieces, we wrote about the first of the Seven Biblical Benefits of Giving (as identified by an actual Biblical scholar – not by us non-scholars). No. 1 was Giving is Evidence of Our Obedience to God – basically being willing to follow God’s numerous instructions in both the Old and New Testaments about tithing and giving. No. 2 was Giving Sets Our Priorities Straight – that is, investing in the Kingdom of God over investing in the fleeting treasures of this world. 

Now, let’s move to No. 3 – Giving Increases Our Faith. This can be summed up by saying that giving is not about how much money you have, it’s about how much faith you have.

How much do you trust God that if you give obediently, He’ll provide for all that you need? There are countless testimonies that when a person or family obediently and faithfully gives from their ‘first fruits’ each month, that God is always faithful in providing all that they need. It’s when we don’t give that we end up lacking. I can very truthfully say that this is the case with my family and our decision to regularly give to God every month, no matter the circumstance.

Giving is clearly a matter of trust. The more you give, the more you learn to trust God that you will have enough left over for your own needs. And the more you trust, the more you’ll give. Again, put your money where your mouth is when you say “I trust God” and put Him to the test.

God takes that trust issue so seriously that the issue of money is the only area in which God tells us to test Him. Elsewhere Scripture says do not test the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 6:16, Luke 4:12, Acts 15:10). Yet, in Malachi 3:10, God said, 

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

I am inviting you and your family to test God in your approach to stewardship and giving. Earnestly, obediently, and regularly give from your ‘first fruits’ and see if God doesn’t pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

Remember, the purpose of giving and stewardship isn’t to fund God’s church or His work. The purpose of giving is for us to make our hearts right in our relationship with God, and to demonstrate that we are aware that our purpose on Earth is to honor and glorify Him while furthering His kingdom on earth. Please prayerfully consider where giving to God ranks among the things in your life, and remember, we are merely the stewards of our earthly possessions.

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Giving and Expenses

Budgeted Giving, June-25 -- $155,498

Actual Giving, June-25 -- $157,079 (A good way to close out our fiscal year by just exceeding our June budget for Giving)

Budgeted Expenses, June-25 -- $155,498

Actual Expenses, June-25 -- $170,791 ($15k more than our budgeted Expenses)

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Budgeted Giving, YTD (full 12 months of our fiscal year) -- $1,999,998

Actual Giving, YTD -- $2,020,391 ($20,393 better than budget – a solid year for Giving. Thank you to everyone that was able to support Due West!)

Budgeted Expenses, YTD -- $1,999,998

Actual Expenses, YTD -- $1,976,443 ($23,555 better than budget – very good fiscal discipline by our ministries!)

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Ways to Give to Due West Methodist Church

Give Online – Click this link: Donate- Due West Methodist Church

Give In Person – Drop cash or a check into the offering plate at any of our services

on Sunday morning.

Mail a Check – Send your gift to the Church office at:

Due West Methodist Church

3956 Due West Road

Marietta, GA 30064

Donate Stocks - We also accept in-kind contributions of stocks. If you would like more information, please contact our Business Coordinator, Amber Wilson awilson@duewest.org