2 Corinthians 8:16-24
 
In this week’s passage, Paul described the care he took to ensure that the money he was collecting from churches in Macedonia and Achaia for needy believers in Jerusalem was handled properly. His practices provide a lasting example of how a church should handle money. Every person who handles money should be known, affirmed, tested, worthy of trust. And more than just one person should handle the money. Multiple people with various points of view and experiences should be involved to provide checks and balances and prevent shenanigans. Above all, church leaders in charge of money should be above reproach; they should aim at what is honorable in the Lord’s sight and in the sight of man.
 
Before hearing Pastor Dave’s sermon, how much did you know or care about how Calvary handles money? Speaking through the apostle Paul, the Lord says it’s important! Thank God for our deacons, treasurer, and others who administer Calvary’s money and pray for them as they fulfill their responsibilities. Thank God for the systems and policies at Calvary that serve as guardrails. For example, our budget is fully disclosed, in detail, and voted on by members. Our deacons are currently working on the budget for 2020-21. Resolve before the Lord to affirm the importance of Calvary’s financial procedures by carefully reading the new budget when it’s available and participating in the annual business meeting in mid-June.
 
Church leaders entrusted with money should aim at what is honorable in the Lord’s sight and in the sight of man, but so should we all. A congregation of individuals who all strive to live up to the highest level of integrity sets up expectations for leadership and also provides a pool of potential church leaders. Ask the Holy Spirit to conduct an integrity scan of your life. Do I function in every arena of life as if God is there and as if He sees all? He is, and He does! Ask Him to help you live a life above reproach.
 
Calvary Family
 
The natives are getting restless, as they say. Frustration and impatience over the stay-at-home orders are boiling, including among us Christians who know we are commanded to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1). When I have found myself criticizing and condemning our governing authorities, the Holy Spirit has pinched me and asked, “Are you praying for them?” I want to challenge myself and all of us to spend time in prayer this week for officials at the local, county, state, and national level, acknowledging before the Lord the difficult challenges they face and asking Him to bless them with wisdom from above.
 
May is Foster Care Awareness Month. Calvary’s Fostering Hope ministry is participating by sharing all kinds of resources for learning on its Facebook page. In Sunday’s post, the team offered suggestions for how to pray for the judges and attorneys who make crucial legal decisions for foster children and families. Take a look and then take time to pray.
 
Sunday is Mother’s Day. A wonderful way to honor your mother (living or dead, stellar or not) is to thank God for her and how He has used her in your life.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea