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The Dead Sea Becomes the Sea of Life! August 2005 Dear CBE Friend, I asked Patti Ricotta to share at the CBE conference this summer why she is such a faithful supporter of CBE’s ministry. Her words were such an encouragement that I wanted to share them with you. I attended my first Christians for Biblical Equality conference in 1999 where I heard a man speak about contributing regularly to CBE. Although his gesture was sincere, I was prepared to smile and tune most of it out. But as he spoke, I had one of those moments when so many things come together… I realized that of all the worthy ministries in the world, this was the one that God had called me to support. I signed the little pledge card, and I've been giving to CBE monthly, with joy, ever since.
What struck me is that, as Christians, we are to reflect God in all that we do. So, if the Lord gives willingly and generously, because from God all good things flow, then to give with joy is to reflect God! We are being God's kids, his image bearers, when we give because we really want to. Now, you may be thinking, "Whew, that gets me off the hook, because I don't want to give.” A little Bible biology may help us better understand Christ-like generosity.
Do you know why the Dead Sea is called Dead? Because no living thing can survive in its waters; even fish that swim into the Dead Sea quickly die. Why? Because even though fresh water, full of life, streams in, there is no egress, no way for the water to flow out. The vivacious, moving organisms rapidly die, evaporate, and leave behind smelly carcasses.
I believe this is a spiritual principle. If we take in the good things that God gives us, but do not give to others, then our lives also become stagnant. When we hold on to the money and resources that God entrusts to us—to steward and share with groups like CBE who then send that money right back out again to help others—our money and our lives also become lifeless like the Dead Sea. Wouldn't we rather be like the river in Ezekiel that streamed from God’s sanctuary, carrying abundant life in its current?
I am asking you to decide; decide with a cheerful heart to give to CBE, just as God has cheerfully given to you. Reflect God also by giving out to others, creating a constant flow on a monthly basis from your sources to those CBE serves. When I receive that email every month saying that resources, like fresh water, are streaming from my bank, to CBE, to the world, it truly gives me a cheerful heart. Thank you!
Patti
Will you join those who give faithfully, joyfully, and generously so that CBE can continue to advance the good news that in Christ we are all one? Please visit us online and make a regular gift today. http://www.cbeinternational.org/new/help_cbe/contribute.shtml With joy,
P.S. By making a monthly gift, you enable CBE to plan outreach with greater effectiveness.
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