One of our local billboards advertises that they want you to have "savings, not sacrifice." The idea they have is for people to save money but not sacrafice what they are doing or what they love in order to feel the pinch of saving. Unfortunately, this could be the common theme among many Christians. We want the salvation that Jesus offers, but we don't want sacrifice our personal dreams, efforts, time, or resources that a true commitment to Christ requires. When Zaccheus was convicted of his lifestyle, he offered half of what he owned to take care of the down and out and offered to repay anyone he cheated four times back the amount he took. Jesus announced to the crowd that salvation had come to Zaccheus. He got it. Saving involves sacrifice.

A Reason to Celebrate

Have you noticed that it seems everyday is becoming a reason to celebrate different events or items? For example, March 20 is "Want You Be My Neighbor Day" while March 31 is "Bunsen Burner Day." For whatever reason, people are looking for opportunities to celebrate.
If you really take a moment to think about it, everyday is a reason to celebrate. We should celebrate that we serve a risen God, a close God, a holy God. We have lots to celebrate about our Christian faith and it shouldn't be limited to just a few days a year. So celebrate!!

College Students to Beach Reach

The Catalyst College Group from Monterey Baptist Church is leaving today to go spend the week in South Padre Island. We will be helping the group from FBC, Plains cook pancakes for the college students who will be vacationing there. Pray for our travel, but most of all, pray that we will be ready to share about our faith and be humble as we serve our peers.