As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom.
The “four youths” in question above were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. What is pertinent for us is the fact that everything that they had, even down to their skills and capabilities, was given to them by God. This is reality in every generation. All that we have that is good, materially and otherwise, is a gift from God.
Our shepherds have charted a course for the future of West Metro, especially challenging us to take part in ministry expansion—which itself necessitates physical plant expansion. God has blessed this congregation immensely over the years. As our service opportunities grow (opportunities given to us by God), our responsibility to meet those needs also grows. Each of us is charged with making regular contribution to the work here. This contribution comes in the form of both service and financial resources (also given to us by God). We do well to regularly remember the blessings that our God has bestowed upon us.
I pray that we all reflect carefully on what God has given us, and that as a result we open up our hearts and give back in honor to what He has done. He has given everything to us so that we might know him.
–Ricky