by Krissie Inserra

A lot of what we've been talking about at City Church lately are "Next Steps". That can mean different things to different people. For some, the next step means allowing what's been said in a sermon to penetrate their hearts and be obedient to the tug that they realize can only be God. They need to give their lives completely to Christ. Some people need to get their butts off of their couches of Southern Comfort and actually follow the Savior they claim to believe. They need to stop trusting in whatever merits they think will help them to stand before a Holy God. Some need to join a community group and stop trying to be alone in their faith. This past week, Whitney shared in the video about her next step of getting baptized. And about 20 people joined her in that step. In fact, I realized while sitting in the 10:00 service that the eight people immediately surrounding me shared something in common: I had witnessed all of their baptisms within the last year or so.

For many, the next step is to begin to give or increase giving. The Bible talks a lot about money and the importance of being a giver. It commands us to give. But it still continues to be a really hard step to take. What if that outfit that I love goes on sale but I've already given to the church? Relax, it will probably go on sale again or you'll realize you don't love it as much as you thought. But what if I give sacrificially and then something comes up and I can't afford to feed my family? I can't say 100% that it will never happen, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God cares for his children. Matthew 6:31-33 says "Therefore, do not be anxious, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." When Tommy was born, I had no choice but to stay home with him because of his health issues. While I had always wanted to stay home, I realized this wasn't "wise" because on paper we came up short about $400 each month for our basic bills. But each month we somehow made it. Our lights were never turned off, we ate every day, and we still continued to give. That was a huge step for us but we are so grateful that we chose to be obedient in our giving.

If you've been in the loop at all in the last couple weeks, you may have heard something about "tearing down that wall". Since we've reached capacity in the 11:30 service, we need to increase the size of our auditorium and are dependent upon our church family to make that happen. I'd like to echo what Dean has said and really challenge you to take the next step in this area. He's challenged every person to give $50 above and beyond what they normally give. Yes, that may be sacrificial, but I promise God will honor your obedience and take care of you. That doesn't mean you'll be "repaid" or walk out to find a BMW in your driveway. But he softens our hearts when we're obedient to him. It's good for our relationship with him.

As you go through this week, consider what your next step may be. And be obedient to what God is leading you to do.

(Krissie Inserra is married to Dean and mother to Tommy and Ty.  A Ft. Lauderdale native, she teaches piano lessons, grinds her own wheat to make flour, and is training for a 5K.  Krissie can be reached at krissie.inserra@comcast.net)