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Stewardship

WHAT WE DO

Stewardship is all about how we as humans take care of the resources God gives us. Wise use of what we have means that God’s work can flourish and more people can understand the Bible to find freedom, healing and hope in Jesus. The Stewardship Department helps train Adventist leaders and members around the world in biblical stewardship principles.

Contact our office at 559-347-3122 / stewardship@cccsda.org to schedule a consultation.

Tithe: And How it Works - Spanish
06:07
Tithe: And How it Works - French
06:07
Didn't Esther doubt God?
01:57

Didn't Esther doubt God?

Putting God first can be difficult. What can we learn from Esther that will help us put God first in our lives today? When Esther agreed to join the selection process that would eventually make her queen of the Persian empire, many doubts must have rushed through her mind. Her people were exiles and their prospects were dim. It looked like God had abandoned them to the Persian rule, while still demanding obedience. But Esther was beautiful and this was an opportunity to rise above every woman in the empire. Esther was beautiful, both inside and out. Even a ruthless king could see that. Xerxes chose her, above all others, to become his queen. Esther enjoyed her own palace and privileges she could have only imagined in previous years. It is difficult to put God first when we struggle with poverty and the lack of resources. Yet, wealth and power often also lead people away from Him. How do you put God first when you have more wealth and influence than those around you? You follow the example of Esther and remember those who need protection. King Xerxes was deceived by an advisor when he issued a death decree against all Hebrews. When challenged to beg the king for mercy, Esther was afraid. In her own words, Esther 4:11 reads: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” Esther was not immune to fear. But she was as courageous as she was beautiful. After asking all the Hebrews to fast and pray, she risked her life by entering the king’s presence uninvited. At that moment of great risk, she puts God first and proclaims some of the most unforgettable words in all history: “If I perish, I perish.” Esther put God first. Her example compels us to do the same. To support the ministries of our church and invest in the lives of others through giving, visit: https://www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com/giving Subscribe for more content and messages from Central California Conference here: https://www.youtube.com/cccsda To join an online service click here: https://www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com/streamingresources
Why didn't Cain put God First?
02:44

Why didn't Cain put God First?

Adam and Eve had been cast out of the Garden of Eden when Cain was born. They experienced hardship together. Adam worked hard to grow sustenance from the earth and his children certainly helped when they were old enough to start working. Cain focused on agriculture. Abel kept flocks. Both observed carefully how their parents talked about God and told stories of the garden. Both heard how God sacrificed the first animal for the forgiveness of their sins and to cover their shame. Both Cain and Abel wanted to worship God. When they came of age, the Bible says they both brought an offering from the best of what they had. Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock, while Cain brought some of the first fruits from the soil. God looked with favor on the offering Abel brought, but rejected Cain’s offering. Cain became furious. Not at God and not even at himself. He was furious with Abel, his brother. Rejection isn’t something human beings know how to deal with well. We hate being rejected and much of our lives is spent doing everything we can to avoid rejection. We sacrifice many years studying, so we are not rejected when applying for a job. We sacrifice time and money dressing up and taking care of ourselves, so we are not rejected romantically. We sacrifice our talents raising resources, so our credit card isn’t rejected at the store. Despite our best efforts, however, rejection still comes. In this case, Cain clearly rejected God’s example of what an acceptable offering should have been. In humility, Cain should have arranged with his brother to have an animal sacrifice. He didn’t. Perhaps he thought he would do his best and that should have been enough. Sometimes we decide to make our own rules when it comes to our offering. This is a mistake. God is God and we are not. The instructions on what we should do with our tithes and offerings are clear and we must follow them. Once rejected, Cain could not bring himself to be vulnerable and talk to God, his parents or even his brother. Without any resistance, resentment took over Cain. God tried to help but Cain rejected God too. Sin took over his heart and he surrendered all control to his anger and violence. Cain would go down in history as the first murderer. Cain refused to put God first. The consequences were terrible for him and the people around him. God’s love compels us to put His Kingdom first, while Cain’s example is a warning for us today. But we don’t have to be like Cain. As the deacons collect the tithe and offerings, let’s put God first. To support the ministries of our church and invest in the lives of others through giving, visit: https://www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com/giving Subscribe for more content and messages from Central California Conference here: https://www.youtube.com/cccsda To join an online service click here: https://www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com/streamingresources

RESOURCES

Sunset Calendar-English & Spanish

Offering Appeals-English

Offering Appeals-Spanish

Tithe: And How it Works

English Video & QR Code ​I Spanish Video & QR Code ​I French Video & QR Code

MEET THE TEAM

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Director

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