Fresh Start Devotionals (
July 23 A Private Matter Have you noticed that people seem to be talking a lot lately? When I was a boy, most folks didn’t talk about politics, or religion with someone unless you knew where they stood on the issue. Sex? Of course not. But you have to remember, that was long before the Jerry Springer Show or interns in the Oval office. Another subject we never discussed was money. When someone bought a new car, you wouldn’t think of asking them, “How much did you pay for that?” Times sure have changed. Now-a-days, most folks are willing to talk about how much money they make and what they spent on their car or how much equity they have in their home, but never talk about how much money they give to the church. I suppose that’s O.K. After all, giving is a private matter. Several years ago, a young man asked if he could address the congregation one Sunday evening. Knowing him to be a fine, Christian man, I invited him to come to the microphone. “Pastor,” he said, “I went thro...