Yesterday I said it was Yom Kippur, I was only a week off as my Jewish brother and fellow Christ follower, Alan Litvak chided me. :-) But Alan says thanks for stopping to pray for Israel anyway! This morning during my S.O.A.P, as I was reading in 1 Corinthians 29:1-20, I was inspired by the generosity of David and his son Solomon, but one thing I know about money, riches and giving it away (not that I have a lot) ... it can cause conflict in a marriage. Solomon had a whole lot of wives, so I wonder how they were taking this act of generosity?

The truth is with the divorce rate over 50% for first time marriages the number one reason given for marital conflict is ... you guessed it, "money". This is the third time in the last 8 years that Gail and I have had to come to an agreement about what God would have us to give in a capital campaign. It is no easy task! Like most couples, Gail and I are very different when it comes to money. She's stingy and I'm generous, she's frugal and I'm free living, she's budget- focused and I'm into blessing others, she's reading this and I'm in trouble. :-) So last week as we were arm wrestling to see whose number would be the one ... just when she was about to win ... God intervened and the words of David rang out, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." Ouch ... we find ourselves fighting over giving God his money to fulfill his purposes.

The truth is, that just like all of you who are reading this, money plays a huge part in my life and allows me to accomplish my goals and desires. The Live Out Loud campaign has been a reminder that it's not all about me, my goals, my desires and my agenda but rather God's goals, agenda, purposes and plans which are eternal. I have a choice, I can either join him by trusting in his generosity and love for me or I can tell him no thanks, I will take care of myself.

As you and your family prepare to make your commitments on Commitment Sunday this weekend I am praying for you. I hope that rather than dividing couples, this will be an opportunity for uniting couples. Really, Gail and I were pretty close this time and as we prayed and came together to seek God's direction it has brought comfort not conflict into our lives. Until tomorrow, Live Out Loud ...