From The Publisher

Supporting the church is about far more than placing an envelope in the offering plate on Sunday morning. While financial giving is a vital and biblical part of sustaining the ministry, the full picture of stewardship includes offering our time and our God-given talents as well. When believers commit all three—treasure, time, and talent—the church becomes a living, breathing body that reflects Christ to the world.

Financial offerings make it possible for the church to keep its doors open, support pastors and staff, maintain facilities, fund outreach, and minister to those in need. Scripture reminds us in Malachi 3:10 to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,” showing that faithful giving is an act of obedience and trust in God. Our financial gifts are not just transactions; they are expressions of faith, gratitude, and partnership in God’s work.

However, money alone cannot fulfill the mission of the church. The Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12 that the church is one body made up of many parts, each with a unique function. Our time is often just as valuable as our treasure. Volunteering to teach a class, greet visitors, visit the sick, prepare meals, or simply show up consistently demonstrates love in action. When we give our time, we invest ourselves personally in the life of the church and the spiritual growth of others.

Likewise, God has blessed each of us with talents and abilities meant to be used for His glory. Whether it is singing, organizing, fixing things, writing, leading, or encouraging, these talents are gifts from God. When we use them in service to the church, we help build up the body of Christ and inspire others to do the same. Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

A church thrives when its members understand that stewardship is holistic. Giving financially supports the mission, giving time strengthens relationships, and giving talents multiplies impact. Together, these offerings create a faithful witness to the world and honor God, who has first given so generously to us. - John Ellis

Daily Devotional Guide

Sunday, January 11 – Fully Surrendered

Scripture: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” — Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

True worship goes beyond words spoken on Sunday morning—it is expressed through a life fully surrendered to God. Offering ourselves as a living sacrifice means yielding our time, choices, and desires to Him daily. As this new year continues, God invites us to deeper surrender so that He can shape us for His purpose. When we place our lives on His altar, He transforms us from the inside out.

Prayer:
Lord, I surrender myself to You—my plans, my will, and my desires. Teach me to live each day as an offering that honors You. Amen.

Monday, January 12 – Obedience Brings Blessing

Scripture: “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19

God’s blessings often flow through obedience. While obedience may not always be easy, it always leads to life and peace. God’s instructions are not meant to restrict us but to protect and guide us. When we choose obedience, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of what God desires to do in our lives.

Prayer:
Father, give me a willing and obedient heart. Help me follow Your ways even when it requires sacrifice. I trust that Your path leads to blessing. Amen.

Tuesday, January 13 – God Is With You

Scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Fear can creep in when facing new challenges or unknown situations. God’s promise to be with us removes the need to fear. His presence provides courage, strength, and confidence. No matter where this year takes you, God goes before you and walks beside you every step of the way.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your constant presence. Help me walk boldly in faith, knowing You are always with me. Amen.

Wednesday, January 14 – A Heart of Gratitude

Scripture: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what God has already done. Even in difficult seasons, thanksgiving opens our eyes to His faithfulness. A thankful heart strengthens faith and invites joy. Make gratitude a daily practice, not just a response to blessings.

Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for Your many blessings—seen and unseen. Teach me to live with a grateful heart in every circumstance. Amen.

Thursday, January 15 – Walking by Faith, Not Sight

Scripture: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith often requires trusting God beyond what we can see or understand. When circumstances appear uncertain, faith anchors us to God’s promises. Walking by faith means believing God is at work even when evidence is not immediately visible. Trust Him to lead you step by step.

Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my faith when I cannot see the way forward. Help me trust You completely and walk confidently in Your promises. Amen.

Friday, January 16 – Serving with Love

Scripture: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10

God has uniquely gifted each believer to serve others. Service is not about recognition but about reflecting Christ’s love. When we serve faithfully, we become vessels of God’s grace to those around us. Look for opportunities this year to serve with humility and joy.

Prayer:
Lord, show me where and how I can serve. Help me use my gifts to bless others and bring glory to You. Amen.

Saturday, January 17 – Resting in God’s Faithfulness

Scripture: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

As the week comes to a close, take time to rest in God’s faithfulness. His love is constant, and His mercy is renewed daily. Reflect on how He has carried you through the past week and trust Him for the days ahead. Rest is not a sign of weakness but an act of faith.

Prayer:
Faithful God, thank You for Your unfailing love and daily mercy. Help me rest in You and trust You fully as I prepare for a new week. Amen.

Food For Thought

In many churches today, faithful attendance on Sunday morning and consistent financial giving are seen as the primary ways members support the ministry. While both are important and biblical, they are not the full picture of what it means to be an active part of the body of Christ. The church was never intended to function solely on dollars placed in an offering plate, but on people willingly offering their time, talents, and hearts to the work of God. That is why accepting the Two-Hour-a-Week Challenge can be a powerful step toward deeper discipleship and stronger ministry.

Two hours a week is a small investment with an eternal impact. When members commit just two additional hours beyond Sunday worship, the church gains hands to serve, minds to plan, and hearts to care. Those hours might be spent greeting visitors, teaching children, singing in the choir, helping with technology, visiting shut-ins, preparing meals, maintaining the building, or assisting with outreach efforts. What may seem like a modest commitment often becomes the lifeline that keeps ministries thriving.

Scripture reminds us that “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). God has uniquely equipped every believer with talents and abilities that are meant to be shared. When those gifts sit unused, the church suffers—and so does our own spiritual growth. Serving connects us more deeply to the mission of the church and to one another.

Accepting the two-hour challenge is also an act of obedience and worship. It shifts our mindset from being spectators to being participants. Rather than asking, “What can the church do for me?” we begin to ask, “How can I help build God’s kingdom?” Over time, those two hours foster relationships, strengthen faith, and create a sense of ownership and joy in the life of the church.

Financial giving supports the ministry, but giving time and talent sustains it. Imagine the impact if every member committed just two hours a week to serve. The church would not only function more effectively—it would become a living testimony of Christ’s love in action.

Special Music

Bible Reading Guide

We continue our year long project of reading the entire Bible in its entirety by Thanksgiving 2026. Let's continue on.

Sunday 01/11 - Deuteronomy 13-14 and Psalm 57

Monday 01/12 - Deuteronomy 15-16 and Psalm 58

Tuesday 01/13 - Deuteronomy 17-20 and Psalm 59

Wednesday 01/14 - Deuteronomy 21-23 and Psalm 60

Thursday 01/15 - Deuteronomy 24-27 and Psalm 61

Friday 01/16 - Deuteronomy 28-29 and Psalm 62

Saturday 01/17 - Deuteronomy 30-31 and Psalm 63

We would love to hear about your progress. Send results to believersbulletin004@gmail.com

Personal Testimony

Each week will provide an opportunity for a fellow brother or sister to share their personal testimony. This week we are honored to have Nancy Rowe of Franklinton, NC share with us.

"I am a 54-year-old woman, and I have been a nurse for most of my adult life. Caring for others has always come naturally to me, but for many years, caring for my own soul felt impossible. My struggle with faith began early. As a child, my mother was extremely overbearing. Nothing I did ever seemed good enough. Every mistake—big or small—was met with harsh words and warnings that I was disappointing God and surely headed for Hell. Instead of learning about grace, I learned fear. Instead of love, I learned shame.

As I grew older, that fear turned into resentment. I resented my mother deeply, and I resented God even more. If God was anything like the one I had been taught about, I wanted nothing to do with Him. I went through the motions of life, built a career, and helped countless patients, but inside I carried anger and emptiness that I never talked about.

Everything began to change one ordinary day at work. I was in a hospital room administering medications to an elderly man. His granddaughter, a sweet girl around 13 years old, was sitting beside him. As I worked, I overheard him speaking gently to her about God. He told her that while God does have rules, He is ultimately a God of love, and that love was proven when He sent His only Son to Earth to die for us. Under my breath, without thinking, I muttered that I had never seen that kind of love.

The man looked at me and calmly began to share his own story. He talked about the joy and peace he had experienced since accepting Jesus into his life. There was no judgment in his voice—only warmth and certainty. His words stayed with me long after I left the room.

That night at home, I couldn’t stop thinking about my life, my bitterness, and what I had been missing. As I sat there, an episode of Touched by an Angel came on television. Normally, I would have changed the channel, but something told me to watch. The episode was about a terminally ill child who knew he was going to die. His bucket list wasn’t about himself—every item was meant to bless someone else. In the final scene, his mother, a recording artist, finished a song she had been struggling to complete and sang it for him and their neighbors. After speaking with the angels, the boy peacefully passed away.

I was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears streamed down my face, and in that moment, I spoke to Jesus for the first time with an open heart. I asked Him to forgive me for years of resentment, anger, and unbelief. I told Him that from that moment on, He would be the center of my life.

Since that night, everything has changed. Life is not perfect, and challenges still come, but the peace I now carry is unshakable. No matter what is happening around me, I know I am loved, forgiven, and held by a God who truly is a God of love." - Nancy Rowe

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

What was the name of Moses’ father-in-law who advised him to appoint judges over the people?

__________________
In the New Testament, which book contains the “Fruit of the Spirit”?

_____________
Who was the judge of Israel that made a vow to God and ended up sacrificing his only daughter?

_____________________________

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Book of Revelation

Jacob

Stephen

Each week we spotlight a Christian owned business that operates under Christian principles.

This week’s Christian Business of the Week spotlight shines on David Brantley and Sons, a family-owned septic services company deeply rooted in integrity, stewardship, and service to its community. For decades, this trusted business has exemplified the kind of work ethic and values that reflect a strong Christian worldview — honoring God by serving neighbors with honesty, professionalism, and care. 

Founded in the heart of North Carolina and serving communities throughout the Triangle area, David Brantley and Sons has been helping homeowners and businesses with septic system installation, repair, maintenance, and cleaning since the early 1990s. Their expertise covers everything from new system installation to routine upkeep and inspections, always with a commitment to doing the job right.

What sets David Brantley and Sons apart goes beyond technical excellence — it’s their commitment to serving others with Christian principles at the forefront. Operating with honesty and transparency, they prioritize people over profit, offering fair pricing, open communication, and personalized service. In an industry where customers often feel vulnerable during challenging home repairs or routine maintenance, this company brings reassurance, reliability, and respect to every project they undertake.

Their work supports healthy living environments and protects families from the stress and hazards of failing septic systems. In doing so, they embody stewardship — caring for the land and communities they serve — and compassion, by meeting practical needs with grace and professionalism.

Whether you own a home with a septic system, are planning new construction, or simply want dependable service you can trust, David Brantley and Sons stands out as a business that not only delivers quality work but also honors God through its mission of service. Visit them online at www.brantleyseptic.com to explore services or connect with their team today.

If you have a business that you know operates under Christian principles then feel free to nominate them by emailing us at believersbulletin004@gmail.com

Prayer Request

Please keep the following brothers and sisters in your prayers. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please submit the names to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Phillip Adams

Delma and Joyce Austin

Cathy Baker

Julia Barrett

Molly Barrett

Lucas Bennett

Samuel Briggs

Nathan Brooks

Helen Bunn

Megan Caldwell

Emily Carter

Ryan Chandler

Sarah Collins

Blake Dalton

Sue Dupree

Paige Ellison

Dylan Fletcher

Antoinette Griffin

Abbie Guthrie

Rachel Hammond

Joshua Harding

Olivia Harrington

Zoe Harper

Cole Jennings

Brandon Kent

Matthew Langford

Derek Lawson

Gavin Maddox

Meghan Maynard

Tyler Monroe

Glen Morgan

Brandy Osario

Hannah Porter

Claire Preston

Daniel Rivers

Trevor Sinclair

Victoria Sloan

Sue Smith

Natalie Thornton

Abigail Turner

Jenna Wallace

Jason West

Grace Whitfield

Chris Williams

We are looking to expand the Believer's Bulletin and will be growing the following sections:

Upcoming Events

Family and Faith Resources

Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Classified Marketplace to share information between churches and people in the area.

If you have anything that you would like to list, please forward to believersbulletin004@gmail.com the Wednesday prior to the Sunday that the edition is scheduled to go out.

Final Thoughts

In this edition, we have paused and reflected on a vital truth of the Christian life: our offering to God is far more than what we place in the plate on Sunday morning. While faithful financial giving is an important act of obedience and worship, Scripture consistently reminds us that God also desires the offering of our time and our talents. When we surrender all that we are and all that we have, we begin to live out a faith that is visible, impactful, and enduring.

God has uniquely gifted each of us with abilities, passions, and opportunities to serve. Some are called to teach, others to encourage, some to lead, and many to serve quietly behind the scenes. When we give our time and talents to the work of God—whether through the church, the community, or simple acts of kindness—we reflect the heart of Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). These offerings often speak louder than words, showing the love of God in practical and powerful ways.

Equally important is the legacy we leave behind. Our children and grandchildren are always watching, learning not only from what we say but from how we live. When they see us serve faithfully, give generously, and love selflessly, they inherit more than memories—they inherit a model of what it means to follow Christ. A legacy of service teaches future generations that faith is active, compassionate, and deeply rooted in love for others.

But this legacy does not stop with our families. Friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow believers are also influenced by our example. A life committed to serving God can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we may ever see. Those impacted by your faithfulness may go on to touch lives you will never meet, carrying forward the example you set for years—and even generations—to come.

In offering our finances, our time, and our talents to God, we participate in something eternal. We help build a legacy that points others to Christ, strengthens the church, and transforms lives. May we each strive to live in such a way that our service today becomes a guiding light for tomorrow.