Churches & Money -- How should they spend it?

This is something I'd love to hear your thoughts on--How should local churches spend the money they receive?

As I've been reading in the OT and in the Gospels the last number of months, it again becomes so obvious that God requires that His people give Him the best of what they have.  In money, sacrifices etc.  It also is obvious that as God's people it is expected that we are to care for the poor and the needy.

These are not new ideas to me--and they are ones I have grappled with regarding how I spend my money personally.  However, there is a growing sense within me that local churches often do not handle money in the way they should.  What do you think?  Please take a moment and answer a few of these questions:

What should be the top priority for local churches in regards to what they spend money on?
   --for example: salaries, buildings, the poor, missions work, evangelism, admin....other?

What would you like to see your local church do better in regards to how they communicate about what they spend money on?
   --for example:  discuss the budget with the congregation more; have "the numbers" available more easily...etc

Would how a local church spends money effect how you gave of your own money?

Should a church "tithe" (give 10% off the top) to another Christian community or church?

Is there a specific cause or organization that YOU would love to see your church give to?  Why?

Being a Dad and my view of God

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray he told them to begin with:

"Our Father..."

What an amazing way to be able to address the Creator of the universe.  One who is Holy beyond our comprehension!  Think about  that!

I've only been a Dad for less than 3 months as I write this--yet the experience already has given me insight into the Fatherhood of God that I had never known before other than perhaps on an intellectual level.

When Adelaide was only a few days old, I was holding her and just staring at her (it's amazing how long you can just sit and stare at your child!).  But as I sat there I was overwhelmed with the feeling both of love and responsibility.

I remember thinking how easy it would be to die for Adelaide if ever it came to that.  I also remember thinking how desperately I wanted the very best for her...and reflecting and feeling very aware of my short-comings and my inability to accomplish the very best for her!

Then I thought about our Heavenly Father.  He wants the very best for us.  He loved us so much that He willingly gave His only Son to give us the very best.  As the Psalmist says:  "His arm was not shortened"; in other words He is able to accomplish whatever he desires and wills.

His desire is that we would know Him; for He IS the very best.  He has no shortcomings; He not only saves us from Sin, but invites us to know Him with the intimacy of a child knowing their Father!

If you ever wondered about God's love for you--be assured that His love is unending, His desire is that you would have the very best through His Son!