In certain conditions and seasons, we can name (must name) a depletion that can occur because we are finite beings. That’s the “natural” way of things and in God’s way we learn the lessons of rest, trust, letting go, saying “no”, receiving help, adjusting expectations, pruning back our spending, exercising new disciple or directions, maybe being gently refined in understanding the underlying motives in our compulsions to give. 

In God’s abundant wisdom, there are also other gifts given to us through the life of Jesus Christ and His Spirit tending us as individuals-in-community-in service.  As we learn to trust God as our Source and Jesus as our Way, we learn there’s joy in sincere sacrifice, taking risk, sharing vulnerably, fulfilling duties, giving lavishly.  The Holy Spirit would take us beyond our ego-based versions of safety, protection, hoarding, wasting and stinginess. 

What an adventure we are each uniquely on!  Together, we are also discovering the depths of God’s journey as we discern our giving as an expression of ministry together as Christ’s gathered body named Eden UCC. I hope our Word, Song, Reflection and Conversations this week will bless our journeys as we take a lavish dip in Scriptural perspectives on giving.  I pray you’ll apply this with discernment to your giving of time, talent and treasure this season.

 For Love’s Sake,

Pastor Jacki