March 15, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Give Proportionately

To give in a proportional manner is our way of giving in relation to our abundance. We are to give according to our “means,” focusing not on a specific amount, but on what proportion that amount represents of our income or budget.

“If the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has – not according to what one does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

Jesus said that the poor would be with us always, and He declared that the priority, regardless of one’s lot in life, is to glorify God and trust Him explicitly. Whatever the situation, whatever the limitations, we are to worship and serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Just as Jesus loved without limits and gave without restriction, so are we to love and give in proportion to His provision for us.

[Paul] wrote to the Corinthians: “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NIV

The young churches of Macedonia were persecuted severely and were materially poor, yet spiritually they lived above the extreme conditions and excelled in giving it their all. Specifically, they gave to a ministry project that the Apostle Paul had initiated; and they gave in a most remarkable way: sacrificially, beyond their ability, willingly and eagerly – of themselves to God and of their resources to God’s work. The Law of Proportionate Provision … teaches us that God’s provision dictates the believer’s proportion. In other words, what He provides determines what we give. (Lenten Devotional Stewardship Principles, We walk together as stewards in God’s church, ELCA, 2012, February 28)

In many Lutheran churches today, pastors and church councils ask people to think in reference to proportional giving – not in giving a “specific amount”. In other words, we can decide that we are giving “X” amount to the church every week, or month, but as our income increases or decreases, does the “X” change accordingly? When we decide to give according to a percentage of our income, 2%, 3%, 5% or 10%, as our income goes up or down, then the amount changes with it. Proportional giving encourages us to give thought to our gifts rather than to allow them to become mindless, habitual repetitions. This week, as part of your Lenten Discipline, collect one stick of deodorant or one pack of razors each day and bring them to church on Sunday, March 19.

Pastor Dave

March 14, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Share Abundantly

You may ask “How does giving willingly and sharing abundantly differ?” To give willingly means that it becomes a priority in our lives to be good givers. To share abundantly then means that we recognize how much abundance we have, how abundantly we have received good gifts from G-d, and then to be willing to not only part with our abundance, but to do so abundantly. The purpose of all of the gifts we have received from G-d is for the good of the community of God – not just for ourselves. Therefore, we give to build up the body of Christ, and we use and share our gifts for the benefit of all.

“… and God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 8:3

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:4-5

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come (1 Corinthians 16:2).

We need to give and we need to give gladly. What else does Scripture have to say on the subject? The faith practice of making a regular financial offering to your congregation is grounded in a “first fruits” biblical principle. Your generosity is … part of your day-in-and-day-out joyful response as a child of God. Offerings refer to giving that is above and beyond, and never in place of, your commitment to regular congregational giving …

Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroy (Luke 12:33).

Alms are our compassionate, heartfelt response to the people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 25: those “least” of our sisters and brothers who are “less” than we in circumstance only and always our equal in their humanity. Your outreach makes God’s love for them feel very real and very immediate; your kindness reveals Christ’s presence within them as well. (Lenten Devotional Stewardship Principles, We walk together as stewards in God’s church, ELCA, 2012, February 27)

Abundant sharing and giving is the goal of the Christ-like life. Remember the parable of the “Widow’s Mite”? Jesus says, in essence, that it is not the amount of what we share that is to be the measure of our abundance, it is whether what we choose to share is some measure of our abundance.

This week, as part of your Lenten Discipline, collect one stick of deodorant or one pack of razors each day and bring them to church on Sunday, March 19.

Pastor Dave