Hosanna Lutheran Church, Plattsmouth, NE

“Empowered by God — Responding by Grace”

“Now as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge,in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you — so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking” (2 Cor. 8:7). This is our theme for this years stewardship drive. I’ve seen wonderful growth in many areas since I have been at Hosanna – Way to Go!!

In our stewardship discussion, we have heard how God is our Source, how all that we have comes from Him, how He empowers and enables us, and how we respond by grace through faith. We have been challenged by the example of the Macedonian Christians; we are to first give ourselves to the Lord as good stewards of the grace of God. Giving ourselves to the Lord does include our financial resources, but it goes far beyond money and actually encompasses three primary resources.

First, there is the matter of our time. Time is one resource that is given to everyone equally. All of us have twenty-four hours in every day. No more, no less. How we use our time reflects accurately what is a priority in our lives. Some people have made a variety of things a priority in their lives. Things like TV and sports to name a few. We might not like to admit it, but how much of the 168 hours available to each of us every week is spent in pursuit of God or in service to God’s kingdom, especially here in this ministry?

Then there is the matter of our talents, an area in which all of us have not been gifted equally. Some have been gifted by God to work with their hands or voice or with crafts or with kids, etc. The effective outreach of the Gospel here at Hosanna Lutheran Church is made possible only when God’s people who are part of this fellowship use their combined talents for God’s glory and for the good of this ministry.

Finally, there is the matter of our treasure. Don’t be confused. Money cannot buy salvation or eternal life. Money can’t even buy security which God alone provides. But how we use money is an indication of our priorities. Think about the process: God owns everything. According to Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s.” God has never relinquished His title deed to the world, but God enables us to earn that which rightfully belongs to Him. God then seeks to have us return a portion of what He has entrusted to us through our giving.

Giving is not to help poor God pay His bills. Giving is not because God needs anything from us. Giving is God’s way of growing Christians. Every time we give for God’s glory from hearts that have been redeemed by God’s love and grace, we give away a little of our selfishness. Every time we give of our resources, we grow in grace and in our walk with Christ.

As you consider your life during this time of stewardship emphasis, will you — like the Macedonian Christians — excel in the “grace of giving” by first giving yourself to the Lord? Will you then respond by grace through giving your time, your talents and your treasure to be used by God in this ministry?

As you consider your response to these questions, and as you seek the Lord’s direction concerning your giving, please remember these simple yet profound words:

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past;
only what’s done for Christ will last. Thank you, Pastor Jim