For the past three Sundays we have focused on the importance of Christian stewardship. Stewardship is defined as "How we take care of what we have." Everything we have has been given to us: the education we received, what we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, our health, our friendships and loves, the family we enjoy ... or don't, our talents and abilities, all of our stuff, our mind and memories, even time itself. 100% of what we have has been given to us by the One who created us ... and loves us.
If we forget that everything we have that's good is God given our life loses balance, our focus turns inward, our priorities get twisted, our relationships become commodities.

And so, as part of our Christian stewardship, we reflect, we think, we pray, we ask God for the strength and courage to let go of what will not last and take hold of what will. We ask God to help us live generously. Giving that is forced, or a response to guilt, adds nothing to our soul.

Intentional Christian stewardship helps us remember who we are and why we are. Christian stewardship helps keep our perspective clear and our priorities in order.

Today is Stewardship Dedication Sunday. Near the end of the service you will be invited to come forward and offer your financial commitment to God in support of our life together here at Grace.

This morning's passage will offer practical steps on how we give. It's a personal decision. It's a faith decision. It's a community commitment. Here at Grace we seek to love and serve God and others as we live out our faith in Jesus together. Where is God leading us? Somewhere good. Somewhere exciting.