Do you remember the movie character Forest Gump famously saying, "Mama always said, life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get,"?  Well, Forest's mama was flat wrong on that one. As Christians we cannot know everything we'll be gifted with in this life, but we DO know the gift-giver (our wonderful Lord) and that He only gives "good" gifts.

So instead of comparing our lives to a box of chocolates that are thrown into a box by the roll of dice, the writer of Hebrews compares our lives to the land after a rainfall.

"For the land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it was cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed..

But God is not so unjust, as to overlook your work and the love of which you (have) shown for His sake in serving the saints. And we desire each one of you to show some earnestness, .... so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."  Hebrews 6: 7-12.

And how may we be imitators of God?  Well, Forest got it straight on this point, "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is." said Forest.

In sum, we don't have to be so smart, wealthy, or the best at everything - but we do need to know what love is in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave up everything so that we all may live, so that we wouldn't have to be afraid to give back from our hearts.

Stewardship provides all of us a spiritual way to give back to God. It is about the many gifts our gracious Lord has given us. It helps us to reflect upon our giftedness; our families, friends, time, talents, skills, material possessions, and finances. Our faith and the way we invest those treasures is what shows us to be Christ's disciples.

GOD DOES NOT NEED OUR GIFTS TO BE CERTAIN, BUT WE DO DESPERATELY "NEED" TO GIVE THEM. Here's why:

1. Givers are happy inside and out.

2. Your happiness becomes like the brightest lamp that draws those who hurt to Christ.

When we "let our light shine before men, .. people will see the goodness of our acts and give praise to their Heavenly Father."  (Mark 5:14-16).

Giving your heart to God's work here at St. Andrew's is a prescription for a happy, healthy heart full of love, and more people to give to Him.

Be blessed as you serve.

Joe and Julie Devine