In Acts 4:32-35 we read about the Apostle's amazing generosity. Often I wonder if I would be able to be that generous. Could I live as though I have no possessions? Could I bring everything I have and lay it at the Apostle's feet to be used for the good of the Church? I'm sure there would be something I would feel I couldn't part with, something I would hold back....

³²All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. ³⁴ There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Here are a couple questions for your reflection:

How was the church in Acts defined by generosity?
What ways would your life change if you were defined by generosity?

Yesterday in worship we talked about Stewardship and the Biblical practice of tithing. Adam Hamilton illustrated this for us with the idea that God gives us 10 apples. Nine of those apples are for us to use for food, shelter, entertainment, etc. One of those apples is for us to give back to God. Too often, though, we think we can't live on nine apples. We begin to take bites out of God's apple because we think we need to.... to take that vacation or buy that new car or pay for an emergency we didn't plan ahead for. Before we know it, God's apple is all gone!

As we continue thinking about Stewardship and our practice of giving, here are a few questions to consider:

Read Mark 12:41-44. What does it mean to give sacrificially? Has anyone ever sacrificed something so that you could have something? What was that like for you? How has this generous person affected your own vision of what matters in life?

Read Matthew 25:34-40. What moves you or motivates you to be generous?

Read Luke 12:41-48. How much do you believe you have been given? How close are you to doing all that you can do with what you have been given? What practical steps can you take to increase your generosity in the next twelve months?

Tithing isn't something we talk about often in church, but we all know that it is a Biblical principle. The Scriptures encourage us to give 10% of what we have to God. Rev. Adam Hamilton shares a humorous story about tithing in his Stewardship Resource Enough.

I recall a story told by Peter Marshall, who was chaplain of the United States Senate for many years. There was a man who struggled to tithe even though he had a large income. The man said to Marshall, "I have a problem. I used to tithe regularly some years ago, but...but now...I am earning $500,000 a year, and there is just no way I can afford to give about $50,000."

Marshall reflected on this wealthy man's dilemma but gave no advice. He simply said, "I can certainly see your problem. Let's pray about it." The man agreed. So Marshall bowed his head and prayed with boldness and authority, "Heavenly Father, I pray that you would reduce this man's salary back to the place that he can afford to tithe."

This story is funny, but is speaks to a basic human condition. The more we have, the more we tend to think we need. Yet, whether we make $50,000 or $500,000 everything we have is a gift from God.

How do you respond to the Scriptures' encouragement to give? Have you considered a tithe? How do you honor God for the blessings you receive?

Yesterday United Methodists in New England joined with our Evangelical Lutheran brothers and sisters in a service celebrating the joining of our two denominations in full communion.

This historic union is described in the article below. The link to this article, along with more information can be found here.




Full communion is not a merger, but means that the two churches express a common confession of Christian faith and mutual recognition of Baptism and sharing Holy Communion; agree to mutual recognition of ordained ministers for service, upon request, in either church; express a common commitment to evangelism, witness and service; engage in common decision-making on critical matters; and mutually lift criticisms that may exist between the churches.

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!

Our nice dresses and suits have been put back in the closets. The candy has been eaten. Relatives have gone home and leftover ham has been packed away in the fridge. We've gone back to work and school. But Easter is not over. Christ is still risen! Risen indeed!

I've heard it said that it is best to go through life with low expectations. That way you won't be disappointed! There may be some truth to that proverb, but I don't think it applies to Easter! On Easter our expectations can't be too high. Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!

Resurrection is always unexpected. Despite all their time with Jesus, Mary and the Disciples still didn't expect it. That Jesus was raised from the dead was a shocking and wonderful surprise and it is still shocking and wonderful today.

Our lives can be shaped by our expectations. When we expect little of ourselves we often get little from ourselves. When we don't expect to see Jesus in our daily lives, we will miss him at every turn. Perhaps this a good time to ask ourselves some questions.

~What do you expect from life? From ministry? From your family? From your neighborhood? From your church? From your community?

~ When have you been surprised or caught off guard by good news and unforeseen joy?

~ What are you expecting from Easter?

May Christ meet you on this Easter and always. And may we all have eyes to see the Risen Christ in our midst. Amen!