Having Faith: Assume Sufficiency, Not Scarcity - Day 21

September 15, 2012

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Growing up, it was never a question of where I would be on Sunday morning.  While other kids slept in or watched television, I was at church with my family.  Little did I know that all the sermon notes, Sunday School discussions and youth group trips led me to find the best gift of all...my relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have to admit, when I found out I was going to be a Mom, one of the fears that kept going through my head was, "how am I going to teach my child about God'.  I know I was going to bring her to church; that's where I leaarned, right?  And then it hit me - my relationship with God developed not because I went to a church every Sunday. It developed because I went to St. Stephen every Sunday, a place where God gave me everthing and more that I needed to grow in faith through you, my church family.

Today's verse focuses on the many gifts God has graced us with and, in turn, how we can give back in thanks.  So, what's your motivation to give back in thanks for all the good work God is and will continue to do through St. Stephen's ministries?  My motivation is the excitement on my daughter, Madison's face when she hears its Sunday and we don't have to go to church...we get to go.

Gracious Lord, thank you for giving us all that we need and more.  Because Your love is so much, we want to give back to You.  Guide us toward how we can to a part of the greater mission to show our neighbors Your grace and love through Christ, our King.  Amen.

Author:  Karla Kail