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include ("../../nav.inc"); ?>April Smith is involved in a wide range of activities at LCH. She is also an enthusiastic member of the 2007 Stewardship Committee. include ("../../contact-search-access.inc"); ?> | LCH Stewardship 2007—Temple Talk by April SmithThis morning, I’d like to share some of what Paul says about giving. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says this about sharing the gifts that we have been given: “God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.” Romans 12: 6–8 (Contemporary English Version) Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is generous and wants them to be generous in their giving: “God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. The Scriptures say, ‘God freely gives his gifts to the poor, and always does right.’ God gives seed to farmers and provides everyone with food. He will increase what you have, so that you can give even more to those in need. You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift.” 2 Corinthians 9: 8–11 (Contemporary English Version) Giving from the heart is a direct response to God’s gifts to us. Sometimes the heart understands the needs of others far more than the mind can comprehend. May God bless you with abundance as you share your gifts with the world. Copyright © 2007 April Smith and Lutheran Church of Honolulu 1730 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96822 • 808-941-2566 Comments welcome at webmaster@lchwelcome.org |