GIVE

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Sunday, October 11, Mark 10:17, “What must I do?”
The man in this lesson seems to forget the idea behind gift. God gives because it is God’s nature. It is not by anything we do lest we think we deserve it. It’s almost as if the man is checking off his list the deeds needing doing to be in God’s good graces. What he does not understand about faith is that it gives out of complete trust and faith in the risen Lord.

The faith practice of giving is trusting that God will continue to give and provide and love and bless. That’s not to say we shouldn’t be wise with what is given! Our faith would have us always asking, “Am I trusting God or trusting my abilities?”

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Monday, October 12, "...for God all things are possible."
The economy is very much affecting people in many ways. I serve as an ambassador for Valley Outreach, our local food shelf. At a meeting I last attended I was told the shelves are getting bare. They are serving 100 MORE families today than this time last year. A few people who previously gave to Valley Outreach now find themselves in need of their services. As one of Memorial's members shared, "I am but a paycheck away from needing this food shelf."
The faith practice of giving asks us to trust that our donations to help those who are vulnerable will be used efficient and effective ways. One need only volunteer at such an organization to see not only the need but also the heart-wrenching decision of those to actually walk through the doors seeking assistance. While the need might seem overwhelming we are reminded that with God all things are possible to make people whole and give them encouragement in time of need.

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Wednesday, October 14, Mark 10:31, "...first will be last, and the last will be first."
In my devotional I contrasted my supportive environment of life with those living in a rainforest village in Guatemala. But I also think to the disadvantaged in our own country. Children who must grow up in a foster care system are faced with some very 'grown up' responsibilities when they turn 18. Individuals who must deal with physical and mental illnesses. Care providers for both children and adults who are often overwhelmed with their responsibilities. And dare we speak of the number of prejudices our culture carries into discussions to resolve these issues?
My own practice of giving has enlightened me as to the immense need of those who are 'last' in society. The issues need more than just money thrown at them. The issues also call us to give of ourselves, to enter the discussion of resolving problems, and to see a good of a larger population. The Biblical call to tithe (give 10%) I believe is to help the culture resolve the issues of poverty, hunger, disease, orphans, etc. The old testament prophets lifted up the plight of these people and call us to engage in processes that help the community of faith as a whole. It is also a reflection of the kingdom of God in this world and reminds us all that God has not given upo on us.

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Thursday, October 15, "Seek good."
I am part of a clergy group that reflects on the topic "Preaching and Vocation." Part of our work is to connect faith with everyday living including everyone's vocations. Through these discussions I have come to see vocations in terms of the good that each one offers. I have discovered this, as I seek after good and trust that those who are working will do their work, I am more likely to receive good service. Even in those few times when service is lacking, I'm trusting they are doing their best and can give them my patience and encouragement.
To give of ourselves can be as simple as having patience with another. When we seek after good we expect to find the goodness God created in each one and in doing so we encourage the best everyone we encounter.

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Friday, October 16, "grace with boldness."
Someone has said that God has given us a personal faith but not a private faith. I do believe that the boldness we hear from Hebrews encourages us to "give" boldly - through faith in our living and our giving. This boldness is not meant to be imposing on another person but rather through our "giving" we reflect the grace of our faith for others to see and hear about Jesus. When we are bold in our "giving" we engage our faith and learn about this God who gives generously so others might live. What a bold witness to others about this God who gives us life in Jesus Christ.