Sometimes people contrast giving with receiving. In Fact, it seems that learning to give often depends on having first learned to receive. Both giving and receiving depend on being able to focus on something other than oneself.  Who has taught you to be good at receiving???

Mary is a good example. In Luke 1:26-38, we read the account of the Annunciation.  In the last of these verses (v. 38), we hear Mary’s response, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Like many others in Scripture, Mary’s heart is open to God and God’s purposes. Because her heart is open, she does not oppose God’s will with her own will. To receive God’s gifts we must first be open to God’s will.  Our will must be subjected to God’s will.  Our will must not stand in the way. How are you opening your heart to God’s will today???

​O God of abundance, open my heart to receive your good will for my life. Amen.

“Because of God’s Great Mercy” is the title of our stewardship emphasis this year. God's great mercy has made us a community with a purpose and mission: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness and into his marvelous light” I Peter 2:9. All that we have comes to us as a gift from God ...because of God's great mercy, and so we look to steward this abundance of God's gifts for God's purposes, for God's mission.