In one of his famous comedy routines, Jack Benny was accosted by a stick-up man who demanded: “Your money or your life!” There was a long pause and the nervous robber shouted again: “I said, Your money or your life!” To which Jack Benny calmly replied: “I’m thinking, I’m thinking!”
I once heard that talking to Episcopalians about their money is like talking to a Baptist about their drinking. But during the month of November, I want to talk with you about your money, specifically about your Stewardship. Stewardship is not so much about what you give, but more about why you give. Both scripture and our prayer book commend us to think about what we have, and how it effects how we live.
Someone once said: “Money will buy us a bed, but it is the Lord who gives us rest. Money will buy us books, but it is the Lord who gives us brains. Money will buy us food, but it is the Lord who blesses us with appetite, and hunger for more than what will fill our stomachs. Money will buy medicine, but it is the Lord who gives us health. Money will buy us luxury, but it is in the Lord we find culture. Money will buy amusement, but the Lord gives happiness. Money will buy a house, but the Love of the Lord makes a home.
As we begin this month of reflection on what we have and what we are thankful for, take some time for a spiritual inventory, then apply that as you think about your pledge to St. James, and also as you prepare for Thanksgiving.
Bob +
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BIBLE STUDY?
We talked about reading the Bible this past week in ALPHA. I shared a few of the daily Bible Studies that Kay and I do together. I was asked to share them with the Parish, so here they are:
ENCOUTER WITH GOD from Scripture Union, DISCOVERY from Scripture Union. FORWARD DAY BY DAY from the Episcopal Church, and OUR DAILY BREAD from Our Daily Bread Ministries. All of these you can find on-line. Do you have a favorite Bible Study you would like to share with the parish?
