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Stewards of His Resources
What’s our personal view about money? Somebody said, “Money has been defined as that something which buys everything but happiness and takes a man everywhere but to heaven. But money used in the right way confer a great deal of happiness and be the means of starting many on the path to heaven.” Personally, is money a means or an end? Is money a part of your life or your life? These are valid questions needing clarity.
Interestingly, the way we handle personal resources reflects our relationship with God. A.W. Tozer provided four questions on one’s view about treasures:
What do we value most?
What would we most hate to lose?
What do our thoughts turn to most frequently when we are free to think of what we will?
What affords us the greatest pleasure?
Here’s an interesting tidbit from history: When Saladin died, he left directions that his empty hands should be on view outside his coffin. By this, he meant to teach that, of all his vast wealth and conquests, he could take nothing with him(Source Unknown). How does this story affect our perspective about money and its stewardship?
Let’s begin by defining stewardship as JoHannah Reardon shared:
The word stewardship comes from the Greek word oikenomous, which means somebody who manages a household. A person doesn't own the household but manages it. And stewards in the ancient world, of course, were trusted with everything from seeing that the floors were clean, to the finances, to the public face of that household. Joseph is a good biblical example of that. [1]
From the above definition, key principles arise from a spiritual perspective. Most importantly, stewardship is God’s sole idea. Our role as stewards is systematically instituting God's stewardship idea. It only occurs when biblical stewardship is applied in every aspect of life. Matthew shared, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (6:21). In addition, Scriptures are highlighting its importance for our information:
o The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15
o John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. John 3:27
o Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
Next, stewardship is God’s initiative. Therefore, our role is influencing others about it personally. How? By teaching others the means of applying biblical stewardship of God’s resources appropriately. Paul reminded Timothy, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Lastly, stewardship is God’s invitation. Therefore, our role is impacting every generation purposely. It only occurs when people learn about biblical stewardship correctly. Thus, the work of the enemy towards loving and trusting in money is weakened. However, let’s clarify that having money is not the problem but the love of money is. Paul shared this principle to Timothy: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs (1 Timothy 6:10).
Knowing what we know now, changing our attitude as stewards becomes a priority. Here are Scriptures highlighting the value of having the right attitude that every steward of God must live by:
o This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
o For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. Titus 1:7-10
o Serve with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men. Ephesians 6:7
Harvey Nowland shared this wonderful insight as a summary of God’s expectation from His stewards:
Christians need to understand that opportunities to achieve God’s agenda in building His kingdom involve not only our material possessions but also our abilities, knowledge, skills and relationships. To make it simple – everything from your backyard and bank accounts to your mind and body - is a resource that you must manage for God. No false humility required here, you are an important member of God’s management team – stewardship. [2]
When we acknowledge God’s role in our lives as the Owner of everything, He is honoured and when He is honoured, He honours those who honour Him. Would you be His steward today?
Let’s talk again!
Sunday, May 23, 2021
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Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Praying to God and Receiving from God
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Due to the modern perception of entitlement and immediate gratification every time, there’s an assumption that God will bend over backwards in overruling His good, eternal desires in responding to self-centred desires. This attitude, unfortunately, manifests when we pray. Thus, in correcting this idea, William Barclay reminded us three things when we pray and to remember:
· The love of God that wants the best for us.
· The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
· The power of God that can accomplish it.
In His teaching from the mountain, Jesus provided how we must approach God and the right attitude when we pray:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:7-12 NKJ
Three important keywords to consider in this bible text, namely, ask, seek, and knock. Each of them represents an impact as far as God’s answers are concerned. Lawrence O. Richards, a theologian, shared this wonderful insight, “Jesus describes prayer as asking, seeking, and knocking. “Ask” is the act of prayer in its simplest form. “Seek” conveys intensity, and “earnest sincerity.” And “knock” pictures persistence. We knock on the door of heaven and keep on knocking!”Knowing these three components give us the necessary edge when we pray, including assurance of God’s response according to His sovereignty.
What was Jesus talking about when He taught this prayer concept? When people pray, God is at work. Understanding God’s character and sovereignty are crucial to the prayer equation. What then is needed? Jim Cymbala shared, “Persistent calling upon the name of the Lord breaks through every stronghold of the devil, for nothing is impossible with God.” Therefore, giving up is never an option. Praying with knowledge about who God becomes advantageous to us because God intends for everyone who prays accordingly, receives a definite and timely answer.
When we pray, we seek God Himself! The Psalmists encouraged, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (Psalm 105:4). Contrary to what many think, God is not hiding from anyone. He is longing for a persistent prayer anchored in faith in His power.
Samson, blinded by his enemies, prayed because he realized God is the only source of His strength: Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes” (Judges 16:28). God answered Samson’s prayer and gave him strength for the last time and died with his enemies.
There were situations that God declined a prayer. When this happens, God is exercising His prerogative according to His sovereignty. After receiving judgement from God, David prayed for his firstborn son’s healing and God said no:
David, therefore, begged God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his house arose beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, and he didn’t eat bread with them. On the seventh day, the child died (2 Samuel 12:16-18).
However, David didn’t receive a favourable reply and lost his child:
And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:22-23).
David understood and accepted God’s judgment on his situation.
Is prayer a one-way monologue or a dialogue with God? These two examples showed the dynamics that occur when we pray. No matter what we receive from our prayers, positive or negative replies, let’s trust God at all times. He knows best!
Let’s talk again!
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Sunday, March 21, 2021
JRAM Church Online - March 21, 2021: "Two Gates: What's Your Choice?"
Our lives are fashioned by our choices. First, we make our choices. Then our choices make us. Anne Frank
Sunday, March 14, 2021
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Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Marriage is Designed as Companionship
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