This is what the Lord says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

 

“It is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” -- 1 Corinthians 4:2

 

Just what’s a steward? The Encarta Dictionary defines it as “one who manages someone else’s property, finances or household.” So, if Psalm 24:1 is correct (and it is) when it declares that “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it,” then whatever we have (on us, around us or within us) is just “on loan,” entrusted to us as caretakers (stewards) to judiciously handle, knowing it’s not really ours… it’s God’s. We commonly think of money or automobiles or houses when we consider “taking care” of what we have, but likely means much more.

 

We’ve been given forgiveness, so let’s treat it well -- not taking it for granted. We’ve been given joy, so let’s leave it out of the cupboard where we can see it and savor it readily. We’ve been given hope, so let’s put it to use frequently, refusing to become discouraged, pessimistic or fearful. We’ve been given gifts -- supernatural endowments from the Lord -- to accomplish specified, necessary, thrilling tasks for His Kingdom, so let’s identify and employ them as our “Thank You” for them.

 

My granddad put together a little toolbox of castoff hand tools for me (which stayed at his Coeur d’Alene house,) with the proviso that if I lost the screwdriver or left the chisel out to rust in the rain, they wouldn’t be replaced… you abuse it, you lose it. Similarly, God has granted us tools (gifts) for doing His work and He expects us to treat them well. Let’s not disappoint Him… let’s “inventory” our “gift list,” determine how/when/where we can utilize them and get the show on the road! Are you a “teacher?” Let’s find you some teaching opportunities! Are you an “evangelist?” Let’s find you some open doors! Are you a “mercy-person?” Let’s see how you can plug in that caring compassion!

 

“Who am I?” “How do I fit in to God’s purposes?” These questions have Bible-based, Spirit-filled answers. We are stewards of the gifts He’s given.

 

yours and His -- Bill

 

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