Asset Management

READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Stewardship is not synonymous with giving money. Why would it be? We have a veritable holy trinity of assets we can use to glorify God and love others: our time, our talent, and our treasure.

Time. I have twenty-four hours today; how about you? Same? I thought so. Though, according to Peter, it’s quickly running out. Be alert and of sober mind, so that you may pray. Practice hospitality to one another without grumbling. Remember that your time is a gift from God, given that you may glorify Him and love others.

Talent. Use whatever gift you have received to serve others. If you speak, speak as one who speaks the very words of God. Your actions and your words are who you are to the world. Be who God designed you to be: We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Cor 6:19)? What a gift!

Treasure. It’s more than money: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:21). The one who spoke the world into being does not need your money; He needs your love, for Himself and for His children. So, above all love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Let us render unto God what is God’s - our time, our talent, and our treasure, which all came from Him!

Chewing on God's Word

It is curious that this particular sermon series has become such a personally convicting piece. Especially considering all the time I have spent reading about Affluenza, discerning verses for the daily readings, and even putting the study guide together.

One would think I must have gleaned everything out of this topic there was for me to glean, but, each Sunday as I listened to the message shared by the preachers, I have gone home with a lot to think about. And even more for me to change about myself, my character and my actions.

Week one I discovered that my love of financial security is the root of evil in my heart. I put more trust in my 401K than in God. Week two I learned how important it is for me to flee from this distrust and to submit my security to the One who loves me most. Week three was another big one for me: generosity. When I am convicted to help someone, and I have the means to do this, I need to act. And I need to act anonymously (this is my duty, not necessarily yours) and with a generous spirit.

I am still chewing on week four - Stewardship. I heard a few things that spoke to my heart. I need to practice stewardship by recognizing all that I have and taking proper care of it all. Sometimes that means to share with others, sometimes it means to give it away. But always it means I must view my 'stuff' as just that, 'stuff' and to hold on loosely.

Colossians 3:23-24

My One Word

I spend a lot of time worrying about tomorrow.  Will I have enough money? Will there be enough time to do the things I dream of doing? This sermon series has me thinking a little different. I am starting to feel the only thing I need is to get over myself. I am working toward that end.

The word, discipline, has been in my face a lot lately. Each year around this same time, I begin praying about or for, the word God wants to use to speak to me. The words God has used in the past always seemed to coincide with something I need to learn. A behavior I needed to improve or eliminate. He even uses words as an acknowledgement of a season of life I am stepping out of or into.

For example, one year, faith was my word. God wrapped it in scripture verses for an appointed day in my devotional; or plopped it right in the devotion for that day. That year I began to intentionally build my faith, spending an twelve months seeking God's direction and blessing the area of faith.

The year following my husband's death, my word of perseverance. That year I felt God's hand on my life and my hart as I practiced perseverance in spite of the difficulties and obstacles. Today, I find myself praying for my word for 2018. God keeps bringing me to the word discipline. Oh, oh. What is this about?

I recognize that God has been preparing me for this. I know how much I need discipline in many areas of my life. He is preparing me for tomorrow. He is showing me where I need to improve. He is revealing how my focus needs to be pulled away from all those things I want...and they need to be on all those things I have.

I love these words from Proverbs 3:11-12 (MSG)

But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; 

don’t sulk under his loving correction.

It’s the child he loves that God corrects;

a father’s delight is behind all this.

I am still in the process of discerning what discipline will mean for me moving forward, but I am sure it will be just what I need.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26

What's in Your Wallet?

The greedy stir up conflict,    but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. (Proverbs 28:25)
There was a time when I was involved in an Amway business venture. The concept made sense at first, but then, as I got more involved I learned their philosophy differed greatly from mine. The leaders would encourage their team to work, work, work. Because it was all about getting rich. At the time, to two young parents who struggled financially, this sounded like an answer.

It was all about how much security you gain from wealth. It was all about making the business your priority and in due time, you would be so rich you could devote as much of your time and money to your church as you wanted.

I realize now, that there are some riches which don't matter one bit. In the grand scheme of things, you can't buy your health, even though you could pay your doctor bills easier. You can't put a price tag on friends and family either. You can't buy more time, happiness or love.

So then perhaps it isn't currency or jewels that make us rich, but the people who love us and would do anything for us. I know now, after having lost close loved ones, moments spent caring for them is a sweet richness. And, being cared for by someone precious to me, is the true picture of my assets. My bank account, not so much. My family and friends, for certain.

How rich are you? 

Proverbs 28:19-25