“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22: 9)
The caring person who enjoys helpng others receives blessings abundantly. Jesus taught that giving brings the reward of toward blessings. Stewardship involves more than regular gifts to God’s work. It also involves a caring attitude that leads to caring actions for people in need.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important Is Care of the Needy? It is the cornerstone of what Jesus did on this earth. God had always taken care of His people, but this is going beyond that aspect, and making a change on us as individuals and how we interact with those in need. Jesus always said we would always have the poor and needy among us, which is true, but it is not enough to recognize that we have people in need in obvious and not so obvious places, and then what are we to do about their situation. Are we to simply say, “Well, we have always had people in need and forget them?” I don’t think so. It is our responsibility to help them as best as we can. I have often carried with me sacks of things, maybe coupons for fast food restaurants, and a couple of dollars, some water, and maybe some crackers and occasionally a sandwich, along with a scripture that I felt moved to put in the bags. I hand them out at intersections, along with a verbal blessing. I have had people riding with me say, “You know they will trade them for something else, maybe alcohol or drugs. My answer is always the same. They may do just that, but as a Christian I am compelled to give them what I have. If they choose to do something else with it, that is their decision, mine is to simply respond to their need. I am not responsible for what they do with it when it is in their hands. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Knowledge is proud; wisdom is humble.”
KNOWING GOD:
“After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.” (Acts 24:17)
The Great Jerusalem offering was important in Paul’s ministry. It provides scriptural material for Christians’ understanding of stewardship and giving. Christians everywhere should respond to needs among suffering Christians.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5: 42)
The Christian cannot ignore human need or refuse to help the needy. Whether we have sufficient resources or not, we help because we love Christ. We measure out giving by Christ, who gave everything, rather than by law or percentages. Thus, Christian stewards cannot turn away from people seeking help. The moment you turn away from the needy, you will regret your inaction immediately. It is because you are committed to striving to be like Christ, and when this becomes a part of who you are, you cannot turn away. You give until you have nothing left at all, as Christ did for us on the Cross.
“But a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1st Timothy 5: 4, 8)
Biblical faith places a high priority on the family. Meeting the physical needs of one’s family is a part of Christian stewardship. Christians should manage personal resources in a responsible way to care for family needs. To fail to fulfill family responsibilities is sin, making one as untrue to the commitment of faith in Christ. Even non-believers provide necessities of life for their families.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “How Important Is It to Take Care of Family?? It is and always has been very important for families to take care of one another. It is especially true that as parents and grandparents age, that responsibility increase. It is considered a sin to ignore family needs. Always remember that when you were young, it was your parents and grandparents that shared with you, that they were patient with you, that they loved you and taught you how to love others. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Being a servant is a free choice that not all are willing to accept. Will you?”
KNOWING GOD:
“The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles. The Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, ‘Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with unclean hands?’ He replied, ‘Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.’” (Mark 3-5, 8-13)
True understanding and commitment to God’s word brings outward and inward change. Jesus was dismayed and angered that the religious people pretended with outward gestures to believe God but showed no change of heart so that love and forgiveness did not live in them. They pretended to be converted with outward signs only. Pleasing other people by obeying human rites and rules does not please God. Providing for the physical needs of one’s family is as important a part of Christian stewardship.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love ou.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicated the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’Take care of my sheep.” (John 21: 15-18)
Being a follower of Jesus Christ has only one requirement. We may be followers of Christ if we love Jesus so deeply we are willing to do what He asks. Each time Simon Peter answered Jesus’ question concerning loving Him, the Lord gave him a task to do. When Peter asked what John was to do, Jesus said that should not concern Peter. Love for Jesus leads us to serve other people. Every disciple has a task. My primary concern is to do the task the Lord has given to us because we love Him. The Lord will give others whatever assignment pleases Him. In other words, we don’t need to concern ourselves with what other people are doing, we are to focus on what He has each one of us doing, that matters in the overall plan. Crystal clear???
“Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. Go home and as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. Go for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.’” (1st Kings 17: 13-14)
Elijah campaigned against the god Baal (the possessor), as the land was under a severe drought and many thought it was Baal that was holding the weather back, but it was actually Almighty God, who was proving His power over Baal. God had told Elijah to move from where he was to a hidden place that had a brook, and ravens brought him meat and bread twice daily, and he drank from the brook. The brook dried up and God sent him to a woman in Zarephath, where she would give him water to drink and make him a meal. Upon the outskirts of Zarephath, he encountered a widow woman gathering sticks. He asked her for a drink of water and as she turned to get the water, he further asked if she would make him a piece of bread. She said, “Sir I don’t have any bread—-only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—-and die.” Elijah said to her, Don’t be afraid. Go home and do what I asked, but first make me a small cake of bread for me from what you have . She did as asked and then told her to go and make her and her son something to eat. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.”
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “What is the Benefit of Generosity? Towards Others?” In the story above, the widow encountered Elijah as she was preparing to use what little food she had left for her and her son. Elijah asked her to make him a cake, which would take away the remainder of her little ingredients. Because of her obedience to a Man of God, she willingly did as told. I suspect when she went back to her house, both the jar and jug were filled to the top. Furthermore, every time she took out a portion, the containers remained full. Elijah stayed with her for time, and they ate their fill every day, because of her obedience to God through Elijah. The lesson is of course, for those faithful and obedient to God, and others followed suit, they were able to stay alive until the rains returned. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Be content with Whose you are, but never with who you can become.”
KNOWING GOD:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—-his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern dilligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12-1-8)
These verses are among my favorites, though it does not include women, for the times were much different then. Thankfully, we have moved passed those limitations and now include women in all of the above gifts. After all Christian stewardship means sacrificing our lives as acts of worship to God. Time, energy, and resources cannot be divided between God’s percent and my percent. God owns all. He gave us all we have. We are to use all we have and are, for Him in His work. We are to determine the gifts(s) God has given us and use them, confident God will bless our efforts in His way. One gift is the ability to contribute to the needs of others. We should use this gift to be generous with our resources to help those who have no resources. In a word, it’s about resources; some have a lot, some have some, and some have nothing. This means in Christian love and mercy, we ought to share with others. We are to use our gifts to be generous with our resources to help those who have none. In a term, it is called “Sacrificial Giving.”
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Miracles were not automatic windows into the nature of Christ. He would not perform miracles on demand (See note on 4:1-11).” He pointed only to Jonah, His call to repent, and His approaching death and resurrection. Some of the Pharisees and teacher of he law said to him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.’ This request for a sign (Greek – semion) introduces a new concept. The religious leaders could neither understand nor accept the idea that compassion motivated a miracle-worker. They revealed their own lack of faith by asking that a sign be performed. They wanted indisputable evidence Jesus was Messiah, as if they had not witnessed enough “signs”! Jesus pointed them to His death and resurrection to prove His identity. Jesus did not perform miracles in order to advertise His ministry! He condemned the religious leaders, contrasting them with the citizens of Nineveh and the Queen of the South who had responded in faith to manifest actions of God. Miracles are not signs that convince all people. They offer encouragement to people in need and people in faith. They do not solve all earthly problems. They point to eternal hope beyond death. They call on us to repent rather than to volunteer for power positions. In truth, Jesus fulfilled Scripture as proof He was Messiah. His Jewish opponents demanded more convincing proof—-miracles. Jesus pointed to the sign of Jonah. Here Jesus did not specifically mention resurrection, but certainly Christians are expected to understand the sign of Jonah as pointing to Christ’s resurrection. This sign should lead people to repentance, as did Jonah’s reluctant preaching. However, the Pharisees did not regard Jesus’ resurrection as a sign that was “powerful enough!” So how about you?” (Matthew 12: 41-44)
Jesus condemned the contemptuous dare of the Jewish leaders to establish His credentials by their conditions. They never found enough proof that Jesus was Messiah, and for all intentions, they never would. They were more concerned with the simple fact that Jesus’ had called them out into the open for desiring to be highly respected, being given the best seats and feasts and banquets, that they were considered as “untouchable” while Jesus pointed at them and challenged them in every way. He was making them look weak and ineffective. They tried every manner of trickery to trip Him up, only to have Him turn the tables on them. In response to some of their questioning, He would respond by saying, God said in this book or chapter of Scripture, as if they had never read it before. He even used them as a example, when a sinner who was too ashamed to pray for Himself would stay on a lower step and ask God to forgive him, a sinner. While the Priests would stand on the top step and thank God they were not as bad as the man praying below them, for they liked to say long prayers and make themselves look for religious than others, while they looked foolish by their antics to destroy the One who had come to teach about God and the need to follow His commandments. The Son of God was spit upon, beaten, tortured and all for the sins of ours. Prayer seeks to further God’s work, not make selfish demands on God. Are you willing to make a commitment to Jesus as the Son of God, God’s Promised Messiah?
“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—-a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8: 7-9 10-14, 18)
Material items that God intends to be good can be misused by people and lead us away from God. Remembering God in times of prosperity can be difficult. Abundance is truly a blessing when one remembers who gives it and when we use it to achieve God’s purposes. God made material things to serve Human needs and to bring glory to God. Both purposes are achieved when Christian use their God-given possessions for care of family (See note on 1st Timothy5:4, 8), giving to needy (See note on 1st John 3:17), service to God (See note on Matthew 25:31-46), and support of the ministry (See note on 2nd Corinthians 11:8-16). In times of prosperity, believers should remember God is the source of all blessings. We receive gifts because of God’s goodness, not because of our education, intellect, or hard work. Education and hard work can develop the gifts God gives. The blessings of life confirm the covenant relationship God has established and kept.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “What is a Purpose of Possessions as part of Stewardship as Covenant People?” There is nothing wrong in enjoying prosperous times, as long as we all remember to set aside for those who struggle to find enough food to eat, who are out of work, who may have lost their housing, etc., and of course remember them when you give your tithe to the church, to help people as part of the Saint Richards Mission in our community. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“By our accepting God through Christ Jesus, we are also agreeing to be what we will be when Christ returns.”
KNOWING GOD:
“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1-16-18)
Christ is the source of creation and the power that sustains it. Christ is the source of creation and the power that sustains it. He gives purpose and stability to the material order. This provides the basis for the Christian view of the material world. This view contrasts sharply with non-Christian views of the material world. This view contrasts sharply that either say material things are evil and valueless or think the material world is all that exists and so is all-important. Christians view material things as good and valuable if used to fulfill God’s holy purposes for money and possessions and to reach the lost world.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’” (Matthew 4: 8-9)
The father of all lies (I call him the great deceivers) will come one day, pretending to be Jesus. He will come in some splendor and do his very best to take away from God, His people. Beloved, this is the single most important value in studying the Bible, so that we are able to see through all of his histionics or as I heard growing up, that, “Satan will come with his smoke and mirror show with one purpose, to make us believe that he is Jesus Christ. As my dear sweet mother used to say, “We can deflect his show by the truth, which is the one weapon, he cannot handle, the Truth!” We are to handle him by simply allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to him on our behalf. Beloved, the creation is God’s not the devil’s. Part of our worship of God should include our gratitude for the creation and God’s continue care of it. Gaining the world and all its wealth is not a goal for Christians. Material possessions can be used for good or evil. Satan tempted Jesus to become the Messiah of a temporal or material kingdom instead of a spiritual one. The devil seeks to deceive Christ’s followers. A Christian who follows Satan’s methods sins against God. He will have a short time to convince people, but if you have studied your Bible, you have read in Revelations, that Christ comes on the opening of the 7th Seal, while old Satan comes on the opening of the 6th Seal.
Satan was one of God’s own, but Satan decided he wanted to be God, and that where he got himself in trouble. But trouble will come for him and he will become a permanent resident of the Lake of Fire for all eternity. Upon the Seal opening for the 7th Seal, he will come no longer as the humble servant, as He will be coming in all His glory with legions of angels coming with Him to restore this world and all that is within it. Threre will be no “three ring circus” like Satan, it will be our Lord and Savior coming on behalf of His people and there will be no question as to who He is. Are you ready?
“A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. To show partiality is not good—-yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.” (Proverbs 28: 20-22)
God’s people do not set their sights on material prosperity. God’s people seek to be faithful to Him, to be fair and just with other people, and to help others. These attitudes lead to God’s blessings. Selfish commitment to wealth leads to eventual ruin.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “What is a Stewards Attitudes?” The attitude of a true steward, is to keep themselves in situations whereby being faithful to God brings us joy. To be able to help others, brings more pleasure than material things ever could. Christians are always open to to be fair and just with others, and to help whenever possible and however necessary. Our return for keeping an attitude of stewardship, is to be blessed to see how God will use us to reach out to those in need and to seek to help them change their situation. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“It does not really matter what happens to us but what happens in us.”
KNOWING GOD:
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would no be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what it right.” (2nd Thessalonians 3-6-13)
Work is honorable and necessary. Honest industry serves both human needs and the ministries of Christ. Work is not a punishment for our sin. Sin does cause labor to be toilsome, often a struggle against circumstances (Genesis 3). Labor is an essential part of our role as caretaker of God’s world. To work is to be a steward of God’s world.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him, but not at the Feast, less the people may riot. Then Judas Iscariot , one of the Twelve came to the Chief Priests and teacher of the law, to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (Mark 14: 1-6, 10-11)
Loyalty to Christ does not have a price. Judas sold Christ to the priests (about 4 months pay, Matthew 25:15). He valued personal power, political freedom, and financial resources above Jesus and the kingdom of God. I doubt that Judas ever thought that Jesus would allow Himself to be killed; that when pushed, He would call forth legions of Angels to protect Him and vanquish His enemies. He was wrong, for He did what He had to do to gives people a clear path to salvation and entry into the kingdom of Heaven, through His death on the cross. Three days later He was resurrected and showed the cost of His having defeated Satan and death for all times.
In so doing, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins and all the sins of the world in the past, the present, and even into the future. The Christian steward must decide if Christ’s call to serve God by serving others is more important than worldly values. In addition, we each must decide to serve others that we encounter in our service for the sake of our relationship with God through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is what brings the most joy to my life, by following Christ’s example. How about you???
Psalm 23; Acts 4:5-12; 1st John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
Beloved this morning Psalm 23 begins by revealing the various ways that God shows His loving kindness and protecting power to those who need Him. Grace is God’s unmerited blessing, freely offered to those who do not deserve it. It expresses confidence that God will help even to the worst of circumstances, including death and evil. His love for us is illustated by His being the “Good Shepherd.” God is the loving Shepherd. Sheep are used to symbolically represent the leadership, guidance and protection that the Shepherd provides. The psalmist affirmed God’s tender presence during some of the most painful event in live. God is revealed here as One who changes bad times, but as the one who remains with His childen throughout the all times.
The captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people and were disturbed because the apostles were teaching he people and proclaiming Jesus the resurrection of the dead! They were seized, and put into jail,because it was evening, until they who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. The next day they were in the presence of Annas the High Priest and Caiaphas and other men of the high priests family, seeking to question them about their authority to speak to people in the manner they were, and Peter responded, filled by the Holy Spirit, saying: If we are being called to to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all people of Israel; it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘The stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Peter said all of this through the power of the Holy Spirit for he and John were on trial for their faith, the Spirit empowers to them to preach. Jesus had promised that under these circumstances that the Spirit would tell the disciples what to say. As Christians beloved, the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus made salvation possible. We are His witnesses that must lead people to Christ for salvation because salvation is not available in any other place or through any other person. All of this is accomplished by the same Holy Spirit that we received by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and have been baptized into our faith in Him alone.
In our reading from 1st John it states, (Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” Love of a neighbor is expressed better than in words. God’s love can hardly be at work in and through the life of a person who is not moved with compassion for those in need. A believer of Jesus Christ should love in truth and in deeds. Therefore, true love acts to help the one in need. The Bible repeatedly places great value on gifts to the poor. Jesus emphasized giving as He spoke of he Good Samaritan and of giving a cup of water in His name. Christian love expressed itself in action, not in pious words. All of these things we must do in humility and reverence leads us to act as Jesus would have, and we can be assured that He is with us and knows us (the good and the bad), and when we fall short, we simply confess our sins to Him and received His grace a mercy, which enables us to strive harder to do the good He knows we can do. God’s command is that we believe in His Son. This brings salvation and leads us to love as He loved.
From the Gospel message from John we learn that Eternal life is the life of a heavenly quality and quantity and can never be lost. Christ revealed the heart of God as He identified Himself as the Shepherd Son whose mind and heart were committed to offer love and life for the sake of His charge to us. Jesus loved enough to know His sheep personally.
Jesus is the Shepherd of His sheep—-all those who call on the name of Christ. He knows His sheep and calls them by name. The flock of God is not a large, nameless group of people, rather individuals known of God and called by Him. His people include others who are different in race, nationality, and native religion than those who whom the gospel first came. All these belong to God because Jesus laid down His life for the sheep, all of them. God’s purpose in Christ is to bring all His people together in His service. Spiritual unity under Christ is God’s plan for all His people. Church groups maintain separate identities to accomplish a unique mission, but all have a spiritual relationship to Christ’s larger family.
Simply put the cross revealed God’s supreme love for us and for his Son. The cross did not surprise God. It was part of His plan of revelation, a plan to which Jesus totally committed Himself. The only question that is left is, are you so committed in your life? If not, why not? The words of the 23rd Psalm at the beginning of this sermon, is to remind one and all that we are not alone, ever. God is always with us, in the good times and the worst of time. He isn’t saying He will change your circumstances, He is saying that He will be with us in those times. This past year, our son passed away from heart disease. Several people asked me the question, “Where was God when your son died? I replied, “He was at the same place when His Son died on the Cross! He was right there and He will be with each of you in your own situations, as well. Amen
“And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man’s envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. The fool folds his hands and ruins himself. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4: 4-6)
Living modestly is better than “chasing after the wind” of wealth. Labor should be done to meet God’s goals for our lives not to meet the standard set by our neighbor. Christ said that life does not consist of things, no matter how abundant. Real living is in giving and serving, not in getting and indulging. Inner peace and tranquillity, not personal wealth and prestige, mark true success.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “What is a Stewards Lifestyle?” The one real answer is that if we are chasing the world’s lifestyle, than God’s, we are chasing into the wind that which we will never truly attain. Even if we did attain some success, it would not give you peace and comfort in times of hardship, only God can do that. It will not provide one salvation, only God can do that. It won’t give you a lifestyle that provides for your spiritual development, only God can do that. So, why would want to pursue a lifestyle that won’t give you any of the most important things that only God provides? Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“We are called to be now, what we will be when Jesus returns.”
KNOWING GOD:
“Judah has broken faith. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves, by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. As for the man who does this, whoever he may be, may the Lord cut him off from the tents of Jacob—-even thought he brings offering to the Lord Almighty. Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.” (Malachi 2-11-13)
God gave Israel a covenant based on trust in and love for both God and fellow members of the covenant. Israel broke faith by dealing treacherously. This treachery consisted in marrying women with idols for gods and infesting Israel with false worship!
Giving or ceremonial worship does not remove the necessity for right living, including respect within families. Israel lived among peoples who had no problem participating in worship services for several different gods. Marriage meant simply adding another worship service—-that of the spouse’s god—-to the schedule. The one true God does not accept that. He is sufficient to handle all functions attributed to any god. We must, therefore, devote all worship and reverences to Him alone.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, climb down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him greatly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.’” (Luke 19: 1-10)
Restitution is a good sign of a changed life. Zacchaeus exhibited repentance by pledging to make a fourfold return for wrongs committed and giving half of his posssessions to the poor. Good stewdarship is the result of a new life committed to serving Christ. The dramatic change in the life of Zacchaeus indicated true repentance and conversion, the beginning point of discipleship. Discipleship involves service to others, not unjust treatment to amass material wealth. Jesus’ mission was to lead people to a saving relationship with God. Such a relationship delivers from sin and selfishness to service of God and other people.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.” (1st Chronicles 29: 11-19)
Beloved stewardship rests on the fundamental belief that God owns everything that exists. People are His servants, serving Him as stewards of what He chooses to let us have. All earthly wealth comes from Him. So does human strength, power, and position. We do not deserve to have anything to give back to God. We give only what we have received. Stewardship is one test of integrity to see if we act on our belief that God is Lord and Owner of all. David and his people passed the test as they provided for God’s Temple. He prayed that God’s people would continue to work with such loyalty, generosity, and faithfulness forever. He also prayed that his son Solomon would be faithful in using the resources David had given for God’s purposes. A major part of stewardship involves God’s people collecting and allocating financial resources in ways that will please God and fulfill His purposes.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “Recognition of God’s Ownership for Stewardship Management, Combined with God’s People’s Belief and Faithful Practices.” In actuality, God owns everything, but the challenge is helping the people to understand that we are only in charge of some things for a little while. This generation has provided and increased God’s assets, but we are not preparing for the time when the next generation will assume our duties as pass on to the kingdom. The next generation will then feel the weight of carrying on and preparing for the generation after them. This has gone on for over 2,000 years and it works only when we understand all belongs to God, not us. We are stewards of that which God has allowed us to use in service to Him. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“God made His people for worship—-never for wickedness.”
KNOWING GOD:
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24-1)
About 10 years ago, while working in a church in Burnet, Texas, I found out that a special speaker was going to talk of his experience in space at a men’s gathering in Marble Falls, Texas. I was able to attend to listen to Jim Lovell, American astronaut, naval aviator, test pilot and mechanical engineer, who in 1968, became the first crewed spaceflight to leave Earth orbit and first to orbit the Moon. They made 10 orbits of the Moon and then safely returned to Earth. His talk was on his experience, but when he finshed his prepared text he was asked the question, What did Earth look like returning home. He paused for a moment and then he looked up (though one could tell he was back in the capsule and describing what he saw and how he felt), and began to describe the beauty of the Earth and how precious it truly is. He then said, it’s a shame more people can’t see it as those few of us that have seen it ourselves. If they could, they would treat God’s creation so much better. Then, he gently dabbed his eyes and sat down, for he cried tears of joy for the experience he was given to see. He was a good man, before and after, but that experience changed him forever. He was telling a true tale about how we as stewards of this Earth we live on, need to strive to be better that we ever have been, and each generation ought to leave this island home better than we found it. This applies to all of us on this we call our planet.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, ‘The earth is the Lord’s , and everything in it.’ If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if anyone says to you, ‘This has been offered in sacrifice,’ then do not eat it, both for the sake of he man who told you and for conscience sake—-the other man’s conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1st Corinthians 10: 25-31)
Material things belong to God and are entrusted to us for our use. We may misuse things, but this does not take them away from God’s ownership. The evil is in the user, not in the material thing itself. Paul explained that the ritual defilement of meat by pagans in sacrifices did not make the meat evil. It was God’s before they took it, and it remained His. Christians use material things in ways that show concern for fellow believes. We are to us all thing to the glory of God. Simply put, food does not determine whether a meal is pleasing to God. The dedication of the meal to Him through a prayer of thanks does.
“Before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah, and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers an gatekeepers, as well as the contribution for the priests.” (Nehemiah 13: 4-5)
Whenever people store and manage gifts negligently, both the ministries supported and the practice of giving suffer. The person who treasures or manages gifts performs a sacred responsibility. Offerings to God should be used only in ways directed by God and His people. Such gifts must not be used to buy influence from powerful leaders. Israel’s return from captivity brought a spiritual renewal that resulted in new commitments to serve God and the generous use of resources for rebuilding the house o God. Exiles in Babylon gave generously to rebuild God’s house. Ezra followed careful procedures in determining and reporting the amounts given. Everyone responsible for collecting, storing , and spending money given to God’s worth should follow Ezra’s example of care and accountability.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “Ethical and Accountablity for Stewardship Management.” With the benevolent giving of king Artaxerxes in Babylon pouring out riches, grains and other foods, church items that they had taken back to Babylon at the Exile, gold and silver, and so many other generousity, it would have behooved the Jews to set up strict counts of everything in transporting and filling the storehouses in Jerusalem, and of course all the building materials donated as well. Such was not the case, and when people are put in charge of those things, they must be held accountability for any loss. Relaxed methods allowed for things to simply disappear, causing an awkward situation, as the king came along to see how the restoration was taking place. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“When we take care of the small things, God has a way of making them BIG.”
KNOWING GOD:
“Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of evry week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and sent them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seem s advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.” (1st Corinthians 16-1-4)
A good plan can assure that one’s commitment to give is fulfilled. Paul urged the Corinthians to fulfill their pledge to the Jerusalem offering and suggested a three-point plan: 1) be regular—-set aside money each week; 2) be worshipful—-make the offering a part of the Lord’s Day worship; and 3) be worthy in the amount given—-give according to the amount earned. These guidelines fit the spiritual needs of Christians for growth in their giving. Christian giving if a form of grace. That means giving is the power of God’s love at work in the Christian life to do God’s work. Paul described the example of the Macedonians and encouraged the Corinthians in their stewardship, and told them to give willingly and with joy.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“This is the parable of the talents. The master called three servants. To one he gave him 5 talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on a journey. The master went on his journey. The man who had received the 5 talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had 5 talents brought the other 5. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with 5 talents brought the other 5. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The man with 2 talents also came. Master, he said, you entrusted me with 2 talents and ;, see, I have gained two more/ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. Come and share your master’s happiness! Then the man who had been given 1 talent came. ‘Master, he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ ‘His master replied, ‘you wicked lazy servant! So you knew that I harvested where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, it you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.’ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside into he darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of each.’” (Matthew 25: 15-30)
In Genesis 29:2-6, Joseph’s role as manager-steward for Potiphar the Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. His role as manager-steward illustrates the biblical concept of stewardship. The master/owner entrusted the steward to manage the household. In the Old and New Testaments, steward devoted the management role God has assigned us. As trustees for God, we act in responsible freedom—-free to make decisions, yet accountable for those decisions. We respond to God either in rejection or in love, but we are always accountable for how we respond. Every steward is to be faithful in all matters.
Christ taught accountability and faithfulness to God. Those faithful in managing additional trusts. Life and all its possessions are our trust fund from God. We are responsible to manage our time, abilities, and possessions so God and His kingdom will receive the greatest possible return. So, do you hear, “Good and faithful servant, or You wicked lazy servant?” Beloved, steward includes your tithe, your lifeskills, and also your personal efforts towards furthering the kingdom of heaven. When you decide what you give, make sure it is accomplished with joy in your heart and receive a blessing for your gifts!
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you.” (Isaiah 26: 3)
Perfect peace is one of God’s gifts to those who trust in Him. Confidence in God rules out fear and anxiety over lesser things. Here, the prophet looked to peace in the last days. The mark of peace is ultimately individual rather than National. Peace is based on steadfast trust in Almighty God. Such trust produces internal personal peace, the only basis for peace on a larger scale. Proverbs 22:10 says: “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.” International war grows out of personal strife. Such strife roots in insecure people who mock the achievements of others and in jealousy fight for undeserved attention. Society begins the road to peace when it helps these people change their ways.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Dear Abba, today’s focus is upon the question: “War Calls for the Application for Peace.” Way too often, wars begin when two parties decide they are right and will not take a step back, when the right answer is to bring them both to the negotiating table, instead of sending our youngest and finest men and women in to combat, for once you take the step towards war, war it will be, until after much loss of life, people realize that it is time to settle the fighting and bring both or all parties together to seek a peaceful end to the fighting and then turn towards settling the reason for the fighting ever took place. Guide our pathways Abba, and help us to see that fighting is the last result and not the first action. Today, bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world, especially in the Middle East, with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“If someone says something untrue about you, you must live life so that no one will believe it!”
KNOWING GOD:
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; if will be raised above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of he Lord our God for ever and ever.” (Micah 4-1-5)
Micah joined Isaiah (2:1-4) to provide a provocative picture of God’s promised kingdom. Peace, not conflict, will be the rule of that time. Peace will attract the nations of the world to worship the one true God. God’s teaching will be the basis of peace and of setting international disputes. Weapons of war will become unnecessary, for will will vanish from the earth. Security at home and faithfulness to God will be the order of the day. God calls His people to share and work toward His vision of true peace.
SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ;The one I kiss is the man, arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Friend, do what you came for.’ Then the men stepped forward seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of he high priest, cutting off his ear. ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you thing I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?’ At that time Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching,a nd you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfillled.’ Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” (Matthew 26: 47-56)
Jesus’ arrest came at night, in His place of prayer, in secret, accompanied by Judas’ treachery, interrupted by violence, and concluded with the desertion of His disciples. The kiss was a typical way for a student to greet a teacher. Facing death, Jesus refused to use violence or to use supernatural powers or supporters to win His way.
Beloved in the New Testament Satan, or the devil, was understood to be a tempter who actively oppose God and His people. The New Testament presents a fuller description of Satan than did the Old Testament. This expanded understanding of Satan does not man God must divine His sovereign power and control of history with an equally powerful demonic god, not by a longshot. Satan hold considerable power in human history. He can even be called the “prince of this world” (John 12:31 “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”). He cannot force or tempt God to act against God’s will or unjustly. As Tempter, Satan provides human an alternative to serving God. This is part of human freedom. Jesus exercises His freedom to serve God and God’s purposes. He showed that Satan can be defeated. He further showed that accomplishing God’s purpose through Satan’s methods is completely wrong. Providing food for the hungry, displaying God’s power and will to care for His own, and establishing Christ’s kingdom are all part of God’s ultimate purpose. Each must be done under God’s leadership, not Satan’s, Satan will be giving swimming lessons in the “Lake of Fire” for all eternity!
Daily Meditation by Rev. Jerry 