EFFECTIVE STEWARDSHIP OF GOD'S GIFTS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY APRIL 29, 2021.

SUBJECT : EFFECTIVE STEWARDSHIP OF GOD'S GIFTS!

Memory verse: "As each one has received a gift, minister to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (First Peter 4 vs 10).

READ: First Corinthians 12 vs 4 - 7:

12:4: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

12:5: There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

12:6: And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God which works all in all.

12:7: But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

INTIMATION:

Stewardship is effectively managing another's resources, or resources committed into your care as yours. "Moreover it is required of a steward that one be found faithful" (First Corinthians 4 vs 2). The earth, the world, and the fullness thereof is the LORD'S (Psalm 24 vs 1; 89 vs 11). Therefore, we must realize that all gifts and abilities come from God. He has given us all those resources, gifts, and abilities for the achievements of His purposes and set objectives. Consequently, we should dedicate our all to God's service wholeheartedly, and not holding back anything, realizing that nothing is for our personal success. 

Though we are differently gifted in nature, power, and effectiveness, according to God's wisdom and graciousness, our role is to be faithful and seek ways to serve God and others with what He has given us. And that is being faithful, and effective stewards. Our abilities should be faithfully used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. However, everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them 

God is completely involved in the giving, using, and empowering of gifts. Specific gifts, places of service, and activities vary, but they all have their best effects when they build up the body of Christ—the church. God creates a unique place in the body for every believer. Gifts and ministries may overlap, but each believer has a specialized God-designed role. Part of the exciting adventure of following Christ involves discovering one’s service contribution and then making it available to God. Make serving God and His people your motive as you utilize your gifts.

Obviously, it is by the grace of God you are what you are. Therefore, be a good steward of what is entrusted to your care and management. Every one of us needs to realize that our possessions are entrusted to our care and management by God, and then ask ourselves what God wants us to do with it. The key to using our resources wisely is to see how much we can use for God's purpose, and that is real stewardship, not how much we can accumulate for ourselves. Real stewardship is reflected in the way you use your resources in order to reflect kingdom values more appropriately. 

Knowing that your possessions are really God's, makes you approach life with a totally different attitude; knowing that your attitude toward them is more important than what you do with them. When you identify your own gifts, ask how you can use them to build up God’s family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can’t do the work of the church all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build Christ’s body—the church.

Prayer: Abba Father, my absolute trust is in You. I cast all my cares upon You because You cares for me. Endue me with the spirit of real stewardship, that I will manage the resources entrusted in my care appropriately, and in accordance with Your Will, in Jesus' Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!