Are You A Good Steward?

If you had asked me this question years ago, I might have said no. Later on, I would have thought so and was sure I was but now I know there were just some things I could not do and others I would not want to, but I know I believed and was faithful although I did not attend church every time the door was open. So what about stewardship?

I would have to say that for a long time I considered myself a little inept or incapable. I know now I was not really called to do it all, I still don’t know a lot of technical stuff, but I love to write, and there is so much more. I learned early on in faith, not to compare myself, it surely will steal joy, in many ways. We are all different and have different gifts, but we are all not on the same pages as each other or with Jesus.

Once, you could have asked me about finances. I would have said that I was responsible and resourceful, a bargain hunter, good shopper but clueless about investing and stocks, that sort of stewardship. I have jokingly said that I had a trust fund, I had to trust God. But our Father did leave us an inheritance in Jesus. I hated He had to die and leave me His will, I was not familiar with probate court or a lot that is comparable to law and justice. That is paralleled in God’s dispensing, but we are under His grace and He is just.

I often found it hard to tithe with so little money, then I learned the truth about tithing, I was doing it other ways. The Lord had more than ten percent of my time, I invested it in what was worthwhile, I know God had so much invested in me. I didn’t have a home church, and though I sent some money to larger ministries, I never cared for the idea of getting those monthly letters, God loves a cheerful giver, but He is not a debt collector.

In fact, He owed a debt, He did not owe because we owed a debt we could not pay, it has cost Him dearly to redeem us. And I have found this so true as of late, when He has stepped into some situations for me, both physical and spiritual, He has to control it all even the purse strings, there are too many Judases waiting to accuse us.

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 faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1,2 ( You might want to study the chapter. )

I thought it was interesting that Douay-Rheims, calls them dispensers. what do we all really dispense and how? Whether money, time or anything else. I never have like wasting money or food, time or anything valuable, but say that to a child or immature, even extravagant person and it means nothing. ” People are starving, clean your plate. ” The idea of saving for retirement or a rainy day gets in the way of mad money to many. And I confess, I have bought things that I thought would make me happy, but they are not long term investments.

I know Jesus taught about the parable of the talents. I wasn’t sure how I fit in that. I might not have made more, was I hiding my talent? I don’t that was it either, though God had been presented as a harsh or cruel master, I was taught differently, but not always just how to be a good steward. There is also an account of manager being dismissed and how he is shrewd, I guess I could use a few pointers on that too.

I am rethinking being a good steward, in many ways. I want to make good choices and wise decisions, which is why I am taking more time off, I never want to go through the difficulties I have had in the past, I’m trusting Him with the future.

https://biblehub.com/esv/1_corinthians/4.htm

https://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/25.htm verses 14-30

https://biblehub.com/esv/luke/16.htm

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Titus 2:7,8

I know I can do better in many ways, am not limiting God in His ability to help me be a good steward.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:23-25

Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels / Canva / Streakside

What’s Your Favorite Verse?

I decided to make this an interactive post, and ask that question. If you are like me, you can’t answer with just one. Maybe, they are the ones so familiar to us, John 3:16, Psalm 23 or 91. Is it a certain passage like Isaiah 53, pertaining to healing, 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter. I love lots of Psalms and Proverbs and always the book of John.

What about John 14:27, His gift of peace? That is one that tops my list. Or perhaps, you have a few different ones. I have come to love a lot of them. Please leave a comment if you want to, and enjoy a few of mine.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:1

Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from Him. Psalm 62:1

My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17

Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD, His going out is sure as the dawn. He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3

…He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning. Isaiah 61:3

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Isaiah 62:3

“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Mark 5:34

Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.  Mark 9:23

He, Himself, is our peace. Ephesians 2:14

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrew 13:2 New Living

The list goes on. they are shaded, underlined and journaled, on my Pinterest and FB. What is my favorite verse? Well, I do have more.

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:7   My mother’s.

Canva / Pexels / Sketchify

A Threat To Faith

No one likes to feel threatened, to be intimidated or inundated, to have someone or something threaten our lives or way of existence. It happens in wars, with loss of income, in divorce or bad relationships, addictions. It is never a good idea to feel isolated, helpless or trapped.

But behind these many reasons that we feel threats, whether spoken or not, the looks, the neighborhood bullies, the criminal element, even hearing the news, perhaps, a bad weather report, there is one element that drives us, and is a threat to our faith, fear.

For years, I thought that the opposite of love would be hate. In the natural sense of the word, it would. But in the spiritual, the opposite of God’s love is fear. Fear is behind all threats. If you think God issues threats, no, those are promises. He decides who is and isn’t doing right. People who usually are in the wrong will never admit it.

As believers, we are to use wisdom, caution and care not to cower in fear at the threats against faith. Did you know that Saul breathed threats against the Jews before being taken down a notch by Jesus? Then he became the Apostle Paul, and some still feared him, though he had encountered great love and forgiveness.

The devil is no different, he threatens us in many ways and we have to be alert and on our guard, pleading the blood of Jesus and praying for His protection. That enemy is fear as opposed to God who is love. The fear of God , as the proverb says, is wisdom. But that doesn’t mean fear, except that He can send you to hell and you need to be saved. It is respect for the Creator and the great sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

So, let’s not let fear threaten our faith, Jesus understands it, experienced it as a person, and will help us when attacked by the threat of fear.

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

I sought the LORD, and He answered ( heard ) me, He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, (divine retribution ) with the recompense of God. He will come and save you. ” Isaiah 35:4

Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. Isaiah 54:4

And His affection for you is even greater, as He remembers the obedience of you all, how you received Him with fear ( reverence ) and trembling. 2 Corinthians 7:15

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, ( or torment ) and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. I John 4:18

These are but a few verses, go ahead and study, stop the fears, or even better yet, let the Lord stop the devil in His tracks.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31

Eric Ward / Unsplash / Canva

What’s Your Problem?

What’s my problem? Sometimes, I feel like, ” What isn’t? ” We all face them, whether finances or health, family or marital. Any one of us could be going through any number of them at any given moment or even right now.

Thankfully, after a life of people pleasing and taking on too much, I have begun to step back at look at the real problem solver. Now, I can look back and think that if something was a problem to me, it could have been a lot worse.

It’s really not positive thinking or seeing the glass half mentality. I was poured out, Jesus uses that expression, He went through a whole lot more for me. How can He fill us with joy and peace, all the blessings He has for us, if we are worn out on a regular basis? Oh, He can and will, if we allow Him to be the problem solver.

Here are some verses for when you have a problem, all from the New Living Version and…

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. Psalm 20:1

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:15

Give your burdens to the LORD, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

When told about the wine running out at the marriage of Cana, Jesus, in effect, told Mary that it was not His problem, that it wasn’t time for Him to minister, and yet, He did the first miracle for her. Jesus has a heart for women. He has a way of solving our problems, and making it His, especially, when we follow His advice and do as He says.

I have a few recent ones resolved and look forward to more blessings.

Ana Itonishvili / Unsplash / Canva

Jesus, Life Saver.

For whoever wills to save his life will lose it and whoever will lose his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

While we may not all go out evangelizing the world like the disciples, we all have our own path to follow. And really, I have reached more people with this blog and intercession than I probably even realize. It’s probably true of you, we all have our ways of expressing His love, whether we write one day a week or everyday. Jesus doesn’t really need our help to save people does He? But if we influence one person or a thousand to think about Him, they add up.

I used to think if my proverbial ship ever came in, it would be the Titanic. That is absolutely not so. I like the sea, the idea of sailing away into a sunset, but there are dangers in life and we need Jesus to both anchor and captain our vessel. Did you know the Titanic didn’t have enough lifeboats, sent some out half full, and had not even rehearsed lowering them in a drill, but cancelled it? I know a lot about the Titanic, but not everything, who really does? While the Carpathian’s captain was blamed for not saving more lives, and he was later cleared for being too far away, just as he said, lives were saved, how many of those people was Jesus able to save, how many from any day or life or tragedy, we will find out only in heaven.

I know Jesus is a life saver. I have seen Him do it. And I’m not just talking about salvation, which is probably the hardest work He does, changing hearts, saving souls. No, even when I was born way back in 1961, my mother and I both almost didn’t make it. He even saved us then, she was already saved from childhood, I don’t know about my father because he left, but a dream I had about him makes me think he did come to know Jesus. I was saved at eleven.

He has saved me from minor things that could have been disastrous. I noticed the gas heater had not turned on before I plugged in a dryer. My gas stove spouted and spat a flame of fire that I stopped before it hit the wallpaper. I once lingered at the card aisle, and avoided a major collision. I can tell you stories. We often brush things off as accidents when they are intended to do us harm or destroy our testimonies, even take our lives.

I could write a book about how angels have zigged and zagged in and out of my life, we get to judge them one day. I can tell you now, mine have done great. And even more so, Jesus, my life saver. He did it time and time again in the hospital. You know a lot of people are reported dead from Covid, but the truth be told they have other ailments and that tops it off. I had repeated bouts with several trials, but He saved me from them all.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19 New Living

This hope is Jesus. It is His body and blood, the two immutable things that God will never lie about, the sacrifice of His Son. It references both Holy Communion and communion with Him. This time the curtain or veil was His flesh allowing us to come to the Father. Surely, He is our anchor, and life saver.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16 New Living

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

He did not save you to live life just any old way. He does not want us to live in the depths of darkness, turbulent seas. He brought Peter into the boat, when the waves overtook Him, He does the same for us. He is our focus, not the storm. See what the life giver and saver does for us, protects and preserves us, until He comes.

bethany121/ pixabay / Mikhail Puhachou / Canva

What We All Have In Common

What we all have in common, no matter where we live or work, or whatever the case may be is the basics, but what we all really have in common is the need for Jesus. But not everyone sees that, realizes that believes or accepts that.

Many people don’t believe at all or that He is the Son of God, that He died and rose again. Some see Him as a prophet, teacher or just a good man in general, like a person from history. Some doubt His very existence.

But let’s look at what we have in common as believers.

Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. Proverbs 8:14 New Living

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7

By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great: In flesh was he revealed to sight, kept righteous by the Spirit’s might, adored by angels singing. To nations was he manifest, believing souls found peace and rest, our Lord in heaven reigning! 1 Timothy 3:16 International Standard

So we all have something in common as believers who have a measure of the Spirit working in and through us. Wisdom, what a lot of people don’t have or referred to as common sense. A lot of people don’t have that. For example: ” If so and so told you to do it, would you? ” Yes, a lot of people would.

Insight and strength are from the Spirit, and there are different measures of His anointing among believers as well as different gifts. Jesus came in the flesh, taught the Jews, Gentiles, rich. poor, unbelieving and religious, saints and sinners. His words have echoes through the ages, and cost many their lives so that we could read them, but most of all Jesus, and His sacrifice. That should never be thought of as common. To take it lightly is like making Him what is known as anathema or accursed. And He is the one who took the curses for us and breaks them.

You will read about common or even accursed things in the Old Testament. It can get into food laws. There is a difference between holy and common. The Lord explained it Peter in his vision upon the roof. Many religions, even Christianity will hold fast to certain food laws or restrictions, doctrines and differences, but the truth is that Jesus was the once and for all sacrifice for those who would believe.

He gives us grace to grow and learn, His love and sacrifice is too great to be a common thing, while we should recognize sin and flee from it. His blood covers it for believers, His body was for healing. Communion should not be common, nor faith, nor believing in Him. We need Him, we all have that in common. Read about the day of Pentecost, if only we could get to that place, even if we are not together, but in Spirit, believers the word over.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. Acts 2:42-44

Mikhail Nilov / Pexels / Canva

Are We In Danger?

Are we in danger? The simple answer is yes. And it is also, no. Why would I believe that? Just watch the news, Is it safe to go anywhere, school, work, the grocery store? Ordering food could be dangerous. People are bad tempered, angry and violent. How many mass shootings can anybody take?

There are tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, ice, snow and electrical storms. And though I don’t buy into conspiracies, the world does groan for the Lord’s return. There is extreme heat and torrential rains, fires, floods. Mudslides and more.

There are all the flus and viruses, epidemics, pandemics, and the regular old health scares. And that is the key word, scare. Good things happen to bad people, a lot of them appear to get away with anything and bad things happen to good people. But we can rest unafraid in a just God.

I won’t even mention the internet. For too long, I worried about using it. I have been blessed to find a creative outlet and avoid the rest.

So are we in danger? Yes and no. Here’s why not…

Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,
for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25,26

Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. Proverbs 27:12 Good News

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety, Proverbs 25:29

But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:22

This verse bothered me because I was angry at people who should know better, It may not be my place to remind people of foolish behavior or at least to keep reminding them. I think Jesus is talking about self control because not all are believers even if they say they are, which is why Paul explains about being in danger preaching Christ. We do “die ” to our will, knowing He was raised and so are we in effect and will be whether in the Rapture, or catching away of the church, or resurrection.

Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 1 Corinthians 15:30

The Holy Spirit is still here restraining the evil that will bring on the Great Tribulation. Even Jesus was in danger. There were those who wanted to kill Him before He could give His life, some sinners, some rebellious, and some religious. Sometimes, I did not realize the danger I was in, in the big city, out in the country, being a prayer warrior, witnessing to drug addicts, just by living or being a Christ follower.

But His angels have been commanded concerning us, and we can avoid danger.

Anete Lusina / Pexels / Canva

Who Do You Adore?

We all have those cute, little, adorable babies or puppies in our lives, don’t we? And we should find our spouses and children adorable, but many times they aren’t. The truth is that adoration is a word with a lot more meaning.

It is not simply a deep love, the puppy dog eyes, it is indeed much more, passion and to worship the divine. No wonder we hear about the passion of Christ. He loves us much more than we ever could Him.

God is a spirit; and they that adore Him, must adore him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24 Douay Rheims Bible, a Catholic version. Other translations use worship and are not as familiar to non Catholics, yet, it is very profound and helps us to understand true worship and adoration.

Many times we see the adoration in church or deep prayer, sometimes it is the veneration of Christ and is even depicted in art. The Jews took off shoes, and were often prostrate in prayer. We even sing, ” O Come Let Us Adore Him “. So who do we adore? Shouldn’t it be the one who loves us most and gave His life for us?

Adore ye the Lord in his holy court. Let all the earth be moved at His presence. Psalm 96:9 Douay Rheims

The Hebrew word for adore is he’ eriyrtz, in Greek, latrevo, worship, adore and even bless. Other words are to reverence, cherish and even place on a pedestal. The word can also go the wrong way into idolatry. We know we should not give into that nor put the wrong people on pedestals.

Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us. Psalm 95:6 Douay Rheims

Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs. Psalm 66:4 New Living

There are many forms of worship and to many degrees. Some people worship materialistic things, some money, other people, even creation or nature and even false gods. The Bible tell of a man kicked out of the synagogue and proclaimed a sinner, but it was they who had spiritual blindness.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in Him.” “You have seen Him,” Jesus said, “and He is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. John 9:35-38 New Living

Who do you adore? I want to adore Jesus, He has done so much for me.

Juan Vargas / Pexels / Canva / Sparklestroke

Welcome Changes

Some changes are not welcome ones, but some truly are. Like the routine change of seasons, God also has seasons. Some of them we may not welcome. That doesn’t mean He isn’t there or watching us grow and blossom or that He is not watering us the Spirit. Many of us are in a rest mode, asleep in cold of winter, waiting to welcome the change to spring, a warmer time, a time of resurrection.

He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up, the time for killing and the time for healing, the time for tearing down and the time for building. He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for mourning and the time for dancing, the time for making love and the time for not making love, the time for kissing and the time for not kissing. He sets the time for finding and the time for losing, the time for saving and the time for throwing away, the time for tearing and the time for mending, the time for silence and the time for talk. He sets the time for love and the time for hate, the time for war and the time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This is from the Good News. It makes this a little more clearly, throwing stones and gathering them, It is a time to keep and a time to throw away, I think we are all in that season in some way.

I am throwing away pain and bad memories, my hospital stay and surgeries, the mental and spiritual agony and suffering that was rooted in spiritual warfare and my own physical weakness.

I am allowing Him to tear the times of uncertainty from my heart and mend it with His love and peace. It wasn’t time for me to die but I came to close, now I must allow healing in.

I know I have planted and sown and should be joy and peace. Surely, He kissed a tearful cheek and the forehead of one who could no longer cry. And His words kiss my lips in praise as I find time in silence, stillness and grace. I am no longer striving in the seasons of change. I will welcome them to rest and grow and change will come and the butterflies emerge and soar, raptured by His lavish love.

Have you lost someone or something, marriage, health, finances? He sets time. Are you a single parent, widow, empty nester? He knows every season and while we know the basic four, we don’t always recognize the spiritual ones. They may be dark and cold, or hot and dry. Is the rain of the Spirit getting to you? Are your sins white as snow.

To everything there is a season, and He sets time. While the ” world ” may be at war, we can be at peace, the gift of John 14:27. I don’t think His rest is ever out of season, so maybe, we don’t have to either. It might not be the right time to move, marry or minister but He knows the seasons and every changing color of life.

Canva Template

Lottery? Life Should Not Be A Gamble.

I have never played the lottery. I never cared for bingo or cards, I cared for Christ. I’m not telling you what to do or not, that is everyone’s choice, it is just one of those hobbies that can spiral out of control, it can lead to sin and consequences. I guess I’m just not a gambler or hate too much the idea of throwing money away.

I shared a story about a neighbor’s trip to the casino, someone won and lost $10,000. When I was told the money wasn’t his anyway, I piped up, ” It was while he had it! ” The expression of that realization was total silence, and I could see question marks over their heads or at least imagine them.

I guess I always thought about the Roman soldiers gambling for the royal robe of Christ. Maybe, some people still do gamble on their salvation, are not really sure if they were saved, they keep living any old way. I have seen that time and again. The robe of righteousness is all that saves us and paid a high price, and that was not a gamble, He knew not everyone would believe, it was pure love.

While a lot of people play their cards close to the vest, and we may not be able to read poker faced sinners, can the same be true of saints or some that profess to be. Maybe, we take to many chances in the world, like saying ” hit me ” and going bust over twenty one. Yes, I played blackjack a few times back in the day, not for money. We all sometimes get into the mindset that things couldn’t happen to us but we do live in a fallen world full of people who hoping to win the lottery when they die, knowing nothing of the plan of redemption.

Many cultures rolled the dice, it was even the way mates were chosen, picking a name from the proverbial hat or the supposed luck of the draw. It was a pagan version of Valentine’s Day. While we celebrate the love expressed by a jailer’s daughter to her Valentine, ancient women were not all surrounded with roses.

Lots were even cast in the days of Esther, to see when the Jews would die. I’m not sure it was a Friday, but the thirteenth day of Adar, equates with Friday the 13th. Some would say she was lucky, I don’t believe in luck but the one who loves us. Life is full of enough surprises, it is not a gamble unless you let it be.

I thinks men like Samson took chances, Haman, certainly, Judas did. Who do you think gambled? Even Solomon got into the act.

We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall. Proverbs 16:33

Chini Garay / Pixabay / Canva