God comes DOWN to us, we move IN to the center (ourselves)
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. ...you are acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. John 15:12,16
After we recognize and claim the promises of a God who comes down to us, we look in to discover the resources and gifts that God has entrusted to each of us for our care. God loves each of us and has given us resources that we can use to love him and our neighbor. We are each created and blessed beyond more than we can imagine, and nothing belongs to us. To be chosen as a steward is an honor and a privilege.
In the words of the hymn, "We Give Thee but Thine Own"
We give thee but thine own,
whate'er the gift may be,
for all we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.
May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive,
and gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee our firstfruits give.
Text: William Walsham How, 1823-1897
In 1 Peter 4:10, we're called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. ... God doesn't give us anything just for our own benefit. After all, we're blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2)! Just as with spiritual gifts, God wants us to use our talents and skills for the benefit of others.
Go now as stewards of God's abundance; remembering the many ways that God has come down to you; looking in to celebrate all that God has entrusted to your care; and focusing out to do justice for the sake of the neighbor both near and far.
Go in peace; share God's love through stewardship year-round.
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. ...you are acquainted with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. John 15:12,16
After we recognize and claim the promises of a God who comes down to us, we look in to discover the resources and gifts that God has entrusted to each of us for our care. God loves each of us and has given us resources that we can use to love him and our neighbor. We are each created and blessed beyond more than we can imagine, and nothing belongs to us. To be chosen as a steward is an honor and a privilege.
In the words of the hymn, "We Give Thee but Thine Own"
We give thee but thine own,
whate'er the gift may be,
for all we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.
May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive,
and gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee our firstfruits give.
Text: William Walsham How, 1823-1897
In 1 Peter 4:10, we're called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. ... God doesn't give us anything just for our own benefit. After all, we're blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2)! Just as with spiritual gifts, God wants us to use our talents and skills for the benefit of others.
Go now as stewards of God's abundance; remembering the many ways that God has come down to you; looking in to celebrate all that God has entrusted to your care; and focusing out to do justice for the sake of the neighbor both near and far.
Go in peace; share God's love through stewardship year-round.