Faithful Stewards

As we've prayed in recent weeks, on a couple of occasions, my youth pastor friend preached yesterday morning, his last Sunday before officially starting his new role as Senior Pastor.

Both in his message, as well as the altar time that followed as the church surrounded he and his wife in prayer, so much of life is about stewardship. Is the church; followers of Jesus Christ, living in such a manner that "makes much of Christ".

Often focused on the topic of finances, the church rarely discusses stewardship in light of the areas of life which have been entrusted to our care.

Our jobs. Whatever you do, work as unto the Lord.
Our kids. Children are an inheritance from the Lord.
Our neighbors. As you have done unto the least of these, you've done unto me.
Our ministry...make the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil.

As I stated the other day and have many times before, God does not waste. We go through circumstances for a reason. We endure challenging difficulties, often feeling as though we have been left in the dark. For a season, we may lack wisdom. For a time, there may be confusion. But whatever it is and for however long it lasts, there is a plan. There is a purpose.

As we grow in faith, as we learn more about the character of God, as we become more like Christ... it becomes increasingly apparent that our lives on earth are a partnership with God. He is at work in our lives in order that we may do His work, as we live life in ways that direct a lost and dying world back to the person of Jesus Christ.

For He is not will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Thus, it is imperative, that there be an authentic faith resident in our lives, made apparent to the world, that is properly aligned with the Word of God in order that their may be a drawing towards God rather than further pushing people away.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, that pastors and parishioners alike, would indeed walk in faith in wisdom, for indeed the days are increasingly evil. May we remember the importance to make the most of every opportunity to make much of Christ. Pray for the conduct of the church; that faith would arise, that faith would mature in ways that bring greater glory to God. May a world and a culture desperately in need of God be drawn to Him through the word of our testimony; through the simplicity of the Gospel; through the redemptive work of Calvary. Pray God guard our hearts and minds; that our focus remain on who you are and what you have for us to accomplish, rather than caught up in self and matters of vanity. Help us be better stewards, with the knowledge, love, testimony, time and talent that you have entrusted to us... to be used by you in greater dimensions than ever before.

For the glory of God. For the cause of Jesus Christ. Be glorified in our lives, for You alone are worthy.

- PNC

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