Meditation

04/17/2024

“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.” (1^st 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!