Stewarding finances, home and personal care are within a Steward's purview - tasks, personal growth, maintenance and upkeep are physical things that can be put on a list or a calendar and given priority. The most difficult stewardship I face daily is relationships. At the end of every day there are people I have not called or met with, crisis and conflicts that surprise my schedule, difficult situations requiring time and energy and friends that I rarely get to see because of everything above. I am sure everyone faces these challenges, but at the Blessing House I have greater opportunity to be involved with others in a unique partnership with the Master.
When someone enters through my door and comes under my roof, it is because God wants to bless them and so I have the privilege of watching God work in beautiful ways. That is the stewardship responsibility of being in the Blessing House.
Outside the realm of the BH, staying current with friendships and knowing how and when to respond to the hardships many in the "BH family" are experiencing is where I stumble. In the Covey ordering of life into four categories (urgent and important, urgent but not important, important not urgent, not urgent not important) there must be decisions about where relationships fit. I am discovering again how much I must look to the Master for direction on when to say yes or no to a situation. Every "yes" has a cost to it because one must say "no" to something else. I have not been able to figure it all out because I truly have no idea of the whole story being written. Therefore, life as a Steward carries with it big gulping sighs of prayer for others, trust that God has many others to call on, and that He is constantly restoring, redeeming and reconciling our lives to one another.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Life is rarely boring for the Steward
I have been enjoying rereading an old book by Jake Barnett, Wealth and Wisdom (1987). It is thick reading but it is speaking differently to me as a Steward. The issue is ownership and the Steward. The Bible is very clear about our divine mandate of dominion which is spelled out in ownership of material things. True, our ownership is, in reality, stewardship as God's image-bearer so that in relationship to God, we are stewards. But in relationship to man, individuals are owners of property with God's blessing. The Ten Commandments implies that in "thou shalt not steal" and "thou shalt not covet". And the Scriptures never demean ownership as less than stewardship but gives many principles on how ownership is intended to serve the community. One is not preferred over the other.
Hence, the world of the steward incorporates both aspects because both carry privilege and responsibility. Although I have given all that I own to the Lord for His use, I am not passive in the care and responsibility of my estate. In fact, there is a greater respect for it because I want it fit for the Master's use.
The best way I have found to describe my life as a Steward/owner is to use the metaphor of seed. 2 Cor. 9:6-11 are fast becoming my life verses. Verse 10 speaks of God supplying seed to the sower and bread to the eater implying that we give some seed away into sowing...and keep some for our bread. At the Blessing House, everything I have is used for sowing into the lives of whom-ever God brings. In that, I have plenty for myself, but God can require whatever I have for His use. In the new Blessing House everything will eventually be given over to my church to operate as a living legacy of my sons and I.
I am very conscious of this....but am not always in tune with it. When I experience that freedom of giving it all, there is great joy and satisfaction. However, I know when I have moved back into ownership because of a stinky attitude change usually brought on by over-extending myself.
The verse states that He gives seed to the sower...and multiplies the seed sown. Because of this passage, I am confident that when I have sown everything into the kingdom, there will be others who will want to join in the adventure of expanding Life through the Blessing House. More seed will come to maintain and extend the ministry of creating spaces for God to work.
I have just come through a rough patch of ups and downs in this lifestyle of stewardship because I began doubting that others will join. But, when it gets right down to it, I do not want to miss the opportunity of watching God work wonders whether others join or not.
There are a limited number of opportunities in life to experience something amazing. The disciples never did walk on water like Peter who took a chance and got out of the boat. I simply to do not want to miss the joy of living on the promises given to the Steward.
Hence, the world of the steward incorporates both aspects because both carry privilege and responsibility. Although I have given all that I own to the Lord for His use, I am not passive in the care and responsibility of my estate. In fact, there is a greater respect for it because I want it fit for the Master's use.
The best way I have found to describe my life as a Steward/owner is to use the metaphor of seed. 2 Cor. 9:6-11 are fast becoming my life verses. Verse 10 speaks of God supplying seed to the sower and bread to the eater implying that we give some seed away into sowing...and keep some for our bread. At the Blessing House, everything I have is used for sowing into the lives of whom-ever God brings. In that, I have plenty for myself, but God can require whatever I have for His use. In the new Blessing House everything will eventually be given over to my church to operate as a living legacy of my sons and I.
I am very conscious of this....but am not always in tune with it. When I experience that freedom of giving it all, there is great joy and satisfaction. However, I know when I have moved back into ownership because of a stinky attitude change usually brought on by over-extending myself.
The verse states that He gives seed to the sower...and multiplies the seed sown. Because of this passage, I am confident that when I have sown everything into the kingdom, there will be others who will want to join in the adventure of expanding Life through the Blessing House. More seed will come to maintain and extend the ministry of creating spaces for God to work.
I have just come through a rough patch of ups and downs in this lifestyle of stewardship because I began doubting that others will join. But, when it gets right down to it, I do not want to miss the opportunity of watching God work wonders whether others join or not.
There are a limited number of opportunities in life to experience something amazing. The disciples never did walk on water like Peter who took a chance and got out of the boat. I simply to do not want to miss the joy of living on the promises given to the Steward.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Keeping it Simple, Steward.
The challenge of the Steward is to concentrate each day on God's purposes. Everything else is secondary. When I focus this way, I come to the end of the day with greater joy and sense of accomplishment - even though the day seemed mundane and relatively unimportant. The secular becomes sacred - the secular meaning the things that come from living in this world such as keeping a house clean or ordering the work and tasks of everyday life. These serve God's purposes as much as being involved with ministry opportunities.
I take my orders from the Lord whether it is preparing the fields, planting seeds or harvesting. It is in the every day attention to what He has put before me that sows the reward and harvest of tomorrow For the Steward, the Lord in our midst is all that's needed to do what must be done today - we project for tomorrow but maintain for today. Because of His presence we are able to rest while working, press while waiting and increase for tomorrow while operating in today's portion. ( Shirley Weaver quote)
The Steward's responsibility in tending her heart is choosing to focus thoughts and action on the priority God has put in her heart - the orders for today. When I run ahead or reach too far ahead, my mind gets troubled, my peace is undermined, joy is stolen and my physical body gets beat up. Being a Steward of the Master keeps things a lot simpler and brings strength and purpose for each day.
I take my orders from the Lord whether it is preparing the fields, planting seeds or harvesting. It is in the every day attention to what He has put before me that sows the reward and harvest of tomorrow For the Steward, the Lord in our midst is all that's needed to do what must be done today - we project for tomorrow but maintain for today. Because of His presence we are able to rest while working, press while waiting and increase for tomorrow while operating in today's portion. ( Shirley Weaver quote)
The Steward's responsibility in tending her heart is choosing to focus thoughts and action on the priority God has put in her heart - the orders for today. When I run ahead or reach too far ahead, my mind gets troubled, my peace is undermined, joy is stolen and my physical body gets beat up. Being a Steward of the Master keeps things a lot simpler and brings strength and purpose for each day.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Steward Can Stand Solid in Shifting Times
Is anyone else glued to the TV this morning as we watch Japan over-run with a 13 foot wave produced by an 8.9 earthquake? Is the world breaking apart politically,financially, religiously, socially and physically? All evidence described in the prophetic word is before us. We live in wondrous times as we observe the Word of God painted on the screens of our home in real time.
As a Steward of the Master who has prophesied all these things, I bow before Him with greater desire to live according to His direction. Mark 13:32-37 was my morning passage. This quote comes from Generous Giving, a national organization of Christian philanthropists...
The Lord will return to examine our stewardship and judge us accordingly. He "(puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task)." Therefore, we are not to act like owners, but stewards, putting our talents and resources to use for his kingdom while he is "gone" so that when he returns, we may be found faithful to do our given work in God's timing. We cannot delay in doing our work for his sake because we do not know when he will return, or if we will be given another day in which to be fruitful.
I do believe that to delve into the life of the steward intentionally, one must understand the largess of the spiritual realm and the reality of the physical realm as passing away, culpable and corruptible. As one grows in that reality (let alone the nearness of the return of the Master) it is a lot easier to disengage - not from serving the needs of the earth and its people, but from the pressures of the world system that compress us into fear and anxiety.
Rarely does one let go of what one has, unless the greater thing becomes real. Ownership is an entrapment that promises reward, but leaves us with sand that slips through our grasping fingers. Stewardship frees us to stand on the rock solid promises of rich reward and crowns in the greater kingdom.
As a Steward of the Master who has prophesied all these things, I bow before Him with greater desire to live according to His direction. Mark 13:32-37 was my morning passage. This quote comes from Generous Giving, a national organization of Christian philanthropists...
The Lord will return to examine our stewardship and judge us accordingly. He "(puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task)." Therefore, we are not to act like owners, but stewards, putting our talents and resources to use for his kingdom while he is "gone" so that when he returns, we may be found faithful to do our given work in God's timing. We cannot delay in doing our work for his sake because we do not know when he will return, or if we will be given another day in which to be fruitful.
I do believe that to delve into the life of the steward intentionally, one must understand the largess of the spiritual realm and the reality of the physical realm as passing away, culpable and corruptible. As one grows in that reality (let alone the nearness of the return of the Master) it is a lot easier to disengage - not from serving the needs of the earth and its people, but from the pressures of the world system that compress us into fear and anxiety.
Rarely does one let go of what one has, unless the greater thing becomes real. Ownership is an entrapment that promises reward, but leaves us with sand that slips through our grasping fingers. Stewardship frees us to stand on the rock solid promises of rich reward and crowns in the greater kingdom.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Steward Lives by Radical Faith
The Steward operates in the new covenant with all the resources of heaven given and available
because of the atonement. I know this in my head and teaching. I am learning to live on the reality of these truths as I go forward step by step into a world and even a church that denies or dismisses the radical nature of the Word.
One of the greatest truths has to do with the righteousness given to us by God. I walk in righteousness and I am the righteousness of God in the earth....as are you. Mostly we walk as beggars, sinners, and orphans trying to stay on the good side of God when we are actually co-heirs with all that Christ has received from the Father and we walk the earth as Royal Treasure! Here is a prayer/creed I found for those who want to live the radical life of the Christian. I am taking it from the writings of Shirley Weaver , whose ministry is called A Clear Trumpet Inc.
This speaks of the Christian as Christ created him/her to be in the new birth. This is a prophetic word over yourself - a credal statement - a confession of faith that has the teeth of the gospel behind it.
"I have a righteous eye; a righteous eye has been given to me. I have righteous interpretation and have put selfish perspectives away from me. From all that is in my life for which God has called me to watch, I have righteous vision! My strength for righteousness is increasing! My expectation is high, not limited. Stretching to fill the container He has called me to be does not distract me. I am held tightly and protected by the Lord; by his hand He holds me close, and lifts me up! Portions come from every direction to aid me as I proceed and even unexpected portions come to me. Peace where God has placed me is my portion - strength there is my portion, with increase! Lord, YOU are the strength of my life and my portion forever - my trust; I declare YOUR works are my portion - forever!"
Ps. 73:16, Ps. 16:5-6; Ps. 119:56-58; Is. 61: 6-8
Live Big on the Raw Word of the Gospel.
because of the atonement. I know this in my head and teaching. I am learning to live on the reality of these truths as I go forward step by step into a world and even a church that denies or dismisses the radical nature of the Word.
One of the greatest truths has to do with the righteousness given to us by God. I walk in righteousness and I am the righteousness of God in the earth....as are you. Mostly we walk as beggars, sinners, and orphans trying to stay on the good side of God when we are actually co-heirs with all that Christ has received from the Father and we walk the earth as Royal Treasure! Here is a prayer/creed I found for those who want to live the radical life of the Christian. I am taking it from the writings of Shirley Weaver , whose ministry is called A Clear Trumpet Inc.
This speaks of the Christian as Christ created him/her to be in the new birth. This is a prophetic word over yourself - a credal statement - a confession of faith that has the teeth of the gospel behind it.
"I have a righteous eye; a righteous eye has been given to me. I have righteous interpretation and have put selfish perspectives away from me. From all that is in my life for which God has called me to watch, I have righteous vision! My strength for righteousness is increasing! My expectation is high, not limited. Stretching to fill the container He has called me to be does not distract me. I am held tightly and protected by the Lord; by his hand He holds me close, and lifts me up! Portions come from every direction to aid me as I proceed and even unexpected portions come to me. Peace where God has placed me is my portion - strength there is my portion, with increase! Lord, YOU are the strength of my life and my portion forever - my trust; I declare YOUR works are my portion - forever!"
Ps. 73:16, Ps. 16:5-6; Ps. 119:56-58; Is. 61: 6-8
Live Big on the Raw Word of the Gospel.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Is the Steward Naive to Trust?
The nature of the Blessing House is to bless whomever enters.
Blessing is given to whomever comes to the door because God has brought them to be blessed. Blessing is given, not charged for. To charge for a blessing is counter productive to the nature of blessing. At times those who come give a free will offering to the speakers or to cover food. Often students bring food or supplies to replenish the Blessing House pantry. But there is no charge for the blessing.
The concept of blessing my world as a Steward is creating a conundrum within me. The new building of the Blessing House requires a business plan for the Private Foundation the sons and I have formed which means the legal realities demands an accounting of income. Since I have never charged for activities (unless there is need for a speaker's remuneration) I have no idea of the value or costs associated with what I do.
Now, however, my question is..."How do I maintain the nature of the Blessing House to freely bless; and account for the needs and maintenance to run the place as required by law. This will be a larger enterprise which requires more than I have to cover the monthly expenses. The Blessing House is not the name of the ministry center....but a dynamic experience of blessing to whomever enters. Charging for the blessing is contrary to the nature of blessing. AM I BEING NAIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE OR OPERATING IN TRUST AS A STEWARD?
Can I trust that the Lord will cover the costs that I cannot from my own larder? I have filled out the form that requires an estimate of how much the Blessing House will "bring in". But, I have no reference point to expect that others will want to give to the work of blessing their world. Isn't this an interesting place to be? The Blessing has always been freely given. If I start charging for activities, The Blessing House is only a name on a sign.
My expectation is that God is going to bless the Blessing House through unconventional ways so that it can continue to truly be a Blessing House. I am reminded of the widow of Zarepath who cooked her last meal to give away to Elijah, only to find the miracle of abundant replacement (1 Kings 17). And the widow of Schunem whose oil was multiplied by Elisha so she could sell some of it to meet her bills. She was able to serve him whenever he passed through town. (2 Kings 4) I am a widow and expect surprising things from the Lord, my Master, so that I can truly keep the Blessing House a Blessing. It is going to be exciting to watch.
Blessing is given to whomever comes to the door because God has brought them to be blessed. Blessing is given, not charged for. To charge for a blessing is counter productive to the nature of blessing. At times those who come give a free will offering to the speakers or to cover food. Often students bring food or supplies to replenish the Blessing House pantry. But there is no charge for the blessing.
The concept of blessing my world as a Steward is creating a conundrum within me. The new building of the Blessing House requires a business plan for the Private Foundation the sons and I have formed which means the legal realities demands an accounting of income. Since I have never charged for activities (unless there is need for a speaker's remuneration) I have no idea of the value or costs associated with what I do.
Now, however, my question is..."How do I maintain the nature of the Blessing House to freely bless; and account for the needs and maintenance to run the place as required by law. This will be a larger enterprise which requires more than I have to cover the monthly expenses. The Blessing House is not the name of the ministry center....but a dynamic experience of blessing to whomever enters. Charging for the blessing is contrary to the nature of blessing. AM I BEING NAIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE OR OPERATING IN TRUST AS A STEWARD?
Can I trust that the Lord will cover the costs that I cannot from my own larder? I have filled out the form that requires an estimate of how much the Blessing House will "bring in". But, I have no reference point to expect that others will want to give to the work of blessing their world. Isn't this an interesting place to be? The Blessing has always been freely given. If I start charging for activities, The Blessing House is only a name on a sign.
My expectation is that God is going to bless the Blessing House through unconventional ways so that it can continue to truly be a Blessing House. I am reminded of the widow of Zarepath who cooked her last meal to give away to Elijah, only to find the miracle of abundant replacement (1 Kings 17). And the widow of Schunem whose oil was multiplied by Elisha so she could sell some of it to meet her bills. She was able to serve him whenever he passed through town. (2 Kings 4) I am a widow and expect surprising things from the Lord, my Master, so that I can truly keep the Blessing House a Blessing. It is going to be exciting to watch.
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