Have you ever thought of Jesus as the Great Steward over the household of God? The word, steward, comes from "oikos", a house, and "nemo", to arrange = oikonomos...denoted primarily as a manager of a household or estate.
When I gave everything I owned over to the Lordship of Christ, I became the steward of his household called the Blessing House. I remember doing that with my children and my marriage so that how I loved and cared for those He had given me was a form of stewardship. I was responsible to Him for the care and keeping of all that was given me. That must be the starting place of Stewardship - recognizing that all of life is a gift and gifts come in lots of surprising packages.
So, Jesus knows what it is like to have the care and keeping of the household of faith. The Master knows what it is like to be the Steward because He also served by laying down His life as a ransom for many. This is a new angle of thought that the Spirit of the Steward is the Spirit of the Master. Somehow knowing that Jesus knows my experience is comforting today as I seek to be a good steward over my household.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Steward's connection with the Master
The Steward's heart is of great interest to the Master who tends it as warm fire of coals. My heart's intention is to be a good steward attending to the will and voice of the Master.
Does it bother anyone that I use the word, Master? It evokes many responses I am sure because it
raises the implication that a steward is somehow a puppet in the hands of a puppet master. It has a
master-slave connotation that is uncomfortable. It imagines a cold and unfeeling relationship of
obedience and law with a lack of loving interaction. There is an unfortunate relationship with the
word because it is not used in our culture except in a negative way.
I find the word comforting and helpful because I know my Master is also, Father, brother, friend, Savior, Comforter, Wisdom, All Loving Presence, Light and Love. We use the word, Lord, as an alternative nomenclature even though it is not a western cultural word: yet, it has a deep association with our relationship with Jesus.
Perhaps if we were more accustomed to the word, Steward, the word Master would also become more precious because a Steward is attached, aligned with and in relationship to the one served. 'Master'
helps me remember whom I serve and that He is the one in control whose Word is my desire to obey. Independence has long given way to dependence on Him as I have lived enough years now to recognize just how little power one has. "You can do nothing without me." The Lord states.
That is a hard word to swallow because I specialize in "making things happen" and love the words, success and influence. Yet, the only lasting work of a human being of any life changing significance would of necessity be attributed to the Eternal One who alone draws forth eternal value from our actions. I could build a new Blessing House out of my own energy and will - but for what eternal value? "Unless the Lord (Master) builds the house, one builds in vain" says the Proverb.
Does it bother anyone that I use the word, Master? It evokes many responses I am sure because it
raises the implication that a steward is somehow a puppet in the hands of a puppet master. It has a
master-slave connotation that is uncomfortable. It imagines a cold and unfeeling relationship of
obedience and law with a lack of loving interaction. There is an unfortunate relationship with the
word because it is not used in our culture except in a negative way.
I find the word comforting and helpful because I know my Master is also, Father, brother, friend, Savior, Comforter, Wisdom, All Loving Presence, Light and Love. We use the word, Lord, as an alternative nomenclature even though it is not a western cultural word: yet, it has a deep association with our relationship with Jesus.
Perhaps if we were more accustomed to the word, Steward, the word Master would also become more precious because a Steward is attached, aligned with and in relationship to the one served. 'Master'
helps me remember whom I serve and that He is the one in control whose Word is my desire to obey. Independence has long given way to dependence on Him as I have lived enough years now to recognize just how little power one has. "You can do nothing without me." The Lord states.
That is a hard word to swallow because I specialize in "making things happen" and love the words, success and influence. Yet, the only lasting work of a human being of any life changing significance would of necessity be attributed to the Eternal One who alone draws forth eternal value from our actions. I could build a new Blessing House out of my own energy and will - but for what eternal value? "Unless the Lord (Master) builds the house, one builds in vain" says the Proverb.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Steward - Role or Relationship?
I forget from time to time that the Steward is not a job description but a character development - a way of responding and a reference point for decisions. I struggle with the "pressure" of being a good steward with the Lord's property and plans. It is easy to slide into that role rather than resting in the relationship.
I am wondering about the analogy of the Sabbath which encapsulates all other days of the week and yet is separate. The three days before the Sabbath are to be spent preparing for the Day and the three days after the Sabbath are to be spent in reflection upon that Day according to rabbinic teaching. All the shoulds and oughts are set aside on the Sabbath so that we can enjoy a "want to" environment of rest and joy from the demands of the system.
For the Steward, living in the Sabbath is living in the presence of the King empowered with His joy and enthusiasm for life. I understand that cognitively, but my reality is challenged by my own oughts and shoulds. Handling this building project has derailed my "rest" and tested my stewardship because of the many setbacks and roadblocks created by the world's regulations and demands.
"Rest in God" Abide in My Presence" " Hope in God" "Lean not to your own understanding..." are truly the admonitions for the Steward who finds no counterparts in the world system. "GETTERDONE", "GETTERORGANIZED" "GETTERERFUNDED" GETTERRIGHT" have been echoing through my days and nights.
The invitation to return to the Lord as His Steward and rest in the work of each day - attending to the task at hand with anticipation of the Master's joy and empowerment falls like fresh rain. Each day the Steward must begin again to live in that relationship.
I am wondering about the analogy of the Sabbath which encapsulates all other days of the week and yet is separate. The three days before the Sabbath are to be spent preparing for the Day and the three days after the Sabbath are to be spent in reflection upon that Day according to rabbinic teaching. All the shoulds and oughts are set aside on the Sabbath so that we can enjoy a "want to" environment of rest and joy from the demands of the system.
For the Steward, living in the Sabbath is living in the presence of the King empowered with His joy and enthusiasm for life. I understand that cognitively, but my reality is challenged by my own oughts and shoulds. Handling this building project has derailed my "rest" and tested my stewardship because of the many setbacks and roadblocks created by the world's regulations and demands.
"Rest in God" Abide in My Presence" " Hope in God" "Lean not to your own understanding..." are truly the admonitions for the Steward who finds no counterparts in the world system. "GETTERDONE", "GETTERORGANIZED" "GETTERERFUNDED" GETTERRIGHT" have been echoing through my days and nights.
The invitation to return to the Lord as His Steward and rest in the work of each day - attending to the task at hand with anticipation of the Master's joy and empowerment falls like fresh rain. Each day the Steward must begin again to live in that relationship.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
When the Steward Faces Doubt
These past several weeks have been a roller coaster ride of emotions as I have faced the question of my ability as a Steward to accomplish the plan of the Master. Right within that statement is the word, "to accomplish" and one can see where this is going.
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?" questions David in Ps. 42. "Let me give you reasons..., "I answer. David says, " Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God". David always says the right thing.
I, however, have my eyes focused on the circumstances and barriers, roadblocks, and impossible imaginings. "I can't do this. Why do you think I can do this? I do not have enough faith to even believe you will help me. How did I get myself into such a mess?" I am some kind of steward who has none of the skill sets required. Can you hear my complaint? I am down here with impossible odds and it is getting more difficult!"
After a long discussion with friend, Thomas J, I said....I simply don't have enough faith to see this building plan through. "Well, can you muster up a mustard seed of faith?" And he laid a tiny nib of a carmel candy in his big palm and we looked at it together. Do you realize how much power there is in that tiny piece of faith? Enough to move mountains when you speak to them." Here is a man who has amazing talent in writing and singing; yet, has to live by faith daily to meet his basic needs of shelter and food. He stopped in at the Blessing House, I believe, by invitation of the Master to re-screw my perspective.
I have been speaking to those barriers and roadblocks with my mustard seed faith intact and I have already experienced the power of God to change things. I have at least a mustard seed of faith and that seems to be more than enough.
I am keeping that nib as a reminder of the power of God within the steward to complete the work given.
PS Thomas J Denk is the man who wrote the song for the Blessing House DVD found on Youtube at theblessinghouse.com by Gail Berger
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?" questions David in Ps. 42. "Let me give you reasons..., "I answer. David says, " Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God". David always says the right thing.
I, however, have my eyes focused on the circumstances and barriers, roadblocks, and impossible imaginings. "I can't do this. Why do you think I can do this? I do not have enough faith to even believe you will help me. How did I get myself into such a mess?" I am some kind of steward who has none of the skill sets required. Can you hear my complaint? I am down here with impossible odds and it is getting more difficult!"
After a long discussion with friend, Thomas J, I said....I simply don't have enough faith to see this building plan through. "Well, can you muster up a mustard seed of faith?" And he laid a tiny nib of a carmel candy in his big palm and we looked at it together. Do you realize how much power there is in that tiny piece of faith? Enough to move mountains when you speak to them." Here is a man who has amazing talent in writing and singing; yet, has to live by faith daily to meet his basic needs of shelter and food. He stopped in at the Blessing House, I believe, by invitation of the Master to re-screw my perspective.
I have been speaking to those barriers and roadblocks with my mustard seed faith intact and I have already experienced the power of God to change things. I have at least a mustard seed of faith and that seems to be more than enough.
I am keeping that nib as a reminder of the power of God within the steward to complete the work given.
PS Thomas J Denk is the man who wrote the song for the Blessing House DVD found on Youtube at theblessinghouse.com by Gail Berger
Monday, May 9, 2011
How does a Steward face difficulties?
As a young Steward, I learned to handle difficulties in my life through anger, regret, crying, ranting, and accusation. Not very good stewardship of life realities. I tried to "be happy" and ignore things, plus my favorite...apply the Christian virtues of long suffering, patience, forgiveness etc. I compromised, took the guilt, control, and manipulation in attacking any threat to my happiness and well-being.
Many of these things worked for a while, but all that came home to roost as the enemy seemed impervious to my schemes. It all blew up when I had to come to grips with the truth that the enemy had taken up residence in my family through addictions. The Truth could no longer be explained away or compromised and so I finally went to Alanon and began to learn what I was up against . The greatest break through was discovering how the enemy had captured me in the co-dependent lifestyle which had me in chains as much as the addictions had my family members.
Facing truth - realities - and the barren scope of a problem is difficult for a Christian who wants as a good steward who applies Biblical promises and commands. We want to see our lives through these lenses and ignore what we are up against. "Speaking the truth in love" I believe is the greatest faith act there is because it is recognition that things are messed up in "Christian-land" and our Christian testimony is left hanging. If we told the raw truth, we are not sure if God can handle the explosion that we had carefully wrapped up in our "trying harder".
I experienced three separate lives this weekend that were so entangled in Satan's snares as to seem hopeless. The roots went deep into their history and patterns of decisions and emotions swirled around them like storm clouds and lightening. I had no answers. Yet, as we talked and prayed together recognizing we were the chosen ones, beloved of the Father and clean in our spirit because of the Cross and Filling of the Holy Spirit, the enemy was exposed in his schemes within and without. I left each one without knowing the answers to their dilemmas and discouraged about my stewardship of life-answers. However, in facing the truth together in its bold faced reality, God was able to intervene on their behalf and within 24 hours they were calling with new found joy and answers. Silly me. I had forgotten how powerful the Master is when we look both at reality and the Word.
Many of these things worked for a while, but all that came home to roost as the enemy seemed impervious to my schemes. It all blew up when I had to come to grips with the truth that the enemy had taken up residence in my family through addictions. The Truth could no longer be explained away or compromised and so I finally went to Alanon and began to learn what I was up against . The greatest break through was discovering how the enemy had captured me in the co-dependent lifestyle which had me in chains as much as the addictions had my family members.
Facing truth - realities - and the barren scope of a problem is difficult for a Christian who wants as a good steward who applies Biblical promises and commands. We want to see our lives through these lenses and ignore what we are up against. "Speaking the truth in love" I believe is the greatest faith act there is because it is recognition that things are messed up in "Christian-land" and our Christian testimony is left hanging. If we told the raw truth, we are not sure if God can handle the explosion that we had carefully wrapped up in our "trying harder".
I experienced three separate lives this weekend that were so entangled in Satan's snares as to seem hopeless. The roots went deep into their history and patterns of decisions and emotions swirled around them like storm clouds and lightening. I had no answers. Yet, as we talked and prayed together recognizing we were the chosen ones, beloved of the Father and clean in our spirit because of the Cross and Filling of the Holy Spirit, the enemy was exposed in his schemes within and without. I left each one without knowing the answers to their dilemmas and discouraged about my stewardship of life-answers. However, in facing the truth together in its bold faced reality, God was able to intervene on their behalf and within 24 hours they were calling with new found joy and answers. Silly me. I had forgotten how powerful the Master is when we look both at reality and the Word.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Steward Works on Assignment
Although purpose and meaning are important in a satisfying life, the word, assignment, has become a more useful term because it is specific in time and space. The over-arching purpose and meaning of my life as a Steward, finds its expression in a given assignment within a time frame. This was highlighted in the readings this morning from Mark 13:32-37 and Mark 14:3-10.
"No one knows about the day or the hour..only the Father. Be on guard! Be Alert!. It is like a man who goes away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task and tells the one at the door to keep watch...You do not know when the owner of the house will come back...What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch"
"She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. (For I am going away...John 14). She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial."
I struggle at times with guilt about all that I can no longer tend to - all people related. The Blessing House building project is task oriented, meaning I have to leave many people in the dust - all who come under my frame of meaning and purpose. I am convinced that the assignment, to build the house on Lake Wassermann, is something to be done for the Lord as perfume poured out. I have pondered if this is the best use of my time and resources since it demands my all to some neglect of "the poor, the ministry, the church, friends and family".
I also wonder, what it might have to do with the "unknown hour when the Master returns". Does the perfume I pour out have anything to do with preparing for the Master's return? Some day I hope to hear the Lord say to me, as He did to Mary, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." (Mk 14:6)
"No one knows about the day or the hour..only the Father. Be on guard! Be Alert!. It is like a man who goes away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task and tells the one at the door to keep watch...You do not know when the owner of the house will come back...What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch"
"She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. (For I am going away...John 14). She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial."
I struggle at times with guilt about all that I can no longer tend to - all people related. The Blessing House building project is task oriented, meaning I have to leave many people in the dust - all who come under my frame of meaning and purpose. I am convinced that the assignment, to build the house on Lake Wassermann, is something to be done for the Lord as perfume poured out. I have pondered if this is the best use of my time and resources since it demands my all to some neglect of "the poor, the ministry, the church, friends and family".
I also wonder, what it might have to do with the "unknown hour when the Master returns". Does the perfume I pour out have anything to do with preparing for the Master's return? Some day I hope to hear the Lord say to me, as He did to Mary, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." (Mk 14:6)
The Steward Has His Assignment
While purpose and meaning are the marks of a full-filling life, the word, assignment, has come to more helpful for me as a steward. Assignment is more deliniated for a specific time frame. The reading for today in Mark 13:32-37 and Mark 14: 3-10 were helpful for me because they spoke of specific tasks assigned by the Spirit.
"No one knows the day not the house....Be on guard! Be alert!. It is like a man going away; He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task and tells the one at the door to keep watch...What I say to you I say to everyone: Watch!"
"She has done a beautiful thing. The poor you will always have with you and you can help them any time you want...but you will not always have me with you (for I am going away John 14) She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial." (a perfume that was worth a year's wag
"No one knows the day not the house....Be on guard! Be alert!. It is like a man going away; He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task and tells the one at the door to keep watch...What I say to you I say to everyone: Watch!"
"She has done a beautiful thing. The poor you will always have with you and you can help them any time you want...but you will not always have me with you (for I am going away John 14) She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial." (a perfume that was worth a year's wag
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