Be thou not lazy, nor frivolous, nor a curmudgeon. This statement is not scripture, but is biblical. This week in a practical application portion of our Stewardship series, Larry Smith and others teach us to submit every area of our lives to the Lordship of Christ, through taking a pragmatic approach to three main areas:
Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. Genesis 2:15 NKJV# 1-The Blessing of Work
Believers often misappropriate work to being a byproduct of the fall. This is incorrect as only the sweat-producing toil and exhausting frustration came from the fall. Work actually existed from the beginning of mankind and is a good gift from God. We learn that we must all continue to work today, because everyone must eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Listen to the sermon this week to understand the caveats and exceptions, but know we must not become workaholics and find and keep a good work, life, faith balance.
#2-The Principles of Money Management
Augustine once said, "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." That is no truer than with the realm of money. We are told to give no thought for tomorrow, but we are also told to be prepared and diligent. Money and practical matters of life should not worry you or fill you with anxiety, and working hard does not show a lack of faith. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We are told to do everything as unto the Lord. The Lord deserves our best effort, even though we are just measuring it all back to Him. The Work is finished, but do not lie down and your life shrivel away! Live abundantly!
#3-Experience the joy of giving!
Just as we are not called to live with either striving or anxiety, we are also not supposed to live as one hoarding every drop of possessions we have. The greatest joy in life is to give, with nothing expected in return. This takes many forms, but it all flows from the fact that our heavenly Father first gave everything to us, through the death of Jesus on the cross, even though we had NOTHING to give in return. Following this beautiful example, there is a principle that will be proven time after time, as it is tried and true: IT IS BETTER TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJVPush into His presence in a deeper way this week! You will be surprised the difference in your experience with God when you connect with a Spirit-filled community to encourage you and spur you on when things get difficult. The Holy Spirit is moving around the world, and we are preparing for a great local move of His Holy Spirit here in Durham before Jesus's soon return.
God's Word is both timeless and powerful today!
We hope that you will consider this week's message in greater depth in the days ahead and meditate on God's Word.
You can find the sermon by clicking here.
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