1st and 10
Stewardship – Stewardship—the job of utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God
The most commonly used Greek word for steward is “oikonomos” (ike-o-nom-os), which means “steward”, “manager”, or “administrator”
I Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
Luke 12:42 NKJV
42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?
Luke 16:1-2 NKJV
1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’
But, I believe God is helping us to see that most of life’s journey is picking up the ball, making a few yards, reanalyzing, asking God for his direction, and moving forward again until we eventually achieve the purpose that God has for us.
If we are to be good stewards over all that God has given us, that includes honoring God with the first fruits—the tithe (10%) and giving offerings as we are able.
I John 4:4 NKJV
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Satan is no match for us. He cannot stop us unless we believe his lies instead of the word of God and the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 16:19 NKJV
19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
II Corinthians 2:11 NKJV
11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
That means we spend wisely. The enemy’s plan is for you to go into so much debt that you can’t pay your bills, much less give to the Lord’s work.
CS Lewis said, “It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it.”
Don’t wait for a crisis on the fourth down when you still have 10 yards to go. Follow His directions on the first, second, and third down and He will get you to the 10th yard line.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
The result? God says He shall direct your path. The word “direct” means “to make straight or smooth”. Ask yourself, “Has my life been smooth?”
“God didn’t give you the strength to get back on your feet only to run back to the very thing that knocked you down.”
Don’t ever forget: when God is in charge, every third down will result in a 1st and 10, 1st and 10s result in touch downs, touchdowns result in wins, and wins result in being a champion.
My Beginning. My Forever. 