DAY 35: Good stewards

Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11
‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve
others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ v10

 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Being a good steward is not just about money. It is about our whole
life: time, talents and treasure. God has gifted us with time (though
with all the demands upon it there may only be a small part for specific
church-based activity); talents, each of us has gifts and we should
look for the opportunities to use those gifts; and treasure, our worldly
goods.
In this passage we see how as Christians we can use all that God has
gifted us with to strengthen the church. Being a steward is not only
about what we can do in a church setting. As Christians we are called
to live in the world and therefore it is how we exercise our Christian
discipleship in work, in the community, in our family as well as in
church, that will count.
As good stewards, we will not hide what God has gifted us, but use it
for the benefit of others. Being a faithful steward is not easy, but we
are filled with the Holy Spirit and He will equip us to live to the glory of
God, which is our goal.

For further reading: Psalm 51 - a prayer that we might be renewed.
To ponder: At the end of five weeks of study, what practical actions are
you going to take?
To Pray Lord Jesus, you have called me to follow you. Equip me to be
a faithful steward in all that I do, that I may glorify your name.
Amen.

This marks the last of the readings and reflections from the Generous God, Generous people series. We pray you have been blessed by them.

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Introduction

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This is a five week set of Bible readings for your personal devotions. The theme is ‘generous God, generous people’, or more simply, our calling as stewards of all that God has given us. Each week tackles one aspect of the overall theme. Each day follows the same simple format of a reading, the main verse, a brief reflection followed by a response to consider, a passage for further study and a simple prayer.  You might want to have a notebook with you to record your own reflections and responses to the questions and actions.  The fives themes are:  Generous God  Generous people  Generous giving  Generosity towards others  Principles for generous people to live by . At the end of each week you might want to spend a little time reflecting on what you have learned.  Which themes or issues made a special impact on you?  What challenged you and perhaps made you uncomfortable?  What excited you?  What will you do as a result of this?  How does this affect your attitude t
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