Reflecting God ~ Embrace Holy Living ~ Sunday, 3 November 2013 ~ “Serving Stewards” 1 Timothy 6

Reflecting God ~ Embrace Holy Living ~ Sunday, 3 November 2013 ~ “Serving Stewards”

1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed. 2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. *

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.(Messianic WEB)

“Serving Stewards” by Kenneth E. Crow

Over the last five decades I have had a rather unusual assortment of assignments for a Nazarene minister. I have had the privilege of participating in and observing the church from the point of view of a sociologist, preacher, teacher, builder, and clinic administrator. I have had the opportunity to serve on two continents. I have also served in both the local church and in the college system as a faculty member and registrar.

These varied opportunities to serve have enriched my life. I have learned from and worked with wonderful people. In every assignment I have observed many characteristics and accomplishments which are very positive. I am impressed by the character and quality of people.

Sometimes we are tempted to look down on people who live on incomes below the poverty line, but many of the missionaries, pastors, and teachers I have observed have chosen to sacrifice financial and physical comfort, living below that line in order to serve people in need. They are great examples of living by Jesus’ standard of service instead of our culture’s standard of wealth, power, and prestige as the measure by which we judge who is “greatest in the kingdom.”

Hymn for Today:

“I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” by Charles E. Price

1. It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I'll go where you want me to go.

(Chorus)
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.

2. Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand'rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I'll say what you want me to say.

(Chorus)
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.

3. There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I'll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I'll be what you want me to be.

(Chorus)
I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what you want me to be.

Thought for Today:

“finally, all of you, be like~minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble”(1 Peter 3:8).

Prayer Needs:

Many people in Trinidad will come to know Jesus the Christ (Yeshua the Messiah) and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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