Have you ever found yourself pondering something? What sparked your curiosity or led to that thought? Was it a question asked out of fear or worry? Was it a question asked out of some positive or negative intentions? “Did you ask yourself if what you’re thinking about aligns with bringing glory to God?” Will the answer help you to be a good steward?
Seeking Wisdom from God
When striving for good stewardship, it is essential to seek wisdom from God. James 1:5 encourages us,
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
This verse highlights God’s willingness to provide wisdom generously to those who ask. The most important thing to remember is to seek divine guidance in all our decisions to ensure they align with God’s will. Practically, this means incorporating regular prayer and Bible study into our decision-making process. By doing so, we acknowledge our dependence on God’s wisdom rather than our limited understanding.
The Role of Intentions in Stewardship
Our intentions behind asking questions are pivotal in our pursuit of good stewardship. Proverbs 16:2 states,
"All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits."
This verse reminds us that while we may perceive our intentions as pure, God examines the true motives of our hearts. The key takeaway is that we should ensure our questions and actions are motivated by a genuine desire to honor God and serve others. In practice, this involves self-reflection and honest prayer, asking God to reveal hidden motives and align intentions with His purposes.
Applying Knowledge for God’s Glory
“Understanding and knowledge are not merely for personal gain, but rather, they serve as tools to honor God through responsible stewardship.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs,
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the idea that we should focus on bringing glory to God in every part of our lives. The key takeaway is that our actions, informed by our questions and the knowledge we gain, should reflect our commitment to God’s glory. We should assess our choices and behaviors based on how they promote God’s kingdom and reflect His love and fairness to others.
Stewardship Rooted in Divine Wisdom and Intent
In conclusion, the process of asking questions to understand and ensure good stewardship is deeply rooted in seeking God’s wisdom, examining our intentions, and applying our knowledge for His glory. By relying on God’s promise to provide wisdom (James 1:5), scrutinizing our motives (Proverbs 16:2), and committing all our actions to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31), we align ourselves with biblical principles of stewardship. Our approach ensures decisions and actions serve our needs and God’s mission. Through unwavering prayer, deep self-reflection, and decisive action, we can confidently ensure that our stewardship is both faithful and fruitful.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
Do you realize that no matter what is going on in your life today God’s Word can speak into it? God’s Word is active and alive, sharper than a double-edged sword, and able to cut to the core of any situation. So today instead of limiting today’s reading to my notes, use the links above to help you in making your own notes and hearing from God in answer to your prayers. Be it about finding a new job, managing your finances, or leading your family, the key point is that we need to turn to God for wisdom and direction to help us make the right decision. God’s Word is good for teaching, rebuking, correction, and training to ensure you are thoroughly equipped.
1 Samuel 1
Hannah’s Prayer: Seeking God’s Wisdom
In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in times of deep distress and longing. Hannah’s earnest prayer and vow to dedicate her son to the Lord if He grants her a child (1 Samuel 1:10-11) show her desire to align her request with God’s will. The key takeaway from Hannah’s story is that seeking God’s wisdom involves bringing our deepest desires to Him in prayer and committing to honor Him with the outcomes. Practically, we can follow Hannah’s example by laying our concerns and hopes before God, trusting that He hears us and will respond in His perfect timing. This is particularly encouraging for those in job search or waiting periods; commit your career aspirations to God, asking for His guidance and dedicating your future work to His glory.
- The Birth of Samuel
- ‘In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “ Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” ‘
— 1 Samuel 1:10-11
- ‘In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “ Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” ‘
- Hannah Dedicates Samuel
1 Samuel 2
Eli’s Guidance: The Role of Intentions
In 1 Samuel 2, we see a contrast between the intentions of Eli’s sons and the intentions of Samuel. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, abused their priestly positions for personal gain, showing their corrupt intentions (1 Samuel 2:12-17). In contrast, Samuel served faithfully before the Lord, indicating pure intentions to honor God (1 Samuel 2:18). The key takeaway here is the critical role of intentions in our actions. God desires that our motives align with His purposes, not with selfish ambitions. To apply this in our lives, we should regularly evaluate our motives, especially in professional settings, ensuring that our goals and actions aim to honor God and serve others with integrity. For those waiting for job opportunities, maintaining pure intentions means seeking positions where you can glorify God and serve faithfully, just as Samuel did.
- Hannah’s Prayer
- Eli’s Wicked Sons
- ‘Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord . Now it was the practice of the priests that, whenever any of the people offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was being boiled and would plunge the fork into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot. Whatever the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. But even before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the person who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast; he won’t accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” If the person said to him, “Let the fat be burned first, and then take whatever you want,” the servant would answer, “No, hand it over now; if you don’t, I’ll take it by force.” This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord ’s sight, for they were treating the Lord ’s offering with contempt. ‘
— 1 Samuel 2:12-17 - ‘But Samuel was ministering before the Lord —a boy wearing a linen ephod. ‘ — 1 Samuel 2:18
- ‘Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord . Now it was the practice of the priests that, whenever any of the people offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was being boiled and would plunge the fork into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot. Whatever the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. But even before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the person who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast; he won’t accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” If the person said to him, “Let the fat be burned first, and then take whatever you want,” the servant would answer, “No, hand it over now; if you don’t, I’ll take it by force.” This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord ’s sight, for they were treating the Lord ’s offering with contempt. ‘
- Prophecy Against the House of Eli
1 Samuel 3
Samuel’s Calling: Applying Knowledge for God’s Glory
1 Samuel 3 recounts Samuel’s calling by God, where he listens and responds,
"Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10).
Samuel’s readiness to hear and obey God’s voice highlights the importance of applying the knowledge and understanding we receive from God for His glory. The key takeaway is that when God speaks, we must be attentive and willing to act according to His instructions. Practically, this means being open to God’s leading in all aspects of our lives, including our careers. For job seekers, this involves staying attentive to God’s guidance through prayer, scripture, and counsel from godly mentors, and being prepared to take steps of faith when opportunities arise, trusting that God will use our work for His purposes.
- The Lord Calls Samuel
- ‘The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” ‘
— 1 Samuel 3:10
- ‘The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” ‘
Stewardship Rooted in Divine Wisdom and Intent
In conclusion, the process of asking questions to understand and ensure good stewardship is deeply rooted in seeking God’s wisdom, examining our intentions, and applying our knowledge for His glory. By following Hannah’s example of seeking wisdom through prayer (1 Samuel 1), scrutinizing our motives like Eli’s sons versus Samuel (1 Samuel 2), and responding obediently like Samuel (1 Samuel 3), we align ourselves with biblical principles of stewardship. This approach ensures that our decisions and actions not only serve our immediate needs but also advance God’s mission. Through unwavering prayer, deep self-reflection, and decisive action, we can confidently ensure that our stewardship is both faithful and fruitful. For those seeking jobs, this means dedicating your job search to God, keeping your intentions pure, and being ready to follow His lead, trusting that He will place you where you can serve Him best.
Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?
Let’s pray:
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 