Whenever we hear the word “Stewardship” most of us immediately think about money and giving. The noun “steward” is more expansive and describes a person who acts as an agent or someone who looks after the property and financial affairs of another. In today’s terminology, a steward is like a manager—assigned to faithfully handle assets that belong to someone else. In our relationship with God, being a steward is a way of life that places The Lord firmly at the center.
Stewardship encompasses all areas of life. God cares about every facet of our existence; our relationships, health, the way we use our time, wealth and planet. Stewardship isn’t so much about ‘giving’ money (although important), as it is about the transformation we experience when Jesus is first in our lives. Stewardship, in fact, is a gift and position of responsibility to God, each other and the planet. Above all, let’s remember that Stewardship is a great honor and “…not about what God wants from you but rather, what He wants for you…” We are all encouraged to be committed stewards in at least four crucial areas of life:
Our Time, Ecclesiastes 3:1; Ephesians 5:15-16
Our Health, 3 John 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Our Relationships Ephesians 6:1-3; Hebrews 10:24-25
Our Finances Romans 13:8; Proverbs 21:20 Proverbs 27:3
Find more information at nadstewardship.org/resources
The Offertory Reading begins here in English and Spanish
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This week’s offering is for:
Local Church Budget
“Ding!” My phone went off again in my pocket. It was just one of those busy days I was having as a college professor, but with deadlines looming, and students waiting to be taught, I did not really want to deal with my phone notifications at the moment. Can you relate to that feeling? I have found that technology can often be a wonderful blessing, as it allows me to connect meaningfully with my family members who live all over the world. At the same time, it can sometimes disconnect me from the life that is happening right before my eyes.
One thing I decided to do years ago was to take a weekly Sabbath, on the Sabbath, from my devices, as often as I can. That way, when I gather in worship with my family, my fellow believers, and my students, I can be fully in tune with what is going on.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV). Today’s offering is for the local church budget. This will help provide the resources necessary to allow us to continue to meet together and worship as one!
Presupuesto de iglesia local
“¡Ding!” Mi teléfono volvió a sonar en mi bolsillo. Era uno de esos días de mucho trabajo que tenía como profesora universitaria. Pero con los días de entrega inminentes y los estudiantes esperando a que les diera clase, no quería preocuparme por las notificaciones de mi teléfono en ese momento. ¿Se siente identificado con esa decisión? He descubierto que la tecnología puede ser a menudo una bendición maravillosa, ya que me permite conectar de manera significativa con los miembros de mi familia que viven en otras partes del mundo, pero al mismo tiempo, a veces, puede desconectarme de la vida que está sucediendo a mi alrededor.
Tomé la decisión de darme un descanso semanal de la tecnología el día sábado, tan a menudo como pudiera. De ese modo, cuando me congrego en el culto con mi familia, mis hermanos en la fe y mis estudiantes, puedo estar plenamente en sintonía con lo que sucede.
“Preocupémonos los unos por los otros, a fin de estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras. No dejemos de congregarnos, como acostumbran hacerlo algunos, sino animémonos unos a otros, y con mayor razón ahora que vemos que aquel día se acerca” (Hebreos 10:24, 25, NVI). La ofrenda de hoy está dedicada a nuestra iglesia local. Esta ayudará a proporcionar los recursos necesarios para que podamos seguir reuniéndonos y adorando todos juntos.
