FirstFruits Findings Sept. - Oct 2003 FIRSTFRUITS FINDINGS Vol. 8 No. 4 A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR The article on highly effective stewards and contentment in this issue is characterized as a godly pursuit. The Apostle Paul said, "I have learned to be content in whatever my circumstance." I was recently involved in a conversation with several friends regarding the issue of contentment. We asked ourselves the questions, "Does contentment mean satisfaction with the status quo?" "Does contentment sometimes foster apathy?" There seems to be another side of contentment. We can often use contentment as an excuse not to address areas in our lives that need to be addressed. Areas that are important to our physical and spiritual well-being. There may be a time in our lives when we need to proactively work on our diet and exercise because it affects our health. Or, in our church life, God may be pushing us into areas of change that would enhance our relationship with Him and make us more effective in our ministries. These are stretching experiences that are important for growth. What is your response? Would you answer this differently if you were not a Christian? Do you and I strive for excellence in all areas our lives? Does this mean, therefore, that we are not content? My question to you is, what is your goal or purpose in your life? Drop me an email with your comments or questions. You can reach me at my email address: norm@barnabasfoundation.com - Norm Vander Wel SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE STEWARDS This is the third in a series of seven in which we reflect on habits of a highly effective steward: Habit 1 - Be Thankful with an attitude of gratitude. Habit 2 - Trust God to provide for our needs. Habit 3: Be Content We live in a world of obsession with material possessions. Far too many of us find ourselves in debt because we've been swept up in the frenzy of accumulation. In our consumerist society, it is difficult to distinguish between our needs and our wants and desires. We often believe that the more money have, the happier we will be. There's an interesting paradox when we finally recognize that nothing we have really belongs to us. Even though we have many things, none of them actually belongs to us. As we come to understand that everything belongs to God, our perspective changes...we become more content. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, ..." (Hebrews 13:5) A Christian steward is content because he knows that God will give him everything he needs. In speaking at a regional conference, Ted Boers, Chair of a stewardship task force, indicated he had just read a book by a secular author entitled, Want What You Have. Ted commented, "This was the secular author's secret to happiness, but what a great way of restating the truth of Hebrews 13:5 ... want what you have!" We wrestle with the question, "How much is enough?" most of our lives. What is the limit? As Christians, we need to actively seek God's guidance to help us continually differentiate between our real needs, and our wants and desires. Accept God's provision in your life, and find contentment in the source, not the supply. (I Timothy 6: 6-8). HOW BIG IS GOD So how does God view us With all of our stuff; Always looking for more 'Cause there's never enough? Do you think that he knows How much money we make? Do you think that He cares If that fur is a fake? Do you think He keeps track If we're in the red, Or is He tied up Counting the hairs on our head? How big is our God? I really must know. I need His perspective While stuck here below. My hunch is that He's not Impressed with our goals. He's much more concerned For the state of our souls. He watches for clues By the way we take care Of the things He entrusts And the love that we share. For He's the Creator Of heaven and earth; The One who gives order, The Appraiser of worth. Since God is that big Our worries are gone If He holds our souls In life and beyond. Composed by Ken Hekman. Used by permission. MOVING BEYOND THANKSGIVING TO PRAISE As Christians, we are very thankful to God who gives us so many blessings and want to express praise. How best to do that? Webster defines praise as "an expression of approval or admiration . . . the extolling of a deity, ruler, or hero." To take time to praise God, we need to change the rhythm of life. We must take time to focus on God and His attributes. These are intentional activities. When learning to praise God, spend a few moments contemplating God and His character. Focus on a particular act or characteristic of God. Comparing God or one of His attributes to something or someone helps us recognize His greatness. Praise God for who He is. God is Creator. He is Redeemer and Lord. Reflecting on the many names of God is a valuable way to offer praise. Praise God for His character. Every aspect of God's character is worthy of praise: His love, His goodness, His majesty, His integrity, His faithfulness. Praise God for what He does. This includes what He has done in the past, what He is doing now, and what He has promised in the future. There is no "right" way to praise God. In can be done individually or in a group. It can be done through a "praise prayer", by singing praise, by journaling praise or other creative ways. Praising God has the power to change our lives. It reminds us that God loves us and is deeply involved in the details of our daily living. ? Used by Permission - Dynamic Steward TIPS TO TRY Family pictures. If you like to send family pictures with your Christmas cards but hate to pay the reprint charges, try this: take a fresh roll of film and shoot off 24 pictures of the same pose. Most kids can stay still for the few minutes you do this. Get double prints on the roll and you have 48 pictures for a lot less than reprinting a favorite shot. Fall is the time to put patio furniture away. If your white resin patio chairs have turned gray, don't throw them out. Just wipe them down with pure bleach (wear gloves & old clothes), rinse well and they will look like new. To restore shine, give them a wax job with auto paste wax. Charcoal in a bag. Fill a net vegetable bag with charcoal and hang in the musty basement or damp garage to absorb odors. Reprinted with permission of cheapskatemonthly.com RECOMMENDED RESOURCE "Stewardship: Keeping Faith with God's Gifts" What is a steward? This study explains what a steward is by exploring the concepts of generous stewardship, stewards as servants, holy contentment, earth keeping, compassion, care, and accountability. This seven-session study written by Mary VandenBerg is a great adult study with no preparation needed. This great resource is available from Faith Alive Christian Resources at www.FaithAliveResources.org or call 800-333-8300.