DEVO OF THE WEEK

GIFTS FROM GOD

Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens.
James 1:17a (CEV)

My stuff does not belong to me -- honestly. All that I have comes from God, who entrusted it to me to care for and to use wisely.

Adopting this mindset has changed my world and has led me to rethink my “possession” of my possessions. Wouldn’t God give the DS game I rarely play to the little girl at church who always asks to borrow it? Would God be stingy about lending books and movies? Would God splurge on a DQ Blizzard® or give the extra money to support a missionary? Once I realized that all my things belong to God, I was able to release my selfish grasp on them and use them to love and to bless others.

Of course, stewardship isn’t just about money and things. God also wants us to be good stewards of our time. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15–16 to make the most of every opportunity. Every moment, every hour, every day is a gift. Let’s strive to be good stewards of our possessions and our time. <

Kristee Ravan
Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Reflect

--from devozine (November/December 2009). Copyright © 2009 by The Upper Room®. All rights reserved.

Imagine leaving all your stuff, your family and friends behind to be in mission and ministry in another country. Sarah Martindale (23) has done just that and is learning the true meaning of wealth as she experiences “Poverty in Mission”