StewardLife Lesson 11
INSIGHT OUT:
Sometimes the StewardLife is a series of adjustments.
STORY:
When Uncle Dan called Timmy he was excited. Uncle Dan was going to take Timmy out sailing on the lake.
Timmy had never gone sailing with Uncle Dan before. His Uncle had always promised that someday Timmy would be big enough to “learn the ropes.” It took keen timing and a certain amount of strength to sail, and now Uncle Dan felt Timmy was ready.
It was a rather gusty day, Timmy noticed, when Uncle Dan came by to pick him up. In what seemed like no time they were at the slip on the channel, getting the boat ready to cast off.
Timmy couldn't help but notice that the wind was coming up the channel, blowing right toward the sailboat.
“How are we going to sail out into the lake when the wind is blowing toward the front of the boat?” Timmy asked Uncle Dan.
“Bow, Timmy. The front of the boat is the bow. And to answer your question, we will have to tack the boat,” replied Uncle Dan.
“What does that mean?” Timmy asked.
“We will sort of zig-zag back and forth across the channel to get out into the lake,” explained Uncle Dan. “First we'll sail into the wind at an angle going left, then when we get to the bank, we'll set our sails to go at an angle to the right into the wind. It takes longer, but it works.”
INSIGHT OUT:
What techniques does the Holy Spirit help you employ as you go against the driving wind of society and culture and its influence on you and your StewardLife? See Ephesians 4:14 and Romans 8:1-17 for a description of the unspiritual person's bout with the wind of society.
STORY:
In a marathon race a few years ago one of the runners started in the pack of thousands and ducked into an alley. While all the other runners struggled through the 26-mile race, the dishonest runner took it easy. A long while later, when a few runners were approaching the finish line, the rested runner slipped back into the race. Because he was fresh, he began to overtake the leaders and crossed the finish line first. For a moment, there was great glory for this runner. Soon, however, the reports came in that the runner had not crossed any of the checkpoints along the way. The crowd's praise faded into contempt.
Jesus talked to a rich young ruler one day who was sure that he was running in the race of a God-pleasing life (Mark 10:17-22). He even thought that he might get some praise when he finished his race. But Jesus blew him out of the water when he asked him if he had passed the checkpoints. What checkpoints did the young man miss?
INSIGHT OUT:
“When making a major decision, I have found that the instructions given in Proverbs 16:3 always work. Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plan be established and succeed (The Amplified Bible).”
Sue Judt, Fort Wayne, Indiana, continued: “As He causes my thoughts to become agreeable to His will, I begin to sense just what it is He wants me to do. Sometimes this means a change in my plans and sometimes it means a confirmation of what I had wanted to do. There is great comfort in knowing that He indeed wants to and will guide me in making any decision.”
EXERCISE:
Reminders of God's blessings are everywhere.
As you travel today, observe and answer: Did you see any burned out street lamps? Perhaps not, if it is daylight. But focus in on street lamps during your next trip after dark.
When street lamps are out, driving can be hazardous or even dangerous. A well-lit street eases your fears and provides a measure of safety. You feel more comfortable driving there.
Now look with your spiritual eyes. You are more likely to avoid a dark street. At least, you will be more cautious when traveling a street without street lamps. Why is it that you are not as cautious with your spiritual life? Sometimes you plunge right into places of spiritual darkness with no fear.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” He made you a light by His Spirit dwelling in you. Thank God today for providing His light to help you avoid life's hazards and live a fulfilling StewardLife.
