FAITHFULnESS REQUIREd 2 CHRONICLES 31:11-21 KEY VERSE : “And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next” (2 chronicles 31:12). One of Hezekiah’s first important acts carried out in the first year of his reign was the reopening of the temple at Jerusalem. It had been closed about 16 years previously because Ahaz had turned to idolatry and had stripped the temple of its valuables to pay the king of Assyria for help against Judah’s enemies. Hezekiah, in our text, set about re-establishing a more permanent order of matters at the temple, including the specific ranks, courses and duties of the priests and Levites. Also, he encouraged the people to pay their tithes regularly to sustain the priests and maintain the temple. The response was more than enough. During the months that followed, there was such a surplus of animals, grain, wine, oil, honey and valuables that places had to be prepared to store or keep them, with priests appointed to oversee them to avoid mismanagement of God’s resources. Stewardship is a necessary sermon topic. But we should be more diligent in practicing good stewardship after the congregation has done its part. Pastors and leaders have a responsibility to properly manage funds given to the church. Careful money management establishes credibility with the church as well as with those examining the finances of the church. Sloppiness in this area leads to mistakes and invites possible criminal activity. Proper fund-handling procedures protect church funds and the reputations of those involved. God requires faithfulness in management of all the resources He has made available to all His servants in ministry. So, be faithful. THOUGHT FOR THE dAY Jesus says, ‘Feed my Lambs’ not Feed on My Lambs!
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 07:15:43 +0000
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