Speaker: Matt Fry
No two dreams or destinies are the same. His dream for you is better than anything you can come up with alone.
The series is based primarily on the life of Joseph. Today, we are going to look at the third challenge. The Palace Challenge: Understanding the Principles of Stewardship.
Pastor Matt talks about their pizza night experience. In an attempt to feed his family, he accidentally called the wrong pizza place. He called the one in Wilmington, NC, not the one in Clayton, NC.
After the family ate the pizza, Pastor Matt called the place in Wilmington and paid for the one he didn't eat. He encourages us to be generous.
What does it mean to be a good steward? It means taking care of something that is not yours.
Genesis 39:1-6 (NLT)
Be Faithful With What God Has Given You
The Bible doesn't say Joseph was popular, it says that he was faithful. He was a good steward. The term Stewardship actually means the conducting, supervising, or managing of something;especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.
All good things come from God.
If you own your own business, you look for employees who are faithful. Rather than complaining about what you don't have, thank God for what you do have. When you are faithful in little, he will give you more.
God is not looking for people who hit grand slams, he is just looking for people who will be faithful. Be thankful for that job, child, spouse, car, and home.
If you buy a basketball, it would be worth about $15. However, if you put that same basketball in the hands of Michael Jordan, it would easily be worth more. Put a golf club in Tiger Woods' hands, it becomes worth something. Put a jar of water in the hands of Jesus, it becomes something much more. Anything in God's hands become SUPERnatural.
Exodus 4:1-5 (NKJV)
When we are faithful, God says he will add his SUPER to your NATURAL.
Moses took a rod, but God turned that rod into something that parted seas. David had a sling and some stones, but God turned that weapon into something that could kill a giant.
What's in your hand? That's what Jesus asked his disciples. They had two fish and five loaves of bread. Jesus took that to feed thousands.
Joseph was simply faithful with what God gave to him. How do we become faithful?
Be a Good Steward of Yourself
It starts with taking care of yourself. It means eating what you should, working out, praying, reading the Bible, and just managing what you have today.
Give God First Place and Firstfruits
God wants the first, not the last.
Proverbs 3:9-10 (MSG)
Be A Good Steward Of All God Gives You
There is no such thing as a self-made man. Everything you have was given to you by God. We are not the owner, God is the owner.
Psalm 24:1-2 (NLT)
Stay Faithful With Where God Has Put You
Stop having the "Destination" disease. This is where you think the grass is greener on the other side. No, the grass is greenest where you water it. Take care of home.
People throw in the towel too quickly. The first time something happens, they give up.
Psalm 1:1-6 (NKJV)
John 15:4-11 (NLT)
We Need To Remain
If you want to be blessed in your life, it happens when we remain. It means to just hang on to the vine, don't give up. Day after day, stick it out.
Many of us are looking for something else. It could be a different job, spouse, or situation. Stay where you are and make it work.
The tragedy of not remaining, is that people get disconnected and they often fall off. Maybe people are not doing as well as they were at one time. There is something about being planted where God has you. Stay there until God sends you some place else.
Remain connected to God. When the Holy Spirit tells you to move. When you get the word, that is when it's time to move.
Have you ever felt like quitting. Pastor Matt has. For the first couple of years, he felt like quitting the role of lead pastor on Monday. He talked about a tough time where people were talking about him and the church. People gossiped about him and he felt like he couldn't take it anymore.
Matt didn't want to give up on God or the ministry, he just didn't feel like being in charge anymore. He thought about just following someone else.
After talking to Martha, he was reminded of what God has called him to do. This is one reason to have a spouse that is inline with you and God. Thankfully, Matt overcame those feelings and today C3 Church has been in place for over 14 years.
Joseph stay planted and faithful.
Psalm 92:12-15 (NKJV)
You can only bear fruit if it stays planted. Uprooting a tree multiple times does not help it flourish.
The love of God is unconditional and it is available to every single person. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more.
John 3:16 (NKJV)
However, if you want to live a blessed life, it will only happen if you remain faithful. Don't give up!
James 1:12 (NLT)
A key phrase when we talk about Joseph, it is this, "The Lord was with Joseph." Even when we make mistakes, God is always with you and for you. While people may fail you, God will not. Even during the trials of your life, he is with you. If God gave you a dream, he will help you realize your destiny.
Do You Need A Fresh Start?
If you need hope or help. God wants you to know that he loves you. Jesus died and rose from the grave. If you would like to know Jesus as your savior then pray this prayer.
Dear God, I realize I've sinned and I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising from the grave. Come in to my heart and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal and abundant life. Help me to live for you, for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
To share your story, want more information about next steps, or just in need of prayer, please contact Pastor Matt Fry.
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