A Steward’s Journey presents an alternative biblical approach to money management, financial freedom and contentment in 30 easy-to-read chapters that expose the risks of our culture’s prevailing hyper-consumer philosophy.
See Table of Contents below.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Thanks for Nothing
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
It’s hard to isolate our needs when we have the means to satisfy our wants.
Chapter 2: Peril of the Pyramid
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. Proverbs 21:20
If our increases in income are followed by equal increases in our standard of living, we increase the element of risk in our financial future.
Chapter 3: The More War
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. Eccl. 5:10
If you need more you are poor – no matter how much you have. If you have enough you are rich – no matter how much enough is.
Chapter 4: Money Can’t Buy You Love
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. Proverbs 15:16-17
The tastiest filet mignon loses it flavor if you’re not at peace with the person across the table.
Chapter 5: Financial Plan or Pain?
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5
Surprises can sideswipe our financial security.
Chapter 6: How Good Is Your Financial Advisor?
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20
Buying high and selling low isn’t a smart investment strategy.
Chapter 7: A Steward’s Source
For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? 1 Corinthians 4:7 (The Message)
Some people are genuinely God’s gifts to the world. Other people just think they are.
Chapter 8: A Steward’s Role
It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. Mt. 25:14
Executing a Power of Attorney only transfers legal authority for the management of assets. Ownership remains the same.
Chapter 9: A Steward’s Resources
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Ps. 24:1
When God gives His vision, He also gives His provision.
Chapter 10: A Steward’s Responsibility
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. 2 Cor. 9:11
When was the last time that you met a truly generous grouch?
Chapter 11: A Steward’s Reality
Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can’t see – kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through him and for him. Col. 1:16 (NLT)
Do we really believe our beliefs?
Chapter 12: A Steward’s Reward
The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ Mt 25:23 (NLT)
Here’s the secret for discovering God’s will for your life.
Chapter 13: Follow the Money
Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will be also. Mt 6:21 (NLT)
Money is a spiritual barometer of our heart’s openness to God.
Chapter 14: The Paradox of Prosperity
A stingy man is eager to get rich, and is unaware that poverty awaits him. Prov. 28:22
Generosity, not accumulation, is the path to prosperity.
Chapter 15: Excellent Giving
But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Cor 8:7
Excellence is not accidental. Excellence is intentional.
Chapter 16: Basic Giving
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Lev. 27:30
Mastering the basics is absolutely essential.
Chapter 17: Sacrificial Giving
No, I insist on buying it, for I cannot present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing. 2 Sam 24:24 (NLT)
Any offering of consequence has a price tag.
Chapter 18: Extraordinary Giving
So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Bring no more materials! You have already given more than enough.” Ex 36:6 (NLT)
There are seasons for every church and believer when extraordinary giving is required.
Chapter 19: Compassion Giving
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Rms. 12:13
Live in such a way that thanksgiving follows wherever you’ve been.
Chapter 20: Thanks Giving
Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people – five hundred pieces of silver to one and fifty pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that? Luke 7:41-42 (NLT)
You can’t get water from a dry sponge, and gratitude won’t flow from a hardened heart.
Chapter 21: Inspiration Point
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31
It’s amazing how many times extraordinary things happen to ordinary people when they seek God’s vision and values.
Chapter 22: A Steward’s Guide to Giving
If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent you asking. James 1:5 (NLT)
Read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
Chapter 23: A Steward’s Guide to Living
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Rms. 12:1 (The Message)
Maximizing the other 90%.
Chapter 24: Who Gets the Credit?
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1 Chron. 29:14
True stewards don’t give to get. They give to glorify.
Chapter 25: The Multiplication Factor
Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind how much you should give. 2 Cor. 9:6-7 (NLT)
There’s no limit to what can be accomplished when we are willing to let God be God.
Chapter 26: A Steward’s Dreams
God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! Eph. 3:20 (The Message)
I can imagine a lot, but I can’t imagine enough.
Chapter 27: The Sincerest Form of Flattery
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15
We honor God when we act as He does. God is a giver.
Chapter 28: Understanding What’s Important
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field – and to get the treasure, too! Mt. 13:44 (NLT)
Make the permanent your priority.
Chapter 29: Choices
Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between prosperity and disaster. Dt. 30:15 (NLT)
Sominex or Serenity? Possessions or Possessors?
Chapter 30: A Companion for the Journey
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish. Phil. 1:6 (The Message)
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.