Live Well in Two Simple Steps
A young naval officer was undergoing his first sea training aboard ship.
His responsibility was to safely steer the ship away from the wharf and
set it on course for a voyage. He carefully went through the
disembarking procedures and completed the vitally important steps;
confident he hadn’t forgotten a single thing. As the ship glided smoothly
out to sea, a call came from the captain, congratulating the officer on his
textbook disembarkation from the wharf. "There is just one thing you’ve
forgotten” the Captain added, “next time make sure I’m on board the
ship before you leave!" (Illustration by Pastor John Perry)
Like the young officer, it can be easy to feel like we’re the ones in charge or are responsible for our own
successes – but this control is actually an illusion. As Jesus reminded us in John 15:5, apart from Him we can
do nothing. All that we have – and every sunrise we enjoy – is because a loving God provides for us. He is the
One ultimately in control but He graciously invites us to be the managers of His resources. This is God’s
method of bestowing His richest gifts upon His people. Demonstrating faithful stewardship defines our
purpose in this world and is a wonderful way to bless Him in return.
HOW CAN YOU BE THE BEST MANAGER POSSIBLE? CONSIDER THESE STEPS:
Step 1: Celebrate the Present. God has given us today – and today matters. Are you making the most of it?
What does good stewardship look like? It’s loving others well, exercising wisdom in financial decisions, giving
generously of our money and talents, and taking good care of our bodies, material possessions, and the
environment.
Step 2: Plan for the Future. Did you know that having an up-to-date Will or Estate Plan is not only good
stewardship, it can be a form of worship? Having a Will that provides for your family, reflects your love for the
Lord and blesses ministries you appreciate like Mel Trotter Ministries, brings honor to God and leaves a
powerful legacy for generations to come. It can punctuate your life with a statement of gratitude – pointing
others to Christ, and creating an opportunity for them to meet Him.
As we consider how to navigate our lives - looking first to the Captain of the ship – we can find great comfort
in trusting that He knows best. Jeremiah 29:11 states “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Consider today how you may honor Him with
all He has given you, and plan for a hope-filled future.
PLEASE CONSIDER INCLUDING MEL TROTTER MINISTRIES IN YOUR WILL
 I’d like to learn more about creating a Will, Trust, or Estate Plan.
 I have already included Mel Trotter Ministries in my Will, Trust, or Estate Plan.
Name
Daytime Phone
Evening Phone
Email
Reply with envelope or contact our friends at NCF West Michigan at 616-957-4372 or [email protected]
Go to www.christianwill.org/mtm to bless your family with a God-honoring Will.
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