Managing God's Resources

MANAGING GOD’S RESOURCES

Pastor Joel Bernardino – February 07, 2026

God did not save us just to prepare us for heaven—He saved us to entrust us with responsibility on earth.

Every believer has been given something to manage:

• Time we cannot recover

• Talents we must develop

• Abilities we must use, and

• Finances we must steward wisely

These are not random blessings; they are sacred trusts placed into our hands by God.

The question is not, “How much do we have?”

The real question is, “How faithful are we with what God has given?”

1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

God does not measure us by success, comparison, or visibility—He measures us by faithfulness. Not ownership, but stewardship. Not convenience, but obedience.

Today, we will learn what it truly means to manage time, talents, abilities, and finances God’s way—so that when we stand before Him, we can say, “Lord, I was faithful with what You entrusted to me.”

God does not ask for perfection.

He asks for faithfulness.

1. MANAGE YOUR TIME - GOD’S WAY

Ephesians 5:15–16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Why does Paul urge believers to live carefully and wisely?

• Time is one of God’s most precious gifts—yet it is also the most easily wasted.

• That’s why we must use it carefully.

• We need to recognize time as God-given, not self-owned.

Time lost is something we can never get back.

• Money can be recovered, and belongings can be rebuilt.

• Time is something God entrusted to us.

Time is not something we created.

Time is a gift from God’s grace.

• We did not earn time; we received it.

When we see time as self-owned, we use it carelessly.

When we see time as God-given, we handle it reverently.

Time should be used intentionally, not accidentally

Many people don’t plan to waste time—they just don’t plan at all.

• Accidental living allows:

Distractions to decide our priorities

Urgency to replace importance

Noise to drown out God’s voice

• Intentional living asks:

What matters most today?

What honors God right now?

What should I say no to so I can say yes to God?

• Jesus lived intentionally.

He knew when to teach, when to serve, when to rest, and when to withdraw to pray.

Intentional living does not mean a full schedule—it means a focused life.

We need to use time with an eternal purpose

• Eternal purpose means living today with eternity in view.

Not everything that fills our time has eternal value.

Some things are urgent, but not important.

Some things are good, but not God-given.

• Managing time God’s way asks:

“Will this matter in eternity?”

• Eternal purpose shapes how we:

Love people

Serve others

Invest in spiritual growth

Share Christ

• Every ordinary day becomes meaningful when it is lived for God’s glory.

God’s way of managing time is not about busyness—it is about wisdom.

Illus: THE BANK ACCOUNT OF TIME

Every morning, God deposits 24 hours into our account.

We cannot save it for tomorrow.

We cannot borrow from yesterday.

At the end of the day, whatever we did not use is gone.

Managing time God’s way means asking:

“Lord, how do You want me to spend today’s deposit?”

Being busy does not mean being faithful.

Illus: THE SHARPENED AXE

A man was chopping wood for hours but made little progress.

When asked why, he said,

“I don’t have time to sharpen my axe.”

Busyness without wisdom wastes energy.

Managing time God’s way includes:

- Rest

- Reflection

- Renewal

- Prayer

Even Jesus withdrew to pray.

Doing many things does not mean doing the right things.

2. MANAGE YOUR TALENTS - GOD’S WAY

Matthew 25:14–15, “To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one—each according to his ability.”

Every believer has been given talents.

God never compares our talents with others—

He evaluates how we use what we were given.

How to Manage God-Given Talents?

Use your talents to serve others, not for self-glory.

Talents are not given to make us famous—they are given to make God known.

• God never blesses us with abilities just so people will admire us.

• He blesses us so others will be served, helped, and pointed to Him.

• When talents are used for self-glory, pride grows.

• When talents are used for service, love grows.

Jesus Himself is our greatest example. Though He had all power and authority, He used it not to be praised, but to wash feet, heal the sick, and give His life.

Illus: A microphone is useless if it is used only to admire its design. Its purpose is fulfilled only when it amplifies someone else’s voice.