Stewardship of Resources - Coming Soon
Track 5: Stewardship of Resources
Description:
“Stewardship of Resources,” the fifth track on the album, addresses the vital theme of responsible management and equitable distribution of communal and natural resources. The musical arrangement of this track combines contemporary Christian music with elements of folk, featuring acoustic guitars, light percussion, and rich vocal harmonies. The sound is warm and inviting, reflecting the theme of communal responsibility and shared bounty.
The song opens with a verse of thanksgiving, acknowledging the abundance of resources provided by God and the efforts of those who manage them wisely and justly. The lyrics in this section are contemplative and grateful, encouraging listeners to recognize and appreciate the resources and blessings in their lives.
Moving to the chorus, the melody becomes more uplifting, emphasizing the joy and responsibility of sharing and managing God’s gifts. The chorus is designed to be catchy and resonant, reinforcing the message of stewardship as an act of worship and community service.
A verse of repentance follows, addressing the shortcomings in resource management, such as waste, greed, and inequity. This part of the song invites listeners to reflect on their personal and collective roles in these issues, fostering a spirit of repentance and a desire for change.
The track concludes with an outro that is both a prayer and a declaration, calling for wisdom, integrity, and fairness in the stewardship of resources. It’s a hopeful vision of communities where resources are managed responsibly and used for the common good.
“Stewardship of Resources” is a thought-provoking and heartwarming track that encourages listeners to reflect on their role in caring for the earth’s bounty. Suitable for both personal reflection and communal worship, it offers a moment to connect with God’s heart for justice and provision.
Devotional for Track 5: Stewardship of Resources
Opening Scripture:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1
Reflection:
Stewardship is a fundamental principle in the Bible. It teaches us that everything we have is entrusted to us by God, and we are merely stewards of these resources. This extends beyond personal possessions to include public funds, natural resources, and communal assets. Our role is to manage these resources wisely, ensuring they are used for the common good and the glory of God.
Key Scriptures for Meditation:
- Luke 12:42-43 – “The Lord answered, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master finds doing so when he returns.'”
- Proverbs 27:23-24 – “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Thanksgiving:
Begin by giving thanks for the abundance and variety of resources God has provided. Acknowledge those who manage these resources with integrity and the positive impact they have on society. Reflect on the blessings in your life and community that have resulted from good stewardship.
Repentance:
Confess any personal or societal failures in resource management. This could include wastefulness, mismanagement, or neglect of communal needs. Seek forgiveness and guidance on how to better steward the resources you influence or control.
Blessing:
Pray for wisdom and integrity in the stewardship of resources at all levels – individual, community, and governmental. Ask God to guide decisions that affect resource allocation and usage, so that they may benefit all, especially the less fortunate.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all we have is Yours. We thank You for the resources You have entrusted to us. Forgive us for the times we have misused or wasted these gifts. Grant us the wisdom and integrity to manage them well, so that they may bring glory to Your name and serve the common good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lyrics
Stewardship of Resources
(Verse 1: Thanksgiving)
For the bounty we’ve been given, Lord, we stand in awe,
For the harvests, and the rain that falls on rich and poor.
Grateful for the hands that manage public trust,
For programs that uplift lives from dawn to dusk.
(Chorus: Worship)
Giver of all, from Your hand we receive,
Teach us to manage, to give, and to believe.
In Your abundance, we find our call,
To serve and share, Your provision for all.
(Verse 2: Repentance)
Forgive us when we hoard, or squander what’s not ours,
When the needy go unnoticed, and waste overpowers.
For mismanagement and greed that leave many in despair,
We pray for change, for Your justice to repair.
(Chorus: Worship)
Provider of plenty, You open Your hand,
May we distribute Your gifts across the land.
In reverence and wisdom, may our actions reflect,
Your love and kindness, and all they affect.
(Bridge: Reflection/Prayer)
In the stewardship of resources, let us find Your heart,
In every policy, in every part.
May our communities thrive, the last become first,
In the just care of Your creation, we are immersed.
(Outro: Declaration/Blessing)
We declare responsible stewardship today,
In every budget, in every way.
May the needs of all be met in Your sight,
No one left behind, in Your light.
(Chorus: Worship – Repeat and Fade)
Giver of all, from Your hand we receive,
Teach us to manage, to give, and to believe.
In Your abundance, we find our call,
To serve and share, Your provision for all.
Lead Sheet
- Key: A Major – Bright and hopeful, suitable for the theme of responsible stewardship.
- Time Signature: 4/4 – Provides a solid and straightforward rhythm for the song.
- Tempo: Moderato (around 112 bpm) – A balanced tempo that is neither too fast nor too slow, allowing for contemplation and optimism.
Storyboard descriptions for music video
Scene 1: Intro
- Audio: Light, uplifting instrumental music with a hint of nature sounds (birds, wind).
- Visual: Dawn breaking over a lush, green landscape. Transition to close-up shots of natural resources – water streams, forests, fields.
- Mood/Intent: Establish a connection with nature, emphasizing the beauty and tranquility of the earth’s resources.
Scene 2: Verse 1 (Thanksgiving)
- Audio: Gentle vocals begin, expressing gratitude for natural and communal resources.
- Visual: Scenes of responsible resource use – community gardens, solar panels, recycling efforts. People of all ages participating in sustainable activities.
- Mood/Intent: Highlight the positive impact of responsible stewardship, showcasing community involvement and sustainable practices.
Scene 3: Chorus (Worship)
- Audio: The music swells, becoming more joyful and chorus-like.
- Visual: A diverse group of people in a sunlit field or garden, hands raised in a gesture of giving and receiving. Intercut with scenes of thriving wildlife and healthy environments.
- Mood/Intent: Convey a sense of joy and worship through stewardship, showing the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment.
Scene 4: Verse 2 (Repentance)
- Audio: The melody becomes more somber and reflective.
- Visual: Contrast with scenes of wastefulness and environmental neglect – polluted water, deforestation, overcrowded landfills.
- Mood/Intent: Evoke a sense of regret and concern, urging viewers to consider the consequences of mismanagement and neglect.
Scene 5: Chorus (Worship)
- Audio: Return to the uplifting chorus.
- Visual: Scenes transition back to positive images – clean energy projects, community clean-ups, and conservation efforts.
- Mood/Intent: Reinforce the message of hope and the possibility of restoration through conscious stewardship.
Scene 6: Outro (Declaration/Blessing)
- Audio: Music transitions to an inspiring, hopeful tune.
- Visual: Shots of people planting trees, teaching children about the environment, community planning meetings. End with a panoramic view of a healthy, vibrant Earth.
- Mood/Intent: Portray a vision of a sustainable, equitable future, emphasizing collective responsibility and action.
Scene 7: Chorus (Worship – Repeat and Fade)
- Audio: The chorus repeats softly, gradually fading out with ambient nature sounds.
- Visual: Return to the initial serene natural scenes, now with people peacefully coexisting with nature, as the camera slowly pulls away.
- Mood/Intent: Leave the viewer with a sense of peace and a call to action, underscoring our ongoing role in caring for the Earth.