file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940323.txt
          -------------------------------------------------------


          OUR DAILY BREAD                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994
          ---------------
          Read:  Psalm 95

                               CARETAKERS, NOT OWNERS

                              All things come from You,
                         and of Your own we have given You.
                                --1 Chronicles 29:14

          John Hauberg and his wife live in a stunning home in Seattle.  It
          is  built  mostly  of glass inside and  out.  Hundreds  of  glass
          artifacts  decorate the light-flooded rooms, and even the  sinks,
          shelves, and mantelpieces are made of glass.

          You might think that the Haubergs would be in constant fear  that
          something would break.  On the contrary, they invite visitors  to
          roam  freely  throughout  their  entire  home.  John  is  also  a
          connoisseur  of  Native American crafts, but he has  donated  his
          entire  collection to the Seattle Art Museum.  His motive is  not
          to  hoard  but to share.  "I'm not an owner," he says.  "I  am  a
          caretaker."

          John Hauberg's comment expresses a basic biblical principle  that
          applies  to  all  our  possessions:  We  aren't  owners,  we  are
          caretakers.  Legally, of course, we own our possessions.  But  as
          Christians,  we gladly acknowledge with David that "the earth  is
          the  Lord's and all its fullness, the world and those  who  dwell
          therein" (Ps. 24:1).

          By  right  of  creation, God holds the title  deed  to  all  that
          exists,  including  us and whatever we  possess.  Temporarily  He
          allows  us to use the resources of His world.  But in the end  it
          all reverts to Him.  Are we being wise and generous caretakers of
          God's property?

          Author:  Vernon C. Grounds

                          Naught that I have my own I call,
                              I hold it for the Giver;
                       My heart, my strength, my life, my all
                              Are His, and His forever.
                                       --Small

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
          -------------------
          The only things we really lose are those things we try to keep.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Judges 16-18











-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained 
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------