Stewarding Life: One Lifetime, Limited Resources, Eternal Priorities

by Paul Chappell

God has given you one life and filled it with resources—time, health, finances, relationships, influence, and more. How you steward these resources will determine whether you successfully fulfill God’s eternal purpose for your life. This book will take you on a personal stewardship journey, equipping you to live effectively and biblically. It will challenge and equip you to strategically invest your most valuable resources for God's eternal purposes.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Christianity, Ebooks, Nonfiction

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2012

About the author

Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife for over thirty-six years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry. His books can be found at http://www.strivingtogether.com.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. Unlike most books on stewardship, this isn't about how to give more to the church, this is about giving every area of your life over to God and spending your valuable resources (mainly time) wisely. This has the best book on the subject I have ever read.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good and it will probably be my annual January read to start each year with the correct focus!

[Bruce M. Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

God used this book to shape much of my understanding about the stewardship of every aspect of my life. The principles taught herein continue to impact my life on a daily basis.

[Gordon Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat." This book shares the changes that Pastor Paul Chappell made in order to steward his resources with greater wisdom.

[Ethan Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Chappell, senior pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church in California, gives insightful advice on how we can best use our resources - both material and intangible - to glorify Christ and live a life well-lived. Drawing on personal learning over the years, Dr. Chappell encourages readers to examine their own lives. Far too often, we can get caught up in the day-to-day tasks before us. However, it is important to realize that we are finite and need Christ's strength in our lives. He is our Creator and knows best what we need.

Filled with honesty and personal stories, this book is applicable to all Christians, regardless of age. Finances, health, and our Christian testimony are a few of the topics addressed. Using the Bible, Dr. Chappell shows us how to steward these areas of life in ways that honor God.

[Cassie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Paul Chappell’s perspective here! So many stewardship books list all of the areas to steward and encourage you to do more, but here Dr. Chappell reminds readers that there is a balance. You cannot give God your best while running on empty physically.

His writing is very straightforward, with practical illustrations and applications along the way. It’s an easier read, but various Scripture references are given so that one could study more if they would like. Teenagers and adults alike would benefit from this book.

[Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a crisis, this pastor re-evaluated his life and effectiveness while he was recuperating.

He writes a lot about how he wants to be a better steward of his life and comes up with numerous principles. Lots of Biblical references and quotes from other authors. Not much emphasis on the Gospel or terms about the Gospel driven life.
I thought Tim Challies' book "Do More Better" gave me better direction in living out the Gospel.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good treatment of the practice of Christian stewardship as related to various facets of life, like: life itself, time, health, thoughts and attitudes, trials, resources, friendships, family, leadership, evangelism opportunities, Christian truth.

Written from a Calvinistic Baptist perspective, but as a confessional Presbyterian, I still recommend it.

[Christiana Hotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Paul Chappell is an excellent author and this book exemplifies his talent in conveying information simply and effectively. If you are looking for better ways to steward the time, money, health, and talents the Lord has blessed you with, this book is just that. With pragmatic tips and personal examples, Chappell once again knocks it out of the park for practical Christian living.

[Isaac Colgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was very impactful. This book very successfully shows you how and why you should steward all aspects of life according to the Bible. I can safely say that this is one of the most important books I have read, and will recommend it to anyone even mildly interested in learning how to best steward various aspects of life.

[Gregsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting much more from this book. Chappell has some interesting things to say but most of the book is very surface level. He reiterates lessons that are common for any person raised in church.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, practical, common sense book. It brings things to light that we as Christians should already know It is easy to read. This is at least my 2nd time through it and can easily be a refresher every year.

[Chuck Cova · Rating 5 out of 5]

An EXCELLENT model of aligning your life to biblical principles - but taught in a way that it can be applied also in mentoring relationships, in the office, in the community, etc.

[Isaac Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book on life balance! I would do everyone good to read this and apply its principles.

[Erik Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on recovering from burnout and setting priorities

[Timothy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book

This is a good book to help one think about their life priorities, and one’s responsibility to make the most of life for God’s gory.

[Jennifer Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I have read it twice! I will read it again!

[Reade & Nikki Milner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chock full of practical advice for leading a balanced life according to biblical principles. The author differentiates himself from other "religious" writers by using his personal experiences to highlight the necessity of living according to biblical precepts, rather than simply picking and choosing out-of-context verses to support his own ideology.

Highly recommend for young husbands, fathers, entrepreneurs, or ministry workeres.

[Bella Callaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book

Thank you Paul for writing this simple to understand yet deep in meaning book.

I enjoyed life areas broken down per chapter yet there was the underlying understanding that working on one area will help in other areas.

Lots of useful information in this book to deepen my walk with Christ.

[Sommer Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of truth from the Scripture

Read this book during a recent time of physical weariness and distress and found it refreshing and helpful. Our lives are not ours to waste or to spend, but to steward. May God receive glory.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read...a great help in my walk with Christ!