To help you grow as a worshiper with wealth rather than as a worshiper of wealth, five principles are helpful.
Jesus is your treasure.
As Christians, we cannot too often or too deeply consider that God has given himself to us as a gift to receive and enjoy. As we see and savor Jesus as our treasure, our hearts are guarded against the idolatrous pursuit of lesser created things, and we are satisfied in the wonder of God’s loving generosity.
More stuff won’t make you happier.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” Despite all the advertising and marketing to the contrary, true, deep enduring joy does not come from what we possess. Why? Because our idols fail us by falling apart, becoming outdated, underperforming, and ultimately revealing themselves as liars.
There’s a reason Scrooge was miserable.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Indeed, if you reflect on the most joy you have had from your wealth, you will surely realize that your best memories are connected to your generous giving to others rather than to your receiving of generous gifts. This explains why generous people are more joyful than greedy, stingy people and also why God, who is the most generous, is also the happiest.
Generosity comes out of maturity.
We should aspire to grow in our financial giving to our church, as well as to other ministries, as part of our spiritual maturation. Second Corinthians 8:7 says, “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” Too often the church is guilty of encouraging growth in all the spiritual disciplines and gifts other than giving. Of course, some churches emphasize giving at the expense of being Christ-centered, but it is vital nonetheless that Christians be exhorted and instructed in everything from biblical preaching to budgeting and investment training on how to seek to increase their giving every year and grow as godly financial stewards.
We give time, talent, and treasure.
Indeed, Jesus was correct to say that where our treasure is, our heart ultimately is (Mt 6:19–21). Therefore, those who struggle to be generously wise stewards would be well served to simply start being obedient with their finances. As they are, their heart will follow their treasure. Such people will soon find not only their money going to their church but also their time, prayer, and service. They will stop treating their church like a hotel and start treating it like their home.
Monday, May 31, 2010
6/1
S - Matt 11:1-15
O - In talking of John the Baptist, he said "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." Interesting part... "yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Are we, in heaven, given position? leadership?
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Forceful men lay hold of it. Does that mean those who are pursuiing after godliness? Interesting that the kingdom of heaven began forcefully advancing once John the Baptist began his ministry.
A - Keep my eyes upon the fact that the kingdom of heaven is why we are here. Forcefully lay hold of the kingdom of heaven in my life and for others.
P - Lord, I pray for my agenda to be yours. I pray to be a "kingdom thinker" as I am here on earth. I pray to forcefully lay hold of what you have for me to take hold of and forcefully lay hold of what you have for my girls. Help me to understand what "forceful men lay hold of it" means in terms of the kingdom of heaven. Your will, not mine. Amen.
O - In talking of John the Baptist, he said "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." Interesting part... "yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Are we, in heaven, given position? leadership?
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Forceful men lay hold of it. Does that mean those who are pursuiing after godliness? Interesting that the kingdom of heaven began forcefully advancing once John the Baptist began his ministry.
A - Keep my eyes upon the fact that the kingdom of heaven is why we are here. Forcefully lay hold of the kingdom of heaven in my life and for others.
P - Lord, I pray for my agenda to be yours. I pray to be a "kingdom thinker" as I am here on earth. I pray to forcefully lay hold of what you have for me to take hold of and forcefully lay hold of what you have for my girls. Help me to understand what "forceful men lay hold of it" means in terms of the kingdom of heaven. Your will, not mine. Amen.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
5/30
S - Matt 10:32 to end
O - "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. If we love anyone more than Him, including father, mother, daughter, husband, we are not worthy of him.
Anyone who does not take his cross and follow him is not worthy of him.
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
A - Love Jesus first. Sometimes that might bring a sword instead of peace. That is okay. Trust him. Take up my cross. Pleasing God not others is my first aim. BECAUSE I AM HIS DISCIPLE, identify the needs of others and be willing to help.
P - God, help me to be willing to take up my cross and follow you. Help me to LOVE YOU before my family. Help me to bring cold water to those who thirst because I am your disciple. Help me to be aware of the needs of others and be available. Amen.
O - "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."
He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. If we love anyone more than Him, including father, mother, daughter, husband, we are not worthy of him.
Anyone who does not take his cross and follow him is not worthy of him.
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
A - Love Jesus first. Sometimes that might bring a sword instead of peace. That is okay. Trust him. Take up my cross. Pleasing God not others is my first aim. BECAUSE I AM HIS DISCIPLE, identify the needs of others and be willing to help.
P - God, help me to be willing to take up my cross and follow you. Help me to LOVE YOU before my family. Help me to bring cold water to those who thirst because I am your disciple. Help me to be aware of the needs of others and be available. Amen.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
5-25
S - Matt. 10:11 to end
O- told disciples to shake the dust off their feet if rejected... not to let it bother them; told disciples to be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves; he was sending them off as sheep among wolves. Many would try to destroy them. He also told them to be on their guard against men as they would hand them over to be flogged. Jesus said that he who stands to the end will be saved.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed. No secrets in the end. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannoto kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Wow.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
A - Walk in trust and fear of the one who made me. He is in control. Do not fear man, what they say, or what they can do. Shake the dust off my feet. Do not fear rejection. Be on my guard. Be shrewd. Be innocent. All secrets will be revealed. Live above reproach.
P - Thank you God that you know every hair on my head. Thank you God that there is nothing to fear but you in this life. Only you. You are the one who made me and controls all things. Help me to live shrewdly. Help me to live innocently. Forgive me for my wrongdoings.
O- told disciples to shake the dust off their feet if rejected... not to let it bother them; told disciples to be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves; he was sending them off as sheep among wolves. Many would try to destroy them. He also told them to be on their guard against men as they would hand them over to be flogged. Jesus said that he who stands to the end will be saved.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed. No secrets in the end. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannoto kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Wow.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
A - Walk in trust and fear of the one who made me. He is in control. Do not fear man, what they say, or what they can do. Shake the dust off my feet. Do not fear rejection. Be on my guard. Be shrewd. Be innocent. All secrets will be revealed. Live above reproach.
P - Thank you God that you know every hair on my head. Thank you God that there is nothing to fear but you in this life. Only you. You are the one who made me and controls all things. Help me to live shrewdly. Help me to live innocently. Forgive me for my wrongdoings.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
5/18
S - Matthew 9 & 10
O- the faith of the friends of the paralytic healed the friend. Jesus saw "their" faith and healed him.
Jesus disciples, here Matthew, after being called, immediately rose and followed Him.
Again, Jesus says, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." He says to go and learn what that means. It was a response to their judgments of him and the tax collector.
Matthew 10:
Jesus gave power to his disciples to heal, power over unclean spirits, power to cast them out. The 12 were - Simon Peter, Andrew (peter's brother), James and John (sons of Zebedee),philip, bartholomew, thomas and matthew the tax collectors, James Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas. He sent them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, rather than the Gentiles and Samaritans. He told them that freely have they received, freely give.
A - Have faith for others as I pray for them. It affects them.
Follow Him as he calls.
Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice.
Freely have I received; freely give.
P- Lord, help me today to follow you, to be merciful to others, to give freely, and to be full of faith. Amen.
O- the faith of the friends of the paralytic healed the friend. Jesus saw "their" faith and healed him.
Jesus disciples, here Matthew, after being called, immediately rose and followed Him.
Again, Jesus says, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." He says to go and learn what that means. It was a response to their judgments of him and the tax collector.
Matthew 10:
Jesus gave power to his disciples to heal, power over unclean spirits, power to cast them out. The 12 were - Simon Peter, Andrew (peter's brother), James and John (sons of Zebedee),philip, bartholomew, thomas and matthew the tax collectors, James Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas. He sent them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, rather than the Gentiles and Samaritans. He told them that freely have they received, freely give.
A - Have faith for others as I pray for them. It affects them.
Follow Him as he calls.
Jesus desires mercy, not sacrifice.
Freely have I received; freely give.
P- Lord, help me today to follow you, to be merciful to others, to give freely, and to be full of faith. Amen.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
5/13
S-Matthew 9
O- Jesus said he desired mercy, not sacrifice.
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No , they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Again and again, Jesus heals with his touch through faith. Have faith in God's hand. Again and again, Jesus said, "According to your faith will it be done to you." Having faith changes circumstances. Place faith in Christ.
Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field."
A - I am a new creation in Christ. "The old is gone; the new has come." Let the wine of Christ be poured into me by my maker. Do not put old stuff into the new. The old and the new do not go together. Be made afresh in Christ. Remember that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and follow accordingly.
-Pray for God to send out workers into his harvest field. Be willing to be a worker myself in the harvest field.
P - God, help me to be a willing worker. Help me to have faith in you and your hand. Help me to not put old stuff into the new wineskins you have made for me. Forgive my sin. Show me the way this day. Amen.
O- Jesus said he desired mercy, not sacrifice.
"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No , they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Again and again, Jesus heals with his touch through faith. Have faith in God's hand. Again and again, Jesus said, "According to your faith will it be done to you." Having faith changes circumstances. Place faith in Christ.
Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field."
A - I am a new creation in Christ. "The old is gone; the new has come." Let the wine of Christ be poured into me by my maker. Do not put old stuff into the new. The old and the new do not go together. Be made afresh in Christ. Remember that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and follow accordingly.
-Pray for God to send out workers into his harvest field. Be willing to be a worker myself in the harvest field.
P - God, help me to be a willing worker. Help me to have faith in you and your hand. Help me to not put old stuff into the new wineskins you have made for me. Forgive my sin. Show me the way this day. Amen.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
5/12
S - Matthew 8
O - The centurion understood the authority of Jesus in healing his servant. He had faith that Jesus did not even need to come to see him, but could just say the word. Jesus rebuked the winds and wave in the storm, and it was completely calm.
A - Have faith in the authority of Jesus in my life. Have faith that he has power to calm the storm.
P- (reminds me of song by casting crowns)
I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Thanks God that you are the God who hears us. You hear us in the storm. You hold us in the storm. Amen.
O - The centurion understood the authority of Jesus in healing his servant. He had faith that Jesus did not even need to come to see him, but could just say the word. Jesus rebuked the winds and wave in the storm, and it was completely calm.
A - Have faith in the authority of Jesus in my life. Have faith that he has power to calm the storm.
P- (reminds me of song by casting crowns)
I was sure by now
God you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Thanks God that you are the God who hears us. You hear us in the storm. You hold us in the storm. Amen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
5/11
S - Matthew 7
O - Do not judge others. Do not look at the speck in my brother's eye when a plank is in my own. Examine my own life. Do not give dogs what is sacred. Do not throw pearls to pigs. They may trample them under their feet. Ask, seek, knock. My father in heaven wants to give good things to me. Do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Enter through the narrow gate. Do the will of my Father in heaven. Not everyone will go to heaven who cries "Lord, Lord." Put into practice God's word. Build my house upon the rock of God. It is foolish not to do what God desires. It is like building my house upon sand. Jesus taught as one who had authority.
A - Examine my own life. Am I building it upon the rock. Don't worry about those around me who may not be following; be concerned with how i am following God. Be careful who I entrust my heart to. Put into practice God's word. Build my house upon the stable Rock of God.
P - Lord, help me to be faithful in following you. Give me discernment with others. Help me to love others as myself. Help me not to foolishly build my life on sand, but to build it upon your foundation. Help me to do your will.
O - Do not judge others. Do not look at the speck in my brother's eye when a plank is in my own. Examine my own life. Do not give dogs what is sacred. Do not throw pearls to pigs. They may trample them under their feet. Ask, seek, knock. My father in heaven wants to give good things to me. Do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Enter through the narrow gate. Do the will of my Father in heaven. Not everyone will go to heaven who cries "Lord, Lord." Put into practice God's word. Build my house upon the rock of God. It is foolish not to do what God desires. It is like building my house upon sand. Jesus taught as one who had authority.
A - Examine my own life. Am I building it upon the rock. Don't worry about those around me who may not be following; be concerned with how i am following God. Be careful who I entrust my heart to. Put into practice God's word. Build my house upon the stable Rock of God.
P - Lord, help me to be faithful in following you. Give me discernment with others. Help me to love others as myself. Help me not to foolishly build my life on sand, but to build it upon your foundation. Help me to do your will.
Monday, May 10, 2010
5/10
S - Matthew 6
O - Do not do your righteous acts to be seen. There is no reward in this. When you pray, go into a room and shut the door. When you give, do it without an audience. Do all privately and modestly. Humbly. Forgive others. Live in forgiveness. When you fast, do it privately. DO NOT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH, BUT IN HEAVEN. WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO. The eye is the lamp of the body. Let your eyes be full of light; set no evil in front of them. If your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. You cannot serve both God and money. Do not worry about your life... what you will eat, drink, wear... Look at the birds and how they are clothed. Do not run after things of this world. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
A - Wow! Lots to apply here. Walk after the Lord. Set my eyes upon heaven. Let my heart be set upon heavenly things and do not run after things of this world. Do not worry. Trust in the Lord's provision. Follow after God in works and do it privately. Fast and pray in private.
P - Lord, so much to apply. Bring to my mind your word as I go through my day. Let your Holy Spirit guide me, and help me not to worry or run after those things that are not your will. Convict me when I do. Then, I will have less to worry about. Help me to place my energy only upon the tasks you have for me. Help me not to use my energy thinking about things that you will provide. You provide enough. I pray to rest my mind and heart upon you and your will for me this day. Amen.
O - Do not do your righteous acts to be seen. There is no reward in this. When you pray, go into a room and shut the door. When you give, do it without an audience. Do all privately and modestly. Humbly. Forgive others. Live in forgiveness. When you fast, do it privately. DO NOT STORE UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES ON EARTH, BUT IN HEAVEN. WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO. The eye is the lamp of the body. Let your eyes be full of light; set no evil in front of them. If your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. You cannot serve both God and money. Do not worry about your life... what you will eat, drink, wear... Look at the birds and how they are clothed. Do not run after things of this world. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
A - Wow! Lots to apply here. Walk after the Lord. Set my eyes upon heaven. Let my heart be set upon heavenly things and do not run after things of this world. Do not worry. Trust in the Lord's provision. Follow after God in works and do it privately. Fast and pray in private.
P - Lord, so much to apply. Bring to my mind your word as I go through my day. Let your Holy Spirit guide me, and help me not to worry or run after those things that are not your will. Convict me when I do. Then, I will have less to worry about. Help me to place my energy only upon the tasks you have for me. Help me not to use my energy thinking about things that you will provide. You provide enough. I pray to rest my mind and heart upon you and your will for me this day. Amen.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
5/4
Beth Moore's book Get Out of that Pit is amazing! I did not even realize some of the pits that I am in! I am determined to set my mind on things above, set my face like a flint, make up my mind beforehand to be whoever it is God wants me to be. I rest in you, Lord. You are my maker. You are my director. Help me especially be the mom of my 4 girls you are calling me to be. I pray for each of them and ask for your direction upon their lives, your hand upon their hearts. Guide and direct them. Help them to desire godliness and not worldliness. Help me to shape their hearts as much as I am able. Help me to be an example and not a hinderance. I delight in you, Lord.
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