Today at church we spoke about finances and how giving to the church through tithes or giving to people in need is one of the greatest ways you can show your faithfulness to God. I thought todays message fit in so perfectly with what this plan has talked about and I would like to give you guys the main points we talked about today.
1. Nothing you can buy or possess can satisfy your craving that can only be filled by God.
2. As your passion for God grows, your passion for possessions should diminish.
3. Giving releases God's blessing on your life.
4. You have to give up to go up.
3 Signs that God is #1 in your life
1. Giving
2. You use the word enough
3. People matter more
Day 26: God Never Fails
The love of money will lead people to make foolish decisions, because we will do anything to have more. Regardless of how new our phones are, how big our homes get or how many designer labels we have in the closest, we will never be satisfied. And when we feel dissatisfied with what we have, we do things like take out a loan for a new car when we have one that runs just fine. The Bible tells the story of an Israelite boy named Moses that was rescued from death and raised by the daughter of the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. He was born into poverty and adopted into royalty. Moses could have chosen an easy life of royalty, but he loved God more than he loved money. While he grew up in a palace, Moses traded a life of luxury to follow God's call on his life and lead the nation of Israel on a 40-year trek through the desert. Money will never satisfy us the way the love of Jesus does. New stuff gets old. But God never fails us, never abandons us. So let us be content in working a good job, not borrowing for things we do not need, spending time with out families and doing what God would have us do.
Questions:
1. Are you content with what you have or constantly looking to upgrade? Why?
2. Think about the worst financial decision you ever made. What was your motive for that purchase or decision?
3. Do you love God more than you love money? If He asked you to give up everything you owned, would His love be enough?
Scripture:
Hebrews 13:5-6
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Prayer:
Jesus, You love is more satisfying than any possessions. Help me to be content with what I have and to put our relationship first.
Day 27: Work With Purpose
We each have work to do. Everything we do - from the way we work to how we talk - is an act of worship to God. One of the reasons we work is to experience happiness in God. When we exert an energy to complete a task, there is joy in accomplishing something. God is the source of all work; our meaning is found in Him, no matter what work we're doing. Work also gives us the financial means to meet our needs, help others, and worship Jesus. By working toward something and earning a living, we are building a life of freedom. Freedom is the ability to live according to God's directions rather than according to the restrictions of our debts and obligations. God wants to do work in you, not just make you accomplish tasks. Perhaps you're in a difficult job with challenging co-workers and impossible tasks. It may be a chance for you to grow in faithfulness, dedication, and overcoming conflicts. When we work, our character is built and we're better equipped to do more work God calls us to in the future. Ultimately our jobs are about stewardship. We've been given great opportunities to use our minds, bodies, creativity, and attitudes that God has allotted for us. Work because you've receives a task from Jesus, not just for a paycheck.
Questions:
1. Does your work ethic point people toward or away from Jesus? Why or why not?
2. How are you managing your earning from work and your responsibilities at work?
3. How can you practice being content in your work but staying hungry for God?
Scripture:
Colossians 3:12-24
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for my job. It is a gift from You! Help me to use the resources and influence You've given me wisely.
Day 28: Do Whatever It Takes
There is always work to be done, but there are different "jobs" to do. It's our job to provide for our families and love the people in our lives. We should do the work of our careers as well as the work of serving others. God calls us to be people who live our a "whatever it takes" mindset. Because Jesus did whatever it took to save us from our sins and give us new life, we can follow His example by being responsible, including how we use finances. "No job is beneath you" isn't about doing work that involves lying, stealing, cheating, harming others, distracting people from Jesus or any other sin. It means we should do whatever it takes (short of sin) to be responsible financially, because debt is slavery. In the story of Jesus visiting Mart and Martha, there are two different "jobs," one is displayed by Martha, who worked to prepare food for Jesus. And Mary fulfilled the role of hostess by making Jesus feel welcome. Unfortunately, Martha's work in the kitchen distracted her from Jesus Mary did whatever it took to value Jesus above everything else. If Martha sat at Jesus' feet, they wouldn't have had dinner. There are some "Martha" seasons of our lives when we need to hustle and work hard to make ends meet. But we also have some "Mary" seasons when we need to learn to rest in what God provides. The key is to listen to God's spirit for when to do which. This is how you can do whatever it takes to be faithful to Jesus, with your life and your finances: whatever "job" God has called you to, listen to Him and do the best work you can do.
Questions:
1. What role do you need to focus on in this season of your life: accomplishing tasks you already know to do, or building relationships with people and God?
2. Do you find it difficult to balance the different "jobs" you have? Why or why not?
3. How will you practice a "whatever it takes" mindset?
Scripture:
Luke 10:38-42
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14
Prayer:
Jesus, You don't measure my value by what jobs I perform. I'm valuable just because I'm Yours! Help me to do whatever it takes to obey You and worship You with my finances.
I hope you all enjoyed this plan and if you followed along with me I hope it helped you out in some way. Please let me know what you guys thought of this plan and if you'd like to see more of these types of things. I love hearing from all you!
xoxo
-k
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