Weekday Devotionals - Samantha
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21)
Here I sit, computer open, notes and bible set open before me and my mind screams, “What a week to be a devotional writer.” Finances can be an absolutely tough subject. How we handle our finances will reveal our real priorities. And usually that stems from this idea, “I handle my money as I see best for me.”
Ok, how do I deliver this gently to the reader? The person reading this right now who has read plenty of books that tell them how to earn more, how to invest better, or save- the right way! There is also never ending advise from the ones telling them just the right way to spend their money. Pssst, those are advertisers. How about the person who feels the pressure around them from friends\peers who seem to have more and spend more.
How do I explain kindly, they are all wrong. Sort of?
Then my Spotify playlist switches songs and the first lyrics, surly from God, are these…..
“This is the heart of living, Give and it will be given
Everything’s in your hands, Everything’s in your hands Lord”
This was exactly what was spoken of in Sunday’s message!
"Not what church wants from me, but what God wants for me. Free from the grip of money"
Seth Jones
Financial advice comes from everywhere. But if we are honest the most persuasive advice we seek daily on finances comes right from our own head. Along the way of life we have developed our own financial philosophy. Sure, some was shaped during our upbringing by our parents (or whoever raised us), mistakes we’ve made and wins we’ve had along the way, but unfortunately there is a giant flaw, I previously mentioned, selfishness hides in each financial decision we make.
Taking a job, because it’s the best financial situation.
Buying a sale item, well because I’m saving so much money.
Not buying an item needed, because it will leave more money for something that is wanted more.
How about, reasoning that your donating/giving comes with a tax break, and we cant forget how good that makes one feel!
Here is where I “gently” tell you, God didn’t stutter about just how temporary material things
are. Solomon told us, "Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs.
He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." (Ecclesiastes 5:15).
The apostle Paul concurred, "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:7).
Job, at his lowest point worshipfully agreed, saying, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)
We are to take a different path as believers, every financial decision should be a spiritual
decision. We are called to be stewards, and stewardship means a completely different way of thinking.
God owns it all, we’re just managing it. Gods budget. Gods paycheck.
I can be content with all I have when I accept that God has picked it all out especially for me. (Philippians 4:11-13NIV)
Consider this:
Is God calling you to think differently about your finances? To be His steward and to faithfully manage what He has given you?
- Samantha
Here I sit, computer open, notes and bible set open before me and my mind screams, “What a week to be a devotional writer.” Finances can be an absolutely tough subject. How we handle our finances will reveal our real priorities. And usually that stems from this idea, “I handle my money as I see best for me.”
Ok, how do I deliver this gently to the reader? The person reading this right now who has read plenty of books that tell them how to earn more, how to invest better, or save- the right way! There is also never ending advise from the ones telling them just the right way to spend their money. Pssst, those are advertisers. How about the person who feels the pressure around them from friends\peers who seem to have more and spend more.
How do I explain kindly, they are all wrong. Sort of?
Then my Spotify playlist switches songs and the first lyrics, surly from God, are these…..
“This is the heart of living, Give and it will be given
Everything’s in your hands, Everything’s in your hands Lord”
This was exactly what was spoken of in Sunday’s message!
"Not what church wants from me, but what God wants for me. Free from the grip of money"
Seth Jones
Financial advice comes from everywhere. But if we are honest the most persuasive advice we seek daily on finances comes right from our own head. Along the way of life we have developed our own financial philosophy. Sure, some was shaped during our upbringing by our parents (or whoever raised us), mistakes we’ve made and wins we’ve had along the way, but unfortunately there is a giant flaw, I previously mentioned, selfishness hides in each financial decision we make.
Taking a job, because it’s the best financial situation.
Buying a sale item, well because I’m saving so much money.
Not buying an item needed, because it will leave more money for something that is wanted more.
How about, reasoning that your donating/giving comes with a tax break, and we cant forget how good that makes one feel!
Here is where I “gently” tell you, God didn’t stutter about just how temporary material things
are. Solomon told us, "Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs.
He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." (Ecclesiastes 5:15).
The apostle Paul concurred, "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:7).
Job, at his lowest point worshipfully agreed, saying, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21)
We are to take a different path as believers, every financial decision should be a spiritual
decision. We are called to be stewards, and stewardship means a completely different way of thinking.
God owns it all, we’re just managing it. Gods budget. Gods paycheck.
I can be content with all I have when I accept that God has picked it all out especially for me. (Philippians 4:11-13NIV)
Consider this:
Is God calling you to think differently about your finances? To be His steward and to faithfully manage what He has given you?
- Samantha
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