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Week of August 5hot!
- 21.06.2007
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Move>>Better!August | Week 1Day 1 | Monday, August 6, 2007
What Do We Value; in What or Whom Do We TrustThousands are thronging around Jesus, who is teaching about hypocrisy, eternal values, the worth of each individual to God, and the importance of confessing one’s faith. In the midst of this, a man approaches Jesus about an inheritance issue. Often rabbis served as mediators, so it is not strange that he comes to Jesus; however, it quickly becomes apparent that the man wants an advocate, not an arbiter. And Jesus, knowing the man’s heart, senses an underlying greed, so he tells a parable. Pray the Spirit will help you see clear truths as you read Luke 12:1-21, noting teachings about God’s care, true values, and life as a follower of Jesus in these verses.
Day 2 | Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Wealth & Joy
Some picture Christians as poor people with sad faces. What does Scripture tell us (John 10:9-10; 15:11; 16:24; 17:13; Romans 15:13; Ephesians 3:20; and Philippians 4:4)? Is our joy based on human/temporal pleasures and molded by our culture’s values? Is our dearest treasure measured in dollars and cents? Do we spend our lives seeking that which does not satisfy our deepest longings? To whose voice do we listen and whose agenda do we seek? Is it wrong to be rich? Read 2 Chronicles 1:7-12; Luke 12:21; and 2 Corinthians 9:8. Tell the Spirit you want to understand about true wealth. Thank God for your blessings. Tell Jesus you want to see with his eyes.
Day 3 | Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Rich Toward God
What does it mean to be rich toward God? Read Mark 12:28-34; Luke 12:13-34; and Colossians 1:1-14 carefully and prayerfully, asking the Spirit to reveal to you what it means to be "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). If one is rich toward God, who is on the throne of his/her life? How is that life spent? How does our richness toward God shape our priorities, use of wealth, stewardship of time and talents, concern for others, and attitude toward all God gives us? Do you consider yourself "rich toward God"? Talk to God about your desire to grow rich toward God.
Day 4 | Thursday, August 9, 2007
Misplaced Trust & Skewed Priorities
Read Luke 12:16-21. Is anything wrong with the man’s success, his having a bumper crop? Of course not, so what is the issue? In what is he placing his trust for the future? What does he suggest will give his life fullness and purpose? Notice that he does not thank God for the richness of his crop, trust God for his future, or ask God how his wealth is to be used. He sees his barns/storehouses as holding his security and entertainment and providing for his fulfillment. In whom or what is your trust and security; what do you hold most dear; how do you define purpose and fulfillment in your life? Ask the Spirit to enable you to trust God and have Spirit-led priorities.
Day 5 | Friday, August 10, 2007
The Issue Is Not Money
Sometimes we read a text like Luke 12:13-21 and begin to wonder if it is wrong to be successful. Read Matthew 25:1-29; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; and Hebrews 13:5. Is money evil, or is the evil in making it our god, seeking after it at all cost, trusting it for security, using it without regard for the needs of others, and forgetting that it is a gift on loan to us, not an entitlement (Psalm 24:1a; Haggai 2:8)? Can the importance of wealth become skewed in the life of those who have little as well as in the lives of those who have much; is greed limited to one segment of society? Talk to God about what God has given you to use; ask forgiveness for the times you have said, "mine!"
Day 6 | Saturday, August 11, 2007
Lighly & Tightly
Think about the most joyful, grace-filled, selfless people you know. What motivates them; what seems to be the source of their radiant joy? Now ponder the times in your life when you knew exceedingly abundant joy. What prompted this overflowing gladness of heart? Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,9; 9:6-15, looking for evidences of real, deep, abundant joy. What did you discover? Now read and ponder Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and 1 Peter 1:3-9. Reflecting on your eternal inheritance, pray you will hold lightly/loosely to the material and cling tightly to God.
Day 7 | Sunday, August 12, 2007
An Epitaph and A Legacy
An epitaph is a brief statement or inscription characterizing a life; a legacy is something one receives from one who has died. Read Luke 12:18-19 and consider what this man’s epitaph might be. What legacy did he leave for his heirs? Scripture affirms the value of leaving an inheritance and providing for our families and for others. Yet leaving a legacy of faith, service, and love is far superior. Read Luke 12:13-34 again and spend time considering the epitaph you want written about you and the legacy you want most to leave. Spend time in honest reflection; are you living the life that will create the epitaph and legacy you desire? Take this question to the Lord in prayer.
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