Re-Center Around God
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
~ Jesus
Pondering Point
Ready to take the time of re-centering around God up a notch? Listen to the hour-long podcast before the Review, Repent and Return phase of today's devotion. If time does not permit, simply continue on and listen to the podcast later.
Sermon on the Mount Podcast
Episode 28
What Does Jesus Say About Money?
In His third teaching on money, Jesus issues a warning about elevating wealth to the position of God in our lives. To describe wealth, Jesus uses the word “mammon,” which can be translated as “the thing in which you trust.” What happens when we put our trust in our wealth? And what can it look like to be free from the love of money? In this episode, Tim and Jon and special guests explore the power we give our possessions and the upside-down wisdom that sharing, not hoarding, gives us the security we’re seeking.
https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/what-does-jesus-say-about-money/
Monday’s IMMERSION mentioned Cain, the first murderer, being told by God: "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it" (Genesis 4:7). Instead it mastered him. Does money have such a grip on you, appealing to desires that are not spiritual? Let’s review, repent, and return to God as we re-center our lives around Him.
Review
Is money mastering me? What sacrifices do I make for money or for what it can buy? Do I view money as mine, ours, or God’s? Do I plan to give generously? Do I excel in giving?
Repent if Necessary
Do you need to repent of misusing money? The above questions are heart-oriented and repentance will likely revolve around matters of the heart and its either generous or stingy spirit. Be honest with God about what you think and feel.
Return (as necessary)
If God has been deposed from your heart’s throne in any way, ask Him to re-take the place that is rightfully His. Re-give your heart and your finances to His glory and service. And then make a conscious decision (and plan!) to excel in giving.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 139:19-24
- If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! - They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name. - Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? - I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies. - Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. - See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Hebrews 4:12-13
The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
The Promise
1 Chronicles 28:9
Serve [God] with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you.
Pondering Point
What a day to call God to search your heart! Test me God! Have I let money or something else keep me from wholehearted devotion and service to You?