Bah, Humbug!

Read Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5 and Luke 16:13-15
Paul says greed is a form of idolatry. According to Jesus, idolaters do three things with their idols. They love them, trust them and obey them. “Trusters of Money” feel they have control of their lives and are safe and secure because of their money. What level of trust comes from money?

 Greed and money.  As I was thinking about today's devotion, the first person (or character) that came to mind is Ebenezer Scrooge.  Perhaps because Christmas is right around the corner, or I can visibly see "A Muppet Christmas Carol" from where I sit as I type...I simply cannot think of anyone who so loved money as much as Scrooge.  And because of his love and trust of money, everything else in his life doesn't matter.  To him, money means he is safe, secure, feared by others.  He doesn't need anyone else because his money takes care of him.  He has no friends, no joy, no sympathy for others.  We learn from the story that he wasn't always this way - as a young boy he was interested in business, but money hadn't taken over his life quite yet.  More importantly, we learn from the story that even the sourest of characters, even Ebenezer Scrooge can be saved and realize that money isn't everything, and certainly we can't always trust it to make us happy and fulfilled.  

So, take this time and use this devotion as a way to reflect on certain areas of your life where you are a "Scrooge" with your money.  Is there an unhealthy level of trust that you have in it? Are you serving money (as your master) instead of the One that you really should be serving? 

$$$ Influences

Read Luke 12:15, 34
This scripture explains that when we spend our money on something, its value and importance tend to grow in our minds. Since we can become blind to our own materialism and we can live in denial - Jesus says, “Watch out!” Are you on alert to any subtle ways money influences or directs your use of time? Relationships?

I'd say I tend to be almost too controlling when it comes to budgeting or spending.  Full disclosure here: to keep track of our spending, I use Quicken, a spreadsheet AND an iPhone app that acts like Dave Ramsey's envelope system.  Yes, you read that right - three different tools to track spending. Tracking our expenses in all three of these means I spend a LOT of time looking at our money.  Probably to a fault.  And I completely stress about it, too, which in turn sometimes puts a strain on Ron and I's relationship.  Then we usually sit down for an hour or longer conversation in which I lament about how we don't save as much, and Ron talks me off the ledge by showing me exactly how much we have in savings and investments, and I feel a little better - for a little while.

I need to realize that God is in control, God will provide, and as long as we do our best to be good stewards of all of the money He's given us, then He will take care of us.  But by being anxious and trying to control it all myself, I'm basically telling God, "I can handle this better than You can."  Which is SO not true!

John 17:3

Read Matthew 6:19-24 and John 17:3
Our devotion and affection is something that comes as we fix our minds on what is important. Exercise your mind today to meditate on John 17:3, as you pursue devotion and loyalty to God today.

 Since today's question is more about meditation and devotion, I'm once again publishing this first thing in the morning so that you can focus all day on the verses, particularly John 17:3.  Consider this another memorization challenge!  If you look at this verse on the hour, you should have no problem memorizing it, and you'll have one more piece of scripture tucked away in your mind!

Is money your master?

Read Matthew 6:19-24
Why is the way you handle your finances a reflection of what is in your heart? Have you experienced a “defining moment” with your finances?

When we think about money, and 'storing up treasures,' it's all a matter of perspective, isn't it?  If we have the right perspective, or put another way - if our heart is in the right place, then our money isn't (or shouldn't be) the most important thing in our life. 

I think for me making the decision to stay home with our daughter was a defining moment.  Ron and I had so many conversations - probably too many to count - about how we could live on one income.  When we were both working and without a kid, we had the luxury of living pretty comfortably and not having to worry too much about where our money went.

When I quit working, we made a conscious decision that we would be giving some of those luxuries up. But through it, I've gained time with something far more precious than money and material things - my daughter.  And now, rather than seeing staying home as giving up the luxury of more money, I see staying home as a luxury in and of itself.

Me, myself and I

Read Matthew 6:8-15
What personal pronouns are used in the Lord’s prayer-verses 9-13?
This prayer is empty of “me, I, my”, instead it points to a humble yielding to God’s will and purpose, our dependency and need for mercy. Pause and read again verses 12-15. What is one thing you can do this week to find “oneness” with someone who is difficult for you to interact with?

It's so easy for me to be completely selfish as I pray - asking God to bless ME, MY family, fix MY problems.  But God's instructions are clear when it comes to prayer, and it is most certainly not about me.  Rather, it is about surrendering to God's will, humbly asking for and accepting His ordained provisions for my life.  He also instructs us about self control - not giving in to the temptations of this world - and forgiveness.

Does anyone else sometimes have a hard time with forgiveness?  I've been known to hold a pretty good grudge, and especially when someone hurts me or a loved one, I have a very hard time letting it go.  But imagine if God felt this same way about us?  Every time we sin, we hurt God.  I'm so thankful that He doesn't hold a grudge against me.  No sin is exempt from forgiveness, and we should willingly forgive our brothers and sisters as Christ forgives us.

Our daily bread

Read Matthew 6:11 and Exodus 16
What were the provisions given to Moses and the Israelites in the desert? Are you given daily provisions that last only one day? What does daily bread mean to you today?

I love that in these passages, God gives His people the exact thing that they need for each day.  The exact amount.  Not too much, not too little.  As I think about the devotions we've already done this week, the thing that keeps coming to my mind is, "He knows." He knows exactly what we need.  and He provides.  What an awesome and loving Father that we have!

Perhaps today you just need an extra jolt of energy to get you through this busy day at work. Maybe you need just an extra five minutes of sleep because you were up late last night with a sick kid.  Maybe you need just a little bit more income this month to cover that unexpected bill that came in the mail.  Maybe you are feeling down and you just need an unexpected phone call or email from a friend to cheer you up. All of these scenerios have played out in my life before, and I can honestly say, God has come through each time.  Even in times where I didn't even ask. He has provided.  He is amazing!

Your will be done

Read Matthew 6:9-13 and Mark 14:32-36
What surprises you about Jesus’ prayer? Great faith means Great surrender.
What area of your life are you unwilling to surrender to God? Start praying “Let your will be done in my life”.

In Mark, I love how real Jesus is.  He knows what is about to happen, and becomes greatly troubled and cries out to His Father and basically says, "God, if there's another way, please, take this fate away from me."  But more importantly, he also adds, if it is Your will.  How many times have you prayed for God to change a circumstance in your life?  And let's be honest, have you ever begrudgingly added at the end of your prayer, "if it's Your will."  I'll be the first to admit that I've done this.

Like I said yesterday, too many times I think I know what's best for myself.  But sometimes that doesn't line up with God's plan.  Rather than begrudgingly saying, "if it's Your will," I should realize that God does have my best interest in mind; He has a plan for me...and in order for me to follow His path, I have to willingly say, "Your will be done."  "You know best, Lord.  Do what is best for me."

He Knows

Read Matthew 6:8-9
Jesus says that your Father knows what you need before you ask. How does that change how you pray? As you pray today, declare God’s greatness, surrender your will, and acknowledge your dependence.

Have you ever had one of those prayers where you said, "God, I don't know what to even ask, but I'm praying about ____________ (fill in the blank)?" When there are no words that you can come up with to pray about a certain situation; when something seems utterly impossible; or you simply are at a loss about something?  Knowing that God knows what I need even before I ask is especially comforting in these situations.

And sometimes, when I do know what I want to pray to God, what I think I need, isn't really the case.   It's also comforting in these cases to know that God knows what I need, despite what I may think.  Because of this realization, as I pray today, I will declare God's greatness,surrender my will, and acknowledge my dependence on God.