Devotions 4-6
Description
1. Gordon Wood, a preacher in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin once wrote: “Recently, I tried something different in our worship service. Instead of preaching at the end, I did it first, with music, the offering, and Scripture reading afterward. As I stood behind the pulpit, I could see people getting ready for the offering, until they realized I was starting my message.
Caitlyn, a first grader in the congregation, was perplexed by this change of routine, and whispered frantically to her mom, ‘Doesn’t he know we haven’t paid him to talk yet?’”
Why do we give to the church? Do we REALLY give our offerings to pay for the preacher to talk? Do we give of our tithes so that we can make sure staff has their “paychecks” and because the church building needs to be lighted, heated and cooled throughout the year? In other words: Do we give because we “HAVE” to? Is there a better reason to give of my offering to the church?
In I Chronicles 29 (Links to an external site.), David tells us why he gave to God. David said he gave because he believed the money belonged to God to begin with In 1 Chronicles 29:13-16 (Links to an external site.) David prays to God and says,
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
Who owns the money that we have earned or have been given? Why is it important to know who owns the money that we have?
2.What is your position on money? What importance does it play? How do you view it?
Here are some interesting scriptural facts:
• Jesus talked about money more than He talked about heaven or hell
• Jesus talked about money more than anything else except the kingdom of God
• 11 or the 39 parables talk about money
• 1 out of every seven verses in the Gospel of Luke speaks about money
Why? He knew we would struggle with money. You can’t serve God and money. He spoke on the importance of money…He spoke of taxes (render unto Caesar) He talked about investing (parable of the talents)
If Jesus placed an importance on the study of money, should we address the importance of money in our own lives? Write a paragraph to explain the importance or lack of importance that you place on the subject of money.
3. How many of you have at least one credit card in your wallets or purses?
How many have 2 credit cards…
How many have 3?
According to one of the most recent reports the average American household holds 12 Visas, MasterCards and various other cards. Credit card companies send out more than 1 billion new credit card offers every year. Our culture not only suggests we go into debt, it screams that going into debt is wise. How many of have heard, “You really need to build up your credit score!” After all, you need a high credit score so that you will be able to borrow more money to have the things you need (and want). The importance of credit in our modern life is evident. The value of a good credit rating is emphasized by the prevalence of credit reporting and credit protection products and companies.
Here’s what God says about indebtedness: Romans 13:8 “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:” Proverbs 22:7b “…the borrower is servant to the lender.”
How does a Christian reconcile what culture says and what God says about indebtedness?
4-6 SENTENCES PER QUESTION. INCLUDE A BIBLICAL SCRIPTURE WITH EACH QUESTION.
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