Wealth at God’s Disposal through His Wisdom
SUNDAY, October 9
Luke 16:1-13
Jesus spoke more about money than almost any other topic. In today’s passage a steward who had mismanaged his employer’s finances is called to account for his stewardship—and then fired. In response, the steward called his employer’s debtors and lowered their debt in order to have a place to work and live after this employment. His master actually commended him for his shrewdness.
We may find ourselves in some uncomfortable or tight financial situations. I am not suggesting ours would come from dishonesty as this steward’s did, but many of us experience difficult circumstances involving finances.
The word “shrewd” can also be translated as “prudence” or “wisdom.” God, our Master, can help us find a way in difficult financial situations and to avoid the corrupting influence of wealth.
God, Provider of our resources, guide us to use them for your kingdom
and not just our own interests. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: FAITH FOR EACH NEW DAY
Prayer Is Powerful
MONDAY, October 10
1 Timothy 2:1- 7
Paul urges us to make “petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving…for all people” (v. 1), and to pray for those in authority. “All” is all, even people who promote and behave in evil ways.
Paul (Saul) himself in Acts 9 sought to do evil against the followers of Jesus. “Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples….so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way… he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem” (v. 1, NIV).
Most likely someone was praying for Paul when Jesus called to him on the road to Damascus, and he was transformed by the divine encounter. Prayer is powerful, and we can pray for all people knowing God can intervene in many ways in their lives. We especially pray for those in positions of authority so that we may live in peace.
Jesus, teach us to pray for all people, no matter who they are, that they may live in you. Amen.
Training for Life
TUESDAY, October 11
1 Timothy 4:7-10
In college, I trained for races in track and later assisted in coaching athletes. I learned that consistent physical training and learning better techniques were the key to better times in the races.
Godliness requires training in order to live our faith daily. How? By walking in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), by imitating Jesus by loving unconditionally, and through the commandments of God to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Daily training through the living Word helps us to be ready for opportunities to join God in what he is doing.
God, my Trainer for life, may I always be aware of what you are doing and follow your lead, especially to love and treat others with grace and seek peace. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: NEIGHBORS IN NEED
Extra Baggage
WEDNESDAY, October 12
Luke 18:18-30
Jesus said metaphorically “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 25, NIV). There is a gate close to the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem called “The Eye of the Needle.” It is so narrow that camels had to have their baggage unloaded in order to pass through it.
Often we cannot see the financial, emotional, relational, social, psychological, and physical “baggage” we carry that prevents us from serving God wholly.
The young wealthy ruler may have seemed fine, but Jesus could see the financial “baggage” that was keeping him from a life surrendered
to him.
Lord, what baggage do we need to recognize and unload in order to allow the Spirit to move in us? Reveal the truth so that we may be free to serve you wholly. Amen.
Craving or Contentment?
THURSDAY, October 13
1 Timothy 6:6-11
As we sat around the table playing a board game, I mused to myself how wonderful it was to be together as a family, laughing, sharing stories, and wishing time could just stand still. I was content and reveled in the priceless moments.
These treasures of love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit are more valuable than money. Similarly, Paul gave wise advice to Timothy, his disciple, to pursue gentleness, love, endurance, and righteousness that lead to a godly life, and not to crave more money because it can lead us away from God.
When will we have enough money? When will we no longer crave more and more, which can lead to stress, contention, ruin, and destruction, and actually to “piercing” ourselves with grief and sorrow (v. 19)?
Triune God of love, teach me to be content and have the wisdom to live with what is enough day by day. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: THE BEAUTY OF CREATION
Give from What God Has Given Us
FRIDAY, October 14
1 Timothy 6:12-19
In our house, we keep the table set to eat, because we want to be ready for God’s agenda. Sometimes it’s a snack or meal with someone, and many times we give away groceries. It’s an opportunity to share with others what God has given us.
Several refugees from Venezuela have worked with us, many of whom send money to family back home in Venezuela, even though they themselves have little to eat. Nearly every church has given food, clothing, and more to refugees and people displaced by the violence.
God gives all of us the opportunity to share with others what he, “who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment,” has given us (v. 17, NLT). By using our money to bless others, we store up treasures for the future and experience true life in Christ.
Jesus, thank you for opening doors to use the finances you have given us to share with others. Amen.
Trusting in Wealth and Evil, and Not God
SATURDAY, October 15
Psalm 52
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Wealth and wickedness are dreadful companions; when combined they make a monster. When the devil is master of money bags, he is a devil indeed.”
David wrote Psalm 52 after the events of 1 Samuel 21-22 when the chief herdsman of King Saul, Doeg the Edomite, used his deceitful tongue to tell Saul that David had met with Ahimelech the priest. In response to Saul’s command, Doeg murdered 85 priests and killed the people of the town of Nob. He did this for the sake of money and to gain Saul’s favor.
David condemned Doeg’s evil, writing, “He will snatch you up…he will uproot you from the land of the living” (v. 5). Doeg would die, the result of seeking refuge in riches instead of God. But, David responds in verse 8, “I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever” (NRSV).
God, may we only trust in you. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: NORTHPARK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
