Day 18 - “Awe in our Finances” скачать в хорошем качестве

Day 18 - “Awe in our Finances”

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. - Matthew 6v24 (ESV) 2026 - The Year of Awe Awe - a reverent, trembling wonder that arises when a finite human being encounters the holiness, glory, power, beauty, and nearness of God. It is the soul’s response to God’s weight—His glory—producing humility, worship, obedience, and joy. I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by… — Habakuk 3v2 (NLT) As a church planter, my perspective about money has changed over the years. Money is a key part of life… we need it to make things happen “Money makes the world go round” As Christians we’re called to have a different perspective about money. It’s not just a possession, it’s a tool we use to build the kingdom of God “If a person gets his attitude about money straight, it will straighten almost every other area in his life.” – Billy Graham Many people struggle financially not just because of poor decisions, but because they have the wrong perspective about money. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13v5 (ESV) “When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart” - John Wesley Money makes a great servant, and a terrible master. If I’m always worried about it, I’m subject to be controlled by it The Bible has a lot to say about money, there are more verses about money than about hell. • Over 2000 verses deal with money and possessions • About 15% of everything Jesus said relates to money or possessions • 39 parables he told, 11 of them deal with finances, stewardship or wealth Money reveals your heart. We shouldn’t treat people differently because they have or don’t have money. Every person is valuable in the eyes of God and should be valuable in our eyes. Principles About Money 1. God owns everything This means we’re called to be stewards not owners. You can’t take your money with you to heaven. Do you serve money? Or does your money serve you? (Matthew 6) “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it…” - Psalm 24v1 “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the LORD Almighty.” - Haggai 2v8 It’s all His, He can do with it what He wants. He doesn’t want us to be in debt, He can never be in debt… He’s God So in the same way, debt isn’t something we should be carrying in our lives “Since my money is God’s money, every spending decision I make is a spiritual decision” – John Hagee 2. We need wisdom to manage our money Spending and saving should be things we pray about and seek counsel about. If you’re not good with money, get around someone who is and seek that counsel “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” - Proverbs 21v5 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?” - Luke 14v28 Before doing anything great you usually process how much you have and what you can do with what you have. How we handle what we have now, determines whether or not we’re ready for more. How you steward $10 shows if you’re ready to receive $100 3. Generosity unlocks contentment There’s something about giving money away that brings contentment to your soul. Yes you have needs, and you have things to take care of, but when you’re generous you’re perspective about things gets bigger. 24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. - Proverbs 11v24-25 When we’re generous we’re not weighed down by things. This could be through helping a friend financially, giving away possessions, giving towards your church. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Malachi 3v10 (ESV) Money is a tool to build with not a measure of individual worth. God loves a cheerful giver… What we’re praying for 1. For us to have the right perspective about money 2. To be more generous in ways we haven’t thought of 3. For God to trust us with money 4. For us to use our money for the glory of God