Wealth

And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. ~ Psalm 62:10 (NLT)

Joseph, called by the apostles “Barnabas” (which means “Son of Comfort”), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles. ~ Acts 4:36-37 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Hold onto your wealth loosely so that it doesn't control your life and so you don't hesitate to give it away when there is a need.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the source of all that we have. Thank you for blessing us with so much. I need to keep my wealth in perspective. Help me to be like Barnabas -- open-handed and generous. I'm looking forward to the joy that comes from giving. Amen.

Supreme being

The Lord your God is supreme over all gods and over all powers. He is great and mighty, and he is to be obeyed. He does not show partiality, and he does not accept bribes. ~ Deuteronomy 10:17 (GNT)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth." ~ Matthew 28:18 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus has all the authority of God, who is supreme over all other authorities and beings.

PRAYER:

Almighty God, you are the most powerful being of all. I confess, though, that sometimes I am afraid of spirits and lesser gods. Help me to trust in you and your power. Help me to trust that you are working out your powerful plan and have what is best for me in your mind. Help me to not worry about the spirits and other beings so that I can fully trust in Christ Jesus. He has all authority in heaven and on the earth -- and everywhere in between. Amen.

More than promised

But God was gracious and showed mercy to them. He stuck with them out of respect for his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He never gave up on them, never even considered discarding them, even to this day. ~ 2 Kings 13:23 (MSG)

If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised. ~ Galatians 3:29 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Christ has made us children of Abraham -- and heirs of the promises made to him.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have been faithful to your word for generations and generations. You even give more than you have promised by including us as heirs of the promises made to Abraham -- all compliments of your Son Christ Jesus. I need more faith so that I can live up to my calling as an heir of your promises -- and your grace. Please help me with that. Amen.

God's mercy and suffering

The Lord is merciful and will not reject us forever. He may bring us sorrow, but his love for us is sure and strong. ~ Lamentations 3:31-32 (GNT)

But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. ~ 1 Peter 5:10 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God's love for us is sure and strong -- even if there is suffering.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for your love. I admit, though, that I am afraid. I don't want to suffer. Save me from suffering. Or at least use your love to redeem the suffering and sorrow I experience. I'm going to trust that you will render me complete, steady, strong, and firm -- no matter what happens. Amen.