What the Bible Says About Relationships and Money
Week of November 20, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Matthew 6:31-34
[Jesus said] 31“So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. 21The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, as we come to the close of our series of messages and studies focusing on what Your Word says about money, I pray that you will impress on my heart and mind that, which will make me a wise, faithful and generous manager of You amazing blessings in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, I want You to be first in my life! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live with absolute commitment to You in all areas of my life. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, I am prone to worry about many things. I pray for the confidence of Your Holy Spirit to trust You for provision in all areas of my life. I pray that in that trust I will live in Your peace and joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, You are my primary concern. Sharing the new life of Jesus with others is my goal. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that my words and actions may draw others to You and to entrance into Your eternal Kingdom. Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, On this Thanksgiving Day, I give You thanks and praise for the joy of knowing You, and for all the blessings You provide so freely. God empower me to live in gratitude not only today, but every day! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your written Word so we know what You think and desire in every area of our lives. Again, I pray that You will increase my faithfulness in the area of money, that how I use it will bring You glory and honor. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are and for all the blessings You provide in my life! Give me a heart of gratitude this week and in all things that others may see the fruit of Your presence in me, and glorify You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Background on the Text
As we come to the conclusion of our series of messages on “What the Bible Says About Money,” we return to the Scripture with which we started the series: Matthew 6:31-34. The passage reminds us of several vital truths: 1) We are not to worry about ANYTHING as followers of Jesus; 2) God knows what we need before we ask—but we are to ask for His provision anyone; 3) when we put the pursuit of His Kingdom and His righteousness first, EVERYTHING we need will be added to us; and 4) We need to focus on serving God and putting Him first TODAY rather than tomorrow. Jesus invested a major portion of the Sermon on the Mount challenging us not to put our trust in money, nor to worry about material matters. He reminded us that when God is first in our lives, He will take care of the rest of our lives! This is such a vital backdrop to the entirety of Jesus’ life, ministry and teaching. It is the reason He could focus on His mission, rather than on compiling the resources to carry out that mission!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts