What the Bible Says About Relationships and Money
Week of September 18, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Matthew 22:34-40
34But when the Pharisees heard that he (Jesus) had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they thought up a fresh question of their own to ask him. 35One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this day on which we dedicate the land You have provided us, back to You, that it may become our “Mission Outpost” in the Saxonburg Community. Glorify Yourself today and always in what we do! Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon me and upon all of us at New Life that we may have the courage to “possess the land” that You have given for us and not turn back as the Israelites so long ago. Grant us diligence in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, Give me the spirit of Joshua and Caleb today, who stood up, even though they were a small minority to speak for You. Empower me by Your Spirit to speak in Jesus’ name today and always. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, the land You have provided for us is a good land. Show us how to use it wisely. Show the Nehemiah team and elders how You want us to use it to advance Your Kingdom. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, I know that people are always more important than places to You, so show us how to use this place You have provided to draw people to You, to advance Your Kingdom. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, at this moment I pause to offer to You the names of those I know, living in this area who need You as their God……………… Thank You for caring for them. Draw them to Yourself in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, thank You for all You are and all You have provided in my life! I pray that as You have blessed me, I will be a blessing to others that they may also know the joy of Your Kingdom. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
Background on the Text
In Numbers 13 and 14 we read some of the saddest commentary in the early history of the Israelites. While in captivity in Egypt, Israel became a great nation—in numbers of people. When God delivered them from slavery under the leadership of Moses, He desired to forge Israel into a great nation in terms of faith. As they drew to the edge of the Promised Land, Israel faced a great test. God had Moses select ten spies and sent them into the Promised Land to see what it was like. In this week’s Scripture we hear their report—actually their reports—because ten of the spies brought an “evil” report, while two of them Caleb and Joshua came back proclaiming that God would deliver the land to the people. All twelve spies agreed that the land was amazing, but ten of the spies couldn’t see how they could overcome the residents of the land, who included giants. Sadly, the people of Israel failed the test of faith. They didn’t listen to Caleb and Joshua, so God condemned all who were more than 20 years old among the people to a life of wandering in the desert, followed by death for all but two of them—Joshua and Caleb. As you read and reflect this week consider that God is always faithful, and ALWAYS fulfills His promises. It doesn’t matter how many believe that, because God is a majority all by Himself!
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:
|
Fallen short areas
|
What will I do with these insights?
|
Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
|
Share insights and growth points
|
Changed/transformed how?
|
Saturday
Reflective Thoughts