July 25, 2018

July 25, 2018

Judy Hollaway

April 18

Running with Jesus

Luke 16:1-2 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

(Jesus  said to his followers, “Once there was a rich man. He hired a manager to take care of his business. Later, he learned that his manager was cheating him.  So he called the manager in and said to him, ‘I have heard bad things about you. Give me a report of what you have done with my money. You can’t be my manager anymore.’)

                 Well here we go with money again! This parable can go in so many directions. 

              We know He was talking so the Pharisees could hear and he had hired them to manage His kingdom and they failed to take care of it.

                I want to focus upon our money management! Tough subject for the Church today! I believe in tithing and I believe God's Word teaches us this principle. The church wants the benefits of kingdom living but doesn't want to do the conditional part of God's promises. God wants to help us be good managers of our money. He provides what we have! You say not! I worked for it! Who do you think gave you the health, the oxygen, and the wisdom to enable you to work? GOD! 

                  He is our provider so He should be given ten percent and also help you manage the rest! 

  A few things I ask myself before making purchases, do I really need this or am I hoarding? Does someone else have a need I need to help meet? Do I have an emergency reserve? You do realize tires can blow and kids could get sick? This list could go on forever.   

                  We can cause God to withhold blessings from us because we have not learned to manage what we already have been given to use for His kingdom. Remember running with Jesus should draw us out of worldly living, watch being caught up on name-brand living! All that stuff is in the mind of man! It usually builds pride and self-ego. Get out the check books sit down and log where your funds went last month! Where did God fit in?

Father, teach us how to be a good manager of the money You have given us. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from the evil one.

Tomorrow: Valley of emotions!