God is not dependent on our service to Him

January 3

Scripture Reading

Read Acts 17:24-28 and reflect on the passage.

Hard work is a value that my parents modeled and instilled in my brother and I. We look back on our childhoods and laugh at how my parents took their hard work values (sometimes) to the extreme. My brother and I remember many days, working outside with my dad, thinking we were making a real difference—I think I just made a bigger mess! 

I can remember when our kids were young and we used to let them “help” us; working side by side was a beautiful thing, even if their contribution meant more for us to clean up. As a parent I delight in seeing my children work hard even if their hard work does not affect my bottom line.

God does not need anything from us. He does not need us to build Him a temple or any other house. He is the Giver and we are the receivers. Not that our work does not matter, it does—it just does not supplant God as the Maker of all things.

Questions

Consider these statements as you reflect on the text today:

1.      “God help me to remember that You are the creator of all things.”

2.      “Help me to realize just how close You are to me.”

Prayer

God, You are our Father and we are Your children. Help us realize just how close You are… let us not miss anything You want to give us.

—Brodie Taphorn 

It's Not About the Money

Do you worry about money?  A lot of people do.  I googled sayings about money and many familiar ones popped up.  Are any of these familiar to you?  Money makes the world go ‘round, it’s all about the Benjamins, she works hard for the money, money talks, a penny saved is a penny earned, money doesn’t grow on trees, time is money… I could go on and on.

There have been countless books written on how to make money.  You can attend seminars, listen to podcasts or CDs all telling you how to make money.  Why does making money consume our focus?  The answer is obvious isn’t it.  When we have money, we feel secure to take care of ourselves.  We can pay our bills, feed our family, put a roof over our heads, and plan for our future.

Money and wealth are hot button topics. Our scripture today warns against the LOVE of money, and praises the efforts of hard work.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
    whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Vs. 10

The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
    whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
    permits them no sleep. Vs. 12

Taking care of ourselves and our family is different than loving money, but I think it can be a slippery slope when we look to money and wealth to solve all our problems. I love what verses 18 and 19 say,

“¹⁸ This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. ¹⁹ Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 

It is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor… I love that.  Working hard and enjoying the fruit of our labor is not a bad thing, but it would be good for us to all remember, it’s not about the money.

Read today's passage here