Who Is Your Master?

READ: John 8:31-39

America is the land of the free. We believe what we want; we say what we want; we do what we want. We are all independent, bound to no master! Or so we think.

2 Peter 2:19 says that all people are slaves to whatever has mastered them. The truth is easy to see in the life of a drug addict or a youth madly in love. Everything must be given to obtain that which has captured the fascination of the mind and the passion of the heart. We just can’t control ourselves. We have to have it.

So what is your it? What has mastered you?

Wealth? Personal accomplishment? Love of spouse, child, or parent? Your reputation for holiness built upon the sins you hide? Escapism through alcohol, through television, through work that doesn’t even need to be done?

Are you a slave unto sin?

We all used to be. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” (Titus 3:3) 

Some of us still are. “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:14-15)

And some of us aren’t anymore. “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

Feel like you’re caught in between? Remember the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

“Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Lost Treasure

READ: Isaiah 33:2-6

Few things were more devastating to the ancient Israelites than a swarm of locusts. Farmers who had invested months of labor and spent many evenings gazing upon their fields at what was certain to be an abundant harvest were in moments brought to tears as they watched their toil come to nothing, their families reduced to poverty and probable starvation. 

This is what will become of the treasures of the kingdoms of this world when the God of justice makes his power known.

Will you be among those suffering great loss on that day?

Seriously, consider it. 1 Corinthians 3 says that those who build on the foundation of Christ will have their work tested by fire. Build wisely, receive a reward; build foolishly, suffer great loss. Yes, all in Christ will pass into life, but some as ones escaping through the flames.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns us, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” He goes on to tell a parable about a rich man who stored up his wealth thinking he would have many years of leisure to enjoy it only for God to prematurely take his life, separating him forever from the fruit of his labors.

I too once lived like this man, working hard to earn more and more money, saving and investing, only to see much of my wealth wiped out by a sudden reverse in the stock market. My efforts felt so futile then, but I learned the wisdom in Christ’s instruction: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Sow, Grow And Give It Away

2 Corinthians 9:5-15

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (v. 8)

Our Heavenly Father gives us what we need, though we often feel we don’t have enough.  The world feeds this notion of constantly needing more and never being content.  Today’s passage is a reminder that if we’re willing to be generous and give what we have, He’ll make sure our TRUE needs are always met.  God is our seed supplier. He gives us what we need to sow and grow abundantly.  Lives that are full of God are wealthy beyond compare.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (v. 11)

The circle of generosity is wide.  God is generous with us; therefore, we are to be generous with others, so they in turn can be generous with even more.  Others will praise God because they have witnessed an example of obedience and they will pray – each person filling the other in loving gratitude for the grace God has given.

Dear God, you bless us abundantly.  Help us see we have more than we need and that by being generous with our gifts, we will enrich the lives of others and in return, will be enriched in ways we could never imagine.  As it states in verse 15, Thanks be to God, for your indescribable gift!  Amen

The Good Life

READ: Philippians 3:17-21

What do you picture when I speak of the good life? Let’s weigh some common responses against the example of Paul and the words of Christ. 

Beautiful beach sunset? Paul writes from prison. Happy to be there because his captivity is advancing the gospel. (Phil 1:12-18)

Attractive spouse? Paul is single and content to be so. A married person divides attention, seeking to please both God and spouse. The unmarried person is completely focused on how he can please the Lord. (1 Cor 7:7, 32-35)

Great wealth? Christ says, “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions,” (Luke 12:15) and, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25)

Perfect health? Paul prayed for it. God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9)

Great accomplishments? “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” (Phil 3:8)

Your many labors behind you? “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” (Phil 1:22)

The love and praise of everyone you know? Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” (Matt 5:11-12)

Our reward in heaven: Isn’t that really the good life? For what eye has seen, what ear has heard, what mind has conceived of the good things God has prepared for those who love him? (1 Cor 2:9)

It's Not About The Money, Money, Money

18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. -Mark 4:18-19

Last week I highlighted this passage and talked about how scripture should be our highest authority.  It should be the first thing we go to when trying to discern God’s will for our lives.

What are some things that get in our way from allowing scripture to take root.  Our passage today mentions some things such as the worries of life, the desire for other things, and what I want to highlight today is, “the deceitfulness of wealth”.

How can wealth be deceptive.  It gives us a false sense of security.  If we have wealth we tend to think we can control whatever comes our way.  

Scripture warns against this ideology. Our passage today says that if we are deceived by our wealth, scripture will be unfruitful in our lives.

Having wealth is not a sin.  Placing our security in wealth rather than God, is.  Don’t let anything hinder your walk with God.  Put your trust in him and not your bank account.  Look for peace in the pages of the bible rather than the bottom line of your retirement plan.  And instead of following the money trail, let the word of God guide you.

Read today entire passage here. Mark 4:15-20

The Rich - James 1:9-11; 4:13-5:6

"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position." (James 1:9)  A Bible study guide for this passage defined 'humble circumstances' as meaning insignificant in the world's eyes.  During times of struggle and insecurity it is not unusual to feel such insignificance.  The last part of this line is filled with hope as we are instructed to 'take pride in his high position.' This study guide went on to say that God has honored them (the poor).

We all know someone who has lots of stuff.  They buy every new gadget that hits the market. Too often people who have all the material means they need, aren't as happy and contented as those without the ability to fill their life with things.

Now, don't get me wrong, things are nice.  I am the first to admit that I have been known to drool over the latest in cell phone technology; often planning out my next purchase.  I am coming to realize though, these things keep me too tied to the world, they don't free me up to pursue a dream, they keep me tethered to email and Facebook.

Money and the earthly security that comes with having wealth, means nothing to God.  It is not important to Him if we have lots or if we have little.  People without status or wealth are not overlooked by God; quite the opposite.  God is interested in what is lasting--our souls, not in what is temporary--our possessions.  What a good God we serve!

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