Thursday, March 1, 2012
Weekend Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Not Afraid - Fear of Not Having Enough
Read: Philippians 4:19; John 16:24
Think: There is an amazing, incredible and all-encompassing promise in Philippians 4:19 (NIV) regarding provision: "... God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
We’re going to take a close look at this verse! Look at the first two words: "God will ...." Notice it doesn't say, "He might meet your needs," it says, "He will meet your needs." It's written as a fact, God’s truth... Now, think about this: Then the Bible says, "God will meet all. ..." It doesn't say, "I'll meet some of your needs." It says all.
Of course, with that understand that it doesn't say those things we wish we had, or what our neighbor has so we want one just a little better, or the things that go beyond the need venturing toward (dare I say) greed… There's a big difference between needs and wants. As a parent, do you give your kids everything they want? You don't do that because you love them. And your heavenly Father loves you. He's not going to give you everything you want because if he did, you'd be a spoiled brat. He won't give us everything we want, but he will give us what we need.
So you might be wondering why it is we still have financial needs? Did God fail, lie or maybe exaggerate? No! With every promise, there are conditions and requirements. When God makes a promise, he says, "I'll do my part and you do your part." God's wisdom, his financial principles are clearly laid out for us in his Word – just like Pastor Ben shared. The Bible discusses principles of saving, spending, giving, investing and stewardship. So if you find yourself wondering just where God is when it comes to your promises here’s what you can do-
First, ask for his help - Jesus says, "Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." (John 16:24, NLT) Pray about all your financial decisions, every time you spend ask God first! Be obedient to the principles you find in Scripture when it comes to money. Then let God do the rest!
Do: Be generous, start tithing if you don’t already, and let God direct how you spend! And here’s a great little extra idea--- if there’s something you really need, give God a chance to provide before you go out and charge it.
Pray: Father, today I choose to trust you and obey Your Word. I want to commit how I handle my money to you, and ask for your help. You know my needs, and I humbly ask for your help and provision. Help me to be mindful of those who are in need. Use me to help those you direct me to and to, to be generous and invest well, and most of all to be wise with all that you entrust to me… In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.