My Precious

25 / Sun  | Luke 12:32-34 / Matthew 6:19-21

Overview: An all-consuming desire for money or possessions, like Gollum’s desire for the ring (his “precious” in The Lord of the Rings), has the power to change us—even destroy us. Jesus taught that our true “precious” treasure is not money or material things, but God, because treasure in heaven will never fail.

26 / Mon – Greed  |  Read 1 Timothy 6:10

This often misquoted verse gives such a flawed, distorted message. “The love of” phrase is omitted, as is the second sentence. Is money bad? John Wesley said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” It’s about what we do with our money, regardless of how much or little we have. Whether we can give a tiny amount or a lot, it is, according to Wesley, a gift from God that, in His children’s hands, provides food, drink, and clothing for the needy. Which version of this verse is most familiar to you?

27 / Tue – Anonymous  |  Read 2 Corinthians 9:7 / Matthew 6:1-4

We’ve all heard stories of people who appeared to be, if not poor, leading very limited and austere lives. When they die, lo and behold, they have amassed a fortune that they leave to people or foundations that we didn’t even know they were interested in. And they never see the reactions of the recipients or realize any recognition. Have you ever given an anonymous gift? What were the circumstances? Look for opportunities. It can be simple, appreciated, and yours and God’s secret.

28 / Wed – Faith in falsehoods  |  Read 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 / Deuteronomy 4:2

It’s easy these days to encounter someone who is twisting the Bible in order to fit their own views and behaviors, justify their deeds, or gain power. It’s been dubbed “my truth.” Both Testaments warn us to beware of this. Test these people’s words alongside the Bible. Jesus tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There is one truth, not a cafeteria of choices. What is your response to someone touting their “truth”? Is it truly Biblical?

29 / Thu – Idols  |  Read Colossians 3:5 / Jonah 2:8 / Judges 10:14

What do you like to do? We all have our favorite pastimes, and that is wonderful. There are sports, work, hobbies…fill in the blank. How much time and dedication do you devote to yours? An idol doesn’t have to be a statue. It can be letting something become all-consuming, putting at risk the adoration and worship that belongs to God, and allowing something else to identify us, to give our life meaning. Is something you’re doing possibly crowding Him out?

30 / Fri – Power  |  Read Mark 10:42-43 / 1 Peter 5:3

Bosses. You have one, or you are one. A boss is a leader who has authority over us and supervises our work. We hope we can bring out the best in our employees, or they in us. However, they are only human, so some you learn from, some you just endure. Know what the best news is? Jesus is the ultimate authority over you, regardless of who you report to on earth. He is a flawless servant leader and loves you beyond measure. He will always point you in the right direction and lovingly pick you up when you stumble, so you can accommodate those rough bosses. Will you trust Him?

31 / Sat – Self-worth  |  Read 2 Corinthians 12:9 / Joshua 1:9

Healthy self-worth is defined as a sense of one’s own value as a human being, remaining steady regardless of others’ approval. It can be a rough road when we sin, make mistakes, or don’t measure up to our own or someone else’s standards. But that isn’t how self-worth is measured. Be confident and assured as God’s child, made in his image, His masterpiece as declared in Psalm 139:14. If your confidence wavers, do you turn immediately to God? Can you encourage someone else with this news? He is there for you always.