Throughout Genesis, we see that when people begin a personal relationshipwith God, they think of blessings primarily as a tool to increase their prosperity. - P3
However, as they mature, they discover that riches and fame cannot satisfy.
Even Joseph, who rules the most powerful empire of his time, finds he is stillheartbroken and yearning for more. - P3
They all long for the blessings that onlyGod can provide: peace in their family relationships and the purpose that comesfrom obeying God‘s commands.
- P3
As we examine the testimonies of Joseph and the Psalmist, may we see that ourhearts can only find rest when we seek God. - P3
Instead of chasing what others assume
we need to be successful, let us spend time with the God who has the power to bless by causing all things to work for the improvement of our character. - P3
Our God is rich and generous. He tells us to steward money carefully, not todeny us material comforts, but to enrich us with greater gifts. - P164
God is like a fathertrying to convince his air conditioner and internet-loving kids to join him on acamping trip. "Kids, let‘s rough it. We‘ll drive to a park and take only what wecan carry on our backs to the campground. - P164
God does not need our help. He does not pressure us to give to others because itis the only way to help the poor. God wants us to give because it is the only waywe can receive the greater blessings that we otherwise fail to notice or appreciate.
- P165
This means there is no need to feel guilty if you spend money on yourself or yourfamily beyond the basic necessities of life. Celebrate and have times of feasting.
Splurge and give generously to the people you love. Invest and buy the thingsyou need for the future. - P165
God delights at your pleasure when you taste thingsthat are delicious or wear things that are beautiful. - P165
Becauseour lives are crowded with so much stuff, we are not able to fully enjoy any of it.
That is why God calls us to various spiritual disciplines. - P165
When we fast and emptyour stomachs, God awakens our appetite. When we give and empty our wallets,
God awakens fresh ideas for generating wealth. When we rest andempty ourschedules, God awakens our love for the people we otherwise take for granted.
- P165
We embrace these disciplines not to earn righteousness by depriving ourselvesbut to receive grace by learning to direct our attention to God. - P165
These disciplines help us to be attentive to our hearts which are so easily deceivedby the messagesof the world. - P165
If our spending causes more anxiety than peaceand our enjoyment of things is not accompanied by gratitude toward God, we know we are not in God‘s will. - P165
Such a life leaves us tired and empty. But whenwe are ruled by love, we gain testimonies of what God has shown us, and weare drawn closer to one another. - P165
When we are attentive to our hearts, we willbe able to discern God‘s will regarding our finances. Instead of giving God thebare minimum, may your stewardship be about receiving the maximum joythat He offers. - P165
|