Daily writing

Proverbs 21: 5a, 21:20

The plans of the diligent surely lead to abundance.

…

A precious treasure remains in the house of the wise,
but the madman devours him.

Proverbs 22: 7

The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Matthew 6:21

[Then Jesus taught them saying,] Where your treasure is, there will also be your heart.

Luke 12:15

[And Jesus said,] “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for life does not consist in an abundance of goods.

Prayer tip

by Jennifer Creager, Resurrection Prayer Ministry

The onslaught of the holidays has definitely begun. Before we carved a pumpkin or raked the leaves, the messages started bombarding us. “Wish books” and catalogs are cluttering the mailbox sooner than ever. News articles tell us daily that there will be shortages and, as one reporter put it, “If you see it, you had better buy it, because there might not be any.” ‘other. Another noted, “You better be prepared to spend more this holiday season.”

What a great time to come together to look at what the Bible says about money and our relationship to all kinds of wealth! The “Investing in Life” sermon series may just be the blessing we need to navigate the constant messages that tell us that we “are what we spend” and what we own.

How can prayer help us find God’s will for our finances, our material possessions, and how this part of our life affects our relationships and the world in general? When we regularly come to God in prayer, we open our eyes and our hearts to see and feel the way God designed us to see and feel. When we offer thanks and gratitude, we start to see all the good things we already have. When we praise God for who God is, we remember that we are not in charge of the universe and that we do not need to lead our every move or that of others. When we come to God with our needs – spiritual, emotional, material, or otherwise, we will see how God has provided in the past and find assurance that God will provide for us now and in the future. Regular time in prayer helps us stay focused on the truth of God’s love for us and pushes back constant messages from the world that tell us to find our value in other things.

Let us pray together:

God who loves us and provides for our needs,

Help me focus on knowing you and following Jesus in all areas of my life.

Thanks for everything I have; everything you have provided.

Thank you for the world around me,
and help me take care of this gift of life and the place where I live it.

Keep me messages that tell me I don’t have enough
that I should use the resources you provided
earn more for myself and even for those I love.

Help me see where I can use what you have provided to bless others,
and remind me of the gift of your Holy Spirit,
which gives me unlimited love and the ability to share my blessings.

Amen