Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

April 15
Monday


MONEY TALK

READ:
1 Timothy 6:6-12
________________________________________________________

Command those
who are rich in this
present age not to be
haughty, nor to trust in
uncertain riches but in
the living God.
__1 Timothy 6:17
________________________________________________________

Marilyn and Steven had been married just a few years, and money was tight. But as she looked at their threadbare bedspread, she wanted to replace it. So she decided she would buy a new one with a credit card__hoping to somehow find the money to pay it off.

Her devotional reading for the day surprised her when it pointed her to Proverbs 22:27, "If you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you" (NIV). Marilyn decided not to go into debt for a new bedspread that day.

Decisions about the way we spend our money are a personal matter between us and the Lord and can be difficult to make. But God hasn't left us without help. He tells us: "Honor the LORD with your possessions" (Prov. 3:9), and "You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matt. 6:24NIV).

With such truths in mind, we look further in His Word for help to use money wisely. We find this: "Beware of convetousness" (Luke 12:15). Another says, "The borrower is servant to the lender" )Prov. 22:7). And in 1 Timothy we read, be "ready to give, willing to share" (6:18).

Money is a big issue. God, who provides for all our needs, can show us how to use it to bring Him honor. __Dave Branon

````````````Lord, sometimes money and finances are`````````````
````````overwhelming. It's hard to know what decisions``````````
````````to make, so please lead me and give the wisdom``````````
`````````to use my finances in a way that pleases You.```````````
____________________________________________________________

Never let gold become your god.

****************Today's Bible Reading __ 1 Timothy 6:6-12*****************

6 Now godliness with
contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is
certain we can carry
nothing out. 8 And having
food and clothing, with
these we shall be content.

9 But those who desire to be
rich fall into temptation and
a snare, and into many
foolish and harmful lusts
which drown men in
destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is
a root of all kinds of evil,
for which some have
strayed from the faith in
their greediess, and
pierced themselves through
with many sorrows.

11 but you, O man of God,
flee these things and pursue
righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience,
gentleness. 12 Fight the
good fight of faith, lay hold
on eternal life, to which you
were also called and have
confessed the good
confession in the presence
of many witnesses.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Whether wealthy or poor, the believer must deal with money
issues. Financial realities are inescapable. Today's passage provides
a blueprint for responding to money properly. First, we are
to be content with the finances God has provided and pursue
godliness (v.6). Second, the loss of any accumulated wealth at
death should remind us that money must not become an idol (v.7).
Third, basic provision for food and clothing should be accepted
with thanksgiving (v.8). Fourth, those who give themselves over
completely to monetary gain will experience spiritual destruction
(v.9). Finally, an unbridled love for money can cause some to
stray from the Christian walk and experience problems (v.10).
Contentment should guide our spiritual choices in life.