Materialism is powerful because it quietly convinces us that what we have belongs to us. We work for it, earn it, buy it, and protect it. Before long, we can begin to see ourselves as owners rather than stewards. The first step in breaking the power of materialism is recognizing who really owns everything. God [...]
Attitudes about money are not formed in a spreadsheet. They are formed in the heart. The struggle is that while the heart belongs to God, the mind often follows a very different path when it comes to money. Scripture speaks to this more than we might expect. There are thousands of verses about money and [...]
I’m not proud to admit it, but for years I struggled to give generously. I showed up. I gave something. But deep down, I knew I was holding back. I had my reasons ready. Some people give money. I give my time.I don’t have much, so it doesn’t matter that much.At least I’m giving something. [...]
Have you ever fallen into the trap of thinking you are doing God a favor when you give to Him? It can be easy to believe that what we possess is ours because we worked hard to earn it. Whenever that mindset begins to creep in, I am reminded of the powerful words found in [...]
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” In this sentence, Paul introduced a simple giving plan. I really like how Andy Stanley explains Paul’s statement in his book Fields of Gold. In this statement, [...]
Most Americans have money but no margin. We live on the financial edge with the stress of making it through the year or month or week without a crisis. Note the result of living without financial margin so clearly articulated by Charles Dickens in David Copperfield: "Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen shillings [...]
Playing it safe and not taking risks is often the easy route, but today’s message is a reminder why playing it safe isn’t always best. Whether through our jobs, schools or homes, in one place or another, we have access to some type of computer. Inevitably, something goes wrong with the device. We have to [...]
What is Miracle Whip? Miracle Whip is "sorta-kinda-not-really-like" mayo, but multiplied by awesomeness. It’s also known for kicking sandwiches and salads up a notch. My mother used Miracle Whip to make turkey and ham sandwiches for my brother and me to take to school. What I remember most about the Miracle Whip jars is that [...]
Developing discipline in any area of life does not come quickly or easily for many people. For years, I struggled to read the Bible regularly. I would read every day for a week and then let two weeks go by without reading at all. It wasn’t until I committed to a daily year-long reading plan [...]
I believe the only way to break the power of materialism is first, to see ourselves as stewards that God has entrusted these money and possessions to, and second, to give. Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). As long as I still have something, I believe I own it. [...]
