Entries by tag: materialism
Scripture reading for November 17th: 2 Corinthians 7-10
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%207,8,9,10&version=NIV
S:
2 Corinthians 8:15 (NIV) as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
O:
Paul is quoting Exodus 16:18 (NIV) And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. He is applying a principle God established back in the days of Moses, that each one should have just what he or she needs. Proverbs 30:8b (NIV) reads, "give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." Paul uses this type of argument to encourage the church at Corinth to give generously.
A:
I have been spending a great deal of time on this topic lately. The approaching holiday season always brings this topic to mind. A major problem in our society is that no one is taught to seriously ask this question: "How much is enough?" We don't really know when we have enough because we are conditioned to always want "a little bit more." I wrestle with this every day. I've got a car, a phone, clothes, a house, and much more. I am rich! Yet I always want a better one, a newer one. Paul knew what he was saying to Timothy when he wrote to him, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV).
I was blessed with a similar exhortation from one of my professors at Denver Seminary years ago. He said that he and his wife had prayed about it and talked to God early in their marriage about what standard of living God had called them to. They agreed together with God what that was and covenanted to stay there, no matter how much God blessed them beyond that. Anything extra, they would give away! I believe they now live on less than 1/2 of what he makes and they give all the rest away for kingdom of God work, locally and around the world. That is how I long to live. Inspired by my professor, Penny and I had that conversation too. We are trying hard to live that way. We know the joy of giving, but I also know the ever-present temptation of getting more and better stuff. I need reminders from the Apostle Paul and Proverbs and people around me who know how to live with perspective and experience the joy of generous living.
P:
Lord, help me to keep saying "no" to the temptation to satisfy my never-ending craving for "more." Give me contentment and help me to bless others generously so that they too can have all they need.
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%207,8,9,10&version=NIV
S:
2 Corinthians 8:15 (NIV) as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
O:
Paul is quoting Exodus 16:18 (NIV) And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed. He is applying a principle God established back in the days of Moses, that each one should have just what he or she needs. Proverbs 30:8b (NIV) reads, "give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." Paul uses this type of argument to encourage the church at Corinth to give generously.
A:
I have been spending a great deal of time on this topic lately. The approaching holiday season always brings this topic to mind. A major problem in our society is that no one is taught to seriously ask this question: "How much is enough?" We don't really know when we have enough because we are conditioned to always want "a little bit more." I wrestle with this every day. I've got a car, a phone, clothes, a house, and much more. I am rich! Yet I always want a better one, a newer one. Paul knew what he was saying to Timothy when he wrote to him, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV).
I was blessed with a similar exhortation from one of my professors at Denver Seminary years ago. He said that he and his wife had prayed about it and talked to God early in their marriage about what standard of living God had called them to. They agreed together with God what that was and covenanted to stay there, no matter how much God blessed them beyond that. Anything extra, they would give away! I believe they now live on less than 1/2 of what he makes and they give all the rest away for kingdom of God work, locally and around the world. That is how I long to live. Inspired by my professor, Penny and I had that conversation too. We are trying hard to live that way. We know the joy of giving, but I also know the ever-present temptation of getting more and better stuff. I need reminders from the Apostle Paul and Proverbs and people around me who know how to live with perspective and experience the joy of generous living.
P:
Lord, help me to keep saying "no" to the temptation to satisfy my never-ending craving for "more." Give me contentment and help me to bless others generously so that they too can have all they need.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
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We just recently started attending PRC regularly and one of the things that we most appreciate and resonate with is the openness and authenticity of the leadership. The fact that you posted…