Daily Scripture Reading:
Psalm 37:3-5 – “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act.
I’ve always loved this verse, particularly the part about God giving me the desires of my heart. Anything my heart desires? Wow! Let’s see. I’d like some new jewelry, a new wardrobe and well, while you’re at it, Lord, how about a new car?
Oh, wait, God didn’t mean that?
I always seem to skip over the part about “taking delight in the Lord”. IF I seek the Lord and listen to Him, there will be a change in my priorities.
How do we know our priorities? Christian financial counselor, Larry Burkett, once said “If we look at our checkbooks, then we know our priorities.” Ouch!
What does our bank statement say about our priorities? House payments, car payments, educational loans, dining out, new clothes, giving to the church . . . what could we learn from our financial statements? Sometimes our statements show the evidence of past financial mistakes. Sometimes they show the charitable giving that blesses others.
The good news is that whatever they show now, can be changed when we build financial margin into our lives. God desires to be our guide in all things, including our finances.
Prayer: Gracious God, guide me this day to seek you in all things, especially in my finances. Rearrange my priorities. Help me to be faithful. Guide me with Your grace. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Reflection/Application Question for the Day:
Take some time today to look at your bank statement. Categorize the debits to your accounts.
What do you observe from these categories?
Is there room for improvement in the way you are spending the resources that God has given you?
What can you do differently today to take a step towards these improvements?
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Devotion from Building Margin for a Balanced Life, devotional book, small group study and sermon series
©Tim Reaves and Trish Archer
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