October 3, 2015:  SOAP #2130:

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

Observation:   God and money—I have noticed two different personal tendencies.  Some people try to use God to get money.  They may use their relationships in the church to enlist people into their get-rich schemes.  They are never too rich to miss an opportunity to get more.  There are others who use their money to serve God.  They consider their relationships in the church as opportunities to share what they have.  They are never too poor to give.  People who do not give see themselves as poor—they might not have enough to take care of their present and future needs.  People who give see themselves as rich—they are rich in God’s blessings and in faith that God is their present and future provider.  In reality, being poor or rich is not a matter of the pocketbook, but of the heart.  (One’s giving record is proof of their true wealth!  Only God can interpret its true value!)

Application:  Between the two extremes above are many positions.  I want to be ever moving toward the second of using the money to serve my Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Money is not my master.  I am the master the money God has put under my charge and I use it to serve my Master, Jesus.

Prayer:   Lord, may there never be a doubt in my mind, in your mind, and in the minds of those around me—You are the Master I serve.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!