Thursday, May 22, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 24

The subject of finances on a Sunday morning is rarely received with a standing ovation and enthusiastic amens. It is much more likely to produce an unusual number of people who had too much coffee and need to suddenly exit to the restroom right in the middle of the message.

What is it about money that makes people so uncomfortable? I think many of us come from backgrounds where finances not only trigger significant stress on our pocketbooks but also on the relationships around us. Maybe as a child you can remember wanting or needing something, but there was no money for it. Now you will do whatever it takes to avoid that happening again. Or you grew up not wanting for anything, so stewarding your money, let alone for God, is a very foreign concept.

We have all developed a relationship with money, but here’s the question you have to ask yourself:

Is your current relationship taking you closer to the peace you’ve found following Jesus or is it holding you back?

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other.”

You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. The Lord very lovingly is warning us that he is the best Master and knows what we need when we need it. Being faithful with what he has given us allows him to show us the way to peace. This verse is followed by Jesus’ going on to tell us, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25).

This is a precious invitation to ask for help in this area. Let the God of all comfort and peace come into your situation and walk with you all the way until you are also free from your enslavement to money.

Questions:
Are you worried about finances on a regular basis? If so, how can you make a plan, or part of a plan, to get free from debt?

What legacy are you hoping to leave behind when you are called to your heavenly home?

Next Steps:
Pray and journal about your financial worries, asking God for direction in this area.

If you need a plan, check with Guest Services at your Campus or watch for the Summer Groups directory to open on May 31 and search for a Financial Peace University group at CedarCreek. 

If you have never financially invested in CedarCreek, or another life-giving church, commit to giving something each week, no matter how small. If you’re currently giving, prayerfully consider if it’s time to tithe or trust God with a little more.

Prayer:
Jesus, you are the Lord of our lives and we thank you for giving us good counsel to flourish in all areas of our lives. I pray that you meet the needs of all my brothers and sisters that will be coming to you in prayer this week. Show the way to peace in this very difficult area. I love you and praise you for being such a good and loving Father! Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This post was written by April Willer, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.