Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 32-34 | John 2

Many years ago, my daughters had a favorite storybook. It was called “Mine,” and the book's cover showed Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street fighting over a toy. They both angrily declared, “Mine!”

It is easy for us to have this same viewpoint about our money. 

I earned it. It’s mine. 

We don’t want to be preached to or asked to sacrifice our money. If we’re not careful, this attitude can lead to a tightfisted lifestyle. One, where we’re only focused on working harder to earn more. 

Unfortunately, a tightfisted lifestyle also leads to selfishness, discontentment, and ungratefulness. It will never provide the true satisfaction that comes from depending on and trusting in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He is our good Father and provider of everything we need.  

God wants to be the most important thing in our lives; he doesn’t need our money. He wants our hearts, and he knows that our attitude about money is often an indicator of the status of our heart. This is why Jesus frequently discussed money.

Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

Jesus calls us to live with a heart full of generosity and gratitude. When we are grateful for all the love, grace, and provision God has given us, we want to share our blessings with others. This open-handed lifestyle fills our lives with peace, joy, and contentment. 

Acts 20:35b
“You should remember the words of Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

God has given us so much. He sent his beloved Son to die for our sins. Truthfully, if he had only done that one thing, we would be blessed beyond belief. Yet our loving God cares so much that he continues to bless us with every good and wonderful thing. 

1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!”

Let’s show our gratitude to God for all of his blessings by living open-handedly and giving generously to others, pointing them to Jesus. This is a glorious way to live! 

Questions: 
What is your attitude about money?

How do you show your gratitude for all the ways God has blessed you?

How are you going to use God’s provision to bless others?

Next Steps: 
Complete Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” or consider joining a MoneyWise Core Group this fall. There are several 5-6 week Groups starting in October and November of this year. Check out the Groups Directory and search “MoneyWise” to see the full listing of options. 

Praise God for his blessings, and look for ways to bless others every day.

Write out three things you're grateful for each day, and thank God for his provision.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for you. Thank you for sending your beloved Son to save me. Jesus sacrificed so much for me and yet you continue to bless me. Help me to have a generous heart and share these blessings with others. Change me and help me grow to be more and more like Jesus. I worship and praise you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

1 Timothy 6:6-7
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 

Written by Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.