Friday, October 16, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 26-28 | 1 Peter 5

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.

It's football season! Even if you're not a football fan, you'd have to live under a rock not to realize this, at least in some capacity.

Every football game begins with both teams meeting at midfield while an official holds a single coin. One simple flip determines which team gets the ball first and which team gets it to begin the second half. Heads or tails.

It's a simple way to make an important decision that cuts out arguing, negotiating, and any attempt to control the outcome - just a 50/50 coin flip.

Are you asking yourself, what does a football coin toss have to do with contentment and my finances? Well, just like a coin has two sides, our approach to money and contentment can go in two very different directions.

On one side is trusting God. When we believe he is our provider, we can find freedom by being content with what he's given us and choosing to handle our money his way.

On the other side is trusting ourselves. That’s when we live with the posture that we'll finally be secure if we make a little more, save a little more, have a little more, or reach the next financial milestone.

The difference is that, unlike a football coin toss, we actually get to choose which side we live on.

This is at the heart of what Jesus teaches about money and priorities. He put it pretty plainly:

Luke 12:21
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

In football, chance decides who gets the advantage, but in life, we're given the responsibility and privilege of deciding what we value most.

Every day, we face a choice: Will we trust our ability to provide and find security in wealth? Or will we trust in God and let our relationship with him define our contentment and purpose?

Contentment doesn't mean we stop working hard, planning wisely, or being responsible with our money. It means we stop looking to money for what only God can provide.

So, when it comes to your finances, which side of the coin are you trusting?

Questions:
In what ways have you been tempted to trust money or your own ability rather than trusting God as your provider?

Which "side of the coin" do you find yourself choosing most often, and why?

Next Steps:
Choose one practical way to demonstrate trust in God with your finances, such as making a budget plan. If you need a place to start, you can find links and a worksheet on the CedarCreek App. Go to the Engage tab and scroll down to the Generosity section and select the Budgeting tile.

Spend time in prayer, reflecting on your financial decisions and asking yourself if they align with God's priorities for your life.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for providing for me and inviting me to trust you with every part of my life, including my finances. Help me to choose contentment over worry, and to value my relationship with you above anything money could offer. Give me wisdom and faith to follow your ways. I love you, I trust you, and I worship 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 Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.