The Love of Money

“No one can serve to masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

“The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, naturally scoffed at this.” (Luke 16:13-14)

“…their love of money made them stumble into sin.” (Ezekiel 7:19)

“For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil.” (1Timothy 6:10)

You cannot serve both God and money!

My Brother’s Keeper

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” (Galatians 6:1, NLT)

““If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” (Luke 17:3, NLT)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.’ (Matthew 18:15, NLT)

A Faithful Brother

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 27:5-6, NLT)

So…

Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. (Psalm 141:5, NLT)

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” (Galatians 6:1, NLT)

The Divine Exchange

“GIVE ALL YOUR WORRIES AND CARES TO GOD, for He cares about what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:7, LB)

“GIVE YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD, and he will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22, LB)

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your soul.” (Matthew 11:28-29, LB)

To See Is To Believe?

“WHEN THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL SAW the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. THEY PUT THEIR FAITH IN THE LORD and in his servant Moses.” (Exodus 14:31, NLT)

But..

“YOU LOVE HIM EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM. THOUGH YOU DO NOT SEE HIM NOW, YOU TRUST HIM; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9, NLT)

“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING ME.” –Jesus (John 20:29, NLT)

Making Decisions

DON’T HURRY

“…he who hurries his footsteps errs.” (Proverbs 19b, NASB)

PLAN

“But don’t begin until you count the cost.” (Luke 14:28a, NLT)

ASK FOR COUNSEL

“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, NASB)

PRAY

“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6, NLT)

Losing Hope

Jonah said:

‘When I had LOST ALL HOPE, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.” (Jonah 2:7a, Living Bible)

Jeremiah said:

“I cry out, ‘My splendor is gone! EVERYTHING I HAD HOPED FOR FROM THE LORD IS LOST!’

The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.

YET I STILL DARE TO HOPE WHEN I REMEMBER THIS:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “THE LORD IS MY INHERITANCE; THEREFORE, I WILL HOPE IN HIM!” (Lamentations 3:18-24, NLT)

Paul said:

“I pray that GOD, THE SOURCE OF HOPE, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you WILL OVERFLOW WITH CONFIDENT HOPE through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NLT)