4 Minute Devotions: Taking Stock

The financial markets are free falling. This reminds of what is stated on our dollar bills: In God We Trust.

Podcast version here

Psalm 98:2 The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

In the midst of all this financial turmoil in the market and across the world, it is perhaps time to remind ourselves that our salvation does not come from money, and that our security is not established by the number of stocks that we own. If we look at any dollar bill, we will read the plain words “In God We Trust.” It was put on our currency to remind us that money is just a means to buy and sell things, but it is not what we as human beings need to trust. After all, as the old saying goes, “You can’t take your money with you.”

I guess a lot of people are on the verge of panicking right now. They’re seeing their lifetime savings, pensions, and 401Ks being depleted as the market plummets. It’s a harsh reminder that our security cannot be guaranteed by what we possess. Our salvation belongs to God and our lives are His alone.

Sometimes we get ensnared by what we have, instead of recognizing who we truly are. Human beings were created long before money, currency, stocks and shares appeared on the scene. We were not made to be possessed by our possessions; rather we were created to enjoy God’s creation. If we place too much value on our financial worth, we lose our spirituality. It’s no accident that the Bible states that ‘the love of money is the root of all evil.’ If we become obsessed with what the markets are doing, we are in danger of losing our grasp of God. Money may make the world go around, but the Lord God sustains the entire universe.

It’s time to let go of our fears and let God increase our faith. It’s time to place our trust in Him and not the banks, the markets, or the stock exchange. Things may be difficult for a while, but they are not disastrous. God has created enough resilience and creativity within all of us to overcome these troubles.

Prayer: Father God, help us to let go of our losses and hold on to the victory that we have in Jesus Christ. Teach us to trust in You and keep us from equating our lives to the things we possess. Enable us to put Jesus at the center of our lives and help us to value ourselves through the strength of our relationship with Him. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

4 Minute Devotions: Uncertain Times

During the present economic crisis, it's time to remind ourselves that our trust is in God, and not in greed.

Podcast version here

Psalm 77:8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

We are living in uncertain times and we are all anxious about the economy. It seems that we have just about outlived our greed, and that we will all be tightening our belts and becoming more frugal about how we spend our money. I even saw a report the other day that teenagers are beginning to reject designer label clothing. Instead, they are starting to buy cheaper items in an effort to reject hyper-commercialism, in order to save their own money. That, in itself, is a sign of a more frugal society which will affect our economy.

We’ve all been here before. In every society and civilization, there is a time when profligate spending and financial speculation comes to an end. It usually coincides with a religious revival because people begin again to trust more in God rather than the economy. It’s a reality check on using greed to succeed. It’s usually replaced with integrity, frugality, and, oddly enough, generosity. Instead of thinking about what’s best for the individual, people become more altruistic and philanthropic. Instead of investing capital to gain more interest, people become more interested in community projects, charity organizations, and those in need.

That’s when we recognize that God’s love never fails. Economies and civilizations come and go, but the love of God, which is in and around us, remains. Instead of focusing upon where the market is each day, we recognize that each day is a gift from God. We give of ourselves in ways that glorify the goodness of God, instead of the greed of the market.

Perhaps you’re worrying and fretting over your finances today, and are wondering what to do about the economic crisis. This is the perfect time to come to God and ask His guidance, seek His presence, and acknowledge His sovereignty over the situation. Eventually, the market will sort itself out, but if we make and take time to place ourselves under God’s bidding, we will discover that our faith is stronger than the economy because faith, hope and love endure forever.

Prayer: Lord God, in these uncertain times, You are the Rock of refuge and the Anchor of our salvation. Help us to take time to ponder on Your influence over our lives, and see Your guidance over what’s happening in the world. Give us hearts that are full of hope and spirits that are encouraged by Christ. In Jesus’ Name, we mightily pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

4 Minute Devotions: Blind Faith

In these harsh economic times, how can we maintain our faith and excel in giving to the church? A story from 19th century France shows us the way. A reflection on 2 Corinthians 8 v7.

Podcast version here

There’s an old story told about a seamstress in 19th century France who happened to be blind. One day her church was trying to raise some money for a mission and she handed over 20 francs. In those days that was a lot of money and her seamstress friends around her wondered how she could give so much to the church.

“What does it cost you,” she asked them, “to pay for kerosene to light your lamps, so that you can work at night?”
“About 20 francs a year,” they replied.
“Therefore, because I am blind,” the seamstress explained, “the Lord saves me 20 francs per year. I want to give it back to Him, so that this mission can bring the light of the Gospel to other lands.”

2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

It’s a beautiful story and a reminder that even in these trying financial times, the Lord’s work carries on throughout the world. As we each try to budget because of high gas prices and the soaring cost of food, let’s not forget the blessings that God sustains us with each day. Even in the midst of an economic recession, God never holds back or diminishes His blessings to us. So let us all take this lesson to heart and make an intentional effort to excel in this grace of giving, even in these trying times.

Prayer: Lord God, if we take time to really look for them, we will discover wonderful blessings in each of our lives. We take so many of them for granted that we forget to truly thank You for all that You do for us. Thank You for Your loving kindness, grace, and love. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.