Money - What do you spend it on?

VERSE:

Isaiah 55:2

2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

LESSON:

Money - What do you spend it on?

Money also is a gift from God. What and how we spend it on is one more indication of what we put first in our lives. What do we value in life? Thing or people? Wholesome things or wasteful things? This verse calls us to spend (time/money) on the things of God...as expressed in "The Word of God" or the "Good News". Spend more time with God today...than you did yesterday. You will find that it will be time/money well spent.

Money - What are you doing with your"Talents" (Money/Gifts) ?

VERSE:

Matthew 25:24-30

24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

LESSON:

Money - What are you doing with your"Talents" (Money/Gifts) ?

In this verse Jesus talks about money (Talents) but he is also talking about our gifts, talents, skills, blessings, abilities and the gift of time. When talking about the best way to invest your "Talents" meaning money...this parable reminds us that even in Jesus time...there were things such as "Bankers" and that you could leave money (Talents) with them to earn "interest". This is still a good lesson for today...invest some of your money instead of spending all of it...and insure that you are earning the most interest that you can. The greater lesson of this parable is really the question of What are you doing with your "Talents" (our gifts, talents, skills, blessings, abilities and the gift of time given to us by God). Think about it. What are your "Talents"...and how wisely have you invested them...on behalf of "God's Kingdom" so far in your life. If you have not "invested" so well so far in life...then re-examine your life..and find better ways to "invest" the "Talents" that God has given to each of us.

Money - Do not charge Interest on Money?

VERSE:

Leviticus 25:35-37

35  “If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty and cannot support himself, support him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident and allow him to live with you. 36 Do not charge interest or make a profit at his expense. Instead, show your fear of God by letting him live with you as your relative. 37 Remember, do not charge interest on money you lend him or make a profit on food you sell him.

LESSON:

Money - Do not charge Interest on Money?

This verse is talking about one Israelite helping another Israelite who "...falls into poverty and cannot support himself...".  What this verse cautions, us is to "...not charge interest or make a profit at his expense...".  I think we can all easily understand this verse's application to a similar current-day situation where one Christian is helping another Christian who is in need.  Of what help would you truly be...if you provide help to the other Christian...only so that you can make a profit.  In a greater sense...I think this verse calls us all, bankers and businessmen alike...to not take advantage of other people.  If you have heard anything in the business news recently about "Pay Day Loans" and "Car Title Loans", (or even Credit Card Interest Rates) you will get a flavor of what this Bible verse is telling us NOT TO DO.

Money - How much money does it take to share God's word?

VERSE:

Luke 9:3

3 “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes.

LESSON:

Money - How much money does it take to share God's word?

If you read this verse completely literally...Jesus told the Disciples that what they really needed to be properly equipped to share the Word of God...was what he had already given to them. Was it money? No. It was "The Good News" that he had shared with them. When we make excuses for why we don't share God's love and his message with others...remember this verse. You already have everything that you need for "...your journey...". There is nothing else that you need to take. No, not even money is needed for this "journey".

Money - You can't buy God's Love.

VERSE:

Acts 8:20

20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!

LESSON:

Money - You can't buy God's Love.

This verse reminds us that God's gifts are a free gift..and that they cannot be "bough" with our money or with our efforts. Praise the LORD, and accept the free gift of his love.

Salvation - The LORD is Great!

VERSE:

Psalm 40:16

16 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

LESSON:

Salvation - The LORD is Great!

This verse encourages us to "...be filled with joy and gladness..." for the Salvation that we have received from the LORD. Our response? If you love God's salvation...shout "The LORD is Great!".

Salvation - Christ Jesus...worth waiting for!

VERSE:

Hebrews 9:28

28 Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him.

LESSON:

Salvation - Christ Jesus...worth waiting for!

In this verse we are told that Jesus gave up his own life...to save our sins...or in other words...to provide for our salvation. Our response to Jesus' bearing the burden of our sins...is to wait "eagerly, constantly and patiently" for his return.

Salvation - Salvation means "Deliverance"

VERSE:

Psalm 79:9

9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name! Deliver us, forgive us, and purge away our sins for Your name's sake.

LESSON:

Salvation - Salvation means "Deliverance"


In this verse, the writer equates "salvation" with "deliverance". It means that God forgives us...helps us, and purges away our sins...not because of anything that we have done...but for his "name's sake" alone. Praise be to the LORD!

Salvation - a stronghold in time of trouble

VERSE:

Psalm 37:39

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

LESSON:

Salvation - a stronghold in time of trouble

In this verse, we are told that "...The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD..." This implies that those receiving salvation are striving to be righteous. It further explains that God is our stronghold in time of trouble. In a way, this verse is telling us that salvation is not just for the next world...but also for this world...when the LORD saves us from evil and from harm. Lean on God in your times of trouble. He will be your stronghold.

Salvation - Something to rejoice in!

VERSE:

Psalm 35:9

9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.

LESSON:

Salvation - Something to rejoice in!

This verse calls us to "rejoice" and to "delight" in God's salvation. Think deeply about what the true worth of salvation is....and you will both rejoice and delight in the LORD!

Salvation - Something to sing about!

VERSE:

1 Chronicles 16:23

23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.

LESSON:

Salvation - Something to sing about!

This verse calls us to "...Sing to the LORD..." and to "...proclaim his salvation day after day...". We are to be so happy about our salvation...that we are not only to remember it each and every day of our life...but we are called to sing about it each day! When you wake up tomorrow morning...remember to "sing to the LORD"!

Salvation - A rock that can not be shaken!

VERSE:

Psalm 62:6

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

LESSON:

Salvation - A rock that can not be shaken!

This verse compares the certainty of our Salvation through God...to a rock, and a fortress, where we can not be shaken. What wonderful imagery of the certainty of our salvation...and of God's unchanging protection for each of us. He is our rock...and our fortress. When you go through difficulties in life...remember these previous words...and repeat to yourself..."...I will not be shaken...".

Salvation - Who alone can save us?

VERSE:

Acts 4:12

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

LESSON:

Salvation - Who alone can save us?

This very short verse is very, very, clear. "...no one else..", "...there is no other name under heaven..." by which we can be saved...but through Jesus.

Salvation - Something to Celebrate!

VERSE:

Psalm 116:13

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.

LESSON:

Salvation - Something to Celebrate!


This verse is a quick sentence of PRAISE to God...for granting us all salvation through Christ Jesus. Salvation is something worth celebrating! Take up the cup (spiritual cup) TODAY and EVERY DAY and praise the Lord's name for saving us all!!!

Salvation - What we have been waiting for since the beginning of time!

VERSE:

Genesis 49:18

18   I wait in hope for your salvation, God.

LESSON:

Salvation - What we have been waiting for since the beginning of time
This verse comes from Genesis. The Beginnings. The Origins. The Start. From the beginning...God had a plan for salvation...and his people have waited. Some patiently...and some not so patiently. Old Testament believers were to "...wait in hope..." for salvation. Well, the waiting is now over. What a wonderful gift we have received...salvation...through Christ Jesus!

Salvation - Who will save you?

VERSE:

Isaiah 12:2
2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

LESSON:

Salvation - Who will save you?

Life is full of challenges...and also of dangers. Through each of these things...we have hope. Why? As this ancient Bible verse instruct us...God is our salvation...so we may trust...and not be afraid. He is our strength and our defense. He is our salvation!

Forgiveness - Forgiving until it hurts!

VERSE:

Luke 23:34

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - Forgiving until it hurts!

In this verse Jesus is forgiving...even unto the bitter end. Even as the soldiers prepared for his final execution, and were busy gambled for his garments...Jesus continued to forgive. What kind of Love and Loyalty to God would it take for you and me to react that way if we found ourselves in a similar situation? I can't even manage to act that way when someone cuts me off on the highway. Our goal in life should be to Love and cherish our relationship with God so much...that we will forgive until it hurts!

Forgiveness - Even believers deserve forgiveness by believers

VERSE:

Luke 17:3

3 So watch yourselves! “If a believer sins, correct him. If he changes the way he thinks and acts, forgive him.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - Even believers deserve forgiveness by believers
This lesson reminds us of two things. Firstly, just being a believer does not guarantee that they will not sin (trespass) against you. Secondly, if you notice that a believer sins (trespasses) against you, you should gently offer correction. If they take that correction to heart and change the way that they think and act...you are then to forgive them.

Forgiveness - Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

VERSE:

Luke 6:37

37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.


LESSON:

Forgiveness - Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

This verse gives us two warnings, and one promise, about judging, condemning and forgiving. The first two were "do not" warnings. The third...was a promise. "...Forgive others, and you will be forgiven...".

Forgiveness - You must forgive...to be forgiven!!!

VERSE:

Matthew 6:14-15

14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - You must forgive...to be forgiven!!!

This lesson reminds that since we have been forgiven...we must also forgive others.

Forgiveness - What are we taught to pray for?

VERSE:

Luke 11:4 

4 and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - What are we taught to pray for?
This verse reminds us through the teaching of "The Lord's Prayer", we should continue to pray for the forgiveness of sins...but also that we should always remember to forgive the sins of others!

Forgiveness - God sent Jesus to forgive sins

VERSE:

Acts 5:30-31

29-32 Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."

LESSON:

Forgiveness - God sent Jesus to forgive sins

This verse is a mini-theological paragraph stating the essence of the "Good News" of the New Testament. Jesus came into the world...to save sins (forgiveness of sins).

Forgiveness - Rescued from darkness

VERSE:

Colossians 1:13-14

13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - Rescued from darkness


This verse reminds us that is was through Jesus Christ that our freedom was purchased, and that our sins were forgiven. It also reminds us that this freedom has "...rescued us from the kingdom of darkness...and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son...". We are no longer bound by the chains of sin...and are no longer a prisoner of the forces of evil...in this world or the next.

Forgiveness - Through whom is forgiveness proclaimed?

VERSE:

Acts 13:38

38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - Through whom is forgiveness proclaimed?

This verse tells us that through the "Good News" of Jesus Christ, God's forgiveness is proclaimed to you. What does that mean? It means that though Jesus Christ's message to us, God officially and publicly proclaims "the message" of how we can receive the forgiveness of sins. It is a simple but profound message. All that you need to do is...read...and believe.

Forgiveness - God keeps no records!

VERSE:

Psalm 130:3-4

3 If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - God keeps no records!

This verse reminds us that we are fortunate indeed that God keeps no records of our Sins. If he did...this verse asks "...Lord, who could stand?". In return for God's forgiveness...this verse suggests that we should serve God with reverence. Do your best today (and every day) to serve God with reverence!

Forgiveness - All you need to do is ask!

VERSE:

Psalm 86:5

5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

LESSON:

Forgiveness - All you need to do to receive it is to ask!

This verse reminds us that God is "...so ready to forgive..." He is "good" and "...so full of unfailing love...". All we need to do is to ask for his help, and to ask to be forgiven. It is that simple. If you have NOT already done so...ask today!