Friday, October 23, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Song of Solomon
Many of you are at that age when dating and marriage is on your mind. If you have questions or uncertain what God says about this subject, you are in luck.
VBC is going through this book during sunday school at 11pm, which focus' on this very subject. If you can't make it or want more visit the site below and listen to Mark Driscoll.
If you have any questions/concerns and need to talk to someone about dating (am I ready, what do I look for), or marriage (how do I know I am ready, what do I do to prepare for marriage), please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Romans
We are starting a new study this fall/winter on the book of Romans. This will go along side what Ben is preaching each week.
Here is my challenge for all of us:
I would like for us to have read the whole book at least once each week and then study the verses for the week. As we study we need to keep in mind the verses we are studying is part of a bigger picture and we need to keep that in perspective. Along with the study we will have a memory verse or two at the most. This will be a key point in the verses we are studying. For the first section Romans 1:1-17, will be broken up into 3 parts (1-7, 8-15, 16-17) and verses 16 & 17 will be our memory verses for this section. That will give you three weeks to memorize the two verses.
Why:
We are all adults now and have some higher education under our belts lets not let our minds go to waste but more importantly we are Christians and as such we have a call to grow in maturity. We are called to move away from being spooned fed, so I'll give you resources if you need it but will not hold your hand through the study. If you don't know how to study this will be a great time to learn, email or call me and I'll teach you how.
How:
This may seem like a lot but if we break this down you can do this by spending 30minutes a day. The book is 16 chapters which will take you about an hour and a half to read through, so you can break this up into half an hour parts. That will take 3 days, that means you have 3 more days to study. Use this as your quiet times if you "don't have time".
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Unplugged 7/19/2009
This weekend looks like it is going to be a great time to be outside. We will meet at the church at 5pm and head off to CDA to cool off by the lake and have some dessert at Dockside.
Our Discussion:
Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us to not forsake asembling together.
Here are some questions to be asking but don't limit yourself:
What does this look like?
To what point does this become legalistic?
What is the purpose?
Our Discussion:
Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us to not forsake asembling together.
Here are some questions to be asking but don't limit yourself:
What does this look like?
To what point does this become legalistic?
What is the purpose?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Reproof and unconditional love
I have been reading The excellent Wife by Martha Peace and many parts have been convicting, but this one part really stuck out to me this week. The section is about reproof and showing unconditional love to your husband through giving it and receiving it in a gentle, humble, loving manner. If you are not married and reading this it still applies, other people in your life show you your weaknesses and we need to respond to them in a gentle and humble manner. The bible says that we are to help our brothers and sisters in Christ become more like Christ and one of the ways of doing that is to point out the faults and sin to them. It is hard to do this in love, but it is even harder to receive it humble and lovingly. The book gives 4 ways we respond and bible verse showing those are not biblical, they are as follows:
2. You feel hurt, resentful, and unforgiving.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God is Christ also has forgiven you. Eph. 4:31-32
3. You focus on the things he is doing wrong.
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Mathew 7:5
4. You suffer intense personal hurt.
...He (God) disciplines us for the good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet those who have been trained by it afterwords it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:10-11 emphasis added.
When we do not respond with humility and gentleness when someone reproves us, then we are sinning. Even if the person who is reproving you is doing it in an angry, unkind manner, you are still responsible before God for your actions(how you respond.) So I urge everyone to work on receiving reproof in a loving, gently, humble way this week.
- You become angry and lash out at them.
2. You feel hurt, resentful, and unforgiving.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God is Christ also has forgiven you. Eph. 4:31-32
3. You focus on the things he is doing wrong.
You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Mathew 7:5
4. You suffer intense personal hurt.
...He (God) disciplines us for the good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet those who have been trained by it afterwords it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:10-11 emphasis added.
When we do not respond with humility and gentleness when someone reproves us, then we are sinning. Even if the person who is reproving you is doing it in an angry, unkind manner, you are still responsible before God for your actions(how you respond.) So I urge everyone to work on receiving reproof in a loving, gently, humble way this week.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sermons
Here are some great sermons to listen to that touch on Femininity and Masculinity. We talked about these two subjects on Sunday 6/28/09. Both sermons are by Mark Driscoll and I recommend them both to all of you. They are a steamed video but you can download the video or audio by clicking download in the box in the lower right hand corner.
Women and Femininity
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/proverbs/women-and-femininity
Men and Masculinity
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/proverbs/men-and-masculinity
Women and Femininity
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/proverbs/women-and-femininity
Men and Masculinity
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/proverbs/men-and-masculinity
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Discussion: Masculinity and Femininity 6/28/09
What is the meaning Masculinity and Femininity, and how should this be displayed by Christians?
If you have ever seen Home Improvement you would know of Tim the Tool Man Taylor. If you haven't seen the show Tim is the sort of guy who has every tool known to man, works on cars, grunts and all the things you would think of in a manly man. Is this the meaning of being masculine? How does the arts play into masculinity?
Women the calling for you Biblically is to care for the family see Proverbs 31, does a picture of the mom off of Leave it to Beaver pop into mind? This is a woman with an apron, baking and cooking, cleaning the house. Is being proper the meaning of being feminine? What about women taking up traditionally men’s role ie military, construction etc.
Does clothing, hairstyle, the way we talk affect a persons masculinity or femininity? What does the Bible say about these the role of men and women, and does this affect ones masculinity or femininity?
If you have ever seen Home Improvement you would know of Tim the Tool Man Taylor. If you haven't seen the show Tim is the sort of guy who has every tool known to man, works on cars, grunts and all the things you would think of in a manly man. Is this the meaning of being masculine? How does the arts play into masculinity?
Women the calling for you Biblically is to care for the family see Proverbs 31, does a picture of the mom off of Leave it to Beaver pop into mind? This is a woman with an apron, baking and cooking, cleaning the house. Is being proper the meaning of being feminine? What about women taking up traditionally men’s role ie military, construction etc.
Does clothing, hairstyle, the way we talk affect a persons masculinity or femininity? What does the Bible say about these the role of men and women, and does this affect ones masculinity or femininity?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Here are some pictures from Erin and Sean's Wedding. I meant to post these a long time ago and haven't have the time. Congrats Erin and Sean, we miss you a lot.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Discussion: Obedience, Respect, and Honoring Parents 6/21/09
We are kicking off our summer session with a BBQ, HS grads, and a new series that will challenge us to think about our world view.
In light of Eph. 6:1 or Col 3:20 and Exodus 20:12 as young adults are we still children and how does obedience, respect, and honoring our parents play into this time in our life.
Please be ready to discuss. Since this is our first time doing this I will give you some direction but don't make this a crutch by just answering these questions.
Is there a difference between honoring and obeying your parents?
Read Gen 2
Are there any other passages that talk about young men or young women?
What does the world say?
Does having Godly parents make a difference?
How does this affect me?
Resources:
http://www.gty.org/
http://www.desiringgod.org/
In light of Eph. 6:1 or Col 3:20 and Exodus 20:12 as young adults are we still children and how does obedience, respect, and honoring our parents play into this time in our life.
Please be ready to discuss. Since this is our first time doing this I will give you some direction but don't make this a crutch by just answering these questions.
Is there a difference between honoring and obeying your parents?
Read Gen 2
Are there any other passages that talk about young men or young women?
What does the world say?
Does having Godly parents make a difference?
How does this affect me?
Resources:
http://www.gty.org/
http://www.desiringgod.org/
Monday, May 25, 2009
GeoCaching
May 17, 2009
We took the day to enjoy the wonderful weather and went to Coeur D'Alene for lunch and to go geocaching in Tubbs Hill. Just wanted to share a few pictures of our adventure.
Here is the cool team although we lost we had fun.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Chapter 1: The Climax and the Key
This chapter is all about the cross the centrality of it. The cross can drive us to tears to know the pain that our Savior had to through because of what we did and yet give us the greatest joy as we rejoice in our salvation.
While serving in youth ministry I longed for more depth and theological debate, but in youth we typically talked about the basics and many conversations and teachings were focused around the cross. In my boredom and lack of awe-ness of the cross, I realize now that those were messages were meant for me. The cross should inspire us to remember who we were and what Christ has done for us. Our expression should be a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice, bewilderment of why did HE do this for someone like me, joy, thankfulness, inspiration, amazement, zeal...instead of a ho-hum attitude.
Practical Application:
How is your attitude towards the things of the Lord?
If you are not excited and you are having a hard time enjoying your relationship with Christ I strongly suggest getting with fellow believers, spending more time praying and reading The Word, and continue reading this book.
Do you share your testimony?
Christ's death on the cross and resurrection should inspire you to share what HE has done in your life. Your testimony is made up of three main parts.
-What was your life like before you met Christ
-How He drew you into His loving arms - How did you come to know Christ
-How has Christ changed your life
To those that don't know how God has changed your life you may want to spend more time with Him. He will reveal how sinful you were and humble you as grow and learn about what it means to be a Christian. I should also warn you that faith without works is dead, if you confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior and have confessed of your sins then you should see Christ working in your life.
While serving in youth ministry I longed for more depth and theological debate, but in youth we typically talked about the basics and many conversations and teachings were focused around the cross. In my boredom and lack of awe-ness of the cross, I realize now that those were messages were meant for me. The cross should inspire us to remember who we were and what Christ has done for us. Our expression should be a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice, bewilderment of why did HE do this for someone like me, joy, thankfulness, inspiration, amazement, zeal...instead of a ho-hum attitude.
Practical Application:
How is your attitude towards the things of the Lord?
If you are not excited and you are having a hard time enjoying your relationship with Christ I strongly suggest getting with fellow believers, spending more time praying and reading The Word, and continue reading this book.
Do you share your testimony?
Christ's death on the cross and resurrection should inspire you to share what HE has done in your life. Your testimony is made up of three main parts.
-What was your life like before you met Christ
-How He drew you into His loving arms - How did you come to know Christ
-How has Christ changed your life
To those that don't know how God has changed your life you may want to spend more time with Him. He will reveal how sinful you were and humble you as grow and learn about what it means to be a Christian. I should also warn you that faith without works is dead, if you confess that Christ is your Lord and Savior and have confessed of your sins then you should see Christ working in your life.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
UGM
Last night we were at the UGM and we served about 300 people over a course of an hour and a half. It was interesting to see the all the different people, women, children, teens, and some looked like they were middle class folk who you would expect to see. Needless to say it feels good to be able to serve within our community. I believe that this is how God intended for us to be helping the poor. That you go out there and give of your time and money to organizations like the UGM.
Afterwards we went to Lindamans to enjoy the rest of the evening with food and conversation. I enjoy these times not just because you guys are fun to hang out with but we have a common bond that allows us to encourage, and learn about our faith. Now only if we can get Nathan to be quite so others can get a word in ;) Jessica thanks for reminding me of this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYr3JuueF4
For those of you who were unable to make it you missed out, but don't worry we'll have other opportunities for you to enjoy serving. We are planning a few things and will be serving at the UGM again.
I asked one of my co-workers for a place with good dessert and he suggest Lindamans. He then asked why and I told him what we were serving at the UGM and wanted to go somewhere afterwards. His next comment struck me "so the food/dessert at the UGM isn't good enough for you huh?" Even though he said this jokingly, because he proceeded to talk about socialism. I didn't feel guilty about going when he asked nor did I while I was eating my coconut cream pie (which was amazing). Nevertheless I felt I should write about this.
God gives and takes away, he blesses some financially and not others. I am thankful that Mandy and I are blessed in this way and not dependant on handouts. The calling for us who have is to give generously.
I Timothy 6:17-19
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Paul is talking to about the rich and you might be thinking I'm not rich. We'll I would have to disagree if you own your own car, have an education and a job, you don't worry about where your next meal is coming from, if you have shelter. Want more... :D one of my favorite subjects - economics. There is a theory/method of measure called PPP (purchase power parity), this is used to measure the ability of a country to buy goods and services around the world. This
measure is based on the US dollar and takes into consideration inflation and cost of living. If you look at a PPP per capita, pink is the highest being over $38,000 per capita the US and a couple of European countries are in this catagory as of 2007. There are other agencies that do these reports as well, this one being from World Bank, others include the IMF and the US does one as well I believe it is the CIA. We are rich and being that we are, we are to give generously.
Afterwards we went to Lindamans to enjoy the rest of the evening with food and conversation. I enjoy these times not just because you guys are fun to hang out with but we have a common bond that allows us to encourage, and learn about our faith. Now only if we can get Nathan to be quite so others can get a word in ;) Jessica thanks for reminding me of this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTYr3JuueF4
For those of you who were unable to make it you missed out, but don't worry we'll have other opportunities for you to enjoy serving. We are planning a few things and will be serving at the UGM again.
I asked one of my co-workers for a place with good dessert and he suggest Lindamans. He then asked why and I told him what we were serving at the UGM and wanted to go somewhere afterwards. His next comment struck me "so the food/dessert at the UGM isn't good enough for you huh?" Even though he said this jokingly, because he proceeded to talk about socialism. I didn't feel guilty about going when he asked nor did I while I was eating my coconut cream pie (which was amazing). Nevertheless I felt I should write about this.
God gives and takes away, he blesses some financially and not others. I am thankful that Mandy and I are blessed in this way and not dependant on handouts. The calling for us who have is to give generously.
I Timothy 6:17-19
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Paul is talking to about the rich and you might be thinking I'm not rich. We'll I would have to disagree if you own your own car, have an education and a job, you don't worry about where your next meal is coming from, if you have shelter. Want more... :D one of my favorite subjects - economics. There is a theory/method of measure called PPP (purchase power parity), this is used to measure the ability of a country to buy goods and services around the world. This
measure is based on the US dollar and takes into consideration inflation and cost of living. If you look at a PPP per capita, pink is the highest being over $38,000 per capita the US and a couple of European countries are in this catagory as of 2007. There are other agencies that do these reports as well, this one being from World Bank, others include the IMF and the US does one as well I believe it is the CIA. We are rich and being that we are, we are to give generously.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Spiritual Gifts
2/8/09A few of us showing off our gifts and talents. It is great that we can laugh and play and enjoy the each others company.
In the years that I've been involved with youth groups grudgingly took several spiritual gift tests. Never could put my finger on why it I didn't care for them until now. I realized that the question isn't what is your spiritual gift but what are you doing?
In the years that I've been involved with youth groups grudgingly took several spiritual gift tests. Never could put my finger on why it I didn't care for them until now. I realized that the question isn't what is your spiritual gift but what are you doing?
I couldn't find a single passage where Paul, Timothy, Mary or any other person took a spiritual gift test I think it is safe to assume they just did what they were suppose to and did it with joy. In doing ministry they found their place within the church. I'm not saying don't figure it out, just don't spend all your time pondering and wondering. Knowing your gift can help you hone in on those skills but I would rather focus on how you can be a part of the church. As you go out and participate in a ministry God will reveal to you your gifts and you may not even know it until someone points it out.
If you think about it what is the difference between a non-believers gifts (talents or abilities) and that of a believers? The Bible lists several gifts: teaching, administration, service, etc. We'll look at these three to make it simple but still convey my point. In each of these areas I know some people excel in these areas, believers and non-believers alike. I don't think I need to persuede you of that. The difference is stated in Romans 12:3-8, Romans 1:11-12, and I Peter 4:10-11 we have to remember that it is by grace that we are given these gifts and to be used to further someones faith.
Non-believers boast about their skills and abilities and even flaunt it as if them being smart, tall, strong, fast, witty was something they did. As believers we should remember that whatever gift we have it is by God's grace that we have them so that no one can boast. Romans 13:3-8 Paul makes it clear our gifts is a gift and by grace given to us. When we do something great it isn't us it is God that gets the glory. The second part is we need to use them to further the faith, Romans 1:11-12, we need to be using our gifts to spur each other on in our faith.
We are not limited to just one gift nor are we to limit ourselves in ministry with our gifts. We are commanded to do pray, give, serve, make disciples, even though there are people that are gifted in these areas. There are prayer warriors that I know who love to pray and that is their gift but they are not limited to just praying, they've served in small groups teaching, going on short term missions, giving to the church, meeting with younger believers and discipling them.
I don't care if you take spiritual gift tests and you may think they are fun and that is fine. But when you are asked what your spiritual gifts are and you don't know don't feel bad, tell them the things you are doing in the church. There are many parts to the body and there is a job for each member (I Corinthians 12:4-6, 20-31, Romans 12:4-5) so go out there and find how you may serve the Lord.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Change
2/1/09
To wrap up this series there are a few things that I wanted to cover that wouldn't fill up a whole night.
Change
During this time in your life you will be going through some major changes; being independent, moving out from your parents' home, old friends move away, decide where you will live, what career to pursue, marriage, and more responsibilities. The world is opening up to you. How do you deal with these changes, and the anxiety or excitement that comes along with it?
The unknown can make us fearful, anxious, stressed. Remember what God says and take heart that we have a God that never changes and always keeps His promises (Malichi 3:6, Numbers 23:19). Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that God is there all we need to do is go to Him, and in this time He is gentle and loving. If you are dealing with anxiety of what tomorrow may bring read: Matthew 6:25-27, Philippians 4:6.
Church and Theology
Another aspect is changing churches. There are two main criteria (Biblical teaching and actions)and many secondary (music, programs, aesthetics, etc) things that you should look for in a church. Paul warns us about having correct biblical teaching in Galatians 1:6-9, as you look for a church you need to have a foundation of good theology so that you are not swayed by every teaching. A biblically sound church will be in action, "faith without works is dead". The church needs to be doing those things that God commands us to do. A church can have both these criteria but miss out on why they are doing what they are doing. Revelation 2 speaks of the church in Ephesus and how they have strayed from their first love despite all the great things (great deeds, biblical teaching, hard work) they are doing and Christ reminds them to go back to their first love and do those things that they did then. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that we can give all our possessions away and it would mean nothing without love.
Politics
God calls us to be a part of this world and with something that can have a huge influence on our lives we need to be involved in politics. As you vote you need to understand there is wisdom in God's words of how a nation should be ran.
Government social programs. I have yet to find a passage that says the government should take care of the poor, but I did find several passages that says YOU should give (2 Corinthians 8:6-8, Proverbs 28:27, Matthew 6:2-3, Matthew 7:10, Matthew 25:34-46). I doubt anyone pays taxes in love, 1 Corinthians 13 if you are to give and without love it means nothing. Another issue is God wants us to be diligent with what He has given us (parable of the talents). Government programs are failing and yet they want to take on more programs. It is like picking the Detroit Lions with a record of 0W-16L to play for the Super Bowl. The other half of this is the poor. The government rewards those that do not work or who have made some bad decisions and continue to do so to get government help. 2 Thes. 3:10-11 says that those who do not work do not eat.
The bailouts and stimulus packages. The last 12 months we've heard both of these things spoken of from capital hill and both were done with taking on more debt. God says that the borrower is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7), and owe nothing to anyone (Romans 13:8). It is just unwise to go into debt.
To wrap up this series there are a few things that I wanted to cover that wouldn't fill up a whole night.
Change
During this time in your life you will be going through some major changes; being independent, moving out from your parents' home, old friends move away, decide where you will live, what career to pursue, marriage, and more responsibilities. The world is opening up to you. How do you deal with these changes, and the anxiety or excitement that comes along with it?
The unknown can make us fearful, anxious, stressed. Remember what God says and take heart that we have a God that never changes and always keeps His promises (Malichi 3:6, Numbers 23:19). Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that God is there all we need to do is go to Him, and in this time He is gentle and loving. If you are dealing with anxiety of what tomorrow may bring read: Matthew 6:25-27, Philippians 4:6.
Church and Theology
Another aspect is changing churches. There are two main criteria (Biblical teaching and actions)and many secondary (music, programs, aesthetics, etc) things that you should look for in a church. Paul warns us about having correct biblical teaching in Galatians 1:6-9, as you look for a church you need to have a foundation of good theology so that you are not swayed by every teaching. A biblically sound church will be in action, "faith without works is dead". The church needs to be doing those things that God commands us to do. A church can have both these criteria but miss out on why they are doing what they are doing. Revelation 2 speaks of the church in Ephesus and how they have strayed from their first love despite all the great things (great deeds, biblical teaching, hard work) they are doing and Christ reminds them to go back to their first love and do those things that they did then. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that we can give all our possessions away and it would mean nothing without love.
Politics
God calls us to be a part of this world and with something that can have a huge influence on our lives we need to be involved in politics. As you vote you need to understand there is wisdom in God's words of how a nation should be ran.
Government social programs. I have yet to find a passage that says the government should take care of the poor, but I did find several passages that says YOU should give (2 Corinthians 8:6-8, Proverbs 28:27, Matthew 6:2-3, Matthew 7:10, Matthew 25:34-46). I doubt anyone pays taxes in love, 1 Corinthians 13 if you are to give and without love it means nothing. Another issue is God wants us to be diligent with what He has given us (parable of the talents). Government programs are failing and yet they want to take on more programs. It is like picking the Detroit Lions with a record of 0W-16L to play for the Super Bowl. The other half of this is the poor. The government rewards those that do not work or who have made some bad decisions and continue to do so to get government help. 2 Thes. 3:10-11 says that those who do not work do not eat.
The bailouts and stimulus packages. The last 12 months we've heard both of these things spoken of from capital hill and both were done with taking on more debt. God says that the borrower is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7), and owe nothing to anyone (Romans 13:8). It is just unwise to go into debt.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Money
How God wants us to view money and what to do with it.
Money isn't evil nor is it a sin to have a lot of it, what becomes the issue is what we do with the money. If handled wrong it can divide marriages (one of the top reasons for divorce is financial problems), friendships, families, it can destroy your testimony or character, and can become an idol.
The main point to take away from this is to have a Godly attitude towards money.
-God calls us to be generous with our money - I Timothy 6:17-18
-Remember that God provides - Matthew 6:25
-Be diligent with what God gives you
Matthew 6 does tell us that God provides but that should be used flippantly. God does provide for our needs and during years of plenty we are to store up (Genesis 41:49 Joseph stored up grain for seven years). Practically God gives and takes away, while we have be diligent with your money by creating a budget, emergency fund (Proverbs 6:6-8), and save for retirement. As you save and build wealth also be generous in your giving. Yeah I Timothy 6:17-18 does refer to the rich but as I looked around I realized how rich we are, my closet is overflowing with clothes even after I got rid of several bags full, our fridge is stocked with food, we can go out to eat if we wanted, we have cars that run…yeah we are rich. Giving is an act of worship that requires love, I Corinthians 13 tells us that we could give everything away but without love it is nothing. Being generous also reminds us that the money we have does not belong to us but to the ONE who gave it to us (and to be clear that ONE is GOD).
Money isn't evil nor is it a sin to have a lot of it, what becomes the issue is what we do with the money. If handled wrong it can divide marriages (one of the top reasons for divorce is financial problems), friendships, families, it can destroy your testimony or character, and can become an idol.
The main point to take away from this is to have a Godly attitude towards money.
-God calls us to be generous with our money - I Timothy 6:17-18
-Remember that God provides - Matthew 6:25
-Be diligent with what God gives you
Matthew 6 does tell us that God provides but that should be used flippantly. God does provide for our needs and during years of plenty we are to store up (Genesis 41:49 Joseph stored up grain for seven years). Practically God gives and takes away, while we have be diligent with your money by creating a budget, emergency fund (Proverbs 6:6-8), and save for retirement. As you save and build wealth also be generous in your giving. Yeah I Timothy 6:17-18 does refer to the rich but as I looked around I realized how rich we are, my closet is overflowing with clothes even after I got rid of several bags full, our fridge is stocked with food, we can go out to eat if we wanted, we have cars that run…yeah we are rich. Giving is an act of worship that requires love, I Corinthians 13 tells us that we could give everything away but without love it is nothing. Being generous also reminds us that the money we have does not belong to us but to the ONE who gave it to us (and to be clear that ONE is GOD).