Mar 7, 2019

Following Jesus means trusting him with every area of our lives, including our finances. For the next three weeks (Mar 4 - 22), we’re going to grow closer to Jesus by immersing ourselves in his stories and teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. We invite you to open your heart to his words, and also to join us as we discuss them together. Join our Facebook group where you’ll find additional insights and resources and be able to share your thoughts and questions!

Luke 16:1-15
1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ 5 “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’ 7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ 8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

The COMMUNITY Bible Reading Plan is designed so that we read God’s Word in small doses. It is made with the intention of reading for transformation, not just information. A suggested method to use when you are spending time with God is Read, Reflect and Respond.

READ
Slowly, thoughtfully read God’s Word. Read the passage more than once. Notice a word, phrase or verse that sticks out and write it down.

REFLECT
Is there a command to obey?

Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a lesson to learn?

Is there a new truth to carry?

Why do you think this passage stood out to you? Write out a few sentences on what you think you’re hearing from God.

RESPOND
How will you respond? Write a short prayer to God In response to what you just heard him say through his Word. Thank Him for speaking to you.

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