October 7

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26, Colossians 3:1-17, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 24:27

Pray: Father, help me to always be thinking “eternity”. Help me to examine what I say and what I do in light of “eternity”. Remind me that I have an eternal purpose to fulfill in a temporal world. Show me what it means to be heavenly minded.

Read: (Colossians 3:1-4) "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in his glory." All of us are looking for the “why are we here” answer. The answer is hidden in Christ. As we get to know and experience Christ, the mystery unfolds and God’s plan and purpose for us is revealed. Meaning and fulfillment are linked to our relationship with God.

Edify: Proverbs 24:27 speaks to priorities. In this country young couples get married and all too often their first major investment is buying a home. Establishing a business (preparing your fields) is far more important. A financial plan followed by careful preparation and then disciplined execution is the key to financial freedom. So, it is not a new home and a new car that young marrieds need. Rather, it is a financial plan and execution of the same that allows them to be successful….and generous.

Practice: Dave Ramsey says if we are one day to live like no one else, we must be willing to live like no one else TODAY. Practice tithing. Practice saving. Practice setting aside emergency funds and reserves. Practice paying in full for the things you buy. Financial discipline paves the way for spiritual discipline and vice versa.