As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, Moses warns them about a spiritual danger they may
not expect. Their greatest challenge may come not when they have too little, but when they have plenty.
In that abundance they may say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for
me.” Moses calls them to remember that their abilities, opportunities, land, harvests, and resources
ultimately come from God. The same is true for us. We may work hard, plan carefully, save wisely, and
make good decisions, but even our ability to do those things is a gift from God.

Put It into Practice: Take an inventory of what God has entrusted to you. Thank God for His provision,
then choose an area where you need to think less like an owner and more like a steward.

 

Day 1 Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Reflect: Why is Moses concerned about Israel forgetting God when life becomes prosperous rather
than when life becomes difficult? How does remembering the source of our ability to produce wealth
change the way we understand ownership? Recall all the ways you have seen God provide for you.
Apply: Consider something you have worked hard to obtain. How would you treat it differently if you
consciously viewed it as something God entrusted to you? Rate your current level of self-sufficiency.
Pray: Lord, remind me each day that You give me the strength, skill, and opportunities to produce
wealth, keeping Your covenant with me. Everything I have is a gift from Your gracious hand.

 

Day 2 Matthew 6:19-33

Reflect: What does v. 21 suggest about how our financial choices can shape us spiritually, rather than
reveal what we already value? What is the connection between possessions, control, and anxiety?
Apply: Where are you most tempted to trust financial security rather than God’s provision? What would
surrender look like in that specific area? If someone examined how you spend, save, give, and worry
about money, what might they conclude about what your heart loves?
Pray: Heavenly Father, align my heart with Yours. Help me to store up treasures in heaven: to invest in
love, compassion, faith, and eternal purpose. Teach me to hold earthly things with an open hand,
recognizing that everything I have comes from You.

 

Day 3 Mark 10:17-31

Reflect: Why might Jesus’ challenge concerning the man’s possessions expose something that his
religious obedience had not? How do Jesus’ words of love for the man affect the way you hear His
challenging words about possessions?
Apply: If Jesus put His finger on a possession or source of security you would find hard to surrender,
what might it be? What is the difference between owning something and being owned by it?
Pray: God, give me the courage to surrender whatever stands between You and Me. When trusting You
fully feels impossible, remind me of Your promise: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all
things are possible with God.”

 

Day 4 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

Reflect: What attitudes and behaviors does Paul say should distinguish people who possess wealth but
are not possessed by it? How does v. 18 redefine what it means for a Christian to be truly rich?
Apply: Complete this sentence honestly: “I would feel financially secure if ______.” What does your
answer reveal about where you are tempted to place your hope? How content are you now? Why?
Pray: Father God, change my understanding of true wealth. Help me to see that abundance is not
found in what I have, but in how I bless others. Keep me from hoarding Your grace and gifts.

 

Day 5 1 Chronicles 29:10-14

Reflect: What does David’s prayer reveal about the proper relationship between accomplishment,
gratitude, and humility? How do we understand the difference between ownership and stewardship?
Apply: Consider your income, possessions, abilities, opportunities, accomplishments, relationships.
Which of these is easiest for you to recognize as God’s gift? Which is hardest? Why?
Pray: Lord God, I praise You and give You all honor and glory for what You have given me and done in
my life. I know all I have comes from You, and I joyfully give it all to You!