The Bible teaches that if we are not careful, money can make slaves of us. Ways we can become slaves to wealth are greed and debt. More subtle ways are discontent and false expectations. We compare what we have with what others have. The vicious cycle never ends. No one wins the comparison game. 


Questions for further thought:
1. How much do you take pride in your stuff?

2. Do you take pride in giving it away?  


​Challenge: Taking pride in our stuff is only valuable if we are willing to give it up to benefit others. Do you give out of sacrifice or surplus? Do you let your neighbor borrow your best power tools and household goods or hoard them for yourself?

This Pharisee had missed the point. He was puffed up in his knowledge of scripture and was blind to his own shortcomings. Pride is often driven by poor self-worth and shame. We feel so badly about ourselves that we compensate by feeling superior. We look for flaws in others and criticize them to try to conceal our own weakness.


Questions for further thought:
1. Do you sometimes miss the point?

2. Do you try to convince others that you are superior to them?  


​Challenge: Beware of taking too much pride in yourself or your accomplishments. Take pride in those things that build up and benefit others instead of tearing them down.

Even though life may feel empty, we need to remember there is power in the name of Jesus. I think of the song, “There is power” by Lincoln Brewster.  It’s an important reminder of the fact that when we turn to Jesus, His power can restore us and give depth and purpose to our life. He never abandons us. He wants us to have a meaningful and abundant life.


Questions for further thought:
1. What is a favorite hymn or Christian song that brings you encouragement?

2. What are some of your favorite Bible verses?

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Challenge: For the next week, fill your mind with Scripture and with music that glorifies God. See what a difference it makes.

Happy Thanksgiving! On this day, take a few moments to thank God for the many blessings in your life - like His love for you and how He sent His only Son to die on the cross for your sins. If you’re getting together with friends and family today, have each person write down something for which they’re thankful. Then have them share it. My family has been doing this for a handful of years and it’s one of the highlights of our gathering.


Questions for further thought:
1. What are some ways you can focus on gratitude in your daily life?

2. How can you encourage others to be more grateful?

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Challenge: Take small, intentional steps to incorporate gratitude into your daily life. Start by placing a sticky note on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to practice gratitude.

When we’re feeling empty, it might be hard to know what to pray. It’s important to be honest with God about how we’re feeling. We need to take that first step in reaching out to Him to admit that we’re struggling. We can ask Him to help us find joy and purpose, feeling confident He will answer. 


Questions for further thought:
1. Where is a place in your home that can be your dedicated prayer area?

2. What is on your heart right now that you need to share with God?

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Challenge: Start a prayer journal to record your thoughts and feelings and to keep track of the ways God answers your prayers.

When we lack zest for life, one of the fastest ways to change our attitude/perspective is by helping another person. With Christmas coming, there are many opportunities to share our time and talents and show the love of Jesus to those in need. Think of the times you’ve done volunteer work and how you felt after doing it. Take some time to pray about ways you can serve.


Questions for further thought:
1. Who is a family member or friend who might need your help and encouragement?

2. What are some needs in your community or in our church that you could help meet during the Christmas season and beyond?

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Challenge: Email or call one of our pastors or elders to find out some ways you can help serve the church and our community. 

Daylight Savings Time has meant that our evenings get darker earlier than before. It can often feel like a time to “hibernate” and close ourselves off from the world. But spending time with others can do wonders for our perspective on life. God created us to be in community. Reach out to a friend or someone you’d like to be friends with and find renewed purpose as you share your thoughts and feelings with that person. 


Questions for further thought:
1. Who is a friend you could spend time with to help lift your spirits?

2. What are some ways that friends have helped encourage you in the past?


​Challenge: Reach out to a friend or someone you’d like to be friends with. Make arrangements to have coffee or talk on the phone.

The book of Ruth shows us that taking moral shortcuts and living for short-range pleasures are not good ways to move ahead. Because of Ruth’s faithful obedience, her life and legacy were significant even though she couldn’t see all the results. 


Questions for further thought:
1. How do you see your life as an instrument to give God glory? 

2. How does giving God glory give you purpose as you serve Him?


​Challenge: Live in faithfulness to God, knowing that the significance of your life will extend beyond your lifetime. The rewards will outweigh any sacrifice you may have made.

These verses demonstrate Naomi’s natural affection as a godly grandmother for her God-given grandson. To some, this book is just a nice story about a girl who was fortunate. But this was much more as God worked His purposes in preparation for the coming Messiah of which the birth of David foreshadowed. God is a God of order, not of chaos.


Questions for further thought:
1. In what ways are we missing the big picture of what God is up to in our struggles? 

2. When will I trust in God’s purposes for me no matter what the situation?


​Challenge: Just as Ruth was unaware of the larger purpose in her life, we will not know the full purpose and importance of our lives. Keep making choices with God’s eternal values in mind.

God brought great blessings from Naomi’s tragedy. Throughout her tough times, Naomi continued to trust God. And God showed Himself trustworthy by blessing her greatly in His own time.  Even in our sorrow and calamity, God can bring great blessing.


Questions for further thought:
1. When something bad happens have you ever uttered the question “How can God allow this to happen to me? 

2. Think about the opposite when something wonderful happens. Do you ever question God about that? Why or why not?


​Challenge: Be like Naomi and don’t turn your back on God when tragedy strikes. Instead of asking “How can God allow this to happen to me?” trust Him. He will be with you in the hard times.