This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, by continuing to walk through the parable of the sower. Jesus said:
“The farmer is like someone who plants God’s teaching in people. Sometimes the teaching falls on the path. That is like some people who hear the teaching of God. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them.
Other people are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.
Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop in their lives.
And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” (Mark 4:13-20 ERV)
We have been focusing in on the phrase, “the love of money”. The King James Version calls it “the deceitfulness of riches”. This is a very important topic. If you don’t learn to rely on God, over relying on money, you will never operate in the supernatural. Let me give you an example. In Matthew 10 Jesus sent the His disciples with these instructions: “Don’t go to the non-Jewish people. And don’t go into any town where the Samaritans live. But go to the people of Israel. They are like sheep that are lost. When you go, tell them this: ‘God’s kingdom is now very near.’ Heal the sick. Bring the dead back to life. Heal the people who have leprosy. And force demons out of people. I give you these powers freely, so help others freely. Don’t carry any money with you—gold or silver or copper. Don’t carry a bag. Take only the clothes and sandals you are wearing. And don’t take a walking stick. A worker should be given what he needs.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- When Jesus sent His disciples out to do ministry He forbid them from taking any money for a reason. Jesus wanted their total trust and confidence to be in God and not in money. Many people put far too much confidence in money and Jesus was teaching His us all to put ALL our confidence in God.
- If the disciples could not see God as their source for money, then how could they rely on God for the supernatural? Jesus was sending them out to heal the sick and cast out demons. The disciples had to totally rely on God to perform acts that exceed human ability. If the disciples could not rely on God for natural things, then how could they rely on Him for the supernatural? God wants you to see Him as your source of all things – natural and supernatural.
- When God sees you doing what He told you to do, while totally trusting Him for the resources, He will prove to you that He is a ‘more than capable’ source.
- People stay in frustration when God is not their only source of expectation. I’ve been there before. It’s frustrating when you are waiting on God for something, but you then shift back and forth between trusting God and trusting man (or money). I’ve learned that when God sees He is NOT your only source, He steps back. He wants your total confidence to be IN HIM! The psalmist said, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him” (Psalm 62:5). God wants to know that your expectation is from Him and not man or money.
- Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money” (Mat 6:24). If your trust is in money and not in God, your plan and your life will fall apart.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016 by making You my #1 priority in every area of my life, including my finances. I believe everything I need in life is already stored up for me. So my total trust, hope and confidence is in You Father. You are my source for both natural and spiritual things. I don’t trust in uncertain riches. I trust in my certain God. I love You Father and You bless me richly with all things to enjoy. Money is my servant, not my master. I can have money, because money does not have me. In enter this day convinced that I will accomplish all I was born to accomplish. I will do all You have called me to do; not by my strength, but by Your grace! Not relying on my bank account, but relying on Your eternal supply. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
