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Key Bible Verse: No one can serve two masters. … You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24).
Bonus Reading: Matthew 6:19-24

That weekend I was to speak at three churches. While meditating on what God desired, I was strongly impressed that I should take no money from them. I told the pastors of the first two churches that any offering should be used as they saw fit. Although surprised, they went along.

But arriving at the third church just as the service began, I had no opportunity to explain my concern. I was relieved that they took no offering. But when I arrived at the home where I was to spend the night, my host handed me a large check from the church. I protested, but they mistook my concern for humility and insisted so vigorously that I let the matter drop.

That night I struggled. I didn't want to seem ungrateful. But my earlier directive seemed clear. I invited God to teach me while I slept if He desired.

When I opened my eyes next morning, it was clear to me that I mustn't take the money. With trepidation I explained this to my hosts. The moment I finished, I felt unspeakable joy. I didn't have to be controlled by money!

Later I learned that the church gave the money for refugee work in Cambodia.

—Richard Foster in Freedom of Simplicity

—John Wesley

Adapted from: Freedom of Simplicity (Harper & Row, 1981)

For your convenience, Freedom of Simplicity is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

Prayer for the Week

Lift my sights, Lord, from the shallow goals that consume my culture to Your lofty purposes.

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