What does biblical stewardship look like? | Acts 19:21-41 (Part 1) | Join The Journey Podcast

All right, all right, Join the Journey, All right, all right, Join the Journey, family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're listening to Join [music] the Journey listening to Join [music] the Journey listening to Join [music] the Journey podcast with your host, Emma Dotter. podcast with your host, Emma Dotter. podcast with your host, Emma Dotter. >> Thanks for joining. This week, we are >> Thanks for joining. This week, we are >> Thanks for joining. This week, we are reading Acts 19:21-41, reading Acts 19:21-41, reading Acts 19:21-41, and I am back in the podcast studio with and I am back in the podcast studio with and I am back in the podcast studio with one of our Watermark elders. It's Kyle one of our Watermark elders. It's Kyle one of our Watermark elders. It's Kyle Thompson. Thompson. Thompson. >> Good morning, Emma. It is so fun to get >> Good morning, Emma. It is so fun to get >> Good morning, Emma. It is so fun to get to be with you again. There's nowhere I to be with you again. There's nowhere I to be with you again. There's nowhere I would rather be than here with you this would rather be than here with you this would rather be than here with you this morning. morning. morning. >> Thank you, Kyle. I'm so glad to have you >> Thank you, Kyle. I'm so glad to have you >> Thank you, Kyle. I'm so glad to have you and excited to talk about this passage, and excited to talk about this passage, and excited to talk about this passage, but before we really dive in, would you but before we really dive in, would you but before we really dive in, would you begin by just zooming out a little bit, begin by just zooming out a little bit, begin by just zooming out a little bit, giving us some context, any key giving us some context, any key giving us some context, any key comparisons that you'd want to make? comparisons that you'd want to make? comparisons that you'd want to make? >> Yeah, yeah. I think when I read Acts 19, >> Yeah, yeah. I think when I read Acts 19, >> Yeah, yeah. I think when I read Acts 19, uh uh uh what really struck me is the contrast what really struck me is the contrast what really struck me is the contrast between what's going on in these verses between what's going on in these verses between what's going on in these verses 24-27 24-27 24-27 with Demetrius and what was happening uh with Demetrius and what was happening uh with Demetrius and what was happening uh just a few verses before that with the just a few verses before that with the just a few verses before that with the new believers and how they responded new believers and how they responded new believers and how they responded when their valuables in this world or when their valuables in this world or when their valuables in this world or the things that brought them um the things that brought them um the things that brought them um financial financial financial uh provision was threatened.

uh provision was threatened. uh provision was threatened. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I I can so relate to what's >> And I I can so relate to what's >> And I I can so relate to what's happening with Demetrius here because happening with Demetrius here because happening with Demetrius here because it's this is not about uh Artemis. This it's this is not about uh Artemis. This it's this is not about uh Artemis. This is about Demetrius and his livelihood is about Demetrius and his livelihood is about Demetrius and his livelihood being threatened. And uh being threatened. And uh being threatened. And uh you know, you see in verse 34 that he's you know, you see in verse 34 that he's you know, you see in verse 34 that he's a silversmith. It's bringing no little a silversmith. It's bringing no little a silversmith. It's bringing no little business because of what was happening business because of what was happening business because of what was happening in Ephesus. You know, the dude is in Ephesus. You know, the dude is in Ephesus. You know, the dude is probably got lines of people that want probably got lines of people that want probably got lines of people that want to buy, you know, his wares that are to buy, you know, his wares that are to buy, you know, his wares that are reflections, idols if you will, of reflections, idols if you will, of reflections, idols if you will, of Artemis and the way that that they were Artemis and the way that that they were Artemis and the way that that they were centered that their business was centered that their business was centered that their business was centered, that environment was centered centered, that environment was centered centered, that environment was centered on worshipping her. And verse 25 it on worshipping her. And verse 25 it on worshipping her. And verse 25 it talks about how it's not just him, it's talks about how it's not just him, it's talks about how it's not just him, it's the others that have a similar trade. Uh the others that have a similar trade. Uh the others that have a similar trade. Uh and they said, "Hey guys, our prosperity and they said, "Hey guys, our prosperity and they said, "Hey guys, our prosperity here is being threatened. Whatever Paul here is being threatened. Whatever Paul here is being threatened. Whatever Paul is doing, this has the potential to is doing, this has the potential to is doing, this has the potential to affect us financially."

affect us financially." affect us financially." >> Because it was hurting their business. >> Because it was hurting their business. >> Because it was hurting their business. >> Right, exactly. And often, you know, the >> Right, exactly. And often, you know, the >> Right, exactly. And often, you know, the thing that resonates for me, Emma, is thing that resonates for me, Emma, is thing that resonates for me, Emma, is when I'm in a situation where when I'm in a situation where when I'm in a situation where uh my finances are threatened, it really uh my finances are threatened, it really uh my finances are threatened, it really exposes where my heart is. You know, exposes where my heart is. You know, exposes where my heart is. You know, Matthew 6 talks about where your Matthew 6 talks about where your Matthew 6 talks about where your treasure is, there your heart will be treasure is, there your heart will be treasure is, there your heart will be also. And so, you start to threaten that also. And so, you start to threaten that also. And so, you start to threaten that and it's going to expose and it's going to expose and it's going to expose does my worldly wealth, my financial does my worldly wealth, my financial does my worldly wealth, my financial provision, provision, provision, has that gotten tentacles too deep in my has that gotten tentacles too deep in my has that gotten tentacles too deep in my heart that is causing fear and anxiety heart that is causing fear and anxiety heart that is causing fear and anxiety in my life? in my life? in my life? And I I love the contrast uh with this And I I love the contrast uh with this And I I love the contrast uh with this because just a few verses earlier, you because just a few verses earlier, you because just a few verses earlier, you know, we see in know, we see in know, we see in uh Acts 19 verses 18 and 19 specifically uh Acts 19 verses 18 and 19 specifically uh Acts 19 verses 18 and 19 specifically where there were there were where there were there were where there were there were uh people that were using, you know, uh people that were using, you know, uh people that were using, you know, these [clears throat] magic books, if these [clears throat] magic books, if these [clears throat] magic books, if you will, uh for their practices. And you will, uh for their practices. And you will, uh for their practices. And that was part of their livelihood. And that was part of their livelihood. And that was part of their livelihood. And they listened to Paul, they listened to Paul, they listened to Paul, >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> uh the spirit pierced their hearts, they >> uh the spirit pierced their hearts, they >> uh the spirit pierced their hearts, they trusted Christ. And you don't even see trusted Christ. And you don't even see trusted Christ. And you don't even see that Paul told them to burn their books.

that Paul told them to burn their books. that Paul told them to burn their books. What you see is they took their books What you see is they took their books What you see is they took their books and they burned them. And I, you know, and they burned them. And I, you know, and they burned them. And I, you know, it talks about 50,000 pieces of silver. it talks about 50,000 pieces of silver. it talks about 50,000 pieces of silver. And right now in our culture, you know, And right now in our culture, you know, And right now in our culture, you know, precious metals is a little bit of an precious metals is a little bit of an precious metals is a little bit of an issue with our government being so issue with our government being so issue with our government being so indebted and people trying to protect uh indebted and people trying to protect uh indebted and people trying to protect uh their wealth, if you will. and I I their wealth, if you will. and I I their wealth, if you will. and I I looked that up looked that up looked that up and it said that the value of those and it said that the value of those and it said that the value of those books were between two and six million books were between two and six million books were between two and six million dollars. dollars. dollars. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> In in today's terms. And I'm like, okay, >> In in today's terms. And I'm like, okay, >> In in today's terms. And I'm like, okay, so the so the so the burning these books, it's not like burning these books, it's not like burning these books, it's not like you and I getting a few books off our you and I getting a few books off our you and I getting a few books off our shelf and saying, you know, those are shelf and saying, you know, those are shelf and saying, you know, those are not God-honoring. I'm going to throw not God-honoring. I'm going to throw not God-honoring. I'm going to throw those away or burn them. Uh I mean, the those away or burn them. Uh I mean, the those away or burn them. Uh I mean, the these were valuable assets. And so, I these were valuable assets. And so, I these were valuable assets. And so, I just love how, you know, just love how, you know, just love how, you know, um one of the things I often say that it um one of the things I often say that it um one of the things I often say that it took me years to learn is took me years to learn is took me years to learn is uh following Christ affects every aspect uh following Christ affects every aspect uh following Christ affects every aspect of my life. And that really it comes out of my life. And that really it comes out of my life. And that really it comes out of Luke 9:23 of Luke 9:23 of Luke 9:23 through 25, where Jesus tells us, you through 25, where Jesus tells us, you through 25, where Jesus tells us, you know, that we've got to take up our know, that we've got to take up our know, that we've got to take up our cross and follow him.

cross and follow him. cross and follow him. But it's just interesting the But it's just interesting the But it's just interesting the representation of that uh with these two representation of that uh with these two representation of that uh with these two examples of just how, hey, you see that examples of just how, hey, you see that examples of just how, hey, you see that so clearly in those verses and you see so clearly in those verses and you see so clearly in those verses and you see the other in the other in the other in Demetrius and his buddies who were Demetrius and his buddies who were Demetrius and his buddies who were silversmiths, you just see how silversmiths, you just see how silversmiths, you just see how they are so locked on their money that they are so locked on their money that they are so locked on their money that uh they can't even hear uh they can't even hear uh they can't even hear the word of God that uh that Paul is the word of God that uh that Paul is the word of God that uh that Paul is preaching. And preaching. And preaching. And uh one of the things I tell people often uh one of the things I tell people often uh one of the things I tell people often uh cuz they'll ask me about money and I uh cuz they'll ask me about money and I uh cuz they'll ask me about money and I just I did this we Lucinia and I were just I did this we Lucinia and I were just I did this we Lucinia and I were actually at an event actually at an event actually at an event Sunday night Sunday night Sunday night and and and >> So, at the [clears throat] time of this >> So, at the [clears throat] time of this >> So, at the [clears throat] time of this recording, just 2 days prior. recording, just 2 days prior. recording, just 2 days prior. >> Yeah. So, we were at an event and it was >> Yeah. So, we were at an event and it was >> Yeah. So, we were at an event and it was a scholarship banquet and we were a scholarship banquet and we were a scholarship banquet and we were sitting with students that we had sitting with students that we had sitting with students that we had provided scholarships for. provided scholarships for. provided scholarships for. And they asked me, "What what's one of And they asked me, "What what's one of And they asked me, "What what's one of the biggest things that you learned, you the biggest things that you learned, you the biggest things that you learned, you know, 40 know, 40 know, 40 6 years ago, 47 years ago when you were 6 years ago, 47 years ago when you were 6 years ago, 47 years ago when you were here?" And I just said, "Hey, here?" And I just said, "Hey, here?" And I just said, "Hey, I learned and I had to figure out what's I learned and I had to figure out what's I learned and I had to figure out what's my worldview of money.

my worldview of money. my worldview of money. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And uh money is either something that >> And uh money is either something that >> And uh money is either something that I'm going to pursue for pleasure, I'm going to pursue for pleasure, I'm going to pursue for pleasure, comfort, and control comfort, and control comfort, and control >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> for my life. And when I was a freshman >> for my life. And when I was a freshman >> for my life. And when I was a freshman in college, that's why I was there. in college, that's why I was there. in college, that's why I was there. That's what I was there to do. Or I That's what I was there to do. Or I That's what I was there to do. Or I learn that uh that God loves me and learn that uh that God loves me and learn that uh that God loves me and wants to have a relationship with me, wants to have a relationship with me, wants to have a relationship with me, and that informs every aspect of my and that informs every aspect of my and that informs every aspect of my life. life. life. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that money is just another resource >> And that money is just another resource >> And that money is just another resource like time or giftedness that God like time or giftedness that God like time or giftedness that God entrusts me with. It's not a good thing entrusts me with. It's not a good thing entrusts me with. It's not a good thing or a bad thing. It's a no thing. It uh or a bad thing. It's a no thing. It uh or a bad thing. It's a no thing. It uh it's an outflow of where my heart is it's an outflow of where my heart is it's an outflow of where my heart is again as we as I mentioned earlier in again as we as I mentioned earlier in again as we as I mentioned earlier in Matthew 6. And uh and so I get the Matthew 6. And uh and so I get the Matthew 6. And uh and so I get the responsibility and joy of stewarding responsibility and joy of stewarding responsibility and joy of stewarding that. And that's going to that. And that's going to that. And that's going to >> provide for me and my family. And then >> provide for me and my family. And then >> provide for me and my family. And then I'm going to get the joy again of I'm going to get the joy again of I'm going to get the joy again of deploying that as God directs. And so deploying that as God directs. And so deploying that as God directs. And so figuring that out is the biggest thing figuring that out is the biggest thing figuring that out is the biggest thing that you all uh get to do while you're that you all uh get to do while you're that you all uh get to do while you're here in school. And it led to some great here in school. And it led to some great here in school. And it led to some great conversations.

conversations. conversations. >> students were they believers? Was this >> students were they believers? Was this >> students were they believers? Was this >> Well, it turns out one of them had just >> Well, it turns out one of them had just >> Well, it turns out one of them had just trusted Christ United been there. trusted Christ United been there. trusted Christ United been there. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And there was another person there that >> And there was another person there that >> And there was another person there that had shared the gospel with them. And so had shared the gospel with them. And so had shared the gospel with them. And so it was really sweet. it was really sweet. it was really sweet. >> That's amazing. >> That's amazing. >> That's amazing. >> course, you know, but it was great >> course, you know, but it was great >> course, you know, but it was great because it was an easy because it was an easy because it was an easy uh topic just to talk to the other uh topic just to talk to the other uh topic just to talk to the other students. There were, you know, eight of students. There were, you know, eight of students. There were, you know, eight of us at the table and just say, "Hey, what us at the table and just say, "Hey, what us at the table and just say, "Hey, what does that look like for you?" does that look like for you?" does that look like for you?" >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, I love how the spirit leads in >> So, I love how the spirit leads in >> So, I love how the spirit leads in conversations. conversations. conversations. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> The there's just a natural outflow of >> The there's just a natural outflow of >> The there's just a natural outflow of whatever is relevant. And and I love how whatever is relevant. And and I love how whatever is relevant. And and I love how money is so relevant to flow to money is so relevant to flow to money is so relevant to flow to spiritual conversations. spiritual conversations. spiritual conversations. >> I love it. Kyle, you mentioned that the >> I love it. Kyle, you mentioned that the >> I love it. Kyle, you mentioned that the idea that every part of our lives should idea that every part of our lives should idea that every part of our lives should be surrendered to Christ was something be surrendered to Christ was something be surrendered to Christ was something that took you years to learn. that took you years to learn. that took you years to learn. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Was there a particular season where >> Was there a particular season where >> Was there a particular season where either that was very hard to learn or either that was very hard to learn or either that was very hard to learn or you felt like ah you felt like ah you felt like ah I get it now it's clicked. I get it now it's clicked. I get it now it's clicked. >> Yeah, that's a great question Emma and >> Yeah, that's a great question Emma and >> Yeah, that's a great question Emma and you know God's love me enough often you know God's love me enough often you know God's love me enough often you know God loves us enough to expose you know God loves us enough to expose you know God loves us enough to expose where our heart is where our heart is where our heart is and and again you see that's a lot of and and again you see that's a lot of and and again you see that's a lot of what Jesus did with the rich young what Jesus did with the rich young what Jesus did with the rich young ruler.

ruler. ruler. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He did it with the >> He did it with the >> He did it with the the guy that was questioning him about the guy that was questioning him about the guy that was questioning him about inheritance and building storehouses and inheritance and building storehouses and inheritance and building storehouses and for me you know I trusted Christ in for me you know I trusted Christ in for me you know I trusted Christ in college Lucena I got married a year college Lucena I got married a year college Lucena I got married a year later. I was in a a profession where I later. I was in a a profession where I later. I was in a a profession where I was doing well and I I was locked you was doing well and I I was locked you was doing well and I I was locked you know my my life before Christ was really know my my life before Christ was really know my my life before Christ was really focused on money being security in my focused on money being security in my focused on money being security in my life. life. life. And what I didn't realize is how much And what I didn't realize is how much And what I didn't realize is how much residue was still in my heart. residue was still in my heart. residue was still in my heart. And [snorts] And [snorts] And [snorts] when I was uh when I was uh when I was uh 35 years old 35 years old 35 years old uh uh uh I was Lucena I were here in Dallas our I was Lucena I were here in Dallas our I was Lucena I were here in Dallas our kids were little Jordan I think was five kids were little Jordan I think was five kids were little Jordan I think was five and Audrey was four and I was in a and Audrey was four and I was in a and Audrey was four and I was in a business I was in a position of business I was in a position of business I was in a position of responsibility and I took some risks responsibility and I took some risks responsibility and I took some risks that as I look back it was rooted in that as I look back it was rooted in that as I look back it was rooted in greed but at the time I felt like hey greed but at the time I felt like hey greed but at the time I felt like hey I'm a business guy our business is to I'm a business guy our business is to I'm a business guy our business is to help our company prosper and a lot of help our company prosper and a lot of help our company prosper and a lot of people benefit from that I was deluded people benefit from that I was deluded people benefit from that I was deluded and I took some risks that were just and I took some risks that were just and I took some risks that were just really unwise and rooted in greed really unwise and rooted in greed really unwise and rooted in greed and for the business and that affected and for the business and that affected and for the business and that affected me and Lucena personally and the result me and Lucena personally and the result me and Lucena personally and the result of that was in in a matter of three or of that was in in a matter of three or of that was in in a matter of three or four weeks Lucena and I lost everything.

four weeks Lucena and I lost everything. four weeks Lucena and I lost everything. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And >> And >> And and I was I was so devastated that I I and I was I was so devastated that I I and I was I was so devastated that I I could barely even get out of bed could barely even get out of bed could barely even get out of bed and and and and I drove home. went to the office one and I drove home. went to the office one and I drove home. went to the office one day and I I I was there. I I couldn't day and I I I was there. I I couldn't day and I I I was there. I I couldn't function and I was driving home. function and I was driving home. function and I was driving home. And I was just weeping cuz I felt like And I was just weeping cuz I felt like And I was just weeping cuz I felt like I've just thrown our life away. And I've just thrown our life away. And I've just thrown our life away. And Lucine and I had all these financial Lucine and I had all these financial Lucine and I had all these financial plans for a house we were going to plans for a house we were going to plans for a house we were going to build. build. build. >> it all mapped out. >> it all mapped out. >> it all mapped out. >> You know, and >> You know, and >> You know, and we were on the fast track. And we were on the fast track. And we were on the fast track. And and I drove into the driveway and you and I drove into the driveway and you and I drove into the driveway and you know, the kids saw me out the window know, the kids saw me out the window know, the kids saw me out the window like what in the world dad's home early like what in the world dad's home early like what in the world dad's home early today. And today. And today. And and Jordan ran out and he saw me weeping and Jordan ran out and he saw me weeping and Jordan ran out and he saw me weeping and he just said uh and he just said uh and he just said uh He's like, "Dad, what's wrong? What what He's like, "Dad, what's wrong? What what He's like, "Dad, what's wrong? What what happened?" And I happened?" And I happened?" And I And through you know, a broken voice I And through you know, a broken voice I And through you know, a broken voice I just said, "Jordan, just said, "Jordan, just said, "Jordan, uh uh uh uh Daddy lost all our money." uh Daddy lost all our money." uh Daddy lost all our money." And uh there was this big smile on his And uh there was this big smile on his And uh there was this big smile on his face and he looked up face and he looked up face and he looked up and he said, "That's okay, Daddy. I'll and he said, "That's okay, Daddy. I'll and he said, "That's okay, Daddy. I'll help you find it."

help you find it." help you find it." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And um >> And um >> And um >> That's precious. >> That's precious. >> That's precious. >> I think about that because >> I think about that because >> I think about that because God used that in an instant to snap me God used that in an instant to snap me God used that in an instant to snap me in like what in the world am I doing? in like what in the world am I doing? in like what in the world am I doing? That you know, Jordan's like, "Hey, That you know, Jordan's like, "Hey, That you know, Jordan's like, "Hey, what's the big deal? You know, you lose what's the big deal? You know, you lose what's the big deal? You know, you lose something." something." something." >> lost. >> lost. >> lost. >> That's just This is life, you know, you >> That's just This is life, you know, you >> That's just This is life, you know, you lose things and you find them and lose things and you find them and lose things and you find them and and I'll never forget that. That's been and I'll never forget that. That's been and I'll never forget that. That's been you know, over 30 years ago, but it was you know, over 30 years ago, but it was you know, over 30 years ago, but it was God used that God used that God used that just to wake me up and and and I love just to wake me up and and and I love just to wake me up and and and I love how God does that. You know, God doesn't how God does that. You know, God doesn't how God does that. You know, God doesn't tempt us, but he often tests us. And I tempt us, but he often tests us. And I tempt us, but he often tests us. And I think the reason he tests us and that think the reason he tests us and that think the reason he tests us and that you know, we also call that that trials you know, we also call that that trials you know, we also call that that trials is to expose to kind of jerk the chain is to expose to kind of jerk the chain is to expose to kind of jerk the chain and just expose where I am. And it also and just expose where I am. And it also and just expose where I am. And it also you know, more importantly it helps me you know, more importantly it helps me you know, more importantly it helps me see you know, the spirit convicts see you know, the spirit convicts see you know, the spirit convicts through that where I am and I often through that where I am and I often through that where I am and I often think about just James 1 where it says, think about just James 1 where it says, think about just James 1 where it says, "Consider it all joy when you encounter "Consider it all joy when you encounter "Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the various trials, knowing that the various trials, knowing that the testing" There it is. "The testing of testing" There it is. "The testing of testing" There it is. "The testing of your faith produces endurance.

your faith produces endurance. your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect And let endurance have its perfect And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and result, that you may be perfect and result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." complete, lacking in nothing." complete, lacking in nothing." And so, you know, it may be And so, you know, it may be And so, you know, it may be uh you're in traffic, and you're you uh you're in traffic, and you're you uh you're in traffic, and you're you know, you're 30 minutes late. know, you're 30 minutes late. know, you're 30 minutes late. >> Getting frustrated. >> Getting frustrated. >> Getting frustrated. >> And you're getting anxious and >> And you're getting anxious and >> And you're getting anxious and frustrated. frustrated. frustrated. And God's like, "Hey, you know what? And God's like, "Hey, you know what? And God's like, "Hey, you know what? Either I'm sovereign over everything, Either I'm sovereign over everything, Either I'm sovereign over everything, and I cause and allow everything, or I'm and I cause and allow everything, or I'm and I cause and allow everything, or I'm sovereign over nothing." And so, I'm sovereign over nothing." And so, I'm sovereign over nothing." And so, I'm going to I'm going to use this. And so, going to I'm going to use this. And so, going to I'm going to use this. And so, it's just a reminder to power down. I'm it's just a reminder to power down. I'm it's just a reminder to power down. I'm getting anxious right now. Lord, help getting anxious right now. Lord, help getting anxious right now. Lord, help me. me. me. You know, my heart is focused on You know, my heart is focused on You know, my heart is focused on control. It's control. It's control. It's it may be identity. I don't want to look it may be identity. I don't want to look it may be identity. I don't want to look bad. I'm going to be late. You know, bad. I'm going to be late. You know, bad. I'm going to be late. You know, there's so many things that are for me. there's so many things that are for me. there's so many things that are for me. I I like to be early. I I like to be early. I I like to be early. Not because I'm honoring someone's time, Not because I'm honoring someone's time, Not because I'm honoring someone's time, because I want people to think of me as because I want people to think of me as because I want people to think of me as being disciplined. being disciplined. being disciplined. And I'm like, that's about identity. So, And I'm like, that's about identity. So, And I'm like, that's about identity. So, being early is not a bad thing. It's why being early is not a bad thing. It's why being early is not a bad thing. It's why I do I want to be early? And so, anyway, I do I want to be early? And so, anyway, I do I want to be early? And so, anyway, I say all that just because control is I say all that just because control is I say all that just because control is something that God often also loves me something that God often also loves me something that God often also loves me enough to expose me in.

enough to expose me in. enough to expose me in. >> And I I think many of us wrestle with >> And I I think many of us wrestle with >> And I I think many of us wrestle with control, especially when it comes to the control, especially when it comes to the control, especially when it comes to the area of finances. area of finances. area of finances. And sometimes our pursuit of Jesus And sometimes our pursuit of Jesus And sometimes our pursuit of Jesus can cause us to fear can cause us to fear can cause us to fear what's going to happen to my finances. what's going to happen to my finances. what's going to happen to my finances. What would you say about that, the What would you say about that, the What would you say about that, the financial element of following Jesus? financial element of following Jesus? financial element of following Jesus? >> Yeah, I you know, there's a parable in >> Yeah, I you know, there's a parable in >> Yeah, I you know, there's a parable in scripture scripture scripture uh in Matthew 25, and it talked it's the uh in Matthew 25, and it talked it's the uh in Matthew 25, and it talked it's the parable of the talents. Most people are parable of the talents. Most people are parable of the talents. Most people are familiar with it, and they think of that familiar with it, and they think of that familiar with it, and they think of that as money, and as money, and as money, and uh uh uh they can use that as, "Okay, God wants they can use that as, "Okay, God wants they can use that as, "Okay, God wants me to invest well. me to invest well. me to invest well. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And, uh, >> And, uh, >> And, uh, recognizing that it could be money, it recognizing that it could be money, it recognizing that it could be money, it could be my time, it could be my could be my time, it could be my could be my time, it could be my >> Your abilities, your skills, yes. >> Your abilities, your skills, yes. >> Your abilities, your skills, yes. >> I often think that the the the servant >> I often think that the the the servant >> I often think that the the the servant that that buried the talents that that buried the talents that that buried the talents >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> uh, was the one that was saving money. >> uh, was the one that was saving money. >> uh, was the one that was saving money. The the the the servant that put the The the the the servant that put the The the the the servant that put the money to work, invested it. Think about money to work, invested it. Think about money to work, invested it. Think about God's perspective of investing. He's not God's perspective of investing. He's not God's perspective of investing. He's not talking about talking about talking about >> Storing up earthly treasures.

>> Storing up earthly treasures. >> Storing up earthly treasures. >> Yeah, he's not talking about buying >> Yeah, he's not talking about buying >> Yeah, he's not talking about buying Nvidia. He's talking about, you know, Nvidia. He's talking about, you know, Nvidia. He's talking about, you know, investing in ministry. And so we just, investing in ministry. And so we just, investing in ministry. And so we just, but but it just shows how our culture so but but it just shows how our culture so but but it just shows how our culture so permeates our perspective of money. I I permeates our perspective of money. I I permeates our perspective of money. I I like to think of money as, uh, like to think of money as, uh, like to think of money as, uh, similar to the blood in our body. similar to the blood in our body. similar to the blood in our body. And so our, you know, God uses the And so our, you know, God uses the And so our, you know, God uses the analogy of my heart. So he wants blood analogy of my heart. So he wants blood analogy of my heart. So he wants blood to throw flow through my heart to the to throw flow through my heart to the to throw flow through my heart to the rest of my body. rest of my body. rest of my body. And if I decide, you know what, I'm not And if I decide, you know what, I'm not And if I decide, you know what, I'm not sure my heart's going to have enough sure my heart's going to have enough sure my heart's going to have enough blood for the next couple of hours, I'm blood for the next couple of hours, I'm blood for the next couple of hours, I'm going to store some blood up in my going to store some blood up in my going to store some blood up in my heart. Well, that would create a blood heart. Well, that would create a blood heart. Well, that would create a blood clot and that would kill me. And in the clot and that would kill me. And in the clot and that would kill me. And in the same way I think often we think, you same way I think often we think, you same way I think often we think, you know what, I'm I'm a little bit know what, I'm I'm a little bit know what, I'm I'm a little bit concerned that concerned that concerned that that God's got me covered. I know he that God's got me covered. I know he that God's got me covered. I know he provides for the, you know, the birds of provides for the, you know, the birds of provides for the, you know, the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, but the air and the lilies of the field, but the air and the lilies of the field, but but what if? And so I'm going to store a but what if? And so I'm going to store a but what if? And so I'm going to store a little bit more up. little bit more up. little bit more up. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I think of in that parable, what I'm >> I think of in that parable, what I'm >> I think of in that parable, what I'm doing is I'm burying it.

doing is I'm burying it. doing is I'm burying it. And, uh, uh, I'm I'm letting it And, uh, uh, I'm I'm letting it And, uh, uh, I'm I'm letting it coagulate in my heart in a way that's coagulate in my heart in a way that's coagulate in my heart in a way that's just not healthy. So finances, I you you just not healthy. So finances, I you you just not healthy. So finances, I you you know, Jesus talked more about money than know, Jesus talked more about money than know, Jesus talked more about money than he did heaven and hell combined. You see he did heaven and hell combined. You see he did heaven and hell combined. You see the contrast of the widow's mite. She the contrast of the widow's mite. She the contrast of the widow's mite. She didn't have anything, but she wanted to didn't have anything, but she wanted to didn't have anything, but she wanted to give. Again, with where [snorts] Jesus give. Again, with where [snorts] Jesus give. Again, with where [snorts] Jesus tells us uh you know, the latter part of tells us uh you know, the latter part of tells us uh you know, the latter part of Luke, where is it? Luke uh I it's Luke Luke, where is it? Luke uh I it's Luke Luke, where is it? Luke uh I it's Luke 18, where it's easier for a camel to get 18, where it's easier for a camel to get 18, where it's easier for a camel to get through an eye of a needle than for a through an eye of a needle than for a through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God. rich man to get into the kingdom of God. rich man to get into the kingdom of God. And then two verses later, he says, "But And then two verses later, he says, "But And then two verses later, he says, "But with all with God all things are with all with God all things are with all with God all things are possible." You know, rich man, you can possible." You know, rich man, you can possible." You know, rich man, you can get in, but we have to be careful about get in, but we have to be careful about get in, but we have to be careful about our definition of rich. First Timothy 6 our definition of rich. First Timothy 6 our definition of rich. First Timothy 6 tells us tells us tells us if you have basically food and clothing, if you have basically food and clothing, if you have basically food and clothing, if you have any more than that, you're if you have any more than that, you're if you have any more than that, you're you're rich. you're rich. you're rich. You know, we're we're more wealthy than You know, we're we're more wealthy than You know, we're we're more wealthy than 99% of the world because they're working 99% of the world because they're working 99% of the world because they're working today so that they have food today so that they have food today so that they have food and clothing, you know, for the next day and clothing, you know, for the next day and clothing, you know, for the next day or two. We've got food and clothing for or two. We've got food and clothing for or two. We've got food and clothing for 10 more lives, essentially, you know.

10 more lives, essentially, you know. 10 more lives, essentially, you know. So, anyway, your question is so good, So, anyway, your question is so good, So, anyway, your question is so good, Emma, because and I think that's why God Emma, because and I think that's why God Emma, because and I think that's why God says uh says uh says uh you know, that on down in in you know, you know, that on down in in you know, you know, that on down in in you know, it's Matthew 6:21-24. it's Matthew 6:21-24. it's Matthew 6:21-24. He leads with "Where your treasure is, He leads with "Where your treasure is, He leads with "Where your treasure is, your heart will be also." 24, he says, your heart will be also." 24, he says, your heart will be also." 24, he says, "You cannot serve God and wealth." "You cannot serve God and wealth." "You cannot serve God and wealth." And [clears throat] uh it's just an And [clears throat] uh it's just an And [clears throat] uh it's just an area, especially in our culture, I think area, especially in our culture, I think area, especially in our culture, I think we're uh where we're exposed. we're uh where we're exposed. we're uh where we're exposed. >> I agree, Kyle. Uh a clarification I want >> I agree, Kyle. Uh a clarification I want >> I agree, Kyle. Uh a clarification I want to make. You're not saying don't steward to make. You're not saying don't steward to make. You're not saying don't steward your money wisely and never save your money wisely and never save your money wisely and never save anything. You're saying, if I'm hearing anything. You're saying, if I'm hearing anything. You're saying, if I'm hearing you correctly, if we're starting to an you correctly, if we're starting to an you correctly, if we're starting to an idol out of how much we're storing up, idol out of how much we're storing up, idol out of how much we're storing up, >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> that's when we start to get in >> that's when we start to get in >> that's when we start to get in mis-alignment. Is that mis-alignment. Is that mis-alignment. Is that >> Exactly. And just have a vision for what >> Exactly. And just have a vision for what >> Exactly. And just have a vision for what If you have more than you need, just If you have more than you need, just If you have more than you need, just know. So, 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 is one know. So, 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 is one know. So, 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 is one of my favorite passages because it tells of my favorite passages because it tells of my favorite passages because it tells us us us why does God give some people more than why does God give some people more than why does God give some people more than he gives others?

he gives others? he gives others? And we know it's not well, you know, And we know it's not well, you know, And we know it's not well, you know, I've just God really is shining his I've just God really is shining his I've just God really is shining his light on me. I just happen to be a godly light on me. I just happen to be a godly light on me. I just happen to be a godly person. Therefore, I'm wealthy. You person. Therefore, I'm wealthy. You person. Therefore, I'm wealthy. You know, that doesn't really play out with know, that doesn't really play out with know, that doesn't really play out with Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk and it's like man God must really love and it's like man God must really love and it's like man God must really love those guys. So I okay. Well, that so those guys. So I okay. Well, that so those guys. So I okay. Well, that so it's not prosperity gospel. But in that it's not prosperity gospel. But in that it's not prosperity gospel. But in that passage in 2 Corinthians 8, he tells us passage in 2 Corinthians 8, he tells us passage in 2 Corinthians 8, he tells us that he gives you more than you need that he gives you more than you need that he gives you more than you need because that's part of your journey so because that's part of your journey so because that's part of your journey so to to supply deficiencies to to supply deficiencies to to supply deficiencies that he has in your life and that's true that he has in your life and that's true that he has in your life and that's true for each of us. So we get to be for each of us. So we get to be for each of us. So we get to be faithful. I can't solve all the issues faithful. I can't solve all the issues faithful. I can't solve all the issues of you know, what God cares about but I of you know, what God cares about but I of you know, what God cares about but I I can be provision for the ones he I can be provision for the ones he I can be provision for the ones he brings across my plate and that's the brings across my plate and that's the brings across my plate and that's the joy of getting to be involved in joy of getting to be involved in joy of getting to be involved in whatever God is doing. So that's a part whatever God is doing. So that's a part whatever God is doing. So that's a part of it. Obviously providing for my of it. Obviously providing for my of it. Obviously providing for my family. Obviously family. Obviously family. Obviously uh again in our our culture uh again in our our culture uh again in our our culture uh uh uh we just again, we just have to be we just again, we just have to be we just again, we just have to be careful that we don't slip and I and I careful that we don't slip and I and I careful that we don't slip and I and I am even though I learned that lesson in am even though I learned that lesson in am even though I learned that lesson in 95, God loved me enough to do it again 95, God loved me enough to do it again 95, God loved me enough to do it again in 04 05 in 04 05 in 04 05 not as dramatically but in a way that not as dramatically but in a way that not as dramatically but in a way that got my attention. It happened again in got my attention. It happened again in got my attention. It happened again in you know, 2010 and so I I know I'm you know, 2010 and so I I know I'm you know, 2010 and so I I know I'm capable of drifting. I that's one of the capable of drifting. I that's one of the capable of drifting. I that's one of the many areas I can drift to. And so

many areas I can drift to. And so many areas I can drift to. And so anyway, I'm just thankful that he anyway, I'm just thankful that he anyway, I'm just thankful that he continues to remind me. So I'm not I'm continues to remind me. So I'm not I'm continues to remind me. So I'm not I'm not telling you all this cuz I have it not telling you all this cuz I have it not telling you all this cuz I have it all figured out. I'm telling you as all figured out. I'm telling you as all figured out. I'm telling you as someone that continues to be vulnerable someone that continues to be vulnerable someone that continues to be vulnerable in this area. in this area. in this area. >> Thank you, Kyle. As we wrap up, any >> Thank you, Kyle. As we wrap up, any >> Thank you, Kyle. As we wrap up, any final thoughts you'd want to share? Do final thoughts you'd want to share? Do final thoughts you'd want to share? Do you feel good? you feel good? you feel good? >> Uh I I I've probably said plenty. >> Uh I I I've probably said plenty. >> Uh I I I've probably said plenty. I feel good. But I feel good. But I feel good. But anyway, I would just this passage anyway, I would just this passage anyway, I would just this passage Emma, there's so many great messages in Emma, there's so many great messages in Emma, there's so many great messages in here but I would just encourage people here but I would just encourage people here but I would just encourage people to look at the contrast in scripture and to look at the contrast in scripture and to look at the contrast in scripture and you know just the the subtleties and you know just the the subtleties and you know just the the subtleties and until I started digging digging into until I started digging digging into until I started digging digging into this a little bit more I completely this a little bit more I completely this a little bit more I completely missed this contrast and that's what I missed this contrast and that's what I missed this contrast and that's what I love about the journey this year is love about the journey this year is love about the journey this year is we're going deeper we're going deeper we're going deeper >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> slower and it gives us an opportunity >> slower and it gives us an opportunity >> slower and it gives us an opportunity just to see a whole lot more there's a just to see a whole lot more there's a just to see a whole lot more there's a difference between snorkeling and scuba difference between snorkeling and scuba difference between snorkeling and scuba diving snorkeling you know I see there's diving snorkeling you know I see there's diving snorkeling you know I see there's I can go down and that's what I feel I can go down and that's what I feel I can go down and that's what I feel like I experienced in this passage in like I experienced in this passage in like I experienced in this passage in Acts 19.

Acts 19. Acts 19. >> Praise God. Well Kyle I I've greatly >> Praise God. Well Kyle I I've greatly >> Praise God. Well Kyle I I've greatly appreciated everything that you have appreciated everything that you have appreciated everything that you have shared today. If you're listening and shared today. If you're listening and shared today. If you're listening and the spirit has pricked your heart maybe the spirit has pricked your heart maybe the spirit has pricked your heart maybe you are desiring to grow more in forming you are desiring to grow more in forming you are desiring to grow more in forming your understanding of God's view of your understanding of God's view of your understanding of God's view of money or perhaps you're in a situation money or perhaps you're in a situation money or perhaps you're in a situation where you're struggling financially. If where you're struggling financially. If where you're struggling financially. If that's you or you just feel prompted to that's you or you just feel prompted to that's you or you just feel prompted to learn more we will be offering a money learn more we will be offering a money learn more we will be offering a money wise class coming up in just a few days wise class coming up in just a few days wise class coming up in just a few days on September 12th. on September 12th. on September 12th. It is a one-day event where you can It is a one-day event where you can It is a one-day event where you can learn more about a theology of money learn more about a theology of money learn more about a theology of money your finances specifically giving your finances specifically giving your finances specifically giving or receive counseling and coaching from or receive counseling and coaching from or receive counseling and coaching from members of our body who are excelling in members of our body who are excelling in members of our body who are excelling in this area and if September 12th doesn't this area and if September 12th doesn't this area and if September 12th doesn't work out there is a five-week class that work out there is a five-week class that work out there is a five-week class that starts on October 15th. So Kyle thank starts on October 15th. So Kyle thank starts on October 15th. So Kyle thank you for being here with us. you for being here with us. you for being here with us. >> Love being with you Emma and love going >> Love being with you Emma and love going >> Love being with you Emma and love going deeper and being on the journey with all deeper and being on the journey with all deeper and being on the journey with all of you. of you. of you. >> And as always I'm so glad we're all on >> And as always I'm so glad we're all on >> And as always I'm so glad we're all on this journey abiding in Jesus together.