Red Letters: In God We Trust - Pastor Josiah Elias

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

Joel Munoz shared both verses with us to encourage us to stand on the Rock and receive an unshakeable kingdom. What wonderful encouragement.

Our mission is to culture like Christ, and our vision is Jesus. Pastor Josiah stated that the sermon was entitled “In God We Trust.” Those words became the national motto in 1954 and is imprinted on our money.

Speaking to His disciples in Luke 16, Jesus told of a rich man that had a manager take care of his affairs, but the manager was caught inappropriately handling the money. The rich man called the manager in and told him he was going to be fired. The manager’s response was,

”Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg.” Luke 16:3 (NLT) The manager was not concerned that he had mismanaged funds. He was concerned about his future. 

However, living transparently isn’t that difficult when you live life with clean hands. But the manager’s hands were not clean so he connived. Hearing conviction is different from responding to conviction. “I don’t want to look right before people. I want to look right before God,” declared Pastor Josiah.

The soon-to-be-fired manager was anxious about his future, so he devised a plan, “Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.” Luke 16:4 (NLT) Note the pronouns in that sentence: I, I’ll, me, I. It was all about him and not about considering the wrong that he had done. The Kingdom principle that contrasted his self-centered plan was My life is not my own, and I’m to look out for the interests of others. Another way to say it is “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12 (NLT)

His plan entailed calling all those that owed the rich man money and negotiating a different bill with each debtor. For example, a man who owed 800 gallons of olive oil was told to change the bill to 400 gallons.  Another one owed 1,000 bushels of wheat and was instructed to change the bill to 800 bushels. Luke 16:8-9 (NLT)  

A common practice in this situation was that managers would either add to the basic amount that the borrowers needed so that they could receive a commission, or managers could deduct the interest the rich man charged. What is confusing about this passage is that the “rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd.” Luke 16:8a (NLT) “shrewd-Grk. phronimos-prudently, wisely. 

Remembering that Jesus was talking to His disciples, He  said,”And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.” Luke 16:8b (NLT) Children of the light are built on principles that God looks out for them as they look out for each other. 

“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9 (NLT) This statement basically means “If you take care of His work, He will meet every need,” declared Pastor Josiah. Our stewardship of temporary possessions is a visible indicator of our spiritual condition. Are there parts of your heart that need analyzing? Have you made an idol of that beautiful new car, that lovely McMansion, that perfect job?

God will test you. Tests are not traps. Tests allow us to receive revelation. The Israelites who wandered for forty years were humbled and tested to prove their character and to find out whether or not they would obey. Deuteronomy 8:2 (NLT) They were tested and found wanting.

Several verses discussed testing.

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in

large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you 

won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”  Luke 16:10 (NLT)

“He tested Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.” John 6:6 (NLT) “My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2 (NKJV) “Put me on trial, Lord, and cross examine me. Test my motives and my heart.” Psalm 26:2  (NLT) We don’t always like to be tested because it might hurt, might take a long time, might be confusing, but God…Each time we trust in Him instead of giving into fear and anxiety, we have passed the test, and He is glorified. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:3 (NIV)

When we sin or make mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and restoration will occur. Sins are put as far as the east is from the west. “Don’t be afraid of testing. He sees everything and still loves you,” emphasized Pastor Josiah. Satan wants you to be down on yourself because he steals, kills, and destroys, but Jesus has come to give life, life abundantly. John 10:10 Believe Jesus not the big liar. Jesus came to live, die and defeat death for you.

Pastor Josiah asked,”Am I perfect? No! I am a Christ follower. He is our great God. All good things come from Him!” So we must test ourselves and see whom we have chosen as our master. “No man can serve two masters.  For you will hate the one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and man.” Luke 16:13 (NLT)

This verse led us to the Paramount Point: Your money can serve your God, but your God will not serve your money.  It is about the posture of the heart. Do you cling to money so tightly? Does it run your life? Pastor said,”I pray for a break though of a Kingdom mindset. It all belongs to Him anyway. He can do more with the 10% than you can do with the 90%.”

How ironic it is that the Pharisees heard the story, and they scoffed. However, the Word says “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” 1 Timothy 6:10  (NLT) Though the Pharisees saw wealth as God’s blessing, it is only a tool. Live in Him and watch His glorious riches cascade upon you and those you sow into. In God we Trust.

May we prioritize Jesus; make Him our master so that we can be salt and light in this troubled world.