Deuteronomy 8:17-18

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 31st & Nov 1st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

We live in a world of “the self-made men,” who on this basis claim to own what they produce.

Luke 18:18

Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 31st & Nov 1st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

From the looks of it, the man was no doubt saying to Jesus, “Look, I’ve had a really fantastic life, supported by an abundance of possessions. I like my life as it is now. Is there any chance I can extend that opulence forever?”

1 Corinthians 4:2

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 31st & Nov 1st written by Pastor Bob Brown:

We call it “stewardship,” the activity of having and using the gifts of creation. Implicit in the idea is our awareness that “having” is conditional and does not involve actual ownership of what we have.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 24th & 25th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

This is kingdom economics, free of anxiety about scarcity, and overflowing with trust in the gracious abundance of God for His creation. It all begins with trust. Do we imagine that God is stingy or generous?

Matthew 6:31-33

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 24th & 25th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The impact of the economic crunch was severe, producing signs of social disintegration, such as widespread emigration, a growing number of landless "hirelings", and a social class of robbers and beggars.

Matthew 6:31-33

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 24th & 25th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The impact of the economic crunch was severe, producing signs of social disintegration, such as widespread emigration, a growing number of landless "hirelings", and a social class of robbers and beggars.

Matthew 6:19

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal."

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 24th & 25th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Recall that it was the Pharaoh’s policy to accumulate the food supply, requiring bigger silos and ultimately slave labor.

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 17th & 18th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

To overcome the fear of this darkness, the divine shepherd promises permanent companionship: “you are with me.” Along with the presence of Yahweh is His visible signs of protection, displayed as rod and staff.

 

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 17th & 18th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

What does it looks like to have the Lord as our shepherd. What does the Lord do for the sheep which makes their lives abundant?

Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 17th & 18th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Without a doubt, here is the most familiar of the 150 psalms, and for that reason might well be the most overlooked in its depth. Our design draws from it the statement “He restores my soul” (23:3). And yet such a hopeful prospect must be read in context with the psalm as a whole.

Mark 5:2

When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 10th & 11th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

There are moments that will “bind us” to live out our existence in the “tombs” of life if we do not get free. What are some of the “tombs” we live in?

1 Peter 1:17

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 10th & 11th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Living the holy life requires a healthy sense of awe at the purposes of God for us.

Leviticus 25:54

Even if someone is not redeemed in any of these ways, they and their children are to be released in the Year of Jubilee

From Background Notes [BN] for Oct 10th & 11th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

No national group understood the joy of release and freedom better than ancient Israel whose story included the Exodus from Egyptian bondage.