So which IS it?

Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. –Kinky Friedman


We hear a lot of conflicting messages every day. Eat eggs; don’t eat eggs. Run, don’t walk; walk, don’t run. Let little children use that tablet—no, wait. Not until they’re at least six years old.

They make the rules; they change the rules. How are we supposed to know what to do???

Bob Merrill, in his musical Carnival! tells us straight out, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” But then along comes the Emcee (Cabaret) to remind us that “Money makes the world go ‘round.” Both can’t be true, can they? Then which one is it?

I’ll take both, please.

It’s hard to argue with the fact that money is very, very important in our everyday lives. Without it, we would struggle even to survive. The same is true of our churches; even as we (reluctantly) talk about budgets and salaries, without such conversations, we could soon be forced to close our doors and no longer be able to effectively do God’s work.

At the same time, as followers of the Christ, we profess that everything we have comes from God; we are called to use our time, talents and gifts to make this world a better, more loving place.

So the reality is, both love and money make the world go round. How generous can you be—with both? It’s up to each one of us to make a difference. Open your arms (and open your wallet) and spread the Love around!


Monday On your way to work, school or the mall, pause at the red light and give thanks for those who have faithfully served their country. Psalm 118:22-24

Tuesday Listen today for sounds of the season: schoolchildren at play, leaves blowing, animals getting ready for winter. Offer thanks for variety in Creation. Genesis 2:4-7

Wednesday Close your eyes for a moment. Listen to your body as you breathe in and out. Feel the miracle of life flowing through your veins. Give thanks. Psalm 139:1-12

Thursday Pray today for children in another part of the world. Ask God to guide your thoughts-- and your actions. Jeremiah 1:4-8

Friday Take a few minutes to look in your closets. Are there items—a winter coat, perhaps—that you no longer need? Where do you have “more than enough”? 2 Corinthians 8:7

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, ask the Lord to reveal the uniqueness of you. Celebrate simply being a beloved child of the Most High. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Sunday Look around you at the beauty and variety of God’s children in this place. Praise God—and welcome one another in love! Acts 17:22-25

Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity. Amen.
--Adam Hamilton, “Enough”


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