| For those who live and work in the United States, April 15th has become synonymous with taxes. Failure to file your tax return truthfully or before the specified deadline could lead to major penalties from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For many people the fear of a large fine or imprisonment is more than enough to ensure their compliance with regard to federal tax laws. In Matthew 22:15-22: Jesus reveals we should never withhold what is due to those in authority: Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. Let us withhold nothing from our God. |
Prayer |
| Lord, I repent. I have always made sure that my bills are paid on time, but I don’t always give You everything You deserve. Today I dedicate my life to You and Your Will. Withholding nothing that You would ask of me (time, talent, or treasure). |
Action |
| What have you been withholding from God? Is it your resources (treasure)? Is it prayer and worship (time)? Is it your calling (talent)? This week examine how you can better serve the Lord in each of these areas. |
DID YOU KNOW? – BREAK BREAD TRIVIA |
| Romans 12 makes a great declaration on how we can faithfully serve the Lord our God as well as our fellow man. Additionally, the song Withholding Nothing, by William Mcdowell speaks well to a life dedicated in service to the Lord. |
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is the founder of Break Bread, Break Chains and is the co-host of the following podcasts: Defund The Church, Relative Currency, Politically Entertaining, and Christ over Crypto. He is also the founder and creator of the op-ed site Fake News Syndicate.