My Money......Crazy Stock Market!!

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

Recently the stock market plummeted and panicked investors watched thousands of dollars disappear into thin air. Of course in a upturn things could get better. There is nothing wrong with saving but you must remember to not trust in your savings, your stocks, your gold, or your 401k. 

Things happen and wealth disappears. Sometimes greedy tyrants take it away to try to control us. The point is everything we have belongs to God. It is He who gave us the power to gain wealth. Just do not freak out when the market crashes and don't live above your means. Be good stewards of what is entrusted to you. Share and tithe as well. 

Why not stop and give thanks to God for all your abundance. This means whether you live in a tiny home mansion. Just know God is in control and He will take care of you. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for all you have blessed me with. Help me to look for legitimate ways to help those going through hard times. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

Money Has Wings

 Command those who are rich in this present world to not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

 It is very easy to trust in our money. In these uncertain times or at any time, riches could disappear. Proverbs 23:5 says they could "sprout wings". No one should trust in their wealth. Paydays are nice but a financial default could send everyone's bank account plummeting. Would you be happy if you did not have money to rely on?  Even the poorest person in America is rich compared to many parts of the world. We are blessed then we can bless others.

Many of our grandparents and parents went through The Great Depression beginning in 1929 and those folks can tell you what it is like to do without. We have it so good now. Never take God's blessings for granted, and find ways you can help others not so fortunate. God is the one who gave us the ability to gain wealth and we are to be good stewards of what he entrusts to us.

Take time today to thank God for the abundance He has blessed you with. Never assume it will always be there. Trust in God and He will take care of you.

 PRAYER: Lord you are good and you provide us with so many things. Forgive me if I have ever been stingy with your blessings. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Our Stuff

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

This week here in my area we were under tornado threats for several hours on two consecutive days. I really had peace but still had to stay weather aware and be alert to danger. As my husband and I decided that we needed to prepare to go in our underground shelter we started putting important things in it such as purse, laptop, lockboxes which contained important documents. No time or space for all the sentimental things we do not want to have blown away somewhere. Turned out we escaped but many a few miles away did not. My husband found some siding and other pieces of metal in our field which probably blew in from Athens about 18 miles away. 

When you think of preparing for things like this you may be like me and say "I want my grandmas' quilts, special Bibles, pictures, sentimental trinkets and other odds and ends." Truth of the matter is only your life is worth saving. Ask anyone who has been in a tornado such as the F5 we had here three years ago. Those victims were just happy to be alive and were grateful when they found a photograph or important document in the rubble. Often times it had blown miles away. 

We certainly can not trust in our stuff. It will not save us nor can we gather it all up to take to heaven with us. Be thankful for life.

PRAYER: I pray for those who lost loved ones in the past weeks' tornadoes and pray for the first responders who are right in the midst of the destruction. Thank you for the blessings of my material possessions but help me not get too attached to them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rich Man?

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV)

Money worries can consume a person. The cure for some is to get a credit card or play the lottery. That certainly will end problems. Not! Some get desperate and go to illegal measures to obtain wealth. You can always be sure your sins will indeed find you out. 

The Bible speaks allot about money. It tells us not to trust in riches. Many times a person may feel secure then a job loss, unexpected medical bill, or stock market crash can cause them to lose it all. If you rely on wealth for security what happens when the cash is not there?  God indeed takes care of the "birds of the air" so He will provide for us. We are not to be desirous of another’s riches but to work hard to get our own. Somewhere the Bible talks about not being lazy and providing for your own household as well. 

Be able to get to a point where you have true joy whether in a mansion or a tent.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the many blessings in my life. Help me not complain about things I do not have as I have you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

UNCERTAIN TIMES

Today is the big day here in the USA where "mere men" ,with too much
power, have put fear in us with a word called Sequestration. Here in
a military town this is especially causing stress not knowing whose
jobs will be safe or if the whole town will fold. Defense cuts affect
not just the military and their family and defense contractors, but the entire US and the

civilian town the military is near. But God is bigger than this crisis created by man. Remember
the verse in 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV) which says 'Command those who are
rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in
wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who
richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.' Elsewhere in
Proverbs 23:5(NIV) further drives this point home when it says 'Cast
but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout
wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.'

For those "awake" and paying attention to world events and things in
our own country,we are living in uncertain times. A country of
freedom, prosperity, and independence is slowly being controlled by a
domineering tyrannical government trying to seemingly take over all
aspects of our lives. Many people are frightened today because this day was hyped by the media so much as doomsday.

 

When and if doomsday does come, as a believer we are not to

trust in riches or man to help us or save us. Our hope is to be in the
Lord who made the heavens and the earth and who is in control of it
all. Sometimes He allows men to reap what they sow and has warned us
many times. In scripture it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14(NIV) 'if my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and
seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Are we
truly humbling ourselves and seeking God's face or are we way too busy
to have time? Many may be so busy in their careers or at home that
they do not even realize what is happening in the world around them
especially not getting info from the right sources. Many are oblivious

to the impending economic, military, and moral downfall of America

around them. But once again we are not to be frightened by what "mere
men" can do to us as our trust is in God. (See Psalm 118:6 and Psalm
56:4).

Psalm 23(NIV) is often just thought of as a passage of scripture read
only at funerals but there is much more within the words of that
chapter. I have copied it here. Take a moment and read it over and
think about something other than the funeral context you often
probably hear it in.

'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down
in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my
soul.He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even
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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love
will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.'

Today do not be afraid and read out loud the following scripture from
John 14:17(NIV). It says 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid." God will take care of us. Do not focus
on evil and bad around you but get into his word and let it transform
your heart and give you peace.

PRAYER: Lord we do not know what is happening. We in America have
always seemingly never had worries or fears like other countries and
have taken much for granted. Our morals have started to slide because
we chose back in 1963 to kick you out of our public schools. We did
not give heed to your precious lives you created and since 1973 have
killed millions of babies in the name of women's rights or choice. How
sad this makes me Lord. Please forgive our country for ignoring you
and turning its' back on you. Get us through the stormy days ahead
Lord and bring revival to this land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on the link below and please take a moment and be comforted by
the words of the attached song.
http://youtu.be/2ZuVtA7Vyk8