The past couple weeks the New York Stock Exchange has gone haywire plunging to record lows several days in a row. Our reaction, for those of us blessed enough to have 401k and retirement funds, has probably been one of fear and concern for the future. Riches and wealth are only temporary. We are not to trust in our money, for one stock market plunge or depression could send it right into the toilet so to speak.God is our source of being able to attain wealth and even maintain it. When we are blessed with abundance we are not to forget to help others too. Not in a socialistic government grab but we should want to in our hearts. The government is not God nor should they play God. Every person has to decide on their own what and how to give. Scripture tells us those who give are also blessed. Do a word search on money, giving and other similar words in the Bible and you will find a host of valuable promises.In the meantime do not sit around worrying or bury your money underneath your house. Continue to give to the kingdom of God and to share when you are able and God will take care of you. It tells us that in Matthew 6:30-32. Give it a read.
PRAYER: Thank you for the abundance in my life. I know it is humanly easy to fear when we see savings accounts going down the tubes but I know in fact my hope and trust is ultimately in you, not in money. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Showing posts with label riches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label riches. Show all posts
Monday, September 7, 2015
Yikes! Look At The Dow Jones!
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
Sunday, October 19, 2014
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.
Friday, November 9, 2012
RICHES HAVE WINGS
Throughout the scriptures there is plenty of talk about money, sort of a right and wrong list. We are not to focus on riches as it says in Proverbs 23:5 "will you set your eyes on that which is not. For riches certainly make themselves wings. They fly away." We can have 'fat' bank accounts, make a good salary, have investments for the future, live in luxury, and have plenty of money to spend, but in an instant there could be a financial collapse or a big fall off 'financial cliff' as the media is calling what is going to happen to the US on January 1st of 2013. I am not saying this to scare you but to get you to truly trust in God and not your insurance policies, stock certificates, bank account, or savings. It all belongs to God anyway and we are simply to be good stewards of it giving a good portion back to the Lord for kingdom work. Deuteronomy 8:18 says it is God who gives the ability to gain wealth.
Many of us live for today. Staying so busy in our own lives we do not see what is happening around us. We may have lots of money and can not imagine having another Great Depression like our parents or grandparents experienced. The USA has borrowed trillions of dollars and keeps printing money if they run out. If we did this in our families we would not last long. My mom used to say " a fool and his money are soon parted." Our nation reminds me of a spoiled brat always wanting more and crying till they get it. Just as with a 'human brat' who if parents give in continually they never learn, and grow up expecting everything, so too these United States are being a 'brat' and expecting the people to pay their bills through higher taxes since they want everything. You can not live that way and neither should they.
Do you trust in your money or in God? Many people are way too dependent on government handouts and even those who are not still may tend to think as long as there is a job they have money. The 'entitled' people feel government should provide everything for them such as food stamps, free phone, housing, health care, social security, free birth control, free education and on the cycle goes. The desire to become someone and do something great is often lost when people are subjects of the 'government plantation' a term I got from former California Congressional candidate Star Parker. When people get things free they rarely have the desire to try harder. It becomes a pathetic cycle. If anything were to happen would they be able to go on?
Money will not last forever. When the financial security blanket is removed or the 'money carpet' is pulled out from under you, will you be able to go on and trust Jesus? Those who lived in the Great Depression can tell you their horror stories. In the United States we are close to what news media call a 'fiscal cliff'. The government has continued to spend but blames it on a president long gone. The problem is they want control and they want too many unnecessary programs.
Luke 6:38 says " Give and it shall be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, it will be poured into your lap.With the measure you use it will be measured unto you." 1 Timothy 16:17 reminds us" Command those who are rich in this present world to not to be arrogant or put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God who richly provides for us everything for enjoyment." Proverbs 11:28 says "whoever trusts in his riches will fall but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf."
Be a giver not a taker. I remember the words of the late President John F Kennedy who said "Ask not what your country can do for you but what YOU can do for your country." And remember what our dollar bill says' In God We Trust' so trust Him okay?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for blessing me with earthly treasures for my enjoyment down here but I know I need to not trust them as they may 'fly away' and I will not know what to do. Thanks father for the opportunity to give the money you gave me to others who are in need. Help me Lord keep my eyes on you and not my checkbook. In Jesus name. Amen.
Monday, April 2, 2012
LOTTERY FEVER
This past week it seemed the world went crazy over the half billion dollar jackpot in the lottery, which was billed as the largest ever. Crowds lined up to buy tickets hoping for the chance at this huge jackpot. Many think, when and if, they would come into this windfall of money all their troubles would be over when in fact there are numerous accounts of past lottery winners and how it has ruined their life.
Why is it money seems to be the cure all for everything? When you work hard and go to school for degrees you are rewarded for our efforts normally by a good paying job. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "even while we were with you we gave you this command. If a man does not work he should not eat." Now that does not sit well with the 'redistribute the wealth class warfare crowd' trying to pit classes of people against each other instead of realizing the people who work hard should get to keep their money. The lottery seems to prey on poor people. Many out there truly do not want to work and want the government to take care of them and many do want to work but maybe can not find a job right now. Do not be jealous of another's wealth or seek to be rich.
It says in 1 Timothy 6:9 "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." Proverbs 15:27 says " A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." Gambling can be an addiction that can hurt the family finances and break up marriages. Proverbs 23:4 says " Do not wear yourself out to get rich, have the wisdom to show restraint." In 1 Timothy 6:10 it goes on to say "For the Love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves many griefs."
Matthew 6:19-21 says where our real treasure should be. It says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Money can bring lots of heartache if that is all you are striving for. Seek first God's kingdom.
PRAYER: Lord I want my treasure to be in heaven and in your word. Help me not purposely be striving for wealth but when it does come to remember it is through you we get the ability to do work and earn money. You bring true riches. In Jesus name. Amen.
Why is it money seems to be the cure all for everything? When you work hard and go to school for degrees you are rewarded for our efforts normally by a good paying job. The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 "even while we were with you we gave you this command. If a man does not work he should not eat." Now that does not sit well with the 'redistribute the wealth class warfare crowd' trying to pit classes of people against each other instead of realizing the people who work hard should get to keep their money. The lottery seems to prey on poor people. Many out there truly do not want to work and want the government to take care of them and many do want to work but maybe can not find a job right now. Do not be jealous of another's wealth or seek to be rich.
It says in 1 Timothy 6:9 "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." Proverbs 15:27 says " A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." Gambling can be an addiction that can hurt the family finances and break up marriages. Proverbs 23:4 says " Do not wear yourself out to get rich, have the wisdom to show restraint." In 1 Timothy 6:10 it goes on to say "For the Love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves many griefs."
Matthew 6:19-21 says where our real treasure should be. It says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Money can bring lots of heartache if that is all you are striving for. Seek first God's kingdom.
PRAYER: Lord I want my treasure to be in heaven and in your word. Help me not purposely be striving for wealth but when it does come to remember it is through you we get the ability to do work and earn money. You bring true riches. In Jesus name. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2012
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND BE JOYFUL
Recently I saw a church sign similar to the title of my devotion. This sign is so pertinent to what has just happened in my local area that being the second outbreak of tornado's on a major scale within the same year. Not only did they hit but they struck the same area and some of the same homes were blown apart again.
Just a couple days ago I rallied with other area volunteers to once again, in less than a year, help the same tornado victims who had been hurt on 27 April 2011. How do you help those who have lost their homes and possessions in not one tornado, but two in less than a year? First thing you may think is "move somewhere else for crying out loud!" Not everyone can do that, but some do. These people are stunned that a less powerful F2 or F3 hit them with a direct hit less than 12 months from the F4 or F5 that hit 27 April 2011. How do you go on after a second devastation like this? It is almost like the 'Job Syndrome' where in the book of Job he lost it all. Get a cup of coffee and sit down and read Job. What do you say to bring comfort to these hurting people who once again have gone through immense material loss?
How do you bring hope to people who have had hopes and dreams of moving into their brand new homes with brand new possessions when the unexplainable happened and blew walls, roofs, and windows from their new homes, some of which were not even moved into yet? Why do things like this happen? How do you console them? The one good thing that most victims will say is "We at least have our lives". The best thing a helper can do besides pick up debris and possessions is to be a listening ear or give a hug and pray of course.
This time these devastating tornado's not only were not as powerful blowing debris 80 miles away, but in our area there were no tornado related deaths. Hallelujah for that! A few injured went to area hospital ER's for treatment but all in all most got away without injuries in this one. But still, there is that issue with the home being destroyed yet again. It almost makes you afraid to try build it for the third time. How do you get peace and contentment at times like these? As I looked at the same exact area that I had walked in less than 11 months ago I was shocked and had no explanation. Can you imagine the homeowners feelings?
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away" it says in Job 1:21. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
At a time like this you really have to hang on to your faith and not run from it and be mad. In one home I helped in, there was the Bible on a table, several Christian books and multiple copies of laminated Ten Commandments. The woman was in fairly good spirits as we carried what remained out to haul away to storage.
First know that our possessions are not what make us. Next remember that there are no U Haul trucks going to the cemetery with your possessions to send to eternity with you. It is God who gives us our blessings and we are to be good stewards of them. In 1 Timothy 6:8 it tells us "But having food and clothing, we will be content with that." We think all the other things will make us happy but do they really? Proverbs 23:5 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." Well in a tornado that could be literal but in this sense it means that money is fleeting and in the big scheme of things not what life is about. In the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life', Jimmy Stewarts' character, George Bailey, after attempting suicide because of financial problems, was saved by his angel Clarence Oddbody 2nd Class. George Bailey says to Clarence when he finds out he was sent here to help him "I know one way you can help me. You don't happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?" Clarence replies "No, we don't use money in Heaven" wherein George responds " Well, it comes in real handy down here, bud!"
Proverbs 27:24 says "for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us "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." We never know when we will lose it all. Having your life is what counts in the end. Psalm 52:7 says " Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
It boils down to this. Do not trust in your possessions or your wealth as they could be gone in an instant. Let God guide you and show you His perfect peace in the midst of a storm.
Matthew 10:29 says "What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." Just know the Lord is watching over you and you only need to trust Him. You are more important than the sparrows.
PRAYER: Lord help me to not trust in my home, my car, my bank account, or my possessions but you are my source of joy. Help me not be so dependent on things that if they all went away I could not have joy. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link for worship in song:
http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ
Just a couple days ago I rallied with other area volunteers to once again, in less than a year, help the same tornado victims who had been hurt on 27 April 2011. How do you help those who have lost their homes and possessions in not one tornado, but two in less than a year? First thing you may think is "move somewhere else for crying out loud!" Not everyone can do that, but some do. These people are stunned that a less powerful F2 or F3 hit them with a direct hit less than 12 months from the F4 or F5 that hit 27 April 2011. How do you go on after a second devastation like this? It is almost like the 'Job Syndrome' where in the book of Job he lost it all. Get a cup of coffee and sit down and read Job. What do you say to bring comfort to these hurting people who once again have gone through immense material loss?
How do you bring hope to people who have had hopes and dreams of moving into their brand new homes with brand new possessions when the unexplainable happened and blew walls, roofs, and windows from their new homes, some of which were not even moved into yet? Why do things like this happen? How do you console them? The one good thing that most victims will say is "We at least have our lives". The best thing a helper can do besides pick up debris and possessions is to be a listening ear or give a hug and pray of course.
This time these devastating tornado's not only were not as powerful blowing debris 80 miles away, but in our area there were no tornado related deaths. Hallelujah for that! A few injured went to area hospital ER's for treatment but all in all most got away without injuries in this one. But still, there is that issue with the home being destroyed yet again. It almost makes you afraid to try build it for the third time. How do you get peace and contentment at times like these? As I looked at the same exact area that I had walked in less than 11 months ago I was shocked and had no explanation. Can you imagine the homeowners feelings?
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away" it says in Job 1:21. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
At a time like this you really have to hang on to your faith and not run from it and be mad. In one home I helped in, there was the Bible on a table, several Christian books and multiple copies of laminated Ten Commandments. The woman was in fairly good spirits as we carried what remained out to haul away to storage.
First know that our possessions are not what make us. Next remember that there are no U Haul trucks going to the cemetery with your possessions to send to eternity with you. It is God who gives us our blessings and we are to be good stewards of them. In 1 Timothy 6:8 it tells us "But having food and clothing, we will be content with that." We think all the other things will make us happy but do they really? Proverbs 23:5 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." Well in a tornado that could be literal but in this sense it means that money is fleeting and in the big scheme of things not what life is about. In the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life', Jimmy Stewarts' character, George Bailey, after attempting suicide because of financial problems, was saved by his angel Clarence Oddbody 2nd Class. George Bailey says to Clarence when he finds out he was sent here to help him "I know one way you can help me. You don't happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?" Clarence replies "No, we don't use money in Heaven" wherein George responds " Well, it comes in real handy down here, bud!"
Proverbs 27:24 says "for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us "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." We never know when we will lose it all. Having your life is what counts in the end. Psalm 52:7 says " Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
It boils down to this. Do not trust in your possessions or your wealth as they could be gone in an instant. Let God guide you and show you His perfect peace in the midst of a storm.
Matthew 10:29 says "What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." Just know the Lord is watching over you and you only need to trust Him. You are more important than the sparrows.
PRAYER: Lord help me to not trust in my home, my car, my bank account, or my possessions but you are my source of joy. Help me not be so dependent on things that if they all went away I could not have joy. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link for worship in song:
http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ
Saturday, August 13, 2011
HIDDEN TREASURE
I am not sure where I first heard this story but there was a tale of an old woman who had died and left a family member an old Bible in her will. This made the person receiving it very angry as the woman had great wealth and all they got was this silly Bible. Unknown to this person receiving the Bible, because they failed to look inside and read it, was that tucked inside was the 'earthly treasure' of a check of a huge sum of money hidden within its' pages not to be found until the real treasure was uncovered in God's word. This reminded me of the movie "The Ultimate Gift" http://www.theultimategift.com/ about a young man who found the 'real treasure' in life was not monetary.
Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The real treasure is not in earthly things that rot and decay and rust but it is in an imperishable everlasting gift. Money will not satisfy. Lots of folks say "it sure is kind of nice to have though" but many times it brings false happiness too. Things will not bring happiness. We in America are extremely blessed and even the poorest person here is wealthy in the eyes of the world.
Money in itself is not bad and as Jimmy Stewart's character ,George Bailey said to Clarence Oddbody the Guardian Angel in 'It's A Wonderful Life', "Y-You don't happen to have eight thousand bucks on you?" Clarence replied "Oh, no, no. We don't use money in heaven." George responds "Oh, that's right, I keep forgetting.Comes in pretty handy down here, bub." In this movie 'Bailey Building and Loan' had a short fall of $8,000 after his Uncle Billy lost a deposit he was going to make.The evil rival banker in town, Mr. Potter, took advantage of the situation and threatened to have Stewarts' character arrested. George Bailey decided he would be worth more dead than alive due to a life insurance policy that could be cashed in so decided to commit suicide. That is when Clarence the Angel Second Class appeared to save George and let him see how silly it was to kill himself over money. Consequently he showed George what a 'wonderful life' he did have and in turn earned his wings.
Money can put pressure on people. In 1 Timothy 6:10 it says "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." So yes we need it to pay bills but we are not to get in a habit of consuming our lives to be wealthy. God is the one who blesses anyway. In verse 17 of this same chapter it goes on to say "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."
Do you focus too much on money and making it big in the world? God is going to take care of you. If you have been blessed then do the right thing and help bless others too. Do not be selfish with your blessings. Luke 12:18-21 talking to the rich fool says "And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
So where your treasure is there is your heart. What is your priority in life? Make sure you remember who it is who gave you the power to gain wealth and give Him the glory due His name. Just remember what Philippians 4:19 says "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
PRAYER: Father God I thank you for the many blessings I enjoy. I thank you for having a roof over my head. Forgive me when I have been ungrateful and compared myself to others and wanted more. I thank you Lord for the blessing of just being alive and healthy. I thank you for family and friends. I thank you that you meet my needs. Help me share what I have if I see someone in need. IN Jesus Name, Amen.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Read Psalm 49
Saturday, August 6, 2011
401K...BAH HUMBUG
Today in light of the financial stress lots of folks in America are going through I thought it appropriate to remind all out there that God has a plan and He is in control. The government may try to terrorize us and control us but ultimately God is on the throne. Americans these past couple years have been fighting a battle trying to remind the Representatives in our nations' Capitol that they are there to 'represent' and not to dictate. Thankfully after the last election it got somewhat better but we are still fighting an uphill battle to save our nation from financial default. We know who really is in charge. A 'mere man' can not take this land down on his own.
God may allow certain things too in order to get our attention. Americans have had it quite good for the past couple hundred years. That is why so many have wanted to move to our shores. We are a unique nation with freedom and many opportunities. Somehow things are changing and apparently those in DC want to control us more.Besides our freedoms we see vanishing in different areas such as health care and banks we see our retirement accounts and stock markets taking major hits. It is worrisome to many who have put so much trust in their riches. We know from history that we can in fact bounce back. Like I said, God is the one really on the throne, not anyone else. Man may try to exalt himself over God or deny Him but in the end God gets the final say.
There are many opinions out there. Some say those in charge are trying to dominate and put us down to size. We see evidence of class warfare tactics such as displayed on a grander scale during WWII in Germany. This is not a democrat thing or a republican thing and it is not a devotion about a man but it is a devotion about trusting in God and not your wealth. Believing what the Bible says and following its' principles.
Psalm 62:10 says " Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." God is your portion. He will take care of you. Further in Psalm 16:5 it says "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." See the word secure. God is our security, not the stock market, not a human man or woman. When we take eyes off of God we start to get worried and wonder what is going to happen to us. Psalm 56:4 says "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" See that word 'mere'. No matter what the rank or how high the office, man to God is called 'mere'. That should make you feel a little bit better.
But you say "I have a family to feed and a mortgage. What am I going to do? What about the college fund?" Once again 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you." "But that won't pay my bills" you say "this casting you speak of". Just trust God and believe He will see you through things. See there is another magic word "through' meaning it will be over sometime.
There is a promise in the Bible that says in Psalm 37:25 " I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." God will not let us starve. No matter what He is there and He will see us through. Proverbs 23:5 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."
So who do you trust? God or the stock market and your 401K? Just remember this is not a battle against flesh and blood but against evil forces trying to take out this great nation. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Pray for those in authority over us whether you agree with them or not and keep believing God is in control and He has a plan.
PRAYER: Uncertainty, particularly when it comes to money, is unsettling. Father help us to lean on you and not our checkbooks and savings. We know it could be gone in an instant. Father with the money we do have help us not hoard it but let us use it to bless others while we can. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE:At the bottom of this devotion is a worship song to remind us who is really in control. Turn up your speakers and worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/HCuaQCr0hws
Today in Houston there is a day of prayer and fasting for the nation at Reliant Stadium and it is being simulcast in places across the land. You can also watch it live streaming ...
http://theresponseusa.com/
God may allow certain things too in order to get our attention. Americans have had it quite good for the past couple hundred years. That is why so many have wanted to move to our shores. We are a unique nation with freedom and many opportunities. Somehow things are changing and apparently those in DC want to control us more.Besides our freedoms we see vanishing in different areas such as health care and banks we see our retirement accounts and stock markets taking major hits. It is worrisome to many who have put so much trust in their riches. We know from history that we can in fact bounce back. Like I said, God is the one really on the throne, not anyone else. Man may try to exalt himself over God or deny Him but in the end God gets the final say.
There are many opinions out there. Some say those in charge are trying to dominate and put us down to size. We see evidence of class warfare tactics such as displayed on a grander scale during WWII in Germany. This is not a democrat thing or a republican thing and it is not a devotion about a man but it is a devotion about trusting in God and not your wealth. Believing what the Bible says and following its' principles.
Psalm 62:10 says " Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." God is your portion. He will take care of you. Further in Psalm 16:5 it says "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." See the word secure. God is our security, not the stock market, not a human man or woman. When we take eyes off of God we start to get worried and wonder what is going to happen to us. Psalm 56:4 says "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" See that word 'mere'. No matter what the rank or how high the office, man to God is called 'mere'. That should make you feel a little bit better.
But you say "I have a family to feed and a mortgage. What am I going to do? What about the college fund?" Once again 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you." "But that won't pay my bills" you say "this casting you speak of". Just trust God and believe He will see you through things. See there is another magic word "through' meaning it will be over sometime.
There is a promise in the Bible that says in Psalm 37:25 " I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." God will not let us starve. No matter what He is there and He will see us through. Proverbs 23:5 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."
So who do you trust? God or the stock market and your 401K? Just remember this is not a battle against flesh and blood but against evil forces trying to take out this great nation. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Pray for those in authority over us whether you agree with them or not and keep believing God is in control and He has a plan.
PRAYER: Uncertainty, particularly when it comes to money, is unsettling. Father help us to lean on you and not our checkbooks and savings. We know it could be gone in an instant. Father with the money we do have help us not hoard it but let us use it to bless others while we can. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE:At the bottom of this devotion is a worship song to remind us who is really in control. Turn up your speakers and worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/HCuaQCr0hws
Today in Houston there is a day of prayer and fasting for the nation at Reliant Stadium and it is being simulcast in places across the land. You can also watch it live streaming ...
http://theresponseusa.com/
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