Riches Make Wings

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. Proverbs 23:5

Here in the United States where I live most every person would be considered wealthy by the standards of Third World Nations. Basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter are met. We have fresh clean running water in most cities. Food is in abundance and often wasted. Flip a switch and the lights come on. We are warm in our homes or cool if need be. Indeed God has blessed this country.

In the political arena, there are some politicians who try to make people jealous of others saying their wealth needs to be spread around. This thinking is called socialism and borderlines on communism as well. People sacrifice and work hard to earn their livings and just because a person is rich does not make them the enemy. But whether or not we have tons of money or not, it is only temporary so don't get so used to it. Learn to live within your means in case disaster comes so you will not have to declare bankruptcy. Just as this verse states,riches can 'fly away' before you realize what has happened. 

Matthew 6:21 tells us "where our treasure is there is our heart also." Do you value money, possessions, and stuff more than God? Stop and consider this question. If all you owned suddenly disappeared would you still be content. Just remember to not place your hope in riches but in Christ who gives you abundantly more. 

PRAYER: Help me to remember Lord to be generous to those around me who may have a legitimate need I can meet. Help me not get too comfortable with my possessions or bank account because it may not be there some day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

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.

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.