HAPPY THURSDAY!
I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this beautiful Friday eve. You can tell that change is in the air, and I'm looking forward to it, on every level. I'm looking forward to the change from summer to fall, as well as my own seasonal changes. In our Spiritual growth we often change seasons, which includes attitudes, careers, friends and loved ones. Change is inevitable, so I'm learning how to embrace it, because I serve the almighty Lord. I know that the change in my life is always going to be for the better, when I'm following His will. Some of us don't adapt very well to change, even if the current season we’re in brings confusion and strife. Some people get complacent with those things too, and even panic when things change for the better. I urge you to look forward to, and embrace, positive change, because it's a part of growth. It could be scary at times, but if you trust in the Lord, He'll always make things work for your good. Enjoy the remainder of your day family, and be blessed.
Today's scriptures are about the differences between rich and poor. Some say that money is evil, which is an age old debate among Christians. Some believe that to be rich is a sin, and God won't bless the wealthy. Others say that Jesus came to give us a life of abundance and every one of His children are meant to be wealthy. I can't say I fully agree with either of these concepts. There are certain Pastors that suggest that people are poor simply because they don't have enough faith in what God has in store for them. Yet the bible says the poor will be made rich, and the last will be first. Which concept is right? I believe that whether rich or poor, you’re to love God with all of your heart and soul; put Him first.
I understand the point Jesus was making with the Rich Man parable. We as humans put a lot of emphasis on pleasing the flesh, and having an abundance of money is a sure way to do that. The rich is able to do whatever, whenever, with no restrictions. However, if you don’t ever hunger for anything, what's the use in serving God? Having riches or being poor doesn’t promise peace, joy and happiness, and we have proof of that throughout history. However, those who constantly hunger for the Lord, inherit something way more valuable than anything on this earth.
There are several wealthy people who live as if they're above the law, and who claim to be "gods", and disown Jesus. There are many who live for money, and will sell their own children for it. Money and material things have the potential to become an idol, or god in our life. God specifically said: for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. (Ex. 34:14) When we begin to worship money, fortune, or fame, and allow it to control our actions and decisions, then we're going down the wrong road. With or without these things, we must live for God and God alone.
On the other hand, there are plenty of wealthy people who love God with all of their hearts, so being rich doesn't automatically condemn you. Your condemnation comes when you put anything above God. That includes, but isn’t limited to money. Everything on this earth was put here by God, as resources, to help us adequately complete His will for our lives. Whether we’re blessed with a lot or a little, our first fruits must go to serve the Kingdom of God. It’s important to give more than you receive. Again, the cycle of life is growth, but in order to grow bountifully, you must plant, water, and harvest each seed received from the Lord.
You must give glory and honor to God, from which all blessings flow. Understand that you’re blessed with everything you need, and thank God for that. Don’t look around and start comparing yourself to what the world says you should be or have. I know several people around my age (28-36), who are having some type of midlife crisis. There are those who aren’t married and don’t have children, who think that there’s something wrong with them, because that’s where the world says they’re “supposed” to be. There are also those who may not own a home, or have their ideal career, and are panicking, because society says, you should be “settled” by a certain age. All of these people are so busy trying to get to the next step that they forget to thank God for where they are. They forget to enjoy each moment of life, and lose sight of what’s most important. Seek more of what God commands of you, and less of what the world expects of you.
When Jesus told the rich man to sell all He had and follow Him, He wanted to see how attached He was to the world. As well as, how much he really wanted salvation. I want you to understand that with God all things are possible, so trust Him with all things, and follow His lead, because He will never lead you astray. Learn how to live on love, faith and hope, and watch God bless you with everything you’ll ever need. He told the people of Israel: And you shall remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Your garments did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you. (Deut. 8:2-5)
God wants us to have His best in life, but His best doesn’t equate to wealth or fortune. We need to learn how to have the same joy in our heart whether our bank balance is $1 or $1,000,000. Always strive for God’s best in life, and if wealth is what you’re working toward, then keep working. However, know why you want to be wealthy, and Who you’re working for. Do you know Jesus? If you’re familiar with His life, then you know that He was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but never owned a home, married, or had riches beyond measure. According to the world, He was poor and homeless, but the one thing He had was peace, and that’s priceless. Get to know who He is, and then strive to be like Him. The first step is Salvation, for those of you who don’t know Him. Take the God Quiz today! For those who do know Him, but feel like something’s missing, I would say gratitude and thanksgiving is a great way to retrieve what’s lost. My favorite verse today is: I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)
ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455449&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
I love you!
No comments:
Post a Comment