Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-20

Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

I pause my study of Numbers, to read Ecclesiastes 5 in more detail as a follow up to my men's Friday AM group, and in the text today, Solomon shares how we should fear God in terms of what we say and do, and how God wants us to see wealth and possessions.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Our fellowship with God, and, in particular how we communicate in prayer (including vows) is something we should not treat flippantly.  Yes, God is accessible and approachable, and He wants a relationship with us but we should communicate with reverence, recognizing that God reigns and that we are completely dependent on Him for all things.  God also provides all that we experience, including wealth and possessions.  They come from Him and they belong to Him - James 1:17.  We can and should enjoy wealth and possessions, but we should first and foremost enjoy God as our most treasured possession, that He saved us and we can never be separated from His love - Romans 8:38-39.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Many, as Solomon points out, seek their own agenda when communicating with God - see also Matthew 6:7. We know also that many find contentment in their wealth and possessions vs God. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking your own agenda when communicating with God and treasuring wealth and possessions more than God Himself.  Claim the promise that God provides for all our needs and we belong to Him and in Him we have a rich inheritance. Follow the example of Solomon who saw that devoid of God, all is meaningless.  Love God and seek Him with all of Your heart. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, save, provide and never leave or forsake me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 11

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. v4

It is tempting to place my hope and satisfaction in wealth yet I know from experience God is in control and that whatever wealth we have does not belong to us and that we are to be good stewards of what we have and to use it for God's glory.  I also know that because all wealth belongs to God it can be taken away.  I have seen this in my own life and in the life of others, including faithful believers.  Our hope and satisfaction should be in God alone.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

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. 1 Timothy 6:10

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-21

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.  He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalm 130:7-8

 

Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Psalm 39:5

 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure Hebrews 6:19

My Prayer: Lord, You are my hope...the anchor for my soul.  I know You will be with me until the end of the age.  You are so patient and full of compassion and mercy for me...thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and efforts.  I continue to worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin.

Ezekiel 7

Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin. v19

God does not dislike wealth - He created it.  Yet wealth cannot stand in our way of or replace our relationship with Jesus.  We cannot idolize wealth.  In Ezekiel here we see how it caused Israel to "stumble into sin".


In the Bible God often deals harshly with those who put wealth above or in place of God.   

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5)

Yet even Jesus knows the truth about how hard the rich find it to part from their wealth (see Luke 18:18-30)

John Piper talks about being rich in good deeds.

See also wealth.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am undeserving of how You have blessed me.  I have too often placed my security in money and this is sinful!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 and 5:10-6:12

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 5:10-17, which covers the first division of the commentary chapter titled Money Is Meaningless without Jesus - this first division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Pursuing Satisfaction in Money Is Meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 5:10 cuts to the point immediately and both the commentary chapter and division title aptly encapsulate this verse.  V11 also provides insights into the heart of those who treat money and wealth as an idol - when one acquires goods for his own pleasure but they don't truly provide an advantage to the acquirer.  V12 compares the "sweet" sleep of the poor or modest laborer with that of a wealthy person who might be constantly on the run, worrying about their pursuit of money or wealth.  Vv13-14 shares how money and possessions don't last and can be easily lost - see also Matthew 6:19-21.  Vv15-16 shares how all - regardless of their wealth - will die, and wealth, while it may be passed on to future generations through inheritance, cannot stop death. Finally, v17 shares how "all the days" of a wealthy person - without God - are spent "in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger," implying that without God we remain slaves to sin and condemned for eternity.  Believers can take comfort knowing that with God, He is with us all of our days not just when we are in our earthly bodies, but also with us for eternity in Heaven.  Believers rejoice for having such a Savior!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion.  I am not deserving of how You saved me and made me one of Your elect.  Thank You Jesus!  But again I am not deserving - my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 5-8

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Day 45 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on a second address Moses gives to the Israelites in preparation for their settlement into the Promised Land.  Moses and the Israelites know that Moses will not be entering the Land and that he will be dying soon.  Although not as much as God does, Moses loves the Israelites deeply - he gave up a royal position to intercede and fight for them (Exodus 2).

In this second address to the Israelites there are important takeaways for us all:
- Ten Commandments (originally laid out in Exodus 20 but restated in Deuteronomy 5)
- "Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess". Deuteronomy 5:33
-  "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates". Deuteronomy 6:6-9
- Avoid idol worship and seduction of the world
- Remember what the Lord has done for you 
- "You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?” But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear". Deuteronomy 7:17-19
- Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.  Deuteronomy 8:5
- You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18

On this last verse, arrogance is important to recognize and on this note, I've been taught important and humbling lessons by God...and I am a WIP in this area.  Please help me God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided me with all things including the air I breathe, the food I eat, and the shelter where I lay my head at night - this and so much more.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such blessings because my arrogance continues and this causes me to be harsh with others because I believe I am more important than others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 and 5:10-6:12

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 5:10-17, which covers the first division of the commentary chapter titled Money Is Meaningless without Jesus - this first division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Pursuing Satisfaction in Money Is Meaningless. The commentary shares more broadly Solomon's focus with the book of Ecclesiastes: "Solomon has made the point all along in Ecclesiastes that if this cursed world is all there is, then everything is meaningless. It does not matter how much pleasure, success, or stuff you have, you come away empty. Solomon’s purpose is to expose the foolishness of life without God and to show us, through the Spirit, that everything is meaningless without Messiah Jesus."  Looking specifically at v11, the commentary highlights how wealth can attract those that seek to take from you, not caring about you, but instead about your money.  It  highlights in v13 how wealth can hurt you if you hoard, sharing: "[h]oarding riches does not help you; it hurts you. Being stingy with what you have can destroy your family because of your workaholism, it can ruin your health because you do not sleep well, and it can harm your character."  The commentary for this division concludes by sharing how in v17 "Solomon’s final point is that the rich man eats in darkness with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. This man does not enjoy life. He is lonely and has no one with whom to share his wealth. Thus, trying to find satisfaction in money and stuff is meaningless. It never truly brings satisfaction, and then you die." Pursue Jesus, not money and things!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so good to me - giving me what I cannot attain on my own, not with any amount of money.  You give me my salvation and the blessings that accompany such an inheritance - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving...not by a long shot.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Mark 10:17-31

“Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:26b-27

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:17-31.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv23-27):

• The title for the second division per the commentary is: "It Is Harder Than You Think."  
• "The rich young ruler had come to the right person: Jesus. He had asked the right question: How do I inherit eternal life? He had received the right answer: Honor God and follow Jesus in complete trust like a little child. Sadly he did not respond correctly, and he walked away from the only true source of eternal life. “When Jesus called this young man to give up his money, the man started to grieve, because money was for him what the Father was for Jesus. It was the center of his identity. To lose his money would have been to lose himself” (Keller, King’s Cross, 132)."  
• "Jesus was not condemning wealth and commending poverty. This is not a call for asceticism. The point is, wealth breeds confidence in one’s self, and it has an addictive quality. Scripture addresses its dangerous attraction (see Matthew 6:19-21,24; Luke 12:13-21; 16:19-30; 1 Timothy 6:17). It becomes life’s priority and the things of God go by the wayside."  
• Jesus shares that "it takes only one thing like wealth to keep you out of God’s kingdom. [The disciples] did not see that coming. Jesus turns the value system of the world on its head."  
• "Judaism was guilty of its own “prosperity theology.” Wealth and riches were seen as an evidence of God’s favor (see Job 1:10; 42:10; Psalms 128:1-2; Isaiah 3:10). Jesus corrected their bad theology. Actually, wealth can build a barrier to the one thing necessary to enter the kingdom: helpless, childlike trust in Jesus (v15)."  
• "His answer to their question is one of the great theological affirmations in the Bible: “With men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.” Salvation is something man cannot accomplish." 
• Only God saves! 

It is both easier and harder than we think to be saved.  Easier in the sense that all we need to do is confess and be saved - there is not a thing we can do but God can do this for us.  At the same time, if we don't do this we cannot be saved.  This is the conclusion we must all reach to be saved - that God controls all the details of my life, holds my life and eternal destiny in His hands, and He saves!  There is not a thing we can do...God must incline our ears to hear Him and soften our hearts.  We must then confess Jesus as Lord and Savior and then follow Him daily.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for saving me.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Luke 19

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” v8

In contrast to the rich young ruler in Luke 18 who went away sad, recognizing that he could not have both salvation and love/idolatry of his wealth, Zaccheus was willing to give up his love of money in return for salvation.  Note that Zaccheus did not give up ALL of his wealth but 50% of it.  The rich young ruler, in contrast, was asked by Jesus to give up all of his wealth to have eternal life.  The difference between the two from Jesus' perspective was their heart condition and views on wealth. Zaccheus did not place his wealth above God (or even at the same level of God) but the rich young ruler did.  Heart condition matters.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blesses me with treasures that surpass earthly profit.  You are worth SO much more than gold or silver - and You bless me with faith, Your Word, the church, my brothers and sisters and Christ - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings.  I daily miss the mark - I often seek to bring glory to myself.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 49

People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish. v20

Many of us, myself of course included, have grown envious of others when they achieve earthly success yet we fail to heed the words of both this Psalm and also of Jesus.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19

It's not that God wants us to be poor or that He minds us having wealth - it's our heart condition.  We shouldn't seek wealth or desire wealth above God.

See also Matthew 19:16-26 where Jesus addresses the "Rich Young Ruler".  


Paul also encourages us to seek the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ".

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who I know loves me and loved me even before I was born...knowing everything about me, including my brokenness.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

 Ezekiel 25, 29-31

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Day 235 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I return to Ezekiel, where my commentary* indicates "Ezekiel’s prophecies concentrate on Judah’s many oppressors: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Egypt, and the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Particularly singled out are Egypt, Tyre, and Sidon. Like prophets before him, Ezekiel pronounces scathing judgments against these nations for their own wickedness and their many wars against God’s people....On the contrary, they will attempt to take advantage of Judah’s vulnerability....It will be the nations’ self-righteous gloating which will draw God’s wrath. He will not sit idly by when his people are disgraced in the eyes of their haughty neighbors."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Arrogance is a well-covered topic in the Bible as God seeks for us to instead be humble. 

We must all remember that ALL of us have sin and need a savior and it is arrogant to say (even on any given day!) that we don't!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love, grace, and mercy.  I often don't come to God and acknowledge Him as I should - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 8

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. v18

Moses implores the Israelites to remember how God is the source of all the blessings the Israelites experienced:

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. v2-4

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. v7-9

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. v10-18

Verse 17-18 are key here also because Moses reminds us of how arrogance displaces God from His rightful place as the center of our life and the source of all blessings.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

I pray that God can help me remain humble and to remember how God provides all that I am and all that I have and experience.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me - Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I fall down and am often arrogant.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help my serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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....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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Timothy 1-6

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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....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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:7-10, 17-19

Day 350 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning I read the Paul's first letter after (his apparent*) release from house arrest in Rome. My commentary provides the following summary of this letter: "[i]t is probably from Macedonia that Paul writes to Timothy, who as a young evangelist is facing serious challenges to faith and doctrine within the church at Ephesus. Paul therefore deals with matters of church organization and conduct, particularly regarding prayer; the role of women; qualifications of elders and deacons; support of widows; and proper attitudes for Christian slaves. Paul gives Timothy personal instruction and advice on a variety of matters and warns him concerning both false doctrine and those who would teach false doctrine, whose only goal in teaching is either making money or achieving popularity. The entire letter reflects the tone of a father writing to his son, as indeed Paul apparently regards this young man, Timothy."
 

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

As noted by my commentary, Paul writes about a variety of subjects but this morning, as I am blessed financially, I am struck by Paul's words on money and wealth.  I am to be a good steward of how God has blessed me. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me in many ways, including financially.  I am not deserving for the many ways that You have blessed me.  I worry...and I have other sins.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” v21

The Parable of the Rich Fool (found only in Luke) starts with a man asking Jesus to help him gain a share of an inheritance (presumably because he is not either entitled or in-line to receive a portion).  Jesus responds with the parable which contains a warning that we must be prepared for Satan to grab hold of our soul should we worship wealth and money.  In the warning, Jesus contrasts focus on wealth and money versus being "rich towards God".  

John Piper has a great post on these very words.

Jesus, please help me avoid focus on money and wealth and help me a good steward of the blessings You have entrusted with me. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God and You have always met my needs - I need not worry.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving because I do worry - about money and about my kids, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

Hebrews 11

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. Hebrews 11:24-28

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 11:20-27, and and I am assisted in my understanding by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series for Hebrews. The commentary outlines two divisions for this text:

I. The Future-Looking Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (11:20-22): Here the text focuses on the faith of Issac, Jacob and Joseph.  All anticipated and trusted in God's plan that a covenant promise would be fulfilled.  With Joseph for example, the commentary shares - based on Genesis 50:24 - that "[f]or Joseph to look forward to the exodus and to communicate that to his sons is almost as shocking as Abraham saying to Sarah, “We are going to have a child.” Nevertheless, Joseph demonstrated remarkable trust in God’s plan."   

II. Moses’s Faith-Fueled Obedience (11:23-27): Here the text examines the faith of Moses and starts by sharing how Moses had a choice: "comfort and privilege in the house of Egypt or persecution and suffering with the people of Israel. Making the former choice is faithlessness; the latter is faithfulness. Moses chose the latter. Rather than laying claim to stature, he aligned himself with Israel because he trusted the Lord and knew Egypt was not his home. Moses recognized the vanity of Pharaoh’s house and the all-surpassing worth of obedience to God." It then pivots to v26 where the text raises how Moses considered the reproach of Jesus of greater wealth than Egypt.  The commentary posits how Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and 2 Corinthians 1:20 point emphasize how we should view Jesus in light of the promise made by Moses that a prophet from among Israel would rise.  The text wraps by looking at v27-28 and how Moses feared God over Pharaoh and how Moses kept the faith by keeping Passover - and this led to the protection of Israel's first born. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and faithfulness - Your promises all come true and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, “The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

Deuteronomy 9-11

After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, “The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.  Deuteronomy 9:4-6

Day 46 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses once again on Moses exhortations to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. As I have posted for the past two days, Moses and the Israelites know that Moses will not be entering the Land, but he loves the Israelites and seeks to impart both encouragements and warnings for those he loves.

Re-emphasizing the exhortations to avoid arrogance and to instead be humble, Moses sets the record straight with the Israelites that God's gift of the Promised Land to them was "not because of [their] righteousness" but instead due to the wickedness of the inhabitants of the Land and "to accomplish what [God] swore to Abraham, Issac, Jacob" and their descendants.  Yesterday, my post was about how our skills and abilities do not produce wealth - instead it is God who produces such wealth, and that any skills and abilities that contribute to such wealth building all come from God.  Today, the angle is that we don't deserve how God blesses us - we all have some degree of the Promised Land in our life - this is true for every single one of us because what we all deserve is death as we all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8), not one of us is righteous (Psalm 14:3, Psalm 53:3, Romans 3:10-11), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). 

God, please help me be humble.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who - out of great mercy and compassion - has humbled me and helped become less arrogant - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such mercy and compassion because I am STILL arrogant - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes questions #5-7 in the workbook, which describe how (1) a Godly woman's confidence is sourced from God (Proverbs 31:21, 25); (2) a primary attribute of a Godly woman is how she nurtures others (Proverbs 31:15, 20, 26-27); and (3) not just Proverbs 31 but the entire book reinforces teaching on Godly wealth and financial stewardship. Ligonier.com provides this post that highlights how believers are called to be good stewards of the gifts God gives us, including the talents He gives us and the fruits of these talents. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

Psalm 40, 49, 50, and 73 

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:12-15

Day 115 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I start a new group: "Psalms About Righteousness and Wickedness" where David cries out to the Lord regarding the apparent inequity of the wicked who seem to escape judgment and punishment while the righteous suffer.

Today's psalms focus on prayers for recognition of true faith in righteous living, for insight over spiritual richness versus worldly wealth, for recognition in how God truly values animal sacrifices and the jeopardy of the wicked, and over the folly of riches compared with the blessings of righteousness.

With everything going on with this covid-19 virus pandemic, it sharpens our thoughts on what really matters.  For me my relationship with Jesus is first and foremost because He protects me, heals me, provides for me, and most importantly, provides salvation - everything that matters comes from Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs and who provides for our greatest need of all - salvation.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You so richly bless me.  I sin daily...I am often harsh with others and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Envy and Greed Just Get in the Way

Today's Reading
Genesis chps 31

Here we see more envy and greed and how it gets in the way of our relationship with God and certainly in the way of relationships with others.

"Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying, Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father. And Jacob noticed that Laban's attitude toward him was not what it had been. " (Gen 31:1-2)

It even infects Rachel and Leah.

"Then Rachel and Leah replied, Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father's estate? Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children." (Gen 31:14-16)

God sees pending conflict and implores Laban:

"Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad." (Gen 31:24)

Conflict ensues, yet is ultimately resolved as Jacob and Laban make a new covenant together.

"Come now, let's make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us." (Gen 31:44)

Envy and greed run through this story and we see how material possessions, wealth, and earthly things and our focus/comfort in them only separate ourselves from God and from others. We often view these things as things that can help us have more friends, more satisfaction, and more love. But this is not true - it is when we let go of these things when we draw closer to God.

My Prayer: Forgive me as I cling to earthly possessions. Lord, help me let go of these things and draw closer to you.

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.....Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours....Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things....Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

1 Chronicles 26:12-29:22

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.....Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours....Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things....Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1 Chronicles 29:9,11,12, and 14 

Day 106 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on additional division of responsibilities (gatekeepers, guards, treasurers, officials/tribe officers, judges, military commanders, overseers of possessions/herds/flocks, and the naming of David's closest advisors), David's address to Israel proclaiming Solomon as king and admonition to Solomon to be faithful in obeying/serving the Lord and building the temple, David's delivery of the temple plans, and finally a call to contribute funding to the effort to build the temple.

The people's response (1 Chronicles 29:6-9) was both willing and generous, and praised by David.

We must remember where wealth comes from and that it belongs to the Lord - whatever we may possess is first and foremost to be used to further the work of the Kingdom.  We must hold what we have loosely and give generously.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and provides for all my needs - physical, spiritual, etc. - thank You Jesus!  You have never failed to provide - even in the darkest hours.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You provide.  I love You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my sin - gossip, etc. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You wiht all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

1 Kings 4, 7, 9-10; 2 Chronicles 1, 7-9, and Psalm 72 

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Psalm 72:18-19

Day 133 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with the construction of Solomon's palace, a palace for Solomon's wife, and with the construction of cities within Solomon's kingdom.  God appears to Solomon, reassures him that his family will remain on the throne forever, that He will hear Israel's cries for help in their time of need, yet also warns Solomon that Israel must be obedient otherwise they will face destruction (1 Kings 9:1-9).

My reading this morning also describes the extent of Solomon's wisdom and wealth:

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. 1 Kings 4:29-34 

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 1 Kings 10:23

The extent of Solomon's wisdom and wealth not only brought prosperity and peace to Israel, but it attracted others.

The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:24

The queen of Sheba sought an audience with Solomon and traveled over a 1000 miles to see Solomon (1 Kings 10:1).

She was duly impressed and even praised God:

"Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.” 1 Kings 10:9

Solomon understands the source of his wisdom and wealth AND its purpose - by God and for God.

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Psalm 72:18-19

My Prayer: Lord Your wisdom is great and You provide both abundantly and for all of my needs - I am not deserving of such blessings. I sin daily.  I worry and I have other sins. I am grateful for Your many mercies and compassion and of course for Your death on the cross as it provides forgiveness of sin and everlasting life...again both of which I am not deserving.  Yet I am thankful.  Please do forgive my for my sins of worry, etc.  Help me overome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.