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Christian
Education Pre-K-12
Richmond Academy
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Rich Toward God
We have all heard this expression: “More or less,” but do we
believe that most of the time less is more?
Luke 12:17-21 (KJV) “And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do,
because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? (18) And he said, This will I
do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my
fruits and my goods. (19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods
laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry. (20) But
God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:
then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (21) So [is] he that
layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Christians should realize that God is truly their provider and that we should
not strive to be mega-wealthy unless we know that God has a purpose for it. This
generation in America is the most clutter-ridden generation ever. Even the
poorest people have closets full of stuff – junk. It is shocking to realize that
even with an overabundance it is possible to maintain a poverty mentality. The
truth of the matter is that the riches of this world are uncertain. The proverbs
say that riches grow wings and that they flow through the cracks between our
fingers as unstoppably as water does. Our trust, our hope, and our heart must
not be given to the delicacies of this world, but rather be humbly offered to
our loving savior.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (KJV) “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they
be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good, that they be rich
in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (19) Laying up in
store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on eternal life.”
Do we invest our lives in taking the time to communicate with God and receive
His wisdom and life-giving words by the Spirit? Do we have any living word to
share or anointing to minister to others? Or have we fallen back to our old ways
of thinking and living? We all entered this world as sinners; and when we
experience trials and tribulations, it is tempting to lean back on the old way
of dealing with things. Leaning on the power of worldly wealth can seem like a
default setting, but it must be overcome by our faith in the living God. God
gives us the things that money cannot buy. He brings joy in difficult
circumstances and hope when there appears to be none. He calms the troubled mind
and brings inner peace that sooths the heart and soul. Truly the contentment
that only God can give is great gain.
James 1:14-17 (KJV) “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth
sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (16) Do not err, my
beloved brethren. (17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and
cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning.”
When trying times come, and they will come, remember the covenant that we have
with God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son. Every good and perfect gift
comes to us from Him. Do not agree with the enemy when he accuses God of
injustice or withholding. If we find ourselves desiring anyone or, or anything
in this earthly realm more than we desire God, we must turn from that thing and
return to God. As we seek to be rich toward God, we will find that we are truly
wealthy- and in need of nothing.
-Kurt Thurston
February
Newsletter 2008 |
Prayers Answered - How To Pray and Get Results
Pastor's Journal February 2007 | Rich
Toward God
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Biblical
Counseling for Leaders
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