Money Ain’t Everything

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Knowing that there’s nothing in this life that will carry over into the next, why do we cling so tightly to frivolous things? Money is good, cars are convenient, phones allow for worldwide communication, but such things should only be attained in a spirit of contentment, and to bring glory to the name of the Lord. People all over the world seek to be rich, and make as much money as possible, but the text tells us, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:..” Desiring the world’s goods for any reason other than godliness, is unwise and will only lead to destruction. Many have sought to accumulate wealth, with selfish intentions, and have “pierced themselves with many sorrows” There are countless rich people who are unhappy everyday. Although they may have attained the wealth they desired, they possibly hurt many people, and did all manner of evil to get it. Money should be seen as a tool to keep balance in homes, help the poor and needy, and continue to build the kingdom of God in the earth. Unfortunately, the world has developed a system that teaches even the youth to “get all you can, and can all you get”. We came into the world with nothing, and we’ll leave the same way, so rather than place our desires on carnal and temporary things, let’s shift our focus to a more eternal perspective, where God’s purpose is at the forefront of our lives.

Eternal Dividends

Isaiah 38:16-20

How much wealth can a man accumulate in a lifetime? According to modern standards of measure, wealth can be calculated more or less objectively via inflation adjustment. For example, comparing the nominal GDP of the United States of the respective periods, and then converting it into contemporary United States dollars. Unfortunately, for ancient wealth measures, comparison of wealth becomes more problematic, on one hand due to the inaccuracy or unreliability of records, on the other due to the difficulty of comparing a pre-industrial economy to a modern one (especially in the presence of absolute monarchy, where an entire kingdom or empire is considered the ruler’s personal property). Some scholars have even estimated the total worth of king Solomon’s wealth to be near 3 billion dollars (according to modern measures of calculation), and this was during the early years of his reign. Regardless the amount of wealth men accumulate in the earth, they cannot take a single, shiny penny into the next life. I’ve mentioned in a previous lesson, how money has its purpose, and necessary uses, but rather than making money your sole purpose in life, why not calculate how much praise, honor, glory, and reverence you can give to God, while you yet live? Honoring the God of all creation is by no means a competition, but if service to God is guaranteed to net eternal rewards in the life to come, wouldn’t it be wise to make doing so top priority?

Uncertain Riches

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Despite how much wealth men strive to attain in the earth, there’s no amount that can purchase their salvation, nor eternal security in God’s kingdom. People allow themselves to get so caught up in earthly affairs, until they forget to hold fast to the basics of Scripture. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35). The only sure thing that will cross over from this life to the next is, the Word of God. In addition, the time that’s soon to come, requires for man to be redeemed of their sins, by the blood of Jesus, in order to pass from death to life, and reap the benefits of an everlasting habitation with the Father.

As hard as it may seem to believe, this world is not our home. In fact, we’re just passing through, to get to the place God has prepared for those who love Him, so we shouldn’t allow ourselves to invest too much time accumulating earthly treasures. While it’s man’s duty to work in order to earn a living, it’s unbiblical to make money the essential goal in life. Many get drawn away into frivolous living, and allow their love for money to plant seeds of evil along their path. Money isn’t inherently evil, but the love of it has caused many people to do things that were unacceptable to the moral standards of society, as well as God’s holy standard.

God isn’t against having wealth, instead, His focus is on the deeds we do. What we invest our time in, establishes certain foundations, by default. For example, if we focus most of our attention on making money, having nice cars, and being popular on social media, we’ll establish a weak foundation that will crumble when the time comes for God to judge our works. On the contrary, if we do consistent good works toward others, we’ll build a good foundation against the time to come. Even if we don’t have material wealth, we can still be a blessing to others in many ways.

“It matters not the amount of money in our bank account, but what we do with the time and resources God has given us, to make the lives of others better.” – Ell

Rich And Righteous

Job 1:1-5

In times of plenty, it’s easy to get caught up in the abundance of our wealth and possessions, to the point where we forget who’s ultimately responsible for giving us increase. God is the source of all our needs and supplies, so when He blesses us, it’s only right that we humble ourselves, and seek Him the more. Not only does the world take issue with those who are wealthy and righteous, but satan also keeps a very close eye on those who serve God faithfully, while not allowing their wealth to change them.

Our text introduces Job, a man from the land of Uz (which was located south of Edom and west of Arabia), who was considered perfect and upright, and was known as the greatest of all the men of the east. Job was the ideal example of how to remain humble, while living with wealth. Job never allowed his possessions to possess him, as he continued to do those things that pleased God. Job was also blessed to have ten children, who gathered often to enjoy each other’s presence. As a good father should, Job kept his children covered in prayer, and would often make sacrifices to God, on their behalf, in case they may have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Although salvation must be received according to God’s standard, there’s nothing wrong with a parent bringing their children to God, in prayer, knowing He’ll keep them covered and safe, long enough for them to eventually give their hearts to Him.

Many of those who are familiar with the story of Job are aware of the events that occur in the upcoming verses, but it’s good to know that God can still be praised above all, no matter how blessed you are with material wealth.

If God were to bless you abundantly, would you allow your increase to change the way you serve Him? Would you get so consumed in buying things you couldn’t afford before, or spend your days traveling to different countries, while forgetting that God blesses you, so that you can bless others? Well, some may actually get the opportunity to live in this life with abundant increase, but be warned, the more God blesses you, the more humble you should become. As Job was obedient to God while being rich and righteous, make sure you keep yourself submitted to the will of God, when He trusts you with more than enough.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

ELL

Hidden Treasures!

Micah 6:9-16

What do you value most in this life? The Bible teaches us, that those things we treasure most, are what are hearts are also aligned with. What we deem as treasure, or those things we hold dear to our hearts, we are set on keeping, and protecting them at all costs. This is evident in the lives of wealthy men and women, who value material possessions, and strive to keep their stored treasures in tact. They put alarms and cameras on every corner of their expansive homes, security guards to watch over their fancy cars and yachts, and store most of their funds in overseas accounts. Putting forth so much effort to protect things that will eventually fade away, is futile. Instead, men should store up treasures in heaven, where corrosion, rust, nor anything else could taint its value.

I don’t watch TV often, but lately I’ve noticed how many are worried about losing their riches, due to the recent pandemic. Wall street is also in a state of panic, and many are concerned they’ll lose their 401k investments. God was fully aware these things would take place, during this season, and He knows what His people have need of, so rather than worry ourselves to death about losing money, or material possessions, we should refocus our attention on fulfilling God’s will in this earth. The time for this present world is nearing its end, and there are countless signs that prove it, so fix your heart on God, and invest in the hidden treasures He has in store for us, in the life to come.

Walk in love,

Ell

Wealthy Condemnation

Habbakkuk 1:15-17

Why does it seem, that the wicked prosper, and the righteous experience continual suffering? I’d first like to clarify, that having an abundance of wealth or material things, isn’t equivalent to prosperity. There are men and women all over the world, who have more than enough wealth than they can spend in a lifetime, but just because they don’t lack material possessions, doesn’t mean their lives are free from problems. The average rich person is miserable, yet many keep their feelings inside, and hide them from the outside world. It’s one thing to have more than enough while harboring uneasy feelings, but it’s better when you have, and understand that with God, your possessions can be used to build His kingdom. In God’s eyes, prosperity involves more spiritual success, than natural.

The church suffers, because Christ suffered. It’s that simple. Jesus experienced a life, that no man or woman could ever imitate. He lived sinless, avoided all temptation, and yet, the world hated Him the more. Just as men hated Jesus, they will not withhold their hatred from the body of Christ today. Even as satan makes men appear to be prosperous, with their fine living, many fail to realize, God cares nothing about stuff, and more about souls. Many allow their wealth to change their attitude toward their fellow man, causing them to look down upon those seemingly not “on their level”. Even in the church, iniquity abounds, as members oftentime make attempts to devour their own people, for the love of money. This is just sad. Think on this for a moment, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17). God will no doubt deal with those in the church, who are failing to keep reverence in His house, but imagine the judgment coming to those who willingly refuse to acknowledge that God is the creator of all things, and Christ is the way, by which our sins are forgiven.

God will bless His people in this present life, and allow them to enjoy the wonders His love provides, but suffering is a package deal with living for Christ. Unfortunately, to those living in sin, yet feel safe and secure by their wealth and possessions, their temporary pleasure will bring eternal consequences, if they don’t change before time is up.

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t Get Caught Up

Deuteronomy 8:11-20

Prospering in this life, is what most people strive for. Whether obtaining wealth by way of money, land, or other means, the average person longs to be in a position where suffering and struggling are non-existent. Prosperity is no doubt a blessing from God, that offers benefits all believers can enjoy, but there are two things men must be mindful of while reaping the harvest of God’s blessings. Temptation is a very dangerous thing, and when associated with prosperity, men usually get caught up in pride and self-exaltation, or develop the tendency to forget God in place of “things”. How would you feel, if you blessed someone with everything they desired, and rather than show gratitude, they moved on as if you did nothing for them? They didn’t even consider telling you “thank you”, but took your gifts, and bounced. The average person would have an inkling to snatch all their gifts back, because ungrateful people don’t deserve certain things. How do you think God feels, when He blesses us over and over, then we turn and give our time to all things except Him?

The children of Israel were issued a grave warning in our text. After receiving all good things from the Lord, they were warned not to forget Him. God knows the hearts of men, and their susceptibility to want to take the credit of others for themselves, so He made certain to inform them of the great consequences they would face, if they forgot the Lord, and walked after other gods. Obedience to God is the difference between blessings and curses, prosperity and poverty, and eternal salvation and eternal damnation. God gives us the ability to prosper, and we should always acknowledge Him no matter what season we experience. In times of plenty, God deserves our obedience. In times of trial and testing, we are still commanded to obey the Lord.

Although the warning in our text was given to the children of Israel in ancient times, God will not let the church of today, get by with giving what He deserves, to something or someone else. God promised to destroy Israel for their disobedience, and He’ll be certain to punish us as well.

The more God blesses you, the more humble you should become. The higher God takes you in this life, the lower you should bow before His presence. Walk in humility, to avoid falling into pride, and possibly allowing your blessings to cause you to forget God.

Walk in love,

Ell

Solomon’s request

1 Kings 3:5-14

Before taking on any major task or duty, proper preparation is essential to ensuring one’s success. For example, when firefighters receive a call of a burning building, they must be certain to bring all the necessary equipment to put out the flames. It wouldn’t be wise for the firefighters to bring gallons of ice cream, or butter to dispel the flames, instead, gallons of water would be more appropriate? In another example, teachers are advised to compose lesson plans, that will prove beneficial to their student’s academic success. The right lesson plan can be the difference between a child’s future success, or failure. One thing I’ve learned in life is, “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”, and trusting in the Lord is the basis of all great thoughts, plans, and ideas.

Following the reign of the great king David, his son Solomon was chosen to rule in his stead. The children of Israel were a great people, not only in fame and prestige, but also in number. In Solomon’s own words, he mentioned, “And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude” (vs. 8). Leading people, in general, is no easy assignment, so imagine trying to lead millions.

King David ruled successfully, because he allowed God to guide his hand, and from his example, Solomon learned the importance of submission to God. When presented by God, the opportunity to make any request, and He would grant it, Solomon surprisingly asked for wisdom. A more accurate description of Solomon’s request was, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:” (vs. 9a). Solomon could have asked for money, fame, slaughter of his enemies, or anything else, and God would have granted it, but his heart was set on doing the work of the Lord, so his desires were in line with God’s will. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and granted him the wisdom he desired, but also added riches, honor, fame, and conditional long life (if he walked in the ways of the Lord, and kept His statutes and commandments as David did).

If God asked you to make a request for anything, what would it be? Be honest. Would you ask for those things money can’t buy like wisdom, understanding, favor, or knowledge, or would you be so consumed in life’s affairs, until you’d seek pleasures of this would, that eventually fade away? I’ll be honest, I’d consider asking God for super powers like the ability to fly, breath under water, ability to touch people and instantly heal them, or X-ray vision (so I can see who’s responsible for always holding up the elevators at work…gets me so ANGRY!!!), but after pondering for a moment, I’d probably ask for something with a bit more spiritual significance, as Solomon did.

Seek to be wise in God’s eyes, and consider those things that are relevant to His will. As you plan and prepare for your daily duties, acknowledge God in all your ways, and He’ll guide you on the path of success. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

Walk in love,

Ell

Reporting mixed reviews

Numbers 13:30-33

Our lesson today is a very interesting one, in that it vividly contrasts faith, with unbelief, and proves the frailty of the hearts of men, when their trust is not in the Lord.

As the spies went out to survey the land God promised to give them, they discovered some interesting findings there. Not only were the structures of the buildings well-built and fortified, and the lands overflowing with vegetation, but there were actual giants living in the land as well. How cool is that, to actually see an entire civilization of giants roaming the land!

After searching the promised land for 40 days, and seeing all the wonders there, the twelve spies couldn’t wait to return to Moses and Aaron, to tell them of their discoveries, but all weren’t prepared to present the same report. God’s promise of innumerable generations, and prosperous lands was first given to Abraham, then confirmed to his son Isaac, and then to Isaac’s son Jacob. So, for generations, the children of Israel anticipated the day when they would inhabit the land of promise God had prepared for them. Unfortunately, when the time finally came to take the land, ten of the twelve spies gave a negative report, saying “The land through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature” (vs. 32). The men continued to complain that the inhabitants of Canaan were stronger than themselves, and they were as grasshoppers in their sight. Knowing that God promised this land to them, you’d think the people would be more jubilant, and ready to overtake the lands, with God’s leading, but their faith in God was underdeveloped, and shaky, which struck fear in all the people.

Caleb, one of the spies who searched the land as well, spoke out and said, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (vs. 30). What an interesting development; where ten men said they aren’t able to take on the inhabitants of the land, because there were giants there, and one man believed with all his heart that they were “well able” to take the land. Caleb trusted in the power of God, and held firmly to the miracles that were performed before his eyes, so believing that God could wipe out a land running with giants, was just as easy as providing manna from Heaven, or parting the Red Sea.

God responds based on our faith, and not our fear. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). Faith is believing that God can, and will do what He said, even before it’s manifested. Caleb understood this simple concept, while the other spies were oblivious to it, unfortunately.

Is your faith in the power of God being held hostage by fear of the circumstances you face daily? Do you cringe at the sight of giant tests and trials that confront you, or do you hold fast to your confidence in the power that God revealed to you many times before? Keep your faith strong in the Lord, even when those around you aren’t willing to. Remember, God moves according to our faith, and not our fear.

Walk in love,

Ell

Entering the Kingdom of God

Luke 18:18-30

One concept in Scripture that Christians never fully grasp an understanding of is, “the Kingdom of God”. The apostle Paul helps the church understand the kingdom perspective in the book of Romans, where he writes, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (14:17). In other words, God’s authority isn’t bound and restricted to the physical realm, but His rule extends beyond time, space, and matter. For example, righteousness cannot be measured by physical means, instead, it’s observed through acts and deeds. Peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, can only be experienced when one has the Spirit of God living on the inside of them. Many people think of the kingdom of God as Heaven or the church. However, the kingdom of God is not an actual physical place. God’s kingdom is different from the Kingdom of Heaven, because Heaven is where His physical presence resides. His kingdom, or sovereign rule, extends to the earth, and all the vastness He brought into existence.

Jesus attempted to help a rich young ruler understand the way to enter into the kingdom of God, in this text. The young man asked Jesus, what can he do to inherit eternal life. Jesus began mentioning the original commandments to the man, of which he proudly admitted to keeping from his youth, but he wasn’t expecting what Jesus would say next. Knowing the man was wealthy, Jesus tested his true allegiance and commanded him to sell all he had, and distribute it to those who were destitute and in need. Doing this would open an eternal heavenly account for the young man that holds far more value than his earthly bank account, and he could then freely follow Christ with no worldly treasures restricting him from doing so. Verse 23 reads, “And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.” Money can offer so little in the realm of the Spirit, but love, joy, peace, goodness, faith, and the other attributes of the kingdom of God can offer so much more.

There’s a song by Blackstreet that says, “Money Can’t Buy Me Love”, and it can’t. We live in a world where our understanding of godly living has been reduced to prosperity and riches, when Christ specifically told us to love not the world, neither the things in the world. The reason it’s so hard for men to enter into the kingdom of God is, they have a tight grip on their earthly treasures, and are unwilling to let go, and allow God to teach them what purposeful living is all about. The rich man in our text proved to Jesus, and those gathered around, that his wealth was more valuable than his soul. It’s easy for those reading this story to criticize this man, because many of us aren’t in his position, but I can guarantee if someone hit those numbers and was planning a trip to Tallahassee to collect that 500 million I saw posted on a billboard, as I drove home from work today, their tune would change rather quickly (I don’t play the lotto, never have… never will).

The kingdom of God is a realm where believers are free to express God’s love to the ends of the earth. We are in position to serve God, and allow Him to utilize us to our full potential. The world’s system is in total contrast to God’s, and this is why many fail and falter by placing their trust in material things, rather than in the God who made all things. No matter how much God blesses you in this life, never get too attached to anything that will hinder you from going all out for God. Walk in love, and exhibit all the fruit of the Spirit in all your daily dealings.

Walk in love,

Ell