Occupation Preparation

Occupation Preparation

Genesis 47: Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen.” ² And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. ³ Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?”

 

And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.” ⁴ And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

 

============

 

After the wonderful reunion with his father, Joseph presented five of his brothers to Pharaoh. Just as Joseph warned, Pharaoh asked the brothers, “What is your occupation/” They replied “Your servants are shepherds.”

 

My Observations:

• Joseph prepared his brothers to accept the lowest occupation in Egypt that was seen as beneath the Egyptians status.
• Pharaoh may have thought he was getting another blessing by having willing workers join his team.
• No one knew that GOD was orchestrating extreme blessing on the people of Israel.

 

Goshen was the best land for herds and flocks. It was probably spacious, flat and provided water for animals to thrive. But the Egyptians did not want to tend to animals and loathed anyone who did. So Goshen was a great place for shepherds and herdsmen.

 

GOD used the Egyptians superstitions and narrowminded thinking to bless Israel. Eventually HE would bless this area so much that it would almost burst at the seams. This occupation would prove to be exactly what GOD wanted them to do in order to provide blessings beyond imaginations.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s meeting with Pharaoh?
• Have you ever viewed your occupation as “less than” something you wanted to be?
• Can you praise GOD for the occupation GOD has you in because HE is preparing you for a major blessing?

Glad For a Reason

Glad For a Reason

James 1: ⁹ Those Christians who are poor must be glad when God lifts them up, ¹⁰ and the rich Christians must be glad when God brings them down. For the rich will pass away like the flower of a wild plant. ¹¹ The sun rises with its blazing heat and burns the plant; its flower falls off, and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way the rich will be destroyed while they go about their business.

 

============

 

When I got my first job out of college, I was glad. I rejoiced because now I could pay for the bills I had accumulated. After a number of  job changes and promotions, I had was not satisfied with the level of wealth.

 

• I felt I needed more and I thought of reasons why.
• I looked at what other people were making and felt I “deserved” more.
• After a while I had no praise for what GOD was doing in my life, only complaints about other people.

 

James addressed wealth status. Some people may have mourned their status because they were too poor to do anything. Others may have flaunted their status because their businesses were flourishing. The stern warning to the rich is they could be destroyed trying to maintain their status.

 

My Observations:

• GOD warns us about becoming too wealthy to hear the needs of other people.
• GOD is the one who raises up people to where HE needs them to be.
• GOD tears people down to keep them away from the dangers of wealth.

 

Balance is the pursuit that is difficult. I mean, being too poor makes me cry out to GOD for rescue. On the other hand, being too rich, blinds me to the needs of others, causing me to dream up ways to keep or grow the amounts “I” have amassed. BUT GOD helps with balance.

 

GOD raises people up from poverty to help them see that HE is the answer. HE also sometimes tears the right people down so he or she will not get too prideful. GOD deserves all the praise and honor for what I have. I gladly say GOD is my provider.

 

Challenge

• What is the balance the writer is trying to get to?
• Have you ever gotten some money and stopped praying to GOD?
• Will you recognize your limits and keep praising HIM whether you have only a little or when you have plenty?

 

Hope for the Rich

Hope for the Rich

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ¹⁹ In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

 

============

 

Wearing “worn” clothes gave me skills I didn’t know I had. Instead of accepting holes in my coat, I got a needle and thread to close up drafty seams. Later in life, I got jobs that paid more than I was spending. I went to only certain stores and wore specific brands. I got compliments I hadn’t gotten before.

 

• I liked the reaction from admirers, so I saved up more money for myself to buy more.
• I liked being in the spotlight of followers, so I hid my poor past.
• I liked the way people reacted to “my” wealth and eventually despised patching holes.

 

Paul tells Timothy to give a command to the rich, “not to be proud” because they have plenty of “things of this life.” He pointed people to GOD who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. He further tells Timothy to command them to “do good”, “rich in good works”, “to be generous and ready to share with others.”

 

My Observations

• Whether I have plenty of the “things of this life” or not, GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• All things belong to GOD and HE has the right to give me what HE wants to.
• Sharing with others, doing good works and being good seem to be pleasing to the LORD whether I am rich or poor.

 

“It is harder for the rich to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” are words that have scared me. I mean it seems like rich people don’t stand a chance! But who are the rich? To those who don’t have a home or food, everyone who does is rich. So what is the problem? It is where hope is placed.

 

Pride seems to be the one thing GOD despises the most. It blinds us to the fact that maybe “I” am the rich blind person who has plenty and am not sharing, being good or doing good works that are pleasing to the LORD. HE wants my heart because the things of this world mean nothing to HIM. HE has a “treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future” which is “true life.” I am glad GOD has given me plenty and recognize the need to serve others well.

 

Challenge

• Who are the rich people the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever lost hope because you don’t have money and don’t know when or where it is going to come?
• Will you rethink where you place your hope and move it from the “things of this life” and place it in JESUS who is our Savior and who stores up treasures in heaven for you today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, it is difficult to take our eyes off of wanting more of the things of this life because the enemy tempts us to want more and more. Help us see YOU as our hope. Take our fear away so we can rely on YOUR provision, knowing you give plenty and reward our “good deeds.” amen

Wealthy

Wealthy

2 Corinthians 8: ⁵ It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well. ⁶ So we urged Titus, who began this work, to continue it and help you complete this special service of love. ⁷ You are so rich in all you have: in faith, speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And so we want you to be generous also in this service of love.

 

============

 

“Want to play?” was the question posed to me. “Play what?” was my response. We were outside and had no games, money or toys. We looked around and found some popsicle sticks. A neighbor was washing his car, causing a stream near the curb in which we raced our sticks. We laughed, talked and played.

 

Later in life I accumulated money. I had no time for talking or playing because I was working long hours. I worried about bills, vacations, houses, cars, and a long list material possessions.

 

• Somewhere I had lost focus on what “wealth” was.
• I thought having no money was the problem.
• I believed that having a lot of money would reduce my problems.

 

Paul writes about how “rich” the people were, but his list is strange. He talked about a portfolio most people would scoff at. He mentioned faith, speech, knowledge and eagerness to help.

 

My Observations

• My love of money is the root of all kinds of evil in me.
• GOD wants me to be wealthy in faith, speech about JESUS, curiosity to know HIM and eagerness to help others seek HIM.
• GOD wants me to value serving others who follow HIM, especially those who are persecuted because of HIM.

 

Wealth is a term thrown around as something to acquire. But if the wealth causes division, arguments, pain or mistrust, then what good is having a lot of it? GOD wants me wealthy on the inside by accepting the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

HIS leading shows me when I am being greedy, overly self-protective and a slave to the god of sustenance. Generosity is felt by those who believe in CHRIST. I am grateful for the many who have poured out their service of love on me.

 

Challenge

• What riches does the writer list?
• Does comparing yourself to others make you, or them feel bad?
• How wealthy in faith, speech about JESUS and knowledge of GOD do you feel?
• Will you reconsider what true wealth is by seeking what GOD wants you to and surrendering anything that blinds you from HIS rewards today?

Party Mind

Luke 12: ¹⁶ Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

²¹ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

============

Thursday was my “Friday” when it cam to this particular job. When I got off work I was finally free from the shackles and I could do what “I” wanted to do. I made a few calls and said “The party starts at 12:34 AM. I’m barbequing! Bring your own bottle!”

• “Living life” once meant what type of vacation could I go on.
• “Living life” once meant how many people could I cram into my party.
• “Living life” once meant spending valuable time showing people “my” stuff so “I” could be admired.

JESUS used the parable of the wealthy man to illustrate the fact that human pride mixed with greed is blinding. Instead of sharing the wealth that obviously came from GOD, the man had plans to keep his wealth to himself and then party. JESUS used this to moment to discuss true treasure.

• GOD wants me to invest some of my time thinking of others rather than only thinking of myself.
• GOD wants me to reduce my “party, vacation” mindset to increase helping my neighbor.
• GOD wants me to see the needs of those around me so I can share my time, wealth and belief in JESUS.

Purpose was lacking in the wealthy man in the parable and sometimes it is lacking in me. When I seek “my” pleasure, I can blame others for not allowing me to have “my” way. Either with lack of money or lack of time, I can grouse over not having the ability to vacation or party or buy something new.

BUT GOD wants me to grow up. HE does not mind me having friends over nor does HE mind me being wealthy. HE does mind when my entire purpose is to only enjoy life, passing up opportunities to help others. Constantly seeking to enjoy life will only bear fruit that is temporary. GOD’s fruit lasts forever. I want GOD’s fruit.

• Are you constantly seeking to buy new stuff?
• Do you think by having more stuff or better vacations, your life would be better?
• Can you change your mindset and see the value of serving people the way GOD wants you to so you can store up treasure in heaven today?

Service Choice

Mark 10: ²³ Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴ And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

============

“If I get the next promotion, then I will serve GOD a little more” were the rational words I thought. I mean look at all the poor people. If I just became rich, then I could give to the poor. When I got the promotion I was paid well but more responsibilities were heaped onto the pile. I had less time to serve because I had so much work. “Maybe when I retire, I will serve GOD more.”

• With riches come demands.
• With riches my life is not as easy as it seems.
• With riches I am shackled to the time it takes to make the riches.

“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” was JESUS’s statement. The trust part was the problem. HE was illustrating that wealth is a mindset, not a bank account. Those who had a mindset of trusting in wealth may never trust in GOD’s deliverance in HIS way and HIS time.

• JESUS wants me to trust HIM regardless of how little or how much I have.
• JESUS wants me to obey HIM, so some of my time needs to be spent with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to love HIM for the simple reason that HE wants a relationship with me.

Having riches is not the problem. Trusting in riches makes me doubt GOD’s ability to deliver me I mean sometimes when I don’t have the riches I think I need at “that” very moment, I blame GOD for not giving me what “I” want.

HE forgives me and gently guides me back to a place where I can see HIS grace and love for me in spite of my wealth. “Open your eyes” JESUS says to me. “Look beyond false riches and look at ME, your true wealth.”

• Are you giving up on GOD because you are in a bad financial situation?
• Do you think having more wealth would ease your burdens?
• Are you waiting on wealth to serve GOD?
• Can you stop believing the “wealth” lie and start believing that GOD is your deliverance?

Honorable Profit

Mark 7: ⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

⁹ He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. ¹⁰ For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ ¹¹ But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), ¹² then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, ¹³ making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

============

“Network” was the answer to all of my woes. “Why don’t you get out there and meet some people” they said. I observed network techniques from those around me. In closed doors they would speak their poison about a person, but when we met with them, they were best friends. “Hmm… As long as they don’t know I don’t like them I can still use them to get ahead. Got it!”

• There were times I wanted position.
• There were times I wanted power.
• There were times I wanted respect from a community who only respected the rich and powerful.

Honor was used earlier in this chapter by JESUS. HE spoke of the Pharisee’s lack of honor by pretending to be holy. Now JESUS speaks on profit focused people passing on traditions steeped in money. “As long as I am rich, I can dishonor anyone I please, even my parents” is the attitude JESUS is addressing.

• JESUS says to me “Add honor to everything you do.”
• JESUS says to me “I love it when you honor ME with your heart.”
• JESUS says to me “Honor should always go before profit.”

When I place profit before honor, I may use “dishonest scales.” More for me and less for you would be my first line of thought. BUT GOD wants me to be different. HE wants me to honor everyone around me and bless those who cannot bless me in return. HE wants me to highly respect those who taught me so I would never push them out with my pride.

• Are you dishonoring people?
• Are you embarrassed about what you have become and blaming it on others?
• Can you stop spitting out poison and speak in “high regards” about people GOD has placed in your life?

Perfect Life

Matthew 19: ¹⁶ Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

============

Upgrading to a luxury vehicle felt great! I filled out the company forms and drove off in my company car, praising the company! Important people rode in the car and I kept it neat as a hospital. Never once did I give the poor a ride.

• There were times wealth blinded me.
• There were times I treated GOD as yet another achievement.
• There were times when I like things and GOD was an afterthought.

GOD got HIS “cut” each week when it was easy to write a check, but HE wanted so much more. HE removed me from that position and visited with me.

• GOD said to me “I provide you with shelter to execute MY purpose.”
• GOD said to me “I give you transportation to bring MY people along.”
• GOD said to me “I give you wealth to give to the poor.”

Ten percent is nothing to GOD if HE doesn’t have it all. What I mean is even when it came to giving, I looked at wealth as being “mine.” GOD has a right to give to who HE desires and if my heart is in the right place, HE can use me to provide. Sometimes I may be on the other side and need someone to give to me.

GOD said “If you want to be perfect” to the man, knowing his greedy heart. GOD wants my computer, my phone, my car, my house, my clothes and my coffee maker. HE wants me to trade them in for treasure in heaven.

• Are you holding onto things?
• Has wealth or lack of wealth blinded you?
• Can you give GOD your wealth and possessions little by little until HE has it all?

Kingdom Minded

Ezekiel 27: ⁸ Men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen;
    your skilled men, Tyre, were aboard as your sailors.
⁹ Veteran craftsmen of Byblos were on board
    as shipwrights to caulk your seams.
All the ships of the sea and their sailors
    came alongside to trade for your wares.

¹⁰ “‘Men of Persia, Lydia and Put
    served as soldiers in your army.
They hung their shields and helmets on your walls,
    bringing you splendor.
¹¹ Men of Arvad and Helek
    guarded your walls on every side;
men of Gammad
    were in your towers.
They hung their shields around your walls;
    they brought your beauty to perfection.

-------

²⁶ Your oarsmen take you
    out to the high seas.
But the east wind will break you to pieces
    far out at sea.
²⁷ Your wealth, merchandise and wares,
    your mariners, sailors and shipwrights,
your merchants and all your soldiers,
    and everyone else on board
will sink into the heart of the sea
    on the day of your shipwreck.

============

Pondering this chapter, I could not help but notice that GOD pays attention to who is serving who. HE even paid attention to their motive for serving. HE noticed every single thing they were doing and allowed them to accomplish “greatness” in the eyes of humans. BUT GOD wanted something different to be noticed.

• GOD does not mind me accomplishing things as long as HE truly gets the praise for my abilities.
• GOD does not mind me showing my creativity as long as I point to the CREATOR.
• GOD does not mind me becoming wealthy as long as I acknowledge that “my” wealth is but a portion of HIS great wealth.

Tyre was a “self-made” nation. They had great wealth and strong humans pulled alongside to protect the money. BUT GOD was not praised and HE showed them HIS might by tearing down their wealth. HE does the same in my life. When I put too much emphasis on money, HE has a way to pile the bills so high, my little change can’t reach the top of the debt. BUT GOD is merciful.

• GOD says to me “If you would turn your ways back to me, I will raise you up.”
• GOD says to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD says to me “Put ME first and you will be blessed.”

Giving GOD the praise is very important! HE deserves every ounce of credit, but does not need it. HE wants me to see HIS power over everything!

• Are you bragging about your wealth?
• Do you think you are “self-made”?
• Can you stop looking at yourself and your accomplishments for just one second and look at GOD?

Plans to Prosper You

Jeremiah 29: ⁷ Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

-------

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.

============

“Instantly rich” was the temptation I fell into one time. I mean it only cost one dollar, so I bought two. Since this was my first time I sat in front of the television waiting intently. I wrote each number on the Lottery Ticket and noticed something rather peculiar. Each number was exactly one number higher or lower than the ones I chose. What are the odds?

• Money can have me bow down to it.
• Money can make me go to an extreme for it.
• Money can place me in a position where I worry about, crave it, and lose relationships over it.

GOD said “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” and I can see why. For years I have heard this passage of scripture in Jeremiah point to human wealth and lust fulfilment. “Prosperity is my birthright” bumper stickers paved the way to thinking GOD doesn’t mind if I am filled with greed. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD wants me to prosper financially only if it furthers HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to prosper financially only if I can remain in prayer to HIM.
• GOD wants me to prosper financially only if I can seek HIM with all my heart.

I missed the part where GOD wanted me to pray for peace and prosperity of the city where I was exiled. In fact I had a disdain for that city where I purchased the Lottery Tickets. I wanted out and had no prayer for anyone there. No wonder I lost two dollars. My attitude towards my neighbors will show how prosperous GOD will make me. The more they prosper because GOD blesses them, the more I will prosper.

• Are you in a tight bind?
• Does it feel like you do not have enough money?
• Can you stop focusing on money and focus on how GOD is blessing you?
• Will you allow GOD to return you from exile?
• Can you pray for your neighbors and your city, asking for peace and prosperity?

Empty Promises

Isaiah 36: ¹³ Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! ¹⁴ This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you! ¹⁵ Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’

¹⁶ “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, ¹⁷ until I come and take you to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

============

“I’d like to promote you” were the words of one who felt he was on his way up. Two months later he was fired. “If you would just work a little harder then…” were the promises of another manager. I worked harder and she was promoted and I stayed where I was. “I like your style, I want to promote you” were the words of the next boss. Wait, I think I heard these words before.

• Sometimes I had desires that were not in the best direction.
• Sometimes I had desires that were expressed but not understood.
• Sometimes I had desires that were surprisingly miscalculated.

After I heard the empty words from another manager, I thought I would take my career in my own hands. I climbed the ladder only to find dead grass rather than green grass. The fame and fortune was there but something was missing, GOD.

• GOD says to me “Do not be ashamed of me or I will be ashamed of you.”
• GOD says to me “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Do not believe in flattering words, believe in the LORD your GOD.”

Companies threaten to take money away or they flatter with giving more money. I bought into the latter and found myself with less time for GOD and more time for work. BUT GOD was gracious. HE was glorious enough to allow me this away time from HIM. HE welcomed me back with open arms and guided me to HIS safety.

• Are you being threatened?
• Does the situation seem hopeless?
• Are you tempted to give up on GOD?
• Can you return back to HIM and believe in HIS deliverance?

Climbing the Ladder to Profit

Isaiah 23: ¹⁸ Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes.

============

Stock option discussions were plentiful. Chatter about the latest gadget or the latest house type came into view at every turn. “What type of phone do you have” was the question of the month as it seemed like we changed that often. I still have a box of old phones.

• There were times when I look at materialistic things as a show of success.
• There were times when I thought the latest and greatest was a show of success.
• There were times when I met “the right people” as a show of success.

When I rubbed elbows with these people I soon realized I was out of my league, but I was on my way. I mean, if I could only get that wine cellar and the humidor, even though I don’t drink or smoke, then things will be fine. The people who are connected would “keep” me in their circle. BUT GOD showed me different.

• GOD wants me to focus on people who HE send me.
• GOD wants me to give instead of store.
• GOD wants me to look for treasure in heaven rather than throwing away the next to latest phone.

Having material things is not bad; the problem comes when they have me. I mean when I cannot do without “that” thing or I depend on a bank account for my security or self-esteem then I have faltered. GOD wants me to focus my attention on pleasing HIM rather than running after those who could care less about HIM. GOD wants my generosity.

• Are you chasing the dream?
• Are you trying to make it big?
• Do you worry about money a lot?
• Can you put your trust in GOD long enough to quiet down and listen to HIM?
• Will you start storing up treasure in heaven today?

Looking at the Wrong Things

Isaiah 17: ⁷ In that day people will look to their Maker
    and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.
⁸ They will not look to the altars,
    the work of their hands,
and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles
    and the incense altars their fingers have made.

⁹ In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.

============

Packing was a mystery to me as I went on my second mission’s trip. It took a lot of effort to get pills, attend meetings and get all the stuff we needed. My expectation of the trip was to have crowd of people listen to me and accept the message right away. A few people showed up and even fewer believed in the message. What’s going on?

• Sometimes I measure success in GOD in numbers.
• Sometimes I measure success in GOD with what I can see.
• Sometimes I measure success in GOD in the buildings, programs and people I can count.

Immediate reward is what I sought on many occasion and when I did not see what “I” expected I looked at GOD like HE was crazy. I mean why so much effort for so few people? BUT GOD felt different.

• GOD showed me that the angels shout when one person accepts HIS SON as their savior.
• GOD showed me that it is far more important to help one person into HIS kingdom than to follow the world that will be destroyed.
• GOD showed me that HE cares for people one at a time and it is better for me to have a single relationship than inch deep relationships with millions.

Following GOD seems strange to most. It sometimes means not looking like the rest of the world. It means doing things differently so that my life points to HIM instead of towards myself. It means measuring success that way GOD does. HE sometimes wants me to leave the ninety nine sheep and go look for the one that’s lost. GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM, not in a world that will be destroyed.

• Are you following the world without regard to following GOD?
• Are you having a difficult time getting the success you are looking for?
• Do you desire to human success or GOD’s success?
• Will you stop trying to serve money and turn to serving GOD?

Ask for the Middle

Proverbs 30: ⁷ “Two things I ask of you, Lord;
    do not refuse me before I die:
⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread.
⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
    and so dishonor the name of my God.

============

On my way to “extended wealth” I decided to get into day trading. I took some cash and asked one of the wealthy people what stock should I purchase. They gave me their advice and I went off with my purchase. About a month or two later I received a note stating the stock I purchased was worthless and the company had gone out of business.

• Sometimes I am not content with what I have.
• Sometimes the money I have is never enough.
• Sometimes I want more so I expand my thinking of what is poor and what is rich.

The wealthier I became the higher my thoughts were in terms of poverty. I mean my high school net worth could probably be measured in the cost of a sandwich and I thought I was rich. When I started working with very wealthy people, even my large bank account, insurance policies and stock made me feel as if I was destitute. What should I be thinking?

• GOD wants me to be grateful for this day HE has made.
• GOD wants me to be excited about where HE has me now.
• GOD wants me to be full of praise no matter what someone says my wealth status is.

“Easy” is not a place GOD says I would ever be as long as I am alive. HE did promise that HE would provide and HE would never leave me nor forsake me. My dependence is solely on HIM.

• Do you want wealth or a relationship with GOD?
• Are you trying to serve money and GOD?
• Will you stop talking about money for a moment and asses your relationship with where HE has you?
• Are you loving people that way GOD wants you to or are you frowning because you want more? 

Monetary Blessings are Nice

Proverbs 10: ²² The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
    without painful toil for it.

============

Cold had snuck up on me so I pulled out a jacket I hadn’t worn since the prior season. When I stuck my hand in the pocket I found a nice crisp five dollar bill. Another time I was walking to my car in the parking lot of my local grocery store when suddenly a wind blew several one dollar bills around. I looked for the person who lost them and there was no one in the parking lot. I picked them up and went on my merry way.

• Sometimes GOD has surprised me with money I didn’t expect.
• Sometimes GOD has given me money I was not looking for.
• Sometimes GOD has blessed me with wealth I did not imagine.

GOD is capable of blessing me with tremendous amounts of wealth, but am I ready for it? I mean HE said, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Should I “look” for monetary blessings?

• GOD says to me “Use your wealth to bless others and I will never leave you wanting.”
• GOD says to me “Bless others as I have blessed you.”
• GOD says to me “When I do bless you with wealth, do not hide where it came from.”

There is no such thing as a “self-made” person. GOD gives and HE takes away. HE isn’t a bookie who wants HIS cut. HE wants sacrifice to HIM and to others. GOD blesses me as HE wishes and I praise HIM for it.

• Are you asking GOD for money?
• Do you feel the squeeze of life on you?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to other blessings HE is doing for you in order to get your relationship with HIM straightened out first?

Each Request has to be Blessed

Psalm 127:¹ Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

============

Broken glass and missing tapes were the only evidence of my problem. It took me years to collect this group of sounds. I started over. I locked my car like a warden and hid my collection under the seat. Five years of amassing a wealth of music, broken glass, a dent and missing tapes showed that my efforts of protecting my precious melodies were in vain.

• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” wealth.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” possessions.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” ideas.

Many times I have run into situations where “I” thought “I” could think my way out. I would plan, put contingencies in place and execute my plan only to have that plan fail. I roll around on the ground asking “what went wrong?” GOD answered.

• GOD says to me “Unless you include ME in your plans first, they will not succeed."
• GOD says to me “The bigger the plan the more reliance you will have on ME.”
• GOD says to me “Don’t worry about stuff that can rust or moths can eat, think of ME.”

Having a relationship with GOD is so much more important than getting “my” way. When GOD is involved in my life, my plans become HIS. When HIS plans are enacted, no one or nothing can stop them. Unless GOD is involved, my labor is in vain, but when GOD is involved the fruit is plentiful!

• Are you losing sleep?
• Do you feel exhausted?
• Can you give your efforts over to GOD and let HIM solve the problem?
• Will you take your hands off the situation and stop thinking you have to be in control?
• Will you be content with GOD’s way of solving the problem?

Not Missed Until it is Gone

^Psalm126:4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

============

Embarrassed but content was how I felt about my mustard yellow rust bucket of a car. The front end was torn to pieces and the headlights didn’t want to work at the same time. I would shrink away from those who would laugh at it, sometimes wanting a car that looked better. When the accident happened, I was back on foot. “Man I wish I had my rust bucket back.”

• When I complain about something, I am not appreciating it.
• When I complain about something, I think I deserve something better.
• When I complain about something, I look at the complaint as justified.

Instead of being grateful, my embarrassment turned into frustration, which lead to complaining. When my car was gone, I could no longer complain about it. I was back on foot, without the means to get around. GOD doesn’t like complaining. I have never seen an instance where GOD looked at complaining as an endearing quality. In fact, HE took things away from complainers leaving them begging for the little they had.

When GOD wipes out fortunes HE isn’t being mean or hateful. HE wants and deserves thankfulness for what HE has given me. HE deserves all the credit for anything HE provides.

• GOD provides for me and I should praise HIM for the little before I can praise HIM for plenty.
• GOD can give or take away the fortune HE has for me because it is HIS in the first place.
• GOD restores to who HE pleases, when HE pleases and it is up to me to be content wherever HE has me.

Worries seem to hover around money. I mean when I don’t have enough, I worry about bills. When I have too much I worry about losing it and spend an exorbitant amount of time protecting it. GOD says to me, “I AM your fortune. Seek ME first and I will provide your needs.” GOD restores and I am grateful!

• Has GOD wiped away your fortune?
• Do you feel like you are in a hole financially?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD instead of looking at riches?
• Will you follow HIS plan for you so HE can restore you fully at HIS time?

Putting Wealth into Perspective

Psalm 49: ¹⁵ But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
    he will surely take me to himself.
¹⁶ Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
¹⁷ for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them.
¹⁸ Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
    and people praise you when you prosper—
¹⁹ they will join those who have gone before them,
    who will never again see the light of life.

²⁰ People who have wealth but lack understanding
    are like the beasts that perish.

============

After the conversation moved from the type of humidor this person would install, we moved on to fine wines, and then Mediterranean cruises.  I enjoyed the conversation but something felt different, something missing. I mean once we were done with the conversation about house square footage, then what was left? Oh, yeah, we could discuss cars!

• Envy makes me secretly look at the wealthy as a destination.
• Jealousy makes me secretly look at the wealthy as problem free.
• Greed makes me secretly look at the wealthy as a group without a care.

The missing element was GOD. When I had these conversations with the extremely wealthy, I never heard once, the need for GOD. I found myself, leaving GOD in my car to become what the next wealthy person wanted me to become. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD ways to me “Stop loving money because it is the root of all kinds of evil.”
• GOD says to me “It is harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to go through an eye of a needle.”
• GOD says to me “What is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul.”

I had a conversation with a dear friend and brother. He was trying to convince the CEO of a very large corporation to follow GOD. The CEO had just received a $2million gift on top of bonuses and salary. He said, “Get away from me with all that GOD talk.” He died at the same convention they announced his bonus. It woke me up along with many others. GOD is the pursuit. GOD is the destination.

• Are you jealous of the wealthy?
• Do you get mad at someone who squanders money while you struggle?
• Can you get your eyes off of them and look at GOD’s splendor?
• Will you accept where GOD has you and praise HIM for it?

A Prayer for Those with Financial Woes

Psalm 4: ⁶ Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
⁷ Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.

⁸ In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

============

Dear LORD,

            I know many who are hurting and are in dire straits.

I know many who are struggling and desire to turn their hearts to YOU.

            I know many who used their last dime a long time ago.

I know many who cry out to YOU daily.

            LORD please fill their coffers with YOUR wealth.

Let their hearts abound with YOUR grace.

            “Let the light of YOUR face shine on us.”

Fill our hearts with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

amen