Merchants Mourn

Merchants Mourn

Revelation 18: ¹¹ The merchants of the earth also cry and mourn for her, because no one buys their goods any longer; ¹² no one buys their gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; their goods of linen, purple cloth, silk, and scarlet cloth; all kinds of rare woods and all kinds of objects made of ivory and of expensive wood, of bronze, iron, and marble; ¹³ and cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine and oil, flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and carriages, slaves, and even human lives. ¹⁴ The merchants say to her, “All the good things you longed to own have disappeared, and all your wealth and glamor are gone, and you will never find them again!” ¹⁵ The merchants, who became rich from doing business in that city, will stand a long way off, because they are afraid of sharing in her suffering. They will cry and mourn, ¹⁶ and say, “How terrible! How awful for the great city! She used to dress herself in linen, purple, and scarlet, and cover herself with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls! ¹⁷ And in one hour she has lost all this wealth!”

 

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Expecting to be rich, I asked for some stock tips from a wealthy person. I immediately purchased some shares of stock to practice my new route to extreme wealth! I watched “my” money grow for a minute, but then the stock began to fall. I decided to keep “my” money in. After a while, the stock went to zero and I lost “my” money.

 

• The loss came quickly.
• The loss made me mourn.
• The loss made me stay away from wasting any more time and money, searching for something empty.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown a great city that caused the world to sin in greedy ways. Merchants who had become wealthy mourned over the immediate loss of income from the lustful wealth they once had experienced.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD said “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” HE said it as a warning.
• GOD also warned me that humans cannot serve two masters and the choice will be between HIM or money.
• GOD wants me to love HIM with all my heart, mind and soul, so there would be no room for loving things that could harm me.

 

Having money is not the problem, it is when money has me that causes many issues. I mean, when I can easily give to people and do not care if I am wealthy or not, then GOD can trust me to not fall into the temptations of wealth. Unfortunately, wealth is flashed in front of us, seemingly, every minute of the day.

 

Business owners face a dilemma of being profitable and serving people. GOD blesses fair scales, or prices and wonderful treatment of employees and customers. I gladly put GOD at the center of my business so I will not share in the tearing down of the thing that makes greed appealing.

 

Challenge

• What detail does the writer mention?
• Have you ever wanted to be rich or at least more wealthy?
• Has money hindered your relationship with serving GOD?

Underemployed

Underemployed

Revelation 6: ⁵ Then the Lamb broke open the third seal; and I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. ⁶ I heard what sounded like a voice coming from among the four living creatures, which said, “A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages. But do not damage the olive trees and the vineyards!”

 

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Getting in my car, I noticed the seat would no longer stay upright. Having no money to spend on this, I figured out a solution. I grabbed a block of wood and propped up the seat. “There! Good as new!”

 

• My wages were not enough to cover the expense of the repair.
• My wages were only enough to pay for rent and gas to get me back to work.
• My wages were not enough for any luxury, so I ate wisely.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the third living creature say “Come!” after the third seal of Satan’s sentence scroll was opened. A spirit of greed was unleashed. Then John heard a voice from among the four living creatures. People would work hard and barely have enough money to eat.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will dismantle Satan’s temporary kingdom by allowing greedy people to raise prices.
• Greed will cause painful desires on the poor to want something better.
• GOD is in control of what gets damaged and what does not.

 

Greed is a silent killer. I mean, the world praises the rich and powerful and says “too bad” to the poor and powerless. As greed escalates, new words emerge that make people desire a piece of heaven on earth and justify indulgences. BUT GOD has all the wealth.

 

JESUS looked at humanity and cared enough to die for it. HE saw a price that no one could pay but HIM. Life itself was at stake. HE gave HIS life so you and I would not have to. HE gave up everything for us. But now HE is the most wealthy being and wants to share HIS love with us.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer convey unfairness?
• Does it seem like the rich and powerful get richer and the poor stay poor?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS who is methodically taking down Satan’s kingdom?

Knowing True Love

Knowing True Love

1 John 5: ¹⁸ We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them.

¹⁹ We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One.

²⁰ We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

²¹ My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

 

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“I love this suit!” I exclaimed. But when it got too small and frayed, I wanted something else. “I love this car!” I said. But when years passed, the maintenance made me get less and less excited.

 

• Items I said “I loved” tended to wear out and so did my “love” for the item.
• When problems developed with the item, my love changed.
• I worried about losing, tearing or breaking the items and I bragged about them whenever I could.

 

John ends his letter with assurance. He wanted to make sure that believers would be taken care of. He said “We know” so that believers would place the love of GOD in their minds and in their hearts and to turn from seeking “false gods.”

 

My Observations:

• Any person, place or thing that I worship over GOD will become a false god to me.
• JESUS loved us and came to give us understanding so that we may know true love.
• Experiencing true love makes me change my desires for false love.

 

“I don’t want that anymore” is confusing to the world. I mean, when the world presents fame and fortune as a good thing, shouldn’t I join in? Maybe not if those things cause me to stop seeking GOD. Unfortunately, the more fortune I have and the more famous I become, the less “time” I have for GOD. Eventually HE is in none of my decisions until I face problems.

 

GOD wants me to be in union with HIM at all times. This means reducing sin so HE can keep me safe from the Evil One. It also means knowing that I belong to GOD versus HE belonging to me. I am glad HE has given us understanding to live in union with the true GOD.

 

Challenge

• What false gods is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever worshiped someone or something or a title or an action?
• Will you place loving GOD over all your actions and stuff so you can live in union with the true GOD, who loves you deeply, today?

Not About Money

Not About Money

Philemon 1: ¹⁷ So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. ¹⁹ Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) ²⁰ So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!

 

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“We are going to cut many positions” were the words I did not like to hear. I questioned if it was about my performance and everyone around me said no. Finally I got down to the bottom of my investigation. “It is about the money.”

 

• I experienced a cut based on the bottom line
• I worked hard, but to no avail.
• I received an award for an outstanding team member as I left the company.

 

Paul tried to make it very clear that if Onesimus owed any money to Philemon, he would pay it back. He tried to implore on Philemon that it is not about the money rather about the relationship with CHRIST. If mistakes were made, or money owed, then Paul asked that it be charged to him.

 

My Observations

• Money should not be my motivation for serving GOD.
• Simply helping others should be the reason for when I am serving for the LORD.
• Grace is what JESUS showed as the ultimate example.

 

Money is a motivator in the wrong way at times. I mean, it breaks up relationships if sought after in the wrong way. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE wants you and me to place people above the problems loving money can bring.

 

GOD sees people and will repay to each of us how we treat them. HE wants a solid relationship with HIS creation and money should not be the barrier to that relationship, especially when he or she has professed the JESUS is LORD. I am glad to help those who call on the LORD as the Savior.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the empathy from the writer?
• Have you ever judged someone based on how much or how little he or she spent?
• Have you ever needed someone to speak on your behalf?
• Will you pursue helping people keep a solid relationship with those who believe in CHRIST today?

Worthless Commerce

Worthless Commerce

Acts 19: ²³ About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. ²⁴ A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. ²⁵ He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. ²⁶ And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. ²⁷ There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

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Needing money, I quickly thought of ideas for businesses that would bring in income quickly. I looked at triangle shaped schemes, get rich quick investments and begging a crowd for a few dollars each. None of them had any appeal. I felt lost.

• There were times when I worried about money.
• There were times when I considered doing “anything” for money.
• There were times when I felt desperate enough to do something “temporarily” for money that GOD would not be pleased with.

Demetrius was a wealthy, known businessman in the community. He brought the business community together to speak against Paul, who was speaking about JESUS being GOD. Demetrius knew his business would be hurt if people believed in JESUS. Instead of changing professions, he formed a mob.

• GOD wants me to keep HIS ways in front of me.
• GOD wants me to base my decisions on HIS commands.
• GOD wants me to let HIM handle those who will not follow HIM.

Desperation for money can bring on some extreme thoughts. I mean, when I walked in fear, I would lie cheat and steal to get a few dollars. BUT GOD showed me another way. GOD wants me to show love rather than hate when it comes to business.

HE is pleased when I pray for my enemies and treat all people fairly. Bowing down to GOD shows HIM I fear HIM in a healthy way. I am grateful HIS way is always solid.

• Are you lying to yourself about your profession?
• Is GOD pleased at what you do on your job or your business?
• Will you look at the examples of JESUS and believe only in HIM for your next move?

Silver and Gold

Matthew 26: ¹⁴ Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests ¹⁵ and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. ¹⁶ From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

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Desperate and tired of the job search, I started applying for positions I had no experience in. “Hmm, Deep Sea Diver… I went in the ocean a few times maybe I qualify for that!”

• There have been times when I was desperate for money.
• There have been times when I was only focused on my bank account.
• There have been times when I was so focused on money that I would do almost anything to get it.

Stretching my moral boundaries was a thought as I considered positions I was not qualified for. In other words I could lie a little because I figured I would be a hard worker and eventually be the best at whatever “it” was. BUT GOD wanted me to be different.

• GOD says to me “Be anxious for nothing” even when times look difficult.
• GOD says to me “The love of money it the root of all kinds of evil” so my desperation could make me go places I may not return from.
• GOD says to me “I AM your dwelling place” so HE has a right to guide me in difficult times and in peaceful times.

Looking back I can see it was not the lack of employment that caused my desperation, it was my love of money. One would say I was justified in my actions, but I was the same even when I was employed. Judas was the same way.

He saw an opportunity to put a man in jail for money. He probably never considered they would kill JESUS. He would do anything to please the rich so he would have his slice of the pie. GOD wants me to grab my desperation and give it to HIM. HE wants to be my guide.

• Are you desperate for money?
• Are you on the path to doing “anything” for money even outside of your moral boundaries?
• Can you stop focusing on your bills and ask GOD “How do YOU want me to serve YOU?” today?

Price of Preaching

Micah 3: ⁹ Hear this, you leaders of Jacob,
    you rulers of Israel,
who despise justice
    and distort all that is right;
¹⁰ who build Zion with bloodshed,
    and Jerusalem with wickedness.
¹¹ Her leaders judge for a bribe,
    her priests teach for a price,
    and her prophets tell fortunes for money.
Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say,
    “Is not the Lord among us?
    No disaster will come upon us.”

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“Maybe I can make some money on a daily devotional” I thought to myself. I mean I do have enough material that I can copy and paste the words into a book and make some cash. Moments later I felt a voice tell me “Do not sell MY words. Give them to MY kingdom and feed MY sheep.”

• I’ve had thoughts of selling to the church.
• I’ve had thoughts of making a profit from GOD’s gathering.
• I’ve had thoughts of saying what people wanted to hear, disregarding what GOD really wants me to say.

After a while, the religious leaders of JESUS’s day were going through the motions. They spoke in front of great crowds for a price and if anyone stood in their way, they would slander them and have them killed. What does GOD want me to do?

• GOD tells me to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT.”
• GOD tells me to “Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
• GOD tells me to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

From GOD’s directives, I never hear “go make as much money on the backs of MY people.” HE tells me to gather as many people as I can, while I am alive, to bring them to HIS feet, then HE will give me my reward in Heaven. GOD’s harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

• Are you thinking about making more money using GOD’s people?
• Have you been preaching and teaching what people want to hear in order to get or keep a crowd?
• Can you admit your sins in front of a crowd so they can hear and be saved by GOD, not you?

Accepting Bribes

Daniel 5: ¹⁶ Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

¹⁷ Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

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²² “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. ²³ Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.

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One day I got a notification from the worst boss I ever worked for. Mean, belligerent and condescending was his style. He was reaching out to me because he had moved on to a new position and wanted to bring aboard a team of his own. I was unemployed at the time and money was running quite low. “I wonder if I should work for this guy” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I would do some crazy things for money.
• Sometimes I would lose myself in order to get some money.
• Sometimes I would become something that I did not like in order to gain a little money.

Life’s hardships can bring on challenges that make me think twice about following someone who has no integrity. I mean maybe I can put up with pretending to be something I am not for a little while, you know, until I “get on my feet”, right? Wrong! GOD says something different.

• GOD says “I want you to follow ME not money.”
• GOD says “I want you to be single minded not double-minded.”
• GOD says “I want your entire heart and there is no room for money and ME.”

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Belshazzar was not only celebrating money, he figured he could use it to solve his problems with the Living GOD. BUT GOD wasn’t having it. HE took Belshazzar’s life that night.

GOD wants me to see this example and chose to follow HIM. Just like Daniel turned down the bribe, GOD wants me to say “No” when it comes to dirty money. No matter how difficult things may look, GOD is there to guide me.

• Are you constantly thinking of money?
• Would you do anything for money right now, even lose your own personality?
• Can you stop following money and start following GOD today? 

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.”

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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.

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“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?

Want to be Rich?

Proverbs 22: ⁴ Humility is the fear of the Lord;
    its wages are riches and honor and life.

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When I got the promotion, I felt great for a moment. I was far from my goal from being on top. I noticed the people on top were self-centered, egotistical Cretans, or at least that was the labels I could think of at the time. “How do I make it to the top” I asked someone. “You must learn how to embrace the leaders” he said. Embrace was code word for become.

• I have fallen for the trap of the human path to riches.
• I have fallen for the trap of the human path to wealth.
• I have fallen for the trap of the human path to titles.

I soon learned new words like “tough” instead of “heartless” when it came to releasing a group of hard working people who were doing nothing wrong, just to meet my numbers. I learned “smart” instead of “innovative” when it came to keeping things the same and not soliciting new ideas. I learned “team player” instead of “whistle blower” when it came to uncovering the sexcapades or immorality of the leaders. How did I get there?

• GOD says to me “Add humility to your quest and let me raise you up in MY time.”
• GOD says to me “Do not want for anything rather let ME be your guide.”
• GOD says to me “Your humility will bring MY reward and honor.”

There is not title or status worth being without GOD. HE knows my “needs” and provides them daily. Those who scoff at that saying may be like I was before GOD focused me. HE wants a solid relationship between me and HIM. This takes humility.

• Are you arrogant?
• Do you say “I don’t want” when it comes to something that has not taken place?
• Will you allow GOD to handle your situation?

Monetary Blessings are Nice

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

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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?

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.

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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?

Long Lessons are Great Lessons

Psalm 39: ¹¹ When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
    you consume their wealth like a moth—
    surely everyone is but a breath.

¹² “Hear my prayer, Lord,
    listen to my cry for help;
    do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
    a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
¹³ Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
    before I depart and am no more.”

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With my last three hundred dollars, I bought a car. It ran and had seats so I was excited, but months later I found myself on the side of the road. I had no car again and this time, no money. Walking was my alternative to get to work. “Why is this happening to me?”, I wondered at the time, not considering the lifestyle I was keeping up.

• My sin blinds me to the point where I think things are “happening to me.”
• My sin deafens me to the point where I cannot hear.
• My sin mutes me so I cannot speak about the wonders of GOD.

Many times I think about the consequences of sin rather than the wages of sin. I think GOD is going to be mad at me for something I did and HE will whoop me or take my stuff away for being bad. BUT GOD has shown me something different.

• GOD said to me “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.”
• GOD said to me “I want you to have life and have it more abundantly.”
• GOD said to me “I stand at your door and knock, if you will open it I will come in and sup with you.”

The LORD gives and the LORD takes away is a hard scripture to swallow when I have my eyes focused on money, but when my eyes are focused on GOD I can see things differently. I can see the blessing of dependence on HIM and recognize that stuff may have clouded my vision of HIM. I would get nervous about sinning because the consequence may be that I would lose my stuff.

The reality is I should be focused on the “wages” of sin in which GOD had to lose HIS life for me. HE lost everything just for me and is now alive above everything. I am eternally grateful.

• Are you afraid of losing your stuff?
• Do you have fear that GOD is punishing you for something?
• Can you let things go and let GOD guide your path?

Ask with sincerity

1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

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Getting more stuff seems like such a greedy prayer to me, so I had to look at this prayer again and ponder it. Many people have told me “You have not because you ask not.” Others say “Just name it and claim it.” BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM.

• GOD was pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom.
• GOD was please when Moses asked for direction.
• GOD was pleased when the widow asked for her son to be brought back to life.

I have to ask myself “Why do I need more of what I’m asking for?” What will I do when I have an excess of whatever I get? I had a frank conversation with GOD to see if I could handle more money and the answer was “No” at the time.

I had a lot of it so I spent an exorbitant amount of time trying to protect it. In fact when someone asked for it I would quickly assess whether they “deserved” it or would they squander it on something pitiful.  My generosity diminished as fewer and fewer would meet my measure. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to be generous before I am wealthy so I can handle it when I am.
• GOD wants me to let HIM discern how someone will spend any money I give away.
• GOD wants me to be generous to those HE sends me and remove my worries about where money will come from.

When money is the focus of the prayer I am blinded to the greatness of GOD, but when GOD is the focus of prayer my eyes are opened to HIS power and wealth. HE is the one who gives in abundance as long as my motives are focused on HIM and my faith is not dependent on cash.

• Are you praying for more money?
• Have you ever wondered why you this prayer has not been answered?
• If you are praying for a larger title or more money, how will this benefit GOD’s kingdom?
• If you know how more stuff will benefit the kingdom can you start acting like it without the title or the cash?

Be compassionate with cash

Exodus 22: ²⁵ “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. ²⁶ If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, ²⁷ because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

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It seemed like there was an extra dose of homeless this particular day.  I thought about it and was convinced that maybe I should tell a person about CHRIST instead of giving them cash. I stepped up on my pedestal and began talking down to this lowly thing of a person. “Uh huh, yeah, um hmm” were the patronizing replies to my rants.

“There” I thought to myself. I had pushed on him the greatest gift he could ever accept. I’m sure both of us were rewarded that day and I didn’t have to give him money!

• The love of money causes me to treat people like business transactions.
• The love of money strikes fear in me that I will lose it or have it stolen.
• The love of money makes me decide to keep it rather than give it away.

Money matters make me miserly. In other words the more money I get the more I try to protect the wealth and I lose my compassion for people. I dream of reasons they are poor or homeless and chalk it up to some bad choice, or a mental disease or an addiction rationalizing why this person doesn’t need my cash. BUT GOD has compassion.

• GOD has given plenty to me so I may give to others.
• GOD wants me to get over my fear of losing stuff and be compassionate to HIS people.
• GOD desires me to see needy people instead of “hiding” from them in order to keep my stuff.

I keep imagining standing in front of GOD, having HIM display my gadgets, trinkets and bobbles, then showing me all the people I passed by who could have used a meal that day. Yes, GOD wants me to spread the gift of salvation but if love and compassion are not with the message I’m wasting my time.

• Is there someone you need to show compassion to?
• Is fear holding you back from giving to that person?
• Can you show compassion to someone today?
• Won’t you ask GOD who you are supposed to help and “how” HE wants you to help them?

What thing do I put before GOD?

Exodus 20: ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

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Polishing was always my final step when washing my car.  After two hours of brushing, scrubbing and vacuuming, my mechanical beast was road ready. I entered the grounds of my consulting assignment and it was as grimy as it gets. Steel manufacturing and clean cars don’t mix.

As I sat at a stop sign trying to figure out where to go a truck hit my car! When they repaired it the door was never the same. It even rusted at the bottom. My car had lost its luster.

• I have placed cars on a pedestal when I have more concern over it than people.
• I have placed houses on a pedestal when I grow my debt to the point where I can’t help people.
• I have placed gadgets on a pedestal when I need to have the latest and greatest versus helping people.

I don’t really “bow down” to things but I sure do worship them.  I know this sounds old but I was so excited to finally have a “bag phone” that I drove around catching glimpses of people as I was on the phone. I guess this stuff provides status and elevates me to the “Ooo Ah” category amongst my peers.

• GOD knows HE can easily destroy my material things so I shouldn’t put too much trust in them.
• GOD knows material items will quickly go to my head and drives lust for other items.
• GOD knows the more items I get the less I will communicate with HIM.

Please don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to own things but my problem is sometimes the things own me.  I fight hard to keep them and lay awake trying to protect them.  GOD wants this kind of attention.  HE would love a deep conversation or two hours of special detailing. HE enjoys times of just talking instead of request after request. HE wants a relationship!

• Do you have a relationship with GOD?
• Are you worried about your stuff?
• Can GOD take away your stuff and you would be alright with it?
• Can you take care of your stuff because GOD gave it to you instead of the status you get?
• Will you use your stuff for GOD’s purpose?

Some money isn’t worth it.

Genesis 14: ²¹ The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’

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Day twenty one out of thirty of being on the road and I finally made it home. The company would take any account and since I was trained they would send me anywhere. Promotion possibilities were only whispered to me but nothing solid was spoken.

At that time we had just had our first child and I was stuck with a dilemma, keep traveling or get a new job paying less money and be home each night. “I am making a lot of money” I thought to myself.

• My love of money can sometimes cloud my judgment.
• My love of money can sometimes make me do things that GOD may not want me to do.
• My love of money can sometimes cause my worries to mount and I feel enslaved to those who may not have integrity.

Abram chose between getting richer and integrity and chose integrity. Of course when integrity is chosen, no one puts your name in the newspaper or gives you any awards.

• GOD owns everything and it is up to HIM to take away from me or to give to me.
• GOD is not excited about my worldly wealth but is excited when I follow HIS ways.
• GOD loves when I look to HIM for wealth and not be so desperate that I would do “anything” for a little money.

Integrity doesn’t mean I will be poor, it just means I won’t let greed get in the way of my relationship with CHRIST. Where the money comes from and how I make the money is just as important as getting the money.

• Are you miserable because of lack of money?
• Do you think having new stuff will make you happy?
• Can you look at yourself to see if money is making you miserable?
• Will you look at GOD and trust HIS reason for having you right where you are?