Greetings Prayer Warriors,
From the time we are young, we are taught to work toward “the dream.” Work hard, get good grades, become involved in lots of activities, go to college, get a job, get married, have children, buy the house, upgrade to the dream home, retire, and then travel the world and live the life you’ve worked toward!! There are probably more than a few variations to this, but isn’t this what we heard and what we tell our children??
The challenge is, you can’t find all these instructions in scripture. We are to work hard, marry, and be fruitful, but acquiring all the trappings? Seeking wealth? What does scripture say about that?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. Matthew 6:20
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? Matthew 16:25-26
Then there was the rich man who would daily ignore and walk past the beggar, Lazarus, at his doorstep. He appears surprised at his judgment.
‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Luke 16:25
The Lord doesn’t condemn those who have wealth or comfort; for he often richly blesses the faithful. He does, however, judge harshly those who don’t put Him first, don't share their blessings, and don't live their lives according to His plan.
Whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. John 3:21
While we may begin on the right path, how easily we are easily led astray! Many may remember when businesses were closed on Sundays and no sports league, be it pee-wee or professional, would have games on Sunday? Everyone was at church!
Remember the sabbath day—keep it holy. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God. You shall not do any work, either you, your son or your daughter....
Exodus 20:8-10
Now that Sunday has many options (distractions), are you choosing God or mammon?
No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13
“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. Luke 13:24
Lord, you know how weak we are. How quickly we justify behaviors that are not worthy of you. Without your grace, we could never even find the narrow gate. Have mercy on us and guide our families onto the path to everlasting life. Thank you for never tiring of redirecting us. We are not our own; we have been purchased for a price. We praise you for your merciful love and compassion!
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, and who walk in his ways. What your hands provide you will enjoy; you will be blessed and prosper: Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your home, your children like young olive plants around your table. Just so will the man be blessed who fears the LORD. Psalm 128:1-2
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
There is no such thing as too much encouragement. Pass it on!
