Today's Reading:
Nehemiah 1:1-3:14
1 Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 119:89-96
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command
those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put
their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in
God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In
this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation
for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly
life.
Insight:
If
you have access to the resources to read this blog, you are, from a
global economic perspective, among the wealthiest people in the world.
Since I'm in a position to write a blog, I must be rich too. Paul has
some very practical instructions for rich people like us.
He
tells us that we need to avoid arrogance, and that we should not put
our hope in what we possess. We should remember that wealth is
uncertain. We should trust in God and acknowledge him as the source of
blessing and provision. We should be rich in good deeds—generous and
willing to share with others.
Response and Action:
I
need to acknowledge that all I have is a gift from God. I must never
put my trust in things, but rather recognize that God is my hope and
provider. I should strive to be rich in doing good deeds instead of
trying to be rich in possessions. I need to be generous and open-handed.
I need to be a faithful steward of all God has given. I will generously
give to the church, to efforts that help the poor, to ministries that
are taking the Good News of Jesus to the world, and to practical causes
that contribute to the health and betterment of my community and my
world.
O
God, you have blessed me in so many ways. Help me, in reverence and
thanksgiving to share all you have given me. Help me to be a source of
blessing. Give me the wisdom I need to be a good steward and generous
heart that is ready to give and share. Let me live with a generosity
that boldly demonstrates my confidence in you -- my hope, my security,
and my provider. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Matthew 19:23-24
23
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for
a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, 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."
Resources:
Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions
by Craig L. Blomberg
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