The Love of money

The Love of Money

The Apostle Paul wrote,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Jesus said,

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24.

So who do you love? Who do you serve? God or Money which comes first in your life?

Now there is nothing wrong with being wealthy. The trouble comes when you love money so much it becomes your god and turns you away from God.

Every Christian must answer this question for themselves. Do they love God or money. Do they love the things of this world or the things of God?

There is another question here also. What about the ministers, and evangelist you support. Especially those who are multimillionaires. Those who preach give to get. The prosperity doctrine. 

Who do you think they serve? 

Do you think they could give up everything and still serve God?

Please think about it.

You rich People

 You rich people,

Jesus told this parable,

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 

“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 

“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 

“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 

“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31

Now let me say, that there is nothing wrong with being rich. Many wealthy men and women over the centuries have used there wealth to help the church and the poor. The apostle Paul writes,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

That being said in the book of James we see a warning to rich people who have not done right by the poor. James writes,

"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  

Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  

Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  

You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." James 5:1-6

Please think about it.

Could you give your wealth up?

 Could you give your wealth up?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Now there is nothing wrong with being wealthy. Scripture clearly states it is, the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil.

Money has it’s place in our lives. But it should never be first place. It especially should never be put ahead of God in our lives.

Matthew’s gospel records this incident between a rich young man and Jesus. It states,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.''" 

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

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." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

Would you be willing to give up all your wealth to serve Christ?

Please think about it.

Your Master

  Your masters

Jesus said,

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 16:24.

Now let me say one thing. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy. The problem comes when your wealth is more important to you than your faith in God. 

The apostle Paul states,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Money should never rule your life. Many people over the years have fallen away from God by getting mixed up with the so called “prosperity doctrine”. Pastors and evangelist that say if you give to God, (usually their ministry), God will give you back more than you could ever imagine. 

God never promised us a life of luxury free from pain. 

Jesus said,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  John 15:18-21.

Thus my question to you is. Where is your faith? Who is your master?

Please think about it.

Without regret

  Without regret 

In the book of Joshua we read,

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. 

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24: 14,15.

Who do you serve? There are many people calling themselves Christians today who are not serving God. They are serving the Gods of this world. Materialism and money being chief among them.

Now there’s nothing wrong with having a lot of money and possessions. It’s the emphasis you put on them that can make them gods.

Matthews gospel tells of a rich young man who came to Jesus. Matthew records,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.''" 

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

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." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

I think every one who claims to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus needs to ask the question; “could I give everything I own away and still follow Jesus with no regrets?”

Could you?

Please think about it.

Two Masters

  Two Masters

Jesus said,

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 16:19-21,24.

From my perch here in Canada I see many who call themselves Christians wanting to have their feet in both worlds. They want to be wealthy and they want to serve God.

Now there’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Many wealthy people throughout the centuries have helped fund church growth. 

The problem becomes when acquiring wealth and all that it can buy you becomes more important than God.

Our service to God should be paramount in our life. And we don’t need to be rich to serve God. We just need to be willing to serve Him.

So my questions to you dear reader is;

Who is your master? 

Where is your treasure?

Are you willing to put God and service to Him over your earthly wealth?

Please think about it.

Riches, you and God

  Riches, you, and God

Matthews gospel records this,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.''" 

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

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." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

I’m speaking here to those rich people who claim to be Christian. Now let me make one thing clear here. There is nothing wrong with being rich. It’s what priority you put on your riches that count. The apostle Paul tells us,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Sadly here in Canada and the United States too many people listen to false Preachers and evangelist (all of whom are very wealthy. Many of whom who have as the apostle Paul said wandered from the faith) who preach if give to their ministry and God will bless you with even more than you give. Such teaching is wrong.

The true test of a Christian preacher or evangelist or any Christian is are you willing for the cause of Christ to give up all you have?

I see this happening around the world where people who choose to follow Christ quite often are rejected by their families. Cast out of their villages. Forced to leave their homes. Thrown into prison. Even murdered for believing in Christ.

When I see this I wander if those preachers who preach the prosperity doctrine would be willing to give away all they have? Believing God to supply their daily needs.

Thus my question to you; If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you willing to give up everything for the cause of Christ?

Please think about it.

Could you?

 Could you?

Jesus once said to a rich young man who asked the question,

"..."Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?" Matthew 19:16

"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." Matthew 19:21.

As true believers in Christ Jesus we must be willing to give up everything for Him. 

Now I can only speak for what I see here in North America from my perch here in Canada.

While I see around the world Christians suffering many living day to day with persecution. Many having to rely on God each day for their basic needs. I sadly see many pastors, evangelist and many sitting in the pews here in North America preaching a prosperity doctrine. Claiming falsely that God wants you to be health and wealthy, while God never promised this.

Sadly many pastors and evangelist who believe this doctrine pray on the poor. Encouraging them to give to their ministry saying God will reward them ten or a hundred fold.

God never promised this. Jesus and His disciples were not rich. The apostle Paul writing,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Note here its not money that causes the problems. Money in and of itself is harmless. It’s what emphasis you put on it that causes the problem. If you love money more than God.

Jesus in Matthew 19:21 gave the perfect test to see who you liked most. When he said,

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

Thus I wander how many pastors and evangelist who preach the prosperity doctrine could do what Jesus is saying here?

How about you dear reader? Could you give up everything to follow Jesus?

I know of many around the world who have had to do that. Could you?

Please think about it.

Who is

 Who is

Isaiah the prophet talking about man made gods states,

“Those who lavish gold from the purse,

and weigh out silver in the scales, 

hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god;

Then they fall down and worship!

They lift it to their shoulders , they carry it,

they set it in its place, and stand there;

it cannot move from its place.

If one cries to it, it does not answer

or save him from trouble.”

                                       Isaiah 46:6,7.

Lets not make any mistake we living in the twenty-first century have gods. They may not be effigies of animals or other things but we have them. A god is anything you put your trust in above all things. 

These things can be money, houses, cars, investments. Even political and religious leaders.

The bottom line with all of these things is they cannot save you. You will not get to heaven by making them first in your life. When trouble arrives in your life these things cannot help you.

I’ve heard over the years of millionaires on their death beds sorrowfully admit they didn’t spend more time with God than making millions.

I’ve heard many people who’ve lost their houses and possessions due to natural disaster or fire cry because their life and meaning of success was in the gathering of possessions.

Isaiah the prophet states,

"A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" 

"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:6-8.

The God we as believers in Christ Jesus. The LORD God Almighty is a living God who loves us and went to great lengths to show us in human terms how far He would go to show us the way to heaven.

The apostle Paul writes,

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8.

So who is your God? Your possessions, your money? A political or religious leader? Who?

Please think about it.

Trust

 Trust

In Proverbs

Those who trust in their riches will fall, 

but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

                                                               Proverbs 11:28

The Psalmist writes,

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 

                                                                            Psalm 20:7.

Where is your trust. In material possessions or in God? 

Now there’s nothing wrong with having a lot of possessions or being wealthy it’s what value we place in them. It’s what place they occupy in our life. Do we put our trust in what we have rather than God.

The apostle Paul warned,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Thus I ask you the question do you love money more than God?

In whom do you place your trust?

Please think about it.

Giving an Account

 Giving an account.

In the gospel of Luke we read Jesus as saying,

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31

This I believe makes things simple. While there is nothing wrong with being rich. It is the emphasis we put on money and what we do with it that can cause problems. The apostle Paul telling us,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

In the above parable from Jesus it seems clear that the rich man cared more for his money and himself than for Lazarus who was in need. 

It seems clear that the rich man either didn’t believe in God or turned his back on God. Either way he ended up in hell.

Such a story should be a warning to all who are materially rich and indeed all of us. Be careful how you use your money. For one day you will stand before God and have to give an account as to how you spent it.

Please think about it.

Reformation NOT Revival

 Reformation Not, Revival.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.

This beyond doubt is happening in the North American church today. We have evangelist and pastors who rather than gathering wise biblical teachers and scholars around them as advisors that tell the truth.

    Men and women who will at times disagree with them, correct them, and say why they are doing so. They pick and choose only those that think the way they think.

The result is such people can easily, and frequently do, misuse the word of God to say what they want to say. 

Some do so out of ignorance or because they have not had good teaching in their lives. Others do so for personal gain. Deliberately misleading those who would follow them.

Walking in evangelical circles here in Canada I hear a lot about the need for revival. Revival being, a reawakening within the church. While this needs to happen. What needs to happen first is Reformation.

Reformation a turning back to the fundamentals of our Christian faith. 

By this I mean we need to take a hard look at what passes for Christianity. We need to heed the words of the apostle Paul who wrote,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

We need to get out of politics and believing the lie that the United States and Canada are Christian nations. We need to heed the apostle Peters words who said,

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.

We need to take a good look at the evangelist and pastors that we support who are millionaires to see if they are “in love with money”. Remembering that the apostle Paul wrote,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

And while there is nothing wrong with being a millionaire we must ask them would you be willing to give up everything to follow Jesus? Jesus quoted as telling a rich man,

"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." Matthew 19:21..

Please think about it.

Who do you love?

  Who do you love?

The Apostle Paul wrote,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Jesus said,

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:24.

So who do you love? Who do you serve? God or Money which comes first in your life?

Now there is nothing wrong with being wealthy. The trouble comes when you love money so much it becomes your god and turns you away from God.

Every Christian must answer this question for themselves. Do they love God or money. Do they love the things of this world or the things of God?

Thus the question I have for you the reader; If you consider yourself a Christian do you love God more than the things of this world?

Please think about it.

Sell Everything?

Sell Everything?
Matthew’s gospel records,
"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''" 
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 
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." 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.
Now let’s get one thing strait. There is nothing wrong with being rich. It is what emphasis you put on your wealth that can cause problems.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Money should never be first in our lives. In fact we should be willing to give up our wealth if necessary.
In the incident above recorded by Matthew the man believed there was a God. He had even obeyed the commandments. Yet his faith was not in God to provide for him. His faith was in his wealth. He put his wealth ahead of God. His faith in his money being his god.
God makes it clear nothing should come before Him.
In the book of Exodus we read,

"You shall have no other gods before me.” 

                                                              Exodus 20:3.

Anything that is more important to us than God is a god, and we shouldn’t be putting our faith in it. Our faith should be entirely in God. 
In the book of Hebrews we are told,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.
Faith being defined as,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see." 

                                                                      Hebrews 11:1.

 Thus my question to you; if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus. If you consider yourself a Christian is your faith entirely in God?
Are you willing to sell everything, give up all our earthly wealth if necessary, and follow Christ?
Please think about it.

Are you willing?

Are you willing?
Jesus said,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money’. Matthew 6:19-21,24.
Where is you treasure? Is your treasure in this world or in heaven? 
Many people who go to church here in North America where I live quite often try to have their feet in both worlds. This world and heaven.
Mathews gospel records,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
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.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
Here is the test for a true follower of Christ Jesus. Are you willing to give up everything for Him?
Here in North America materialism is king. People are striving for the so called “American dream”. A nice house, money in the bank, a nice car. And there is nothing wrong with having any of this. Jesus did not tell this man that being rich was bad.
The problem comes when you have to choose having the riches or following God. The true test of faith in Christ Jesus, in God, is when you are willing to give up everything you own for him.
While in North America with all our freedoms we may never be asked to give up everything. We still must choose which comes first. God or riches?
Around the world today hundreds of thousands of Christians are making that choice everyday. Many have to choose between following Christ, being persecuted for their faith, or going to jail or even being put to death.
It is estimated that 500,000 plus Christians live under the threat of persecution, imprisonment, or death each day.
Thus my question to those who claim to be Christians living in the western democracies is are you willing to give up everything for your faith?
My next question is if you are, are you at the very least, praying that God will protect and strengthen those brothers and sisters in Christ who are under persecution around the world?
Please think about it.

Where do you stand?

Where do you stand?
The writer of Ecclesiastes writes,

“Whoever loves money never has enough;

 whoever loves wealth 

is never satisfied with their income 

this too is meaningless.” 

                                             Ecclesiastes 5:10.

The apostle Paul writes,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 

Some people, eager for money, 

have wandered from the faith 

and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 

                                             1 Timothy 6:10

Now there is nothing wrong with having a lot of money. The problem arises when you put the wrong emphasis on money. When you love it. As the writer of Ecclesiastes states,

“Whoever loves money never has enough”

The apostle Paul telling us,

“Some people, eager for money have wandered from their faith

and pierced themselves with many griefs”

Money can buy you nice things in this world. Enough money can buy you anything material thing your heart desires. Money however cannot buy you true peace of mind or a place in heaven.
Jesus told this parable,
"Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 
And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  
He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 
"Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  
And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 
"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:15-21.
Matthew’s gospel records Jesus saying something we should all consider. Jesus said,

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, 

yet forfeit his soul?” 

                            Matthew 8:36.

Jesus speaking of himself said,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
      For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
     Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18
So where do you stand?
Are you certain of where you will spend eternity?
Please think about it.

Trust in The Lord

Trust in The Lord
The writer of Proverbs wrote,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5,6.
It’s very easy to say “I believe in God” but when it comes to trusting God that is another thing. Matthew’s gospel records this incident between Jesus and a man of wealth. It notes,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
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.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
This man believed there was a God. He’d even followed the laws God had instructed man to follow. This man however lacked faith. His faith was in his wealth.
The problem for this man was not his wealth. It’s perfectly fine with God if you are wealthy. The church is full of wealthy individuals who do tremendous things for God. Wealth is not evil. The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
It’s our relationship with our money that can cause a problem. If we put our trust in our wealth more than in God this is wrong. This is what was happening with the man who came to Jesus. He trusted  his wealth. God took a back seat to the man’s money.
God want’s us to trust Him with our lives. To lean on Him. To let Him guide our lives. As believers in Christ Jesus we are called to put our faith entirely in God. The writer of Hebrews telling us,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Thus the question becomes. If you claim to be a Christian do you truly put all your faith in God?
Please think about it. 

Idols

Idols
In the final line 1 John. The apostle makes a definite statement all believers even today must obey. He writes,
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:21.
In John’s day idols were everywhere. Idol worship was in every city, town and village in the Roman world. Temples to the various Roman god’s were easily spotted.
Today in the twenty-first century we have as many idols if not more than existed in John’s day. They are just harder to spot.
Idols are anything we worship other than God knowingly or subconsciously. Money is perhaps top of the list. There are people who put the making of money above all else quiet often even their families. But there are other things. Everything from the latest designer clothing to computers to cell phones, consumer goods, to sporting and entertainment events, to
We just have to look at when a technology company announces the release of its latest, greatest gadget. The lineups for it start early in the morning and go for city blocks.
Now there is nothing wrong with having money or the latest electronic gadget or going to or participating in sports or entertainment events. Money, gadgets and other things can make our lives easier. Sporting and entertainment can help us relax.  The problem comes when we desire them more than we desire God.
Especially if you consider yourself a Christian you need to carefully consider what place money and possessions  and other things have in your life.
You need to ask yourself the question do I put the things of this world, ahead of God?
Please think about it.

The Grass Withers

The Grass Withers
James writes,
“The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  
But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.  
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.” James 1:9-11.
Here James points out that God’s ways are dynamically different from mans ways. The man in a humble position, someone who is probably poor materially, is considered to be in a high position while a rich man is considered to be in a low position.
The way I see it is that the person of humble means needs to trust in the Lord everyday for his provision. Being in such a position can draw a person closer to God. Thus increasing their faith and God wants people of true faith.
To seek out and serve God daily even if it is in just a small way is a high and noble thing to do.
On the other hand the rich person is described as having a low position. While there is nothing wrong with being wealthy, having wealth can lessen your dependance on God. A wealthy person can be tempted to rely on their wealth rather than God. Thus while he may believe in God he may not be as close as the man who must depend on God for his every need. An incident recorded in Matthews Gospel illustrates this,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
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.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew19:16-23.
It’s not that a rich man cannot get into heaven, anyone can get into heaven if they have true faith in the saving Grace of God. Having such faith may however at times, mean giving up all our material wealth to follow Christ. If we are wealthy we must be willing to do this should God call us to do so.
James speaking of the rich states,
“the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.”
Wealth is fleeting it is possible to loose it all in an instant. Someone who loves money more than God. Who puts his trust in money could, if he suddenly lost it all, curse God, blame God for his loss and turn away from Him.
That is why the writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. 
This is why Jesus said,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, 

where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

 where moth and rust do not destroy,

 and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is,

 there your heart will be also.” 

Matthew 6:19-21

Yes you can have lots of money but it should not be your first love.
The apostle Paul warns,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
This life we live is fragile we can loose it in an instant as Isaiah the prophet said,

“A voice says, “Cry out.” 

And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, 

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

Isaiah 40:6-8.

The rich man and the poor man will enter eternity materially broke. Where each will spend eternity will be determined by what they believe in this world.
The apostle Paul wrote,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

Ephesians 2:8,9.

The Writer of Hebrews stating,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,

 because anyone who comes to him 

must believe that he exists

 and that he rewards

 those who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6.

Thus the question becomes. Where is your Faith?
Please think about it.

Peace and Contentment

Peace and Contentment
The apostle Paul writes,
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.
 He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions  and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 
But godliness with contentment is great gain.  
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.   But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.  
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1Timothy 6:3-10.
Here Paul is talking about false teaching and financial gain.
Now there is nothing wrong with being rich and having a lot of money. Its what motivates us to get that money and what priority we put on it. Paul notes.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 

Some people, eager for money, 

have wandered from the faith 

and pierced themselves with many griefs 

1Timothy 6:10.

Paul however notes some are teaching wrong doctrine and, “think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
Such people are around today supposedly teaching in the name of Jesus saying if you give to God he will give back to you a hundred or even a thousand fold. This is not so.
We are not to give to God as if He were a banker giving super interest on what we give. We are to give to God because we feel it is right, not expecting anything in return.
Paul tells us,

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  

For we brought nothing into the world, 

and we can take nothing out of it.  

But if we have food and clothing, 

we will be content with that.    

1 Timothy 6: 6-8.

Now there is nothing wrong with wanting to get ahead in life. To have nice things. The problem comes when we focus all our efforts on getting those things to the point of forgetting God and our faith.
I like what Paul states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 
In the western world and in particular North America where I live, people seem to lack contentment. We are bombarded by the media telling us that we need the latest greatest gadget to fulfill our lives.
We are told we need to look a certain way, dress a certain way, with the latest designer things, “made just for us”. To have the beautiful house with all the trimmings. That following such a philosophy will not give us contentment.
This is not what the apostle Paul is saying. He’s telling us we should be content with what we have. That we brought nothing into the world and will take nothing with us when we leave this world.
The pauper and the prince. The wealthiest and the poorest person on earth will stand before God equal. All their material wealth be it a little or a lot will mean nothing only what’s done for God will count.
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes four very true statements,

“What has been will be again, 

what has been done will be done again; 

there is nothing new under the sun”

Ecclesiastes 1:9

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun;

 all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Ecclesiastes 1:14

“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, 

but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth 

to hand it over to the one who pleases God. 

This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” 

Ecclesiastes 2:26

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: 

Fear God and keep his commandments,

 for this is the whole  duty  of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment,

 including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 

Ecclesiastes 12:13,14

What the writer is saying is that life without God is meaningless. That all the material wealth we gather is meaningless in the light of eternity. That all things on this earth are meaningless without God.
What the apostle Paul is saying is as believers in Christ. As believers in God. We are to keep the things of this world in proper perspective. Not to get into ungodly arguments. Not to put emphasis on money and the material things of this world. As long as we have adequate food, clothing the basics of life we should be content.
As Christians we have a calling to serve God in whatever way we can. We don’t need to be wealthy to do so. Offering someone a glass of water in the name of God is as much service to God as donating millions of dollars to missions.
The key is to be content with what you have in life and to present the message of Jesus to all who will receive it. For only he can give one genuine peace. Jesus who said,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30

Please think about it.