Wednesday March 29th, 2023
Meditate on: James 4:2 GNT
« You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. »
Read: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 GNT
9 There was a man named Jabez, who was the most respected member of his family. His mother had given him the name Jabez, because his birth had been very painful.
10 But Jabez prayed to the God of Israel, “Bless me, God, and give me much land. Be with me and keep me from anything evil that might cause me pain.” And God gave him what he prayed for.
Understand:
Wealth is generally interpreted as an abundance of valuable possessions or money.
The Bible speaks of wealthy families, nations and also wealthy individuals like Abraham, Job, David Solomon, and the Queen of Sheba.
Worthy of note is the fact that positive references to wealth are few in the Bible.
Many statements of Jesus could be viewed as harsh criticisms of wealth.
In Mark 10:23-25, He said it is extremely difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
In Mark 4:19, the quest for wealth chokes God’s word.
Matthew 6:24 says one cannot serve God and Mammon.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 declares that “the love of money” is the root of all kinds of evil.
To wrap it up Luke 6:24 concluded by saying:
« Woe to you who are rich. »
Revelations 3:17 ISV says:
« You say, “I am rich. I have become wealthy. I don’t need anything.” Yet you don’t realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.…..»
However, there is a good side to wealth.
Since the beginning of the world, God has created an abundance of good things for human beings to enjoy.
Christians however need to have a good understanding of the true nature of earthly riches, and acknowledge God as the source of all blessings.
Deuteronomy 8:18 GNT says:
« Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to become rich. He does this because he is still faithful today to the covenant that he made with your ancestors. »
Hence, having riches is not the problem, but having a wrong attitude towards it.
Riches should be thankfully received, and Christians must value heavenly riches above earthly wealth.
Earthly riches are to be used in the service of the Creator and the true owner of all things.
God has the power to make anyone wealthy, therefore His children do not have to live in penury, I have however discovered that the poverty of many Christians is not out of laziness or lack of ambition, but due to prayerless lifestyle.
If you would be rich, then you must be ready to continuously knock on the doors of heaven with prayer, until your breakthrough comes.
Prayer point: Father, please help me to wrestle in prayers until my breakthrough comes, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Author: Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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