Topic: The Good Side of Wealth [Tuesday 5, September 2017]
Memorise: “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
Read: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 33-35. Hymn: Sing Hymn 11
MESSAGE:
Wealth is generally interpreted as the abundance of goods or money. The New Testament occasionally mentioned wealthy individuals such as Joseph of Arimathaea, the rich man in Like 16:1, Cornelius in Acts 10, Prisca and Aquila, etc. However, positive examples of wealth are few in the Bible, references to personal wealth almost always carries some negative result.
Jesus made mention of a few. For instance, in Mark 10:23-26, He said it is extremely difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. In Mark 4:19, He said the quest for wealth chokes God’s Word. However, there is good side of wealth, having material prosperity or being wealthy is not a ticket to hell fire after all. God has created an abundance of good things for human enjoyment, but those who have material wealth should understand the true nature of earthly riches and acknowledge God as the source of all blessings. Hence, riches should be thankfully received, and Christians must value heavenly riches more than earthly wealth.
Prayer Point: Father, please send poverty far away from my family and make me a divine treasurer.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.