I was remembering when we lived without
electric power, insulation in our walls and roof, indoor plumbing,
heat in winter, and a few other blessings in life, I would
occasionally sing these words... "I don't know about tomorrow,
it may bring me poverty..." I would smile and pray, "Lord
help me to be strong when the tough times come." I thank God for
the mountains, and for the valleys, and for the storms He's brought
me through. Here are some thoughts I shared with
Lydia this morning.
God says that we should be content with food and clothing.
1 Timothy 6:6-11
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Paul said he knew how to be content with wealth
or poverty.
Philippians 4:11-13
(11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
(12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
(13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Jesus said that our heart would be where our treasure is,
Matthew 6:19-21
(19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
(20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
(21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
He also said for us to seek first the kingdom of God and then all of our needs would be added to us.
Matthew 6:31-34
(31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
(33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
DLG observations,
Poverty is not sin.
Poverty is not always the result of laziness.
Poverty
is not always the less desirable route.
Sometimes the way of
holiness is through the barren lands of poverty.
Sometimes our
leaving all to follow Him takes us away from the flowery beds of
ease.
LOVE NOT THE WORLD
1 John 2:15-17
(15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
(16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
(17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould
