Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 49:10-13
Ps 49:10-13
10 For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. 12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah
1 Tim 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.
Every once in a while, we come across someone who has plenty of material wealth but when around them, we would never know it. They don’t brag about it or show off what they can buy. They don’t drive the most expensive cars nor live in the biggest house in the most elite neighborhoods. But what do they do with their wealth? Are they just misers who hoard it all and never spend anything? If so, this is not laying up treasures in heaven, this is being selfish. We are not to be selfish. We are to be willing to share with those who are in need.
I once knew a family that lived in a very elite area and drove a luxury car. They were very wealthy but never bragged about what they had. They supported men who preached the gospel. They financed church buildings (or in some cases they donated the money) for churches that could not afford to do it themselves and often without interest if they did pay it back. They often gave money to widows and single mothers who were in need. Look back at our second text and see that Paul said God gives us riches for our enjoyment but we are to also be rich in good deeds. They had wealth but did not put their trust in it, but in God.
Heavenly Father, God of heaven and earth, it is with joy that I call you my father and know that you hear me when I come to you in prayer. Thank you for all you have given me. Your blessings exceed anything I ever dreamed possible. Give me a heart of compassion so that I will help others with what I have. I know that greed is one of those things that it is so easy to see in others but not see in myself, so open my eyes and keep me from ever being greedy. Help me to use the vast spiritual wealth you have given to me in Jesus Christ to lead others to you and to encourage those who are seeking to serve you. I pray in his name.
Robert
