Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 49:16-20
Ps 49:16-20
16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; 17 for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. 18 Though while he lived, he counted himself blessed--and men praise you when you prosper--19 he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. 20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
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.
Jim Elliot, who died at the age of 29 while trying to reach a native tribe in South America with the gospel, was murdered by them. He once said: “He is not fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” Elizabeth, his widow, later was able to get to these people and share the gospel of Jesus with them. While I may not agree with their understanding on some things, this is faith being lived. Faith in God, in Jesus and faith in the resurrection and heaven.
How are we using our lives for God? Are we willing to share the gospel with those around us, either by word or by our demonstration of faith? We are not all going to some foreign land to preach the gospel (and I do not think God even expects us to do that). But we should be willing to support and encourage those who are able and willing to go. Paul says those who helped him shared in his preaching.
There was a man who once lived in this area that was responsible for reaching the lost all over the world but who never left this country. He raised financial support for many who did go, he encouraged them and wrote various kinds of literature that was used by them and others in their teaching. Every one of us can in some way help carry out the command to take the gospel into all the world.
Heavenly Father help me be willing to use what you have given me to reach those who are without Jesus and are lost. Open my mouth to speak when needed and wisdom to say just the right things for the occasion. Thank you for every person in your family; those who can teach and preach, those who support them and those who lift up their hands and encourage them. Thank you for the material things you have given me but keep me from putting too much value on them. Help me enjoy each moment of today as I trust in you. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
