WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE RICH? Part 2, No. 572
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE RICH?
Part 2
“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word;
and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches,
choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful”
(Mathew 13:22).
Today we continue to discover what are the true riches on this earth.
INSTRUCTION AND KNOWLEDGE
Proverbs 8:10: “Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.” To have a humble spirit to receive instruction and correction is worth more than gold and silver. You’ll be amazed what blessing it will add to your life even though it is not easy to receive.
KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING GOD
Jeremiah 9:23, 24: “Let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
We were created to fellowship with God. To know God should be the greatest pursuit of our lives. If we do not know Him, we miss out on what we were born for. What greater vision can we have as mothers than to lead our children to know God, not just to know about Him, but to truly know Him. If they come to know Him, they will not stray from Him.
PEACE WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING
Philippians 4:6 (NET): “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
You can’t get better riches than peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a wretched life to live with anxiety, worry, despondency, and depression. As you get into the habit of giving every situation to God, you begin to experience the rich life. Nothing disturbs you because you know God is in control. Nothing puts you into a state of worry because you know you can trust God completely.
WISDOM
Proverbs 3:13-16: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.”
Proverbs 8:11-19: “For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions . . . Riches are honor are with me: yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold; and my revenue than choice silver.” Read also Proverbs 13:24 and Romans 11:33).
How would you like to go gold-digging and find some real gold? You’ll become richer if you go wisdom-digging. And all this wisdom is in Christ and in His Word. Colossians 2:3 says: “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
GENEROSITY
To be liberal makes you rich. We know that Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Jesus also said in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Proverbs 11:24 (NLT): “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Do you remember reading about the Macedonia believers? They were going through abject poverty and yet still gave out of their poverty. Paul shares their story in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NET): “During a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. For I testify, they gave according to their means and BEYOND THEIR MEANS . . . but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.”
It is impossible to outgive God.
THE REPROACH OF CHRIST
We read the example of Moses who was heir to the wealth of Egypt but gave it up for Christ. The vain riches of this earth are going to be burnt up. The following lines which I memorized as a child are so true:
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Hebrews 11:24-26: By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”
I trust you have a great day living the rich life.
I love Paul's confession in 2 Corinthians 6:10: "As poor, YET MAKING MANY RICH; as having nothing, AND YET POSSESSING ALL THINGS." One translation says: "Penniless, we own the world!" What a great confession!
Nancy Campbell
PRAYER:
“Dear Father, please help me to understand and live in the true riches. I don’t want to be deceived by the riches of this life. They are deceitful and keep me from the true riches. Amen.”
AFFIRMATION:
I am living my life on this earth according to eternal riches. I will not be deceived by the fleeting riches that will be left behind.Don’t miss the podcast for wives and mothers each week:
LIFE TO THE FULL w/ Nancy Campbell