MONEY

Money has been on my mind lately for various reasons, not the love of money, but how how it fits into the life of someone who wants to put God first. Earlier today I heard Alistair Begg, speak out of the book of James regarding the dangers of riches and the love of money. A couple quotes that stuck out to me in Alistair's talk where from J.C. Ryle.


"A man may greatly love money without having any at all. Beware of the love of self, it may be found in a poor man's home as well as in a mansion. And beware of thinking that poverty alone will save you. If you would sit down with Lazarus in glory, you must not only have fellowship with him in suffering, but also in grace.

“Money, in truth, is one of the most unsatisfying of possessions. It takes away some cares, no doubt; but it brings with it quite as many cares as it takes away.

“There is trouble in the getting of it. There is the anxiety in the keeping it. There are the temptations in the use of it. There is the guilt in the abuse of it. There is the sorrow in the losing of it. There is the perplexity in the disposing of it.

“Two-thirds of all the strifes, quarrels, and lawsuits in the world, arise from one simple cause – money!”


Just yesterday we received a sizable(for us) check in the mail and I was almost disappointed. The reason being is that usually when we receive a check like this it is an unexpected gift that is desperately needed. This time there were no bills or depts in desperate need of being paid and therefore there was no jumping up and down over God's immediate provision. So... I am left with seeking God's plan for that which he gives and in doing so desire that I honor Him and find great joy in using His provisions for His glory. And what I have learned from this simple experience is that the Joy of Lord does not come in having, or not having, but comes in seeking the One who does have.

My prayer is that I continually and desperately love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength no matter the circumstance.