A while back Mike and I had to make some decisions. Were we going to do something we had always wanted to do or were we going to take our time and trust God to work things out - IF that was His will. This was a "want". I found myself stressing the first two days and then I went to God. I always ask God to let Mike and I be on the same page. I also ask Him to help us be good stewards of His money. I was reminded of a prayer group I used to be in for the homeless. They had the best prayer requests because they did not have the clutter in their lives that I have. They always had praises! They prayed for others and for faith. The things I take for granted they prayed for. I think God was reminding me that less is more.
I have been blessed to live on a very tight budget. Haha. There was no budget because there was nothing left to budget but God got us through. I have also been blessed to have a very comfortable life. I thank God that I remember the hard times. I also know it ALL comes from God and can be gone in a second. I have learned to trust God. Someone told me one time that being debt free is the best feeling. Romans 13: 8, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." That is what Mike and I worked toward and I have to agree. When the temptations come for bigger and better "stuff" it is not worth being in debt. Less is more! More stuff is clutter and takes our mind off of God.
I am reminded of the scripture about it being hard for a rich man to get into the Kingdom. Matthew 19: 24, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Money is not evil but the love of money is evil. When money and "stuff" becomes your "god" it is evil. 1 Timothy 6: 10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Craving wealth leads to evil, ruin and destruction. Many people longing for wealth have wandered away from the faith
I recently heard the dangers of money: When you do not care what you have to do to get money or what you have to do to keep money (or stuff). When your thirst for money or things cannot be quenched. When money or your stuff gives you anxiety. There will always be someone who has more than you! God does not want us to set our hope on things that can rust. 1 Timothy 6: 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." Money can not buy you health, love, or security!
As Paul tells us there is great gain in godliness when combined with contentment. 1 Timothy 6: 6-8, '"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 6: 18, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." Paul tell us to be rich in good works. 1 Timothy 6: 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."
Invest in great gains! Where are you laying up your treasures?
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