A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope,
encouragement and exhortation.
Daily
Encouragement on
Wednesday,
February 13, 2019
To view this photo in a larger desktop size with a Scripture verse click here.
"Rich
Toward God"
Message
summary:
Are you rich toward God?
Listen to our
message on your audio
player.
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). "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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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" (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Years ago we visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and one morning I took a long walk along the beach. I returned to our hotel on the first road parallel to the ocean, which passed many high-rise vacation condos. I was dressed in rather scraggly but comfortable clothing, not expecting to see anyone I knew and certainly not interested in impressing anyone.
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). "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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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" (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Years ago we visited Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and one morning I took a long walk along the beach. I returned to our hotel on the first road parallel to the ocean, which passed many high-rise vacation condos. I was dressed in rather scraggly but comfortable clothing, not expecting to see anyone I knew and certainly not interested in impressing anyone.
A man who had the appearance of one who might be homeless approached me and said, "It's nice to meet a rich man". We engaged in a brief conversation and I learned his name was Carl. His words came as quite a surprise but also seemed like a golden opportunity for a witness. I responded, "Yes, I am indeed a rich man in Jesus".
We shared for a few more minutes a spiritual perspective on riches and I gave him a tract. "It's nice to meet a rich man." I am not sure what motivated his unusual greeting, although I have my ideas, but it sure got me to thinking. I suppose I am rich in comparison to him since riches are so relative. I am certainly rich in this world's goods, in comparison to those living in many regions of this world (which is the case for virtually all reading this.)
I have written and preached on today's Bible texts several times. But today let us especially focus on the phrase, "rich toward God". The main character in the text was not "rich toward God". He did not use his resources for God but instead selfishly built bigger barns for himself. (See context in "The Parable of the Rich Fool" in Luke 12:13-21)
We all need to consider:
- Am I a kingdom builder or a barn builder?
- Am I rich toward God or rich toward this world's goods?
Being rich
toward God is a form of
wealth entirely different
than all worldly
measurements. Actually I
would be pretty certain
that many of the famously
rich in this world are not
at all "rich toward
God". I am equally
certain that there are
many who live their lives
in relative obscurity with
little of this world's
goods who are truly "rich
toward God".
What's your fundamental outlook on life today? Are you storing up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal?" (Matthew 6:19). Or are you storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal? (Matthew 6:20).
Today let us commit ourselves to being "rich toward God"! Let us seek first His Kingdom! Let us build our lives on the solid rock of Christ and be like the person whom Jesus called the "wise man" (Matthew 7:24). When the torrential storms beat upon houses built by human hands they're likely to perish. But when our hearts are shaped by the divine hand of God the storms of life cannot destroy that which is imperishable.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father, help
us to hear the
words of
Scripture and
be generous
toward You. We
want to give
our all
without
reserve, to
put our hope
not in
material
things which
is so
uncertain,
that can also
lead to vain
conceit or
abusive power.
When we store
up goods only
for ourselves
it shows our
lack of trust
in You and our
unwillingness
to depend on
you. Instead
we want to
share
generously
with others
and be rich in
good deeds. In
this way we
lay up
treasures that
do not
diminish with
time but lasts
for all
eternity. Keep
us on track
with this life
goal in the
name of Jesus
we pray. Amen.
What's your fundamental outlook on life today? Are you storing up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal?" (Matthew 6:19). Or are you storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal? (Matthew 6:20).
Today let us commit ourselves to being "rich toward God"! Let us seek first His Kingdom! Let us build our lives on the solid rock of Christ and be like the person whom Jesus called the "wise man" (Matthew 7:24). When the torrential storms beat upon houses built by human hands they're likely to perish. But when our hearts are shaped by the divine hand of God the storms of life cannot destroy that which is imperishable.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father, help
us to hear the
words of
Scripture and
be generous
toward You. We
want to give
our all
without
reserve, to
put our hope
not in
material
things which
is so
uncertain,
that can also
lead to vain
conceit or
abusive power.
When we store
up goods only
for ourselves
it shows our
lack of trust
in You and our
unwillingness
to depend on
you. Instead
we want to
share
generously
with others
and be rich in
good deeds. In
this way we
lay up
treasures that
do not
diminish with
time but lasts
for all
eternity. Keep
us on track
with this life
goal in the
name of Jesus
we pray. Amen.Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental Resources
"Seek
Ye First The Kingdom Of
God" Video
Maranatha! Music
"Cornerstone" Video Austin Stone Worship Live We ended our service this last Sunday with this song and what a great declaration of the firm foundation we have in Christ!!!
Brooksyne's note: I made a brief reference to Pastor Raymond Koh yesterday and today marks two years that he has been in captivity. A video has been presented in Malaysia that features Pastor Raymond's wife and two daughters. I believe it will inspire you to pray for his release and for his family as they wait for his return. Our longtime reader and friend, Laifong, from New England is close to this family and carries a heavy burden for them which is how we came to learn about Pastor Raymond. Video
"Cornerstone" Video Austin Stone Worship Live We ended our service this last Sunday with this song and what a great declaration of the firm foundation we have in Christ!!!
Brooksyne's note: I made a brief reference to Pastor Raymond Koh yesterday and today marks two years that he has been in captivity. A video has been presented in Malaysia that features Pastor Raymond's wife and two daughters. I believe it will inspire you to pray for his release and for his family as they wait for his return. Our longtime reader and friend, Laifong, from New England is close to this family and carries a heavy burden for them which is how we came to learn about Pastor Raymond. Video
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
We realize there are many fine
ministries and causes requesting support
but if the Lord would lead you we surely need
and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners.Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
Please Note:
We also provide this easy option due to the
convenience, for international supporters, and
for those who may not be concerned regarding
receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here
to send an offering using PayPal. This
will open to a page that states "Brooksyne
Weber"Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. We do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2019 Stephen
C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA