2020-09-27
Proverbs 23:4 NKJV
Having more money can give you more opportunities to do good in the world. Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 NIV). And fulfilling that commission will require money – lots of it. But money by itself will never make you happy or secure. Solomon, one of the world’s richest men, writes: “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4-5 NKJV). When one of the world’s wealthiest men died recently, a reporter asked a family member, “How much did he leave?” The relative replied, “All of it!” No matter how much money you make, save, invest, or keep, eventually your money will leave you or you will leave your money. Someone wisely observed that there are seven ages of man: First, a child sees the earth. Second, he wants it. Third, he hustles to get it. Fourth, he decides to be satisfied with about half of it. Fifth, he decides he’d be satisfied with less than half. Sixth, he’s now content to possess a three-by-six-foot burial plot. Seventh, he gets it! There are lots of things you can live without – and great wealth is one of them. What you can’t live without, however, is peace with God, a family filled with love, a lifelong friendship with your kids, and a life well-lived for the glory of God.
Soul food: Lev 16; Lev 23:26-32; Heb 9:1-14
Proverbs 23:4 NLT
1 Timothy 6:10 tells us that ‘the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil’ (NIV). This verse is often misquoted to suggest that money itself is the most evil thing. The Biblical truth is that it’s our attitude to money that causes problems. With the right heart, having a lot of money can create real opportunities to do enormous amounts of good, though it’s not always necessary to have money to do Godly work. Jesus didn’t come from money. In Luke 2:22-24, we see that His family was too poor to offer the usual lamb at the time of his circumcision, and took birds instead. Jesus didn’t earn a salary in His years preaching, but He still built a network that eventually spread God’s Word around the world. However, to fulfil certain tasks in God’s Kingdom, money is necessary. As long as those involved maintain a sensible, generous heart, God can use all finances in a positive way. But if we start to love and crave money, or even develop anxious thoughts about it, money’s goodness goes out of the window. ‘All kinds of evil’ can creep in, and our attitude towards money holds an unhealthy amount of power over us. Proverbs 23:4 warns against letting our money mindset control our actions. It says, ‘do not wear yourself out to get rich’ (NIV). The most important thing is to have a prayerful sense of balance about our finances. If we’re in a season of having plenty, then we should hold loosely to what we have and share it generously. If we’re in a time where we have less, then we can use that as a reminder to rely on God, trusting that He always provides what we need.
Lev 16; Lev 23:26-32; Heb 9:1-14
2020-09-26
1 Timoteus 6:12 NLV
Hier is ses bewese Bybelse strategieë om die Vyand te oorwin wanneer hy teen jou optrek: 1) Dink aggressief. ‘Stry die goeie stryd vir dit waarin ons glo…’ Beplan soos ‘n generaal vir oorlog beplan; bestudeer hoe om jou vyand, die Duiwel, te benader en te oorwin. 2) Bid aggressief. Daar word vir ons gesê dat ons die troon met volle vrymoedigheid kan nader (sien Hebreërs 4:16). Moenie skaam wees vir God nie. Hy is jou Abba Vader. Jy is sy verloste kind, dus kan jy Hom met vertroue nader en vra vir wat jy nodig het. 3) Praat vreesloos. Die apostel Petrus skryf: ‘…Dan moet jy só preek dat Gód deur jou praat…’ (1 Petrus 4:11 NLV). Met ander woorde, gebruik ‘n bevelhebbende, gesaghebbende stemtoon wanneer jy die bose magte weerstaan. ‘…Vind krag in julle verhouding met die Here…’ (Efesiërs 6:10 NLV). 4) Wees vrygewig. Die vlak waarmee jy gee is die vlak waarmee jy sal ontvang. ‘Mense wat graag uitdeel ontvang altyd meer. Daar is ander wat suinig is en hulle word arm. Mense wat ‘n ander iets gun, het self altyd oorvloed…’ (Spreuke 11:24-25 NLV). Geen offer is te klein of te groot nie. 5) Werk ywerig. Die Bybel sê dat jy alles wat jou hand vind om te doen, met jou hele hart moet doen (sien Prediker 9:10). Moenie jou take met vrees en ‘n begeerte om te ontsnap aanpak nie. Moedig jouself in die Heilige Gees aan en maak die werk klaar (sien 2 Timoteus 1:6). 6) Wees onvoorwaardelik lief. As volgeling van Christus, moet jy streef om ander mense lief te hê soos Hy hulle lief het – onvoorwaardelik en opofferend.
Sielskos: Hoogl 5-8; Luk 23:39-49; Ps 91; Spr 21:28-31
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV
Here are six proven Bible strategies for defeating the Enemy when he comes against you. (1) Think aggressively. “Fight the good fight of faith…to which you were…called.” Plan and calculate like a general preparing for battle; study how to engage and defeat your enemy the Devil. (2) Pray aggressively. We are told to approach God’s throne “boldly” (See Hebrews 4:16). Which means aggressively! Don’t be bashful with God. He’s your “Abba,” which means “Daddy.” And you’re His redeemed child, so approach Him with confidence and ask for what you need. (3) Speak fearlessly. The apostle Peter writes, “Speak as though God himself were speaking through you” (1 Peter 4:11 NLT). In other words, use a commanding, authoritative tone when you resist the forces of evil. “Be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). (4) Give generously. The level at which you give is the level at which you receive. “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT). No offering is too small, and none too great. (5) Work intently. The Bible says whatever you put your hand to, do it with all your heart (See Ecclesiastes 9:10). Don’t approach your tasks with dread and a desire to escape. Stir yourself up in the Holy Spirit and get the job done (See 2 Timothy 1:6). (6) Love unconditionally. As a follower of Christ, you must endeavor to love others as He loves them – unconditionally and sacrificially.
Soul food: Song of Solomon 5-8; Luke 23:39-49; Ps 91; Prov 21:28-31
1 Timothy 6:12 NIV
As Christians, the devil will target us and try to steal our faith. But here are some Bible strategies for defeating him when he comes against you. 1) Think aggressively. ‘Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.’ Be prepared for a battle with the enemy, and immerse yourself in God’s Word so you’re equipped to defeat him. 2) Pray boldly. We’re told to approach God’s throne ‘boldly’ (see Hebrews 4:16). We don’t need to be shy with God. He’s our Father and we’re His redeemed children, so we can approach Him with confidence and ask for what we need. 3) Speak fearlessly. Peter wrote, ‘Speak as though God himself were speaking through you’ (1 Peter 4:11 NLT). When we’re speaking God’s Word, we’re empowered to speak with authority, which helps us stand up to evil forces and resist them. ‘Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power’ (Ephesians 6:10 NIV). 4) Give generously. ‘Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed’ (Proverbs 11:25 NLT). Whether we give our money, our time, or share our knowledge, nothing we offer is too big or too small. 5) Work intently. We shouldn’t approach our God-given work with dread and a desire to escape. The Bible says: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance form the Lord as a reward’ Colossians 3:23-24 NIV). 6) Love unconditionally. As followers of Christ, we must try to love others as He loves them – unconditionally and sacrificially.
Song of Solomon 5-8; Luke 23:39-49; Ps 91; Prov 21:28-31
