Kingdom Wealth – Part III
Key Verse: Luke 12:21
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God”.
Additional Reading: Luke 12:13-34
Luke 12:22 tells us that Jesus turned from the crowd to His disciples in order to give them an important message about money. Jesus told them that His Followers can and should stop worrying about everyday life.
I think he wanted them to realize how important this message is and to be sure they passed it on when He went back to Heaven. Things like having enough food and clothes for this life is always going to be taken care of by our Father in Heaven. Our focus on whether we will have enough money for our future is wasted energy if we are Christ-followers. God has already said He would make sure our every need is provided!
The Apostle Paul reminded the Philippian Christ-followers of this fact in His letter to them: “And the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NLT).
Have you ever thought about why we read so many references to fear and worry in the Bible?
I’m convinced that God totally understands how hard it is for us not to have worries and fears about our finances and our future needs. Therefore, so much of the Bible is dedicated to how to handle money; more references than to heaven. God knows it is not easy, but He won’t give up on trying to help us to relax in His care over us. He wants us to enjoy the Abundant Life that Jesus said He came to give us (John 10:10).
The next time you catch yourself starting to worry or experience a fear, immediately stop. Say to yourself: “God you have decided to take care of me, and I have decided to let you and trust you”.
The evil one will never stop trying to destroy us, but he knows that he doesn’t have the power. The only thing he can do is threaten us and throw at us thoughts of worry and fear.
The Apostle Paul calls these threats and thoughts, “flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16b). What does Paul say our only shield against them? Our faith in God’s Word. We do have a free will that God won’t interfere with. So if you want to continue to let these worries and fears grow in your mind and heart, you can. But you can also decide that, with God’s help, you are going to stop them when they first enter your mind and claim God’s promises for you!
God knows you need money, but we must let Him decide the amount we can handle and still maintain a rich relationship with Him!
Father, please help me to trust you and your Word. Thank you for knowing and caring for all my needs. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.