Daily Treasure

“They that trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Psalm 49:6, 7).
  
Is it a sin to be wealthy? No. Wealth can be a true blessing and can be used for the glory of God. Lack of trust in the Lord in handling the affairs of wealth can lead to trouble. Some of the most contented folks I know have nothing. If wealth is not handled with trust in the Lord it cannot bring happiness. Wealth can contribute to the cause of Christ but it cannot purchase the things God provides. We are bought by the precious blood of Jesus and that can’t ever be matched in monetary value. Christians have a wealth of which the world knows nothing. It comes from our heavenly Father and cannot be bought.

Ladies let us submit our lives completely to Him and we shall bask in the wealth God gives.

PRAY TOGETHER:  Begin praying about what you will do with the PreEaster packets for World Missions.

“Charge them that are rich in this world; that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

PRAY TOGETHER:  Begin praying about what you will do with the PreEaster packets for World Missions.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

We are talking about Trusting God with our financial wealth in our Bible study lesson this month. Our new national project is *20/20/20 Building for the Future. This is a wonderful time to launch it in light of our Bible studies.

Are you trusting God? Add the *20/20/20 Building for the Future plan to your financial giving for the next two years.

PRAY TOGETHER:  E-TEAMers and CMP participants need prayer and support as they begin raising funds for their summer mission trips.

*Read more about 20/20/20 Building for the Future, in the March/April Together With God magazine.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Though our Bible study takes all its scripture from the book of Matthew, I thought I’d close this set with the above scripture. Jesus taught parable lessons in Matthew to help us understand about God and His kingdom. He made it easier for us to comprehend that all He requires of us in this life is to simply trust Him and be obedient to His Word. We are pilgrims heading for the kingdom.

A familiar hymn states, “this world is not my home I’m just passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” While we wait for our Master’s return, He hasn’t given us a long list of things we have to accomplish before we enter the kingdom. All he asks of us is to “be found faithful.” After we accept Christ, we must continue on in our faith, living our lives, as if Christ could come today. He died for us so one day we could live with Him. He bestows on us daily provision and blessings. In thanksgiving to Him, we should strive to be the best steward we can be.

PRAY TOGETHER: Pray that God would nudge individuals to enter the Creative Arts Contest. Deadline is March 1.

“And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his several ability, and straightway took his journey” (Matthew 25:15).

The above verse is just a portion of the familiar parable of the talents. In the parable we see talents as being money. All servants were given different amounts by their master to manage until his return. Two of them handled theirs wisely and doubled what they were given. Their master was so pleased he gave them more responsibility and invited them to rejoice with him. The third servant hid his money and didn’t even bother to place it in a bank. When his master returned, he made excuses. The master told him to give his talent to the servant who now had ten and punished the servant severely for his laziness and disobedience.

Whether it is financial or spiritual gifts, which could both be called talents, God, our Master, has bestowed on each of us in various degrees, something to manage until His return. How we handle what God entrusts to us can depend on our level of faith and obedience. Even in this life, He may give us more as He sees how we use what we are and have to please Him. What we have and are is not about “what’s in it for me.” It’s all about pleasing our Master. Someday soon our Master will return. Woe unto those who have wasted their lives, squandering what God has given them. The severe punishment of being cast into outer darkness forever should make people consider the error of their ways. However, those who have been good and faithful servants will be invited to rejoice with the Master for all eternity.

PRAY TOGETHER: Is someone on your heart today? Bring them to the Lord in prayer.

“The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of” (Matthew 24:50).

We have talked about the faithful servant, but what about the evil one? What about the one who has failed to be a good servant? This would be the person who thought more of his wealth and possessions than he did of God. These are people who did not see the necessity of turning their trust and all they had over to Jesus for His use and glory. They will be in for a rude awakening. One day the One they did not serve as Master of their life will return and they won’t be ready. Everything they accumulated in this life won’t mean a thing when they face the judgment.

Prepare for the day when either your account will has been settled in Heaven, or, you will show you have wasted your life and all God entrusted to you. Will you be found a faithful or evil servant?

PRAY TOGETHER: Make your closet a prayer closet. Will you need to eliminate clothing to make room? Pray about this.

“Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods” (Matthew 24:47).

As we continue with the parable mentioned in yesterday’s devotion, I believe faithful stewards will be blessed not only for eternity, but in this life as well. Just as the lord was willing to entrust even more to his servant, God is proud of our endeavors for Him. Even when we feel we can’t do much, if our hearts and motives are pure, God is pleased with what we strive to do and gives us added blessings.

The greatest reward all faithful stewards anticipate will be when they hear these words from the Master, “….Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21).

PRAY TOGETHER: The Outlaw Gang is now settled in Central Asia. Pray for the children as they attend school and for David and Angie as they study and minister.