Tuesday, February 24, 2015
I’m sure you all know some people who appear to know everything on every subject. I bet a name or two may have popped up in your head at this point. Pastor Mike reminded us of this in one of his messages this past Sunday. He focused on Proverbs 19:21, which reads: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” The Good News Translation of the Bible says it this way: “People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord’s will is going to be done.”
Brother Mike told of a man he met 18 years ago who told him back then that he would buy thirty dollars worth of lottery tickets every week, insisting that one day he would win the big prize. He saw him again recently and found out he’s still buying thirty dollars worth of lottery tickets every week. Obviously this poor fellow has yet to win the big one but if you think about it, if he had started saving thirty dollars a week 18 years ago, he would have more than 28 thousand dollars today, and that’s without taking the earned interest into consideration. The “counsel” the King James Version speaks about is God’s Word, which includes the teachings regarding the dangers and pitfalls involving money, especially the love of it. (See 1 Timothy 6:10) Many people continue to insist on leaning on their own devised ideas, plans, or systems, never taking into consideration what God’s Word says regarding each and every issue of life. Sadly, many of these know God’s Word advises us to trust, seek, and acknowledge Him in all our decisions, yet they choose to do their own thing. (See Proverbs 3:5-6) Here is another verse all churchgoers hear often: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12) Here again, many are familiar with this verse but continue to live their lives as if they alone are the masters of their own ship.
I admit that money is important and necessary to a certain point, but to love it and think it is going to buy us happiness is foolish. I personally believe that we can only experience true happiness when we find ourselves in the center of God’s will for our lives. The next time we start thinking about the ideas, plans, or decisions we have for our lives, may we never forget to consult with God’s Word first. When we do, we will be safe.
Verse for the week (Mt. 25:40) “The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
