Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart
Keep in mind that our reading today comes from the Preacher’s closing remarks. As such, we encounter those important “last-minute details” we mustn’t overlook. These few verses handle three hot-button items: Marriage, Sex, and Money.
Times haven’t changed that much because we could agree those are highly relevant topics still today. What wisdom can we glean for ourselves?
Continue reading “Hebrews 13:4-6 – Sex & Money”
Paul’s parting words to close out his first letter to Timothy share great wisdom. While he is using the example of a rich person, I realize not everybody has great riches. In fact, there is more poverty in this world than wealth. If you have healthy bank accounts, Paul’s message should surely resonate with you!
Several readings ago, Paul spoke of being careful of the evil money can evoke. It’s not the money that is evil, it can be used for good. So, Paul encourages Timothy, “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.” We have all known very generous people, but also seen those who keep all their wealth to themselves.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 6:17-21 – Guard What God Entrusts”
Look around your community. Do you see big houses in one area and smaller, run-down ones in another area? We do see that clear division between people based on their economic standing. God’s love and mercy is available for all, the rich and the poor!
Where’s the wealth? Paul suggests we are wealthy simply by being believers who will inherit the kingdom. “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” Ponder that verse for just a moment. You may need to put aside your current financial needs for just a moment lest they interfere with your feeling the enormous blessing you have as a follower of Jesus. Great wealth indeed!
Continue reading “1 Timothy 6:3-10 – Where’s the Wealth?”
Prosperity often eludes us, but not so for Solomon and his court. I love how this section starts off with an answered promise. You may recall God promised Abraham in Genesis 22:17, “I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” I love when the Bible points to itself. These people are those promised descendants!
A breath of fresh air! Solomon’s rule is peaceful, and there is harmony. I can’t help but remember how much fighting we read about during David’s reign. But then his gift was to be a warrior. His son is taking a different route. Could you even fathom the daily allowance of food and supplies for Solomon’s household?
Continue reading “1 Kings 4:20-34 – Prosperity”
Up to this point in our Proverbs’ texts, we have been preparing for this chapter and those to follow. Solomon has a lot to say about being wise and being foolish. We have met Wisdom and her counterpart, Folly. As we move forward in this book, known as wisdom literature, along with Ecclesiastes, we will see examples of wise and foolish actions.
Some of these examples will speak to you and others will not. If you shall read these verses a month from now or at some later date, it is entirely possible that other verses will speak to you. For purposes of my reflection, I will write on those verses that speak to me, and I encourage you to enter into the conversation and share in the comments what verses are speaking to you today.
Continue reading “Proverbs 10:1-10 – Be a Hard Worker”
