TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19
“The
Lord…gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Dt 8:18 NIV
SEEK
GOD—NOT THINGS!
God holds back “no good from those do what is right”
(Ps 84:11 NLT). But it’s important to acknowledge Him as the source of all your blessings. And on this one, we all
fall short! Let’s face it, more isn’t always better. In fact, your dependence
on God lessens as your dependence on things increases. That’s why Levitical Law
discouraged empire-building. IN the Old Testament, loans to the poor were to be
interest-free (See Ex 22:25); outstanding debts canceled every seven years (See
Dt 15:1-2); slaves freed and given the means to start over (See Dt 15:12-14);
foreclosed land redeemed by family (See Lev 25:25); and property that was sold,
or lost and not redeemed, returned to its original owner (See Lev 25: 14-17).
Why? Because God wanted His people to depend on Him, not possessions. So He cautioned them, “When…all you have is
multiplied…You may say…’My power and…strength…have produced this’…remember the
Lord…gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Dt 8:13-18 NIV). God’s
principles haven’t changed. Andy Stanley points out that a list of do’s and don’ts
is like having a man giving you directions. If he hands you a map, you focus on
it, but when you’re following the
man, you focus on him. The Bible
doesn’t say that God is a rewarder of those seeking “things.” No—it says, “He
is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
(Heb 11:6 NKJV). Bottom line: if you’re depending on anything but God, you’ll
always struggle. “Don’t worry about these things…your heavenly Father already
knows…and will give you everything you need” (Mt 6:31-33 NLT).
Taken
from the Word for you Today devotional
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