Today’s Word

“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” ~ Luke 12:15-21(NIV)

In today’s contemporary Christian churches there appears to be an obsession with acquiring wealth. It is the underlying agenda and motivating factor behind almost every religious broadcast, popular preaching personality and charismatic sermon. It consumes our every waking hour and energy and is the main objective of many of our prayers. It shapes and determines our values. Strangely, the panacea of money leads more to ruin than to wealth. People will do anything necessary to obtain it as is evidenced in pornography, music, film, entertainment, politics and now even the Christian Church.

St. John Chrysostom once said, “Riches are not forbidden, but the price of them is.” Nowadays it is difficult to decide which is more dangerous–the love of money in a materialistic society or the Christian’s rationalization for joining in the chase for wealth.

REPENT!

Today’s Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ I ask You to please forgive me for all of my sins today especially the sin of greed–for allowing material wealth to come between me and You. I repent of my transgressions today. Have mercy on me Oh God! I know that I should never serve things but that things are given to serve me. I am taught out of Your Word that every good and perfect gift, every financial resource, material possessions or intangible blessings have been given to me by You. Thanks for reminding me that I am more than the sum total of my possessions. I am more than a fine house, a nice car, fabulous clothes and spectacular jewelry. Thank You for reminding me that what I have is not who I am. And what I don’t have doesn’t change who I am in You. Thank You for reminding me that this world is temporary but who I am is eternal. Give me a heart like thine Oh Lord—one that loves to give instead of to receive. Help me to make decisions and choices that are not greedy but generous. Empower me to resist the temptations of prosperity and the deceptive greed of worldly wealth. Guard my life against those who preach prosperity and money. Keep me away from those who would use money to manipulate and influence me. Give me a discerning spirit to guard me against all kinds of greed. Help others to see You in me and not in the things that You bless me with, for Life does not exist in things but in You! This is my prayer today In Jesus’ Name, Amen.