Tuesday prayer & verses (02 02 2010)

Thought for the day

I heard about an expert in diamonds who happened to be seated on an airplane beside a woman with a huge diamond on her finger. Finally, the man introduced himself and said, "I couldn't help but notice your beautiful diamond. I am an expert in precious stones. Please tell me about that stone." She replied, "That is the famous Klopman diamond, one of the largest in the world. But there is a strange curse that comes with it." Now the man was really interested. He asked, "What is the curse?" As he waited with bated breath, she replied, "It's Mr. Klopman."

Seriously, the true curse of any kind of valuable possession is its capacity to steal our hearts and souls. As Jesus said,"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

This passage is one of many references Jesus made to the use of money and possessions. In fact, someone has calculated that about 15 percent of everything Christ said relates to this topic -- to give you a little perspective, that's more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined.

So why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? The reason is that there is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle our money. We may try to separate our faith and our finances, but God sees them as inseparable.

God doesn't care so much about your money. He wants your heart. But he knows that your heart will always follow your treasures.

That's the curse of all that we own."Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Verses

Hebrews 6:12

and not get lazy but be like those who by believing and being patient are getting what is promised.

Luke 8:11

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.”

Philippians 4:6

Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks.

1 Kings 13:6

Then the king answered and said to the man of God, "Please entreat the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me." So the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him, and became as it was before.

Proverbs 10:22

It is the LORD's blessing that brings wealth, and no effort can substitute for it.

Prayer

Father, You’ve given us so many venues in which we have opportunity to prove ourselves faithful. In our relationships, our work, our ministries and the marketplace we want to be faithful in the responsibilities entrusted to us. When tempted to compromise due to seemingly insurmountable pressures we face, help us to remember that faithfulness to You is the greatest reward. To hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” are the most joyous words of affirmation we will ever receive! Keep us faithful, Lord Jesus, for it is in Your name that we pray. Amen.