A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (February 29, 2015)
Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:16-18)
My wife and I have served as Chaplains in the business arena for 27 years. We have been around a lot of very successful and wealthy people and have observed the struggles, the heartaches, and the temptations these people experience. They are human, just like you and me. They face the same struggles as we do but usually on a much more exaggerated scale.
Over the years we have noticed several things that have the ability to either derail the highly successful or keep them on track. The following are just a few examples:
1. Don’t forget that it is God that gives one the power to gain wealth. It is real easy to start believing that you are the gifted one and that all your success is because you are the smartest person around.
2. Don’t get too impressed with yourself. You can become your own God if you’re not careful.
3. Don’t hold onto to your possessions too tight. The most successful people are extravagant givers.
4. Never forget the reason you have been blessed. You are here to help God establish His covenant in this earth. You are here to reach people and populate the Kingdom. You are here to reach and lead people.
King Solomon was the richest man in the Bible. Do you recall how that all started? It began with a prayer and a right heart:
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)
These principles don’t just apply to Solomon. They apply to all of us. I am not saying that everyone will be as wealthy as Solomon was. Wealth can defined in a lot of different ways. What I am saying is that if you will delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart. Some of the wealthiest people I know do not have a lot of material possessions. On the other hand, some of the poorest people I know are very wealthy.
Solomon had the key. It wasn’t about me, me, me. It was all about the people. If you will keep your focus on helping people achieve their dreams then God will always make sure your dreams are taken care of.
Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:3-5, NLT)
