From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley

Show me the money! It seems so many times that we think if we just had more money, everything would be so much better. Hm-m – let's take a look at people with a whole lot more money…sports figures and Hollywood stars for instance. If money makes you stable and happy, why aren’t they stable and happy? Headlines are full of the rich and famous heading to divorce court, DUI convictions, kids who are really messed up. Whaaat? What about all the money? More often, it seems human beings have an entrenched inability to handle wealth and fame! Instead of making people humble and submissive to God, it seems to work the opposite. Money in and God out! Ever notice that when you are in want...you want God! But if you have so much that you don't need anything, it usually means you don't need God either.

Hm-m, must be why God said in Matthew 5 that the poor in spirit are blessed and in Matthew 6 not to just lay up earthly treasures which rot, but layup heavenly ones. It doesn't mean you can't be rich – I say go for it! But it does mean to watch out. The human nature tends to put God away while on the way to the bank! So, if you have just enough, or maybe even a smidge more – be grateful. You have one less hindrance to be used against you in growing closer to God. Rich in the Messiah, not your money, is your true fortune. Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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