Reverence and Awe

Good Morning everyone. I am sure right about now we are all back to the grind of our daily lives, working off all the calories that all the good food left behind. I pray that all of you had a great Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on the great things that our Lord has blessed us with, our family, our homes, our church and most of all for our salvation through our savior Jesus Christ. As this time of reflection passes us by, my prayers are that you will continue to thank Him for all that He has done. This morning's devotion is another reminder for us that He is our Provider and all things come through Him. All of the blessings of material wealth that He has bestowed upon us can be lost and repayed a thousand fold.



This verse is a very important lesson in our finances and also a testimony of our faith. Spurgeon notes, that it is never pleasant to lose money even when it involves principle the flesh is not always ready to make the sacrifice. How true is this? I am reminded of a couple years ago when we were discussing the addition of our loft. It has been one of the best investments that we have made, but at the time we were so concerned about spending the money. Should we do this? Is it the best thing for our family? What if we spend the money on the loft and then we have an emergency happen? These are all questions of doubt that we were faced with? How little faith we had, not remembering that He will provide. Now with one child and one on the way, we, more importantly God, wouldn't have it any other way. He knows what we need even before we do.

For those times when we don't have money it is important to follow Spurgeons next point, "All these things and a thousand more would tempt the Christian to put forth his hand to unrighteous gain, or stay himself from carrying out his conscientious convictions, when they involve serious loss." Plainly put, don't do anything stupid. Even for the Christian, not having money can bring out the worst and desperation in people. We can start putting aside our "conscientious convictions" and doing whatever it takes, trying to do it in our strength and not relying upon God, who is our Provider. Oh, how we so easily forget that He is our portion, our strength, He gives and takes away, all things come through Him and by Him and they are all for His glory. These words are easier written than lived out, I assure you, I am thankful for God has saved me numerous times from my desperation. I will save these stories for another time.

"God's smile and a dungeon are enough for a true heart; His frown and a palace would be hell to a gracious spirit." Our treasure is in heaven loved ones, and Spurgeon closes with this, "Meanwhile, even now, the Lord maketh the meek to inherit the earth, and no good thing doth He withhold from them that walk uprightly."

And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. - 2 Chronicles 25:9