Morning Devotional

1 Timothy 6:17-19 17 Tell people who are rich at this time not to become egotistical and not to place their hope on their finances, which are uncertain. Instead, they need to hope in God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others. 19 When they do these things, they will save a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future. That way they can take hold of what is truly life.

This past weekend and many other times throughout the year I hear when people give extravagantly they feel filled with something they cannot get in other ways. In the passage above, along with the rest of chapter 6, the apostle Paul saw people lose their ways from the faith when money, or selfishness of their time was their life’s highest goal (cf. 1 Timothy 6:9-10). He urged Timothy to “run away” from a life that based its primary hope on finances and self. Instead, he called Timothy and the members of his congregation to a different view of what we today call “retirement planning.” He said to actively “do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others at the expense of themselves” was the best way to lay a good foundation for the future. Those choices would enable them to take hold of “what is truly life.”
   
Today so much around us tries to convince us that self and money is the most important part of a satisfying life, retirement. Advertising and most political manifestos are designed by subtle and very direct ways to make us think; If only I had...I would be filled with contentment. Paul is telling us, and experience shows me people are most content, filled when they are giving of themselves extravagantly. Sacrificing their time and financial resources to be rich in the future. Recently a friend was rewarded publicly for doing just this and he would admit, his retirement is fuller because of giving.  

​I hope to see you this morning as we recognize and celebrate within our family those who gave in a different way; our Veterans. Thank you.

Almighty God, Lord Jesus, thank you for being my ultimate mentor, guide, and accountability partner. Teach me to value what you value, to take hold of what is truly life. Lord, I thank you for the love I was surrounded with these past few day sof hard work.I pray for each who gave so generously to bring this community together, if only for a moment. Lord I ask for Your continued blessing to be upon Your children here. Protect us Lord as we obey the Word we know. Lord, I pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus, Amen