But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6.
The possession of riches opens the way to great temptation to become covetous and selfish, to add riches to riches, and to bury in houses and lands the means that should be returned to God. Many use their means to gratify the demands of appetite, to follow the fashions, and to build for themselves grand houses. They do not follow the example of Christ, who gave Himself with all He had for the benefit of the world to deliver men from the power of Satan.
But if those who possess means will follow the example of Christ, their hearts will be filled with benevolence, and they may help in the proclamation of the truth in the cities, in the highways and the byways, and in carrying the gospel to all nations….
God’s work must be sustained by tithes and gifts and offerings. The Lord now calls for the means that He has entrusted to His stewards. There should be a constant stream flowing into the treasury, that the work may not be hindered. To some, God has entrusted earthly riches to be held in trust and to be returned to Him as they may be required to carry forward His work in the earth. He requires from His stewards a faithful tithe of all their capital, and in addition to the tithe, He calls for gifts and offerings.
The Lord Jesus requires nothing more from His followers than He Himself has performed. Those who practice self-denial and self-sacrifice for the cause of God are but following His example. He laid off His royal robe and kingly crown, and stepped down from His high command. He became poor, that through His poverty we might come into possession of the eternal treasures. He gave not only His riches, but His own life in self-denial and self-sacrifice, that He might remove every hindrance from those who seek an entrance into the kingdom of God.
Those who are not exposed to the temptations of those who are rich in this world’s goods have no reason to complain, for the Prince of life has shared with them a life of poverty. He was tempted in all points like as we are. In our behalf He placed Himself as one with us in poverty, to show us how we may withstand the temptations of satanic agencies….
The Lord Jesus invites us to become laborers together with Him. He is the owner of and has claims upon all that we possess. By our willingness to help in His work, we may now show our love for Him.—Manuscript 40, April 9, 1905, “Faithful Stewardship.”
The Upward Look p. 113
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Brian, his mother, and his family. Rose
—-Asking for our Lord’s healing for prostate cancer. We’ve done all we can. Terry
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Dear Friends,
From the time she was a girl, my grandmother had collected beautiful ornaments to one day decorate her Christmas tree when she would have a home of her own. Throughout her life, she had added to that collection. As her collection grew, her relatives shared some of their decorations until by the time she was married, she had a collection well worth showing.
As a child, I always looked forward to the week before Christmas when my mother, my aunt, and I would walk to town, purchase a tree, and then drag it the mile back home. My mother, being an artist, always picked out the most symmetrical tree that was available. She was the one to decorate it. I followed her up the stairs to the attic and watched as she opened one of the dusty, old trunks that held those precious ornaments. I was never allowed to touch them as they were very delicate, but I could look to my heart’s content.
When the tree was completely decorated, it was truly a work of art. I have never seen any tree since that time that could rival any that my mother decorated. From the week before Christmas until New Years Day, most of my time was spent examining each item on that tree. In my mind’s eye, I can still see them.
We have a treasure available to us that is worth far more valuable than my grandmother’s ornaments. This treasure is worth everything. Our Dear Saviour tells us, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matt 13:52,44-46
In God’s Holy Word is a storehouse of treasures awaiting our discovery. On its pages are the instructions that we need for every aspect our life. Its words show us the path to Heaven. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb 4:12
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps 119:9-11;1:1-3;19:7-11
Paul tells us that the “holy scriptures, are able to make [us] wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 3:15-17;2:15
May we daily study our Great Creator’s Instruction Manual, meditating upon His precepts so that the evil one cannot get a foothold within our mind. May we value God’s Great Gift by adding to our knowledge each day the treasures He has for us in His Word. May we put away all of the distractions that would keep us from obtaining the Pearl of Great Price is my prayer.
Rose