Pastor's Blog

"The Temptation of Riches"

The Temptation of Riches

Memory verse

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9

 The problem described here is not riches, but the eager desire for riches. Therefore, this truth applies to people of great wealth as well as people who are poor. It describes the person who sets his heart on acquiring more, merely for the sake of having more, no matter what their income is. The Apostle Paul is waving a warning flag to those who keep planning to get rich. Then, like a fisherman casting a lure, so the devil will set a trap to cause the one to covet the wrong objects. If we are not careful, we will step into the snare and be entangled as an animal. Beware of the bait of wealth and materialism.

 Prayer point:

• Gracious Providing Father, remind me that all I need comes from Your merciful hand. You are my portion. Help me to grow in what You have given and not desire what You have graciously withheld.

"What is Great Gain"?

What is Great Gain?

“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment…” 1 Timothy 6:6

Our ideas of what it means to have great gain needs to be updated to reflect the teaching of Scripture. Godliness, not wealth, brings great gain. The word “contentment” means to be independent of external circumstances. It is used here to reflect an attitude of mind that is dependent on God alone. Godliness, when accompanied by contentment, does what money and possessions cannot do. Godliness is great gain because in it we benefit not only of being heirs of the world but also of enjoying Christ and all His riches. Psalm 37:16 states, “Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.”

 Prayer Point:

• Gracious Father, help me not to love money and possessions. Help me to understand that Jesus Christ is the source of all the riches of this world. Remind me that if I have Christ, I am full and content.

"The Great Power of Love"

"The Great Power of Love"

Memory Verse:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Philippians 1:9

 R.C. Chapman was a pastor, teacher, and evangelist in the 19^th century. Some in his day referred to him as the “apostle of love”. Chapman is a good example of what the Apostle Paul is striving towards in his words to the Philippians. Essentially, we cannot overlook the power of loving one another. Paul’s prayer is that our love would abound…more…and even more still. We must pray for a super abundance of the power of love. Love can get side lined in the mix of schedules, deadlines, programs, and obstacles. R.C. Chapman said, “Though Christ can be grieved at a thousand things in us that no eye but His can see, yet none is so easily pleased as He by our little endeavors of love.”  

 Prayer points:

• Almighty God, help me remember that I am loved by You. You surround me by Your love. Help me to love others in Your name.