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Today’s Devotional – September 24th

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Millionaires For God!

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“man…supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall

into temptation and a snare,

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,

which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil:

which while some coveted after,

they have erred from the faith,

and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.”

1st Timothy 6:3, 5-10

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Does God want our money? Does God need our finances?

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Well, there once was a young man who thought so!

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Yes, this young man decided to dedicate his life to building a financial empire, promising to give as much money as possible to God’s causes!

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And so, this ambitious young man strove harder and toiled longer than most every one else! And beside his incredible work-ethic, he was very shrewd, implementing never-before-used business and marketing practices, far ahead of his time!

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Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart & Wikimedia 

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“whosoever…forsaketh not all…he cannot be My disciple.”

Luke 14:33

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And so, in the process of time, this business and marketing wizard founded one of the world’s biggest corporations! And he was true to his commitment, to give vast amounts of money to various charitable Christian causes! Yes, some have suggested that this business whiz gave up to 70% of his vast fortune to others. And after his death, he left a huge estate, which became a charitable foundation, which has lasted through the past decades!

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Did you hear what was just said? “After his death, he left a huge estate, which became a charitable foundation“. In other words, while he indeed gave much, he also kept a vast fortune back for himself!

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And this Christian entrepreneur no doubt became the role-model for many other Christian entrepreneurs, who likewise dedicated their lives to becoming “millionaires for God”!

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Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

Chicago Sears Tower – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-Alike License – This building not related to this devotional

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JUST WHAT IS TO BE OUR GOAL?

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And so, what’s the problem with this? Doesn’t God want our money to bless His various causes?

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Listen, “…men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1st Timothy 6:6-8

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So why is it that this young entrepreneur could not digest this above passage? Why could he not be satisfied with food and raiment? And why did he not take to heart the rest of this passage?

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Listen as this passage continues, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1st Timothy 6:8, 9

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OK, with such a warning as this, why would any Christian want to get rich? Why put one’s self in such a dangerous situation as 1st Timothy warns of?

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Question Marks – At a loss – svg – Wikimedia Commons – Share-Alike License

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John Wesley

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in contrast to this modern-day entrepreneurial money-mogul, John Wesley became a popular preacher in the 1700’s.

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Yes, John Wesley was a high-energy preacher who was largely responsible for the Great Awakening in the late 1700’s (God working through him, of course)! And he eventually received a sizable income. And no matter what one may think of Wesley and his free-will gospel teachings, one thing stands out in the way he conducted his finances. He did not allow himself to get comfortable with the money which came his way. 

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Listen… “I throw it (money) out of my hands as soon as possible, lest it should find its way into my heart.”

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Now John Wesley, it is said, lived on as little as 2% of his rather large income, giving away up to 98% of it! Yes, Wesley did not trust himself with earthly riches. And so, little doubt, he dispensed his riches to various causes. 

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Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

Hamilton Portrait of John Wesley – 1703-1791 – www.wikigallery.org

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GOD DOESN’T WANT OUR MONEY, BUT OUR HEART!

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Listen… “whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine.” Job 41:11

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This above verse from the Book of Job (pronounced with a long “o”), presents a concept which begs an answer to the following question… “Does God need our money? Did God bring us into Christianity, so that we can fill His coffers with silver and gold?”

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No, God doesn’t want our money! He wants a heart purified and transformed into His likeness!

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Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

Rich Young Ruler – Hoffman – wikimedia commons – US public domain

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CUT-THROAT BUSINESS PRACTICES

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Oh, and by the way, history records that this well-known entrepreneur tycoon, which this devotional has focused on, eventually began to implement hard-nosed, cut-throat business practices against at least one of his competitors. Yes, he tried to under-cut that competitor, so as to drive him entirely out of business!

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So, obviously, this so-called “Christian” tycoon did not always believe in bringing Christian values into his business dealings! Very sad!

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But you can’t say the Bible didn’t warn him against going after earthly riches!

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Certainly, Paul’s aforementioned warning in 1st Timothy 6:5-10 should have! 

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Stack of money – Wikimedia – Public-Domain

Public Domain artwork of a businessman image – twitter.com/openclipart – Wikimedia 

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TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me the desire to conform myself into the image of Christ! Give me the desire to become like Him in every way…

Praying Hands – Otto Greiner – Wikimedia – bassenge.com – Cropped image – Public Domain

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “December 10 (John Wesley-Man on fire!)“ or you can also read… “November 18 (Squirreling Away Money)“

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

 

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“THE GLORY OF MAN,

AS THE FLOWER…

FALLS AWAY”…

1st Peter 1:25

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WiltedRose wikimedia public domain

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FLOWER OF THE FIELD IN HEAVEN 

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This is perhaps one of the most amazing constellations that God has created. It truly looks like a flower, and appears to be blowing in the direction westward. But as summer begins to pass, this constellation appears to bow itself down, just like the flowers of Earth bow down, at the summer’s end.

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And these are not merely obscure stars. These are among the biggest and brightest stars in the night heavens.

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The Two Turtle-Doves Constellation is also known as Sagittarius.

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The Flower of the Field is also known as Scorpio .

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But there is another obvious aspect to this constellation group. Notice that the birds are flying in the same direction as the flower is bending; it is as if the east wind is blowing these heavenly messengers. “The wind blows where it desires, and you hear the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8. 

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So here is another incredible Bible concept, written in the heavens. 

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READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Flower of the Field Constellation” 

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TOMORROW:

“September 25th (The Ishmael Within!)”

Hagar and Ishmael – Wikipedia – Share-Alike License

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20+ MINUTE AUDIO JEREMIAH STUDY

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE ENCOURAGED TO BEGIN FOLLOWING THIS 650+ AUDIO BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH EACH DAY ON THIS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. 

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THIS IS STUDY #265 PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

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Those who are interested in using photos on this page may click on the provided image credit link below each photo, to get to Wikimedia Commons for various licensing names, details, and tags, and all other necessary info on any particular photo.