Memorize: Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk; Acts 3:6;
Devotional Reading: Matthew 6:1-34
One of the things that plague our world today, especially our young people is desire for wealth, which many pursue almost at any cost. These desires have led many into unexpected castration and some have died in their pursuits. What the world is celebrating today as success is emptiness. Some of the things people celebrate in life are: silver, gold, huge sums of money, large organisations, international influence and many more. If someone possess any of the above, it will be said that the person is living and enjoying life. God is not in the picture of many of these achievements. The glory of their success and achievements was not given to God. What is life without God? A life lived without Christ will end in crisis.
Peter and John were going to the temple to pray at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. They met a certain man, that was lame from his mother’s womb. They had none of the worldly treasures that could make them look important in the eyes of man, but they carry something that can buy the entire world. Peter used it and restored the health of the lame man.
The life that people celebrate and place high priority on today, is materialistic life and worldly treasures that will perish and fade away. Apostle Peter, in his book, encouraged us to pursue an inheritance that is incorruptible and that will not fade away. 1 Peter 1:4; To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Casting my mind back, I have seen some Western and African leaders who amassed so much wealth at the expense of their impoverished citizens, but when they died, they lost everything. Some even lost all the wealth, connections and power whilst still alive. Things they never thought could leave them – it shows how empty any life can be without God.
And for those who may not have lost those things, they take pride in them. If they do not have Jesus in their lives (the ONLY one who can give us real sustainable and enjoyable life ), prophet Ezekiel told us what will become of those things they cherish which some people even worship as idols.
“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD; they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity” Ezekiel 7:19.
If we look carefully at our world today, we will discover that history is about to repeat itself, many people of the world are living as if the world will not come to an end, they have quickly forgoten the time of Noah. Jesus is coming again, this world will come to an end soon, yet many are acquiring more wealth as if this world will not end, they are living as if they will live forever in this world.
Instead of depending on the things of this world, we are to “seek first His kingdom of God,” confident that “all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:19-33.
I pray for you today that God will change your affections to the things above and not on things below in Jesus name. Behold He comes!
Prayer point: O LORD, please make my life count here on earth and in heaven in Jesus name.
Key dose: Turn away from pursuing empty life, rather, seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
