Today's Passage - 1 Timothy 6:17-19

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 1 Timothy 6:17-19    "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."                  Paul reminds us not to put our hope in the uncertain wealth; when someone put their hope in wealth, their hearts can no longer have room for the Lord. Don't assume those who put their hope in wealth must be the rich, in fact people with no money also put their hope in wealth; the people who buy lottery, most of them are not rich, but their hearts' desire to get rich are more than the desire for God. A person who put his hope in wealth, wealth becomes the invisible power, taking hold of his heart, and then naturally he'll follow the money and not following God.                  I used to think money is neutral, it all depends how you and I use them. But now I realize there is a power of darkness behind the wealth. It appears on the surface of how we decide how to use money; in fact we unconsciously are under the influence of the power of money. This is why people's worth and stature in the world are usually measured by money; so the power of money keeps on driving us to labor. The strange thing is, no matter how much you earn, it seems that you need to earn more to make ends meet!                  Martin Luther once said, "Christians need three kinds of repentance: repentance of the heart, repentance of the mind, as well as repentance of the wallet!" Though it's not easy, Jesus says, "with man this is impossible, but all things are possible with God." As long as you put your hope in wealth, you cannot escape the bondage of the power of the world. But once you really put your hope in God, trusting that His grace is sufficient for you, and then God can free you from the anxieties, and let you experience His abundant provisions.              Pray with Pastor Tong           In the victorious name of Jesus, unshackle the power of money over the brothers and sisters; let our eyes turn to you again, trusting your abundant provision and guidance. You are our shepherd, we shall not want. With thanks we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!