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From: Bayo
Afolaranmi
Dearly Beloved, WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WEALTH? "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it" (Proverbs 10:22, NIV). When one is talking about wealth, ones mind quickly goes to the popular definition of the word "wealth" which a dictionary gives as "(possession of a) large amount of money, property, etc." Another meaning by an encyclopedia is "an accumulation of goods having economic value." It is simply referred to as "riches." However, this write-up is aimed at the broader meaning of the word - a large amount of something. This thing may be education, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, skill, talent, experience, intelligence, etc. A Yoruba proverb literally goes thus: the source of wealth is fil thy. One is bound to agree with this proverb if one thinks of getting wealth in the worldly way. To be wealthy either in monetary or material term or in the general term is not an easy thing. The curse of God on man after the fall in the Garden of Eden is part of this hardship in getting wealth (see Genesis 3:17-19). Those that are wealthy in term of any of these will explain better what they passed through before they could become what they are today. In fact, the source of the wealth of many rich people today cannot be exposed to other people because of its filthiness morally. Nevertheless, the proverb is in great contrast to the teachings of the Bible. In spite of the curse that makes things difficult for man, the Bible says, "Wealth and honor come from you [i.e. God]; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all" (1 Chronicles 29:12, NIV). In another place, God told the people of Israel, " remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18, NIV). It is this kind of wealth that comes from the blessing of the LORD to which He adds no trouble. The source of such wealth is not filthy. It is clean and godly. Any one who has it will enjoy it to the fullness. But the worldly wealth will always bring insatiable desire for more that will make one who has it not to enjoy it. What is the source of your wealth? Is it filthy or godly? As you are aspiring to become wealthy financially, materially or in other areas, what would you want to be the source of your wealth? Ask for the blessings of God that bring wealth with no sorrow. ================================================
"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:32, NIV). As I was editing a devotional write-up for one of my denominations publications for next year, I came across this proverb that the writer used to support a point: "He who does not eat rat should not use his teeth to divide it for the children." The proverb amused me. However as I pondered on it further, I realized that many Christians are like that proverbial man. They would not want to do something, especially bad thing, but they take pleasure in such things when other people are doing them. King Solomon took pleasure in foreign women when God forbade the people of Israel not to do so (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The Bible says, "King Solomon loved many foreign women . They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods. Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love" (1 Kings 11:1-2, NIV). These foreign women gradually led him away from God. Some good kings of Judah had a flaw - "the high places, however, were not removed" (1 Kings 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35, NIV). This flaw was recorded against Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amasiah, Azariah, and Jotham. Their problem for not removing these high places was probably that they took pleasure in them. It is ludicrous that some people in the Christian faith are taking pleasure in things that are contrary to the word of God. A good example of this is the controversial ordination of homosexuals in some Christian denominations. I wonder what messages such denominations want to pass across to the unbelievers. What are those bad and wrong things that you also take pleasure in? In what way do you approve of those that are doing such bad and wrong things? Beware that you do not take pleasure in bad and wrong things. ===========================================================
From: Bayo Afolaranmi
Dearly Beloved,
TAKE CARE OF
YOURSELF!
"Stop drinking only water, and use a
little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" (1 Timothy
5:23, NIV).
The above Bible passage has been one
of the most misinterpreted and misapplied ones. In fact, it is one of those
controversial verses of the Bible. Drunkards and those that are inclined to
drinking too much wine and alcoholic drinks are quick to refer to it in support
of their action. However, as I was in a Sunday school class one Sunday, I saw a
different application to the instruction of Paul to Timothy: Timothy should take
care of himself. The means of doing this was taking of some wine. Other places
where the Bible refers to wine as something of medicinal substance are: Second
Samuel 16:2 where it was said to revive the faint; Proverbs 31:6 where it was
said to be suitable as a sedative for people in distress; Luke 10:34 where the
Samaritan poured oil and wine on the wounds of the injured traveler; and Matthew
27:34 and Mark 15:23 where it was mixed with a drug to ease suffering.
Well, this devotional write-up is not
aimed at supporting or not supporting the use of wine, but to underscore the
importance of taking care of oneself. Paul was concerned about the well being of
Timothy, and he recommended to him a way of taking care of himself. No doubt,
Timothy yielded to this advice to his own good.
Medical and other advices have been
given to many people today, and many people do not yield to such good advices to
their detriment. Are you one of such people that do not yield to medical,
professional, ministerial and other specialized advices about your health,
business, family or other endeavors? Part of taking care of yourself is yielding
to such good advices.
"Listen to advice and accept
instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20, NIV).
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi
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