Daily Devotional Betty Miller shares her daily devotionals which are based on the book of Proverbs in
the Bible.
The Wisdom of God
Verses for the Day:
Proverbs 28:15-16 (KJV): 15 As a roaring lion, and a
ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that
hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Proverbs 28:15-16 (AMP): 15 Like a roaring lion or a
ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is (like a wicked one) a great oppressor, but
he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days.
Thoughts for the Day:
These verses
from Proverbs tell us that a ruler who is wicked is
like a wild, hungry animal that is looking to devour its prey. They are without
God's understanding and are oppressors; however, if rulers hate covetousness and
unjust gain, they will reign longer and live longer.
Wicked people who
rule in positions of authority who are covetous, will always oppress those under
them. These kinds of rulers never think about the poor, but rather use them for
their own selfish means. They really are like a "beastly" animal. In the
book of Revelation, the Lord uses the description of a "beast" to describe
a system that will rule in the earth. The root of this system is ruled by the
love of money. This love of money is not only a snare to rulers, but also
a snare to the poor as well. It is also a snare to the church. Many
today are already spiritually marked with the "mark of the beast," which, in
part, is the love of money.
Revelation
13:16-17:
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and
bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the
name of the beast, or the number of his name.
This buying and selling
is the monetary system of the world. The majority of people today are
chasing after money. They are seeking the things of this world, such as
newer cars and bigger houses. They are seeking what the Gentiles were
seeking in Matthew 6:31-32 (the things of this world).
It makes no difference whether they are rich or poor; the poor want it
too, but simply do not know how to get it. This "beastly" system has
everybody seeking the wrong god. They are buying so they can sell, and
selling so they can buy. The stock market, the whole monetary system, is
filled with that. Those who have placed their trust in that system are
"marked with the beast."
As Christians, we buy
and sell. But we are not buying and selling our souls like the rest of
the world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world
(John. 17:14-16). We touch and handle the things of this world,
but it is not in our hearts; it is not a part of us. We are not marked
with the "beast" system. As totally dedicated Christians, when God asks
us to do anything, we lay everything down, leaving it behind, as we go
and do what He has asked. We are able to forsake all, because we are not
marked with the "mark of the beast;" we are not caught up in the love of
money. We are not caught up in the buying and selling, because we know
our true riches are in heaven. We can use the things of this world, but
those things are not what rules us. Our greatest treasure is our love of
God.
The "beast" system has
infiltrated the church through carnal Christians. These carnal, worldly
Christians are puzzled by other Christians not seeking after money. They
are surprised when some will not sell out for money. Some people try to
buy men, even in the church. Those who are not committed believers will
sell out. There are pastors who will not deal with an elder's sin
because that elder has a lot of money. The beast system is ruling their
hearts. Such pastors are not wholly serving the Lord; they are part of
the "beast" system. Many ministries will sell out for money. They will
go minister where they can receive the largest offering, rather than
where God might ask them to go. They are not being led by the Spirit of
God. The true church will not sell out; she had rather die, than sell
out for money. The love of money has been the downfall of many, many
ministers. Such men never got the "beast" system out of their hearts;
they never crucified their flesh, so the enemy used the love of money to
defeat them, and to cause them to deceive many other people, as well.
But those who have the mind of Christ and are doing the works of God
with their hands are not going to sell out to the "beast" system. They
are worshipping the true and living God. They are remaining faithful to
God Almighty, rather than committing spiritual adultery by loving the
things of this world.
Many Christians have
sold out to the "beast" system by allowing its lusts and pleasures to
consume most of their time and money. They have money for the things
they desire, but do not have the money to tithe and give to God.
Although there have been abuses in the area of preachers manipulating
God's people to give (which is the "beast" system in such ministers), we
still are not excused, if we fail to obey God in the realm of giving.
When we allow money to rule us, then we have been marked by "beastly"
thinking. The true bride of Christ will love her God in all areas of her
life and not be like a "beast" who ravages others and sells out for
money.
Prayer for the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am grateful for Your bountiful provision in every area of my life. Lord,
I do not want to cling to the things of this world and lean upon them for my
security. May I always know that my security and blessings come from You,
and You alone; no matter what source or channel You have chosen to bless me
through. Lord, I am grateful for my blessings, but I never want to put them
above You. Deliver me from the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and
the pride of life and the love of money. May I always desire the true riches of
Your kingdom above any earthly treasures. I ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
