Rich Man vs. Poor Man

 Good Morning!
Money is a tool, a resource, and at times even a blessing, but it is never meant to be our hope. 

Paul reminds us that wealth is uncertain. It shifts, it fades, it fluctuates. One moment it’s abundant, the next it’s gone. That’s why God instructs both the rich and the poor to anchor their trust in Him alone. The danger isn’t in having money; the danger is in loving it, chasing it, or depending on it more than God.

 

The love of money can trap anyone. The rich may cling to it for security. The poor may long for it as the answer to every problem. But both can lose sight of the One who truly provides. God is the source of every good thing. He is the One who sustains, strengthens, and supplies.

Paul gives us a clear charge: “Be rich in good works, generous, and willing to share.” When our hearts are set on God, generosity flows naturally. We give not to be seen, not to boast, not to impress, but because God has been good to us.

 

The Rich Young Ruler found in (Mark 10:17–22) had wealth, status, and influence, yet his heart was tied to his possessions. When Jesus invited him to follow—an invitation to eternal treasure—he walked away sorrowful. His riches weren’t the problem; his attachment to them was. He trusted his wealth more than the Savior standing in front of him.

Let us learn from his story. Hold money loosely. Hold God tightly. Choose generosity. Choose obedience. Choose trust.

Be blessed.

Become A Living Sacrifice

 Good Morning!

A gentle voice called out, “Is anyone there? Do you mind if I walk with you? Can you be my eyes?” 

Without hesitation, my answer was yes. As we walked step by step, this stranger - this unexpected assignment from God- reminded me how easily we take simple abilities for granted. 

To talk, to walk, to see, to hear… these everyday gifts often go unnoticed until we meet someone who navigates life without them.

Yet her blindness didn’t dim her joy. Her limitations didn’t silence her courage to ask for help. Her cheerful spirit became a blessing to me. In that brief moment, God used her to soften my heart and sharpen my awareness.

God places people in our path for reasons we may never fully understand. Some encounters last only minutes, but they carry eternal weight. 

The question is: when God presents the opportunity, do we become a living sacrifice, or do we retreat into comfort and pride?

Love is not theory, it is action. It is willingness. It is availability.

Today, choose to share with God’s people in need. Open your heart. Open your hands. Practice hospitality, and let God use you to shine His love into someone’s path.

Don’t Miss Your Blessing

Good Morning!

Helping others is one of the purest expressions of God’s love, but the purity of that act is tested by the motives behind it. In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us not to practice our righteousness “to be seen by others.” He wasn’t condemning generosity; He was exposing the Pharisee spirit that turns a holy act into a performance.

It’s more important to help those in need than to let others know you helped. 

When we give with the intention of being praised, we trade a heavenly reward for a moment of earthly applause. And that applause fades quickly. But when we give quietly, sincerely, and humbly, God Himself takes notice. He sees the heart behind the hand.

Don’t miss your blessing from God because of ego, greed, or the desire to be recognized. Some people want the picture, the post, the pat on the back. But God wants the posture of your heart. He wants your giving to reflect His character, His selfless, His compassionate, and free of pride.

The Pharisees were experts at looking holy while living empty. They prayed loudly, gave publicly, and served visibly, all to be admired. But Jesus called them out because their hearts were far from God. Their actions were right, but their motives were wrong.

Every day God gives us opportunities to bless someone, through a word, a meal, a ride, a prayer, or a simple act of kindness. The question is not did you help, but why did you help.

Let your giving be between you and God. Let your kindness be a reflection of His grace. Let your service be an overflow of gratitude, not a strategy for attention.

When you give in secret, God rewards openly. And His reward is far greater than anything people can offer.

You are the church

Every church in America has a sign welcoming people to their church. But how welcoming is the church? We become so complacent in our sanctuary that we assume people will automatically come in. The Bible references the church as a body of people not a building. The church is at its best when people take Jesus’ message outside the building and serve those they meet (1Tim 5). People will only come to your church based on the light you shine.

Ask how you can help

Has someone ever told you what they needed? In return you gave them what you thought they needed or dismissed them all together? So often, we stand accused with friends, family, and strangers. We assume we know the needs of others without ever asking. I asked a homeless man what he wanted to eat. Opposed to asking, I assumed I knew his demands. When Jesus encountered the five thousand (Matt.14:15), the begging Canaanite woman (Matt15:23), and Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:47-48), the disciples assumed the best thing for all situations was to send them away opposed to asking or listening to their request. What we often think a person want Its not what they need. In the future, Do as Jesus did. Before responding, he didn’t say a word. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak and direct you as to what you need to do. Just like my homeless man encounter I assumed wrong. Instead of food he replied, "I'd rather have some soap to wash me and my clothes." Stay in-tuned with the Holy Spirit. It will direct your path. 

Be Kind to others

It don’t cost a thing to be genuinely kind to others. In fact, it’s easier and takes less energy to be kind than to hate or be mean. Kindness can be as simple as speaking words of encouragement, helping others, or giving kudos for a job well done! I believe God created us to be kind. It’s learned behaviors which cause people to hate or lack empathy. We should be kind in all things that we do. 

In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus said love your enemies. Do to others as you would have them do to you. In other words, be kind. By doing this, Jesus said we are children of The Most High. God is kind to the ungrateful. Be merciful just as God is merciful. Your kind gesture may be the only kind thing a person heard or received all day! 

Make an impact daily

You never know the impact that you have on others. You never know who is watching, listening, or reading what you post. Many who read my daily posts rarely comment. I must admit, it took time for me to not take it personally. There is something that YOU do that YOU feel is insignificant. Be assured it’s not. What you have devalued could be the one thing of value someone needs. I’m learning to   maintain my purpose in spite of the difficulty. In your daily walk, do the same. Always Let your light so shine before men, that they may see God in what you do.