“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
— Matthew 5:3
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Beatitude #1: Poor in Spirit
1st Timothy 6:10
Astray and wandering. Money is a crazy craving
Secret Silver Shield of God
The Benefits of Wisdom
…3 if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,
4 if you see kit like silver and search it out like hidden treasure,
5 then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God
God Guards the Paths of the Righteous
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,
8 to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints
Greed’s Ballad: (Secular) “Society” — Eddie Vedder
Lyrics
It’s a mystery to me
Source: LyricFind
We have a greed
With which we have agreed
You think you have to want
More than you need
Until you have it all you won’t be free
Society, you’re a crazy breed
I hope you’re not lonely without me
When you want more than you have
You think you need
And when you think more than you want
Your thoughts begin to bleed
I think I need to find a bigger place
‘Cause when you have more than you think
You need more space
Society, you’re a crazy breed
I hope you’re not lonely without me
Society, crazy and deep
I hope you’re not lonely without me
There’s those thinking more or less less is more
But if less is more how you’re keeping score?
Means for every point you make
Your level drops…
Consuming Fire of Greed
Crown of the Cross: Hillsong Worship!
Lyrics
There is a hill I cherish
Source: LyricFind
Where stood a precious tree
The emblem of Salvation
The gift of Calvary
How is it I should profit?
While He is crucified
Yet as His life was taken
So I was granted mine
My wealth is in the cross
There’s nothing more I want
Than just to know His love
My heart is set on Christ
And I will count all else as loss
The greatest of my crowns
Mean nothing to me now
For I counted up the cost
And all my wealth is in the cross
I will not boast in riches
I have no pride in gold
But I will boast in Jesus
And in His Name alone
My wealth is in the cross
There’s nothing more I want
Than just to know His love
My heart is set on Christ
And I will count all else as loss
The greatest of my crowns
Mean nothing to me now
For I counted up the cost
And all my wealth is in the cross
Yes all my wealth is in the cross
And when I stand in glory
My crowns before the Lord
Let this be my confession
My wealth is in the cross (hallelujah)
My wealth is in the cross
There’s nothing more I want
Than just to know His love
My heart is set on Christ
And I will count all else as loss
The greatest of my crowns
Mean nothing to me now
For I counted up the cost
And all my wealth is in the cross
There’s nothing more I want
Than just to know His love
My heart is set on Christ
And I will count all else as loss
The greatest of my crowns
Mean nothing to me now
For I counted up the cost
And all my wealth is in the cross
Yes all my wealth is in the cross
My wealth is in the cross
Yes all my wealth is in the cross (hallelujah)
Missing the Mark? Soul’s “Profit” Point.
Mark Mentions Christ’s Questions for Your Soul and the World
36 For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36-37 Amplified Bible (AMP)
37 For what will a man give in exchange for his soul and eternal life [in God’s kingdom]?
Soul’s Solution: Sovereign Lord Christ Jesus Saves Your Life!
Mark 8:35 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Lose yourself and leave the trappings of the world for the Word of Christ, the Gospel and His Name’s Sake, and He promises us eternal life
What’s a Good Name?
Ecclesiastes 7 – The Value of Wisdom
A good name is better than fine perfume
— Ecclesiastes 7:1a
A good name, meaning / referring to our reputation of the Christian character, attracts true wealth, wisdom and peace!
What will we wish to be known for when we leave this earth?
What’s at the end of our lives?
Who will we be remembered as in the eyes of our friends, family, community, and most importantly, God?
Proverbs 1: Profit Path of Greed
Proverbs 1:19 [Such are the paths] of everyone who is greedy of gain; [such] takes away the life of its possessors.
Prayer:
Pray that the Lord’s grace overcomes our greed and daily temptations, that we may become good, growing grains and grapes, being fruitful in the harvest of righteousness!
Please protect our lives against any avarice or possessions that may take us away from your love and presence
Place us on the paths of Wisdom:
20 [She] cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets;
21 She cries at the head of noisy intersections; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks…
23 If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you. [Isaiah 11:2; Ephesians 1:17-20]
Praise the name of our Lord Christ Jesus! God’s glory reigns forever
Eternal Dwellings
Isaiah 43:18-21 (NIV)
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
Bible on Money 