Promise for Today - Wise Investments

They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NLT)

You are going to enjoy forever what you invest in heaven, and you invest in heaven every time you use money for good.

So what’s the best way to store up your treasure in heaven? Any financial advisor will tell you not to put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, you put your money into different funds for a balanced portfolio.

Today and tomorrow, we’re going to look at five different “funds” you can invest in for eternity. These funds are proven. They have a track record. They’re protected. They are risk-free. And they yield enormous dividends.

God’s Growth Fund. 

This is any time you invest in something that is going to grow your character. Proverbs 10:16 says, “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin” (NLT).

You enhance your life with your money when you use it to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. When you use money to develop your skills and become mature, you are investing in eternity.

God’s Mutual Fund. 

This is every time you use money to encourage fellowship and build relationships with other believers. Romans 12:13 says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality” (NLT).

Why does God want you to use some of your money to show love to other believers? There are three reasons: It proves that you’re in God’s family. It creates unity. And it’s a witness to unbelievers.

God’s Service Fund. 

This is when you invest in eternity by using money to serve others. God wants you to take some of your money and use it to help people who are in need.

Proverbs 11:24 says, “One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor” (CSB). In other words, the more you help others, the more God blesses you. Why? Because God is a giver. He is generous, and he wants you to become like him.

You’ll find yourself becoming more and more like God as you invest in your character, other believers, and people in need.

Talk It Over

Do you spend money on things that ultimately damage your character? What could you direct that money toward to build your character instead?

Why is it important to demonstrate to people that you are in God’s family by taking care of other believers?

What is your motivation for being generous? How does your motivation affect your generosity?

- by Pastor Rick

******************************

Prayer:

Father,

          We come before You, asking for Your wisdom, insight, and discernment so that we may serve others with clarity, compassion, and truth. Open our eyes to see the needs of others, to understand their situations, and guide us in how to meet them in love and faithfulness. Grant us the discernment to act with integrity, to speak with truth, and to lead with humility. May Your Spirit fill us with wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy (James 3:17), so that we can grow and help others grow in their walk with You.
     We trust in You completely, knowing that if we lean not on our own understanding but on Your guidance, You will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Help us to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance, and instead to rely on Your wisdom in every decision that affects others. 

     Father, may our words be a blessing, our actions a testimony, and our hearts a channel of Your grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Wise Investments

Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness. 

Philippians 4:17 (TLB)

Every time you’re generous, you invest in your eternal home.

Jesus called this principle “storing up treasure in heaven.” He actually used this phrase six times in the Bible! When Jesus says something six times, you'd better pay attention. If you don’t, you’re going to miss seeing the blessing.

In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus said, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal”.

Most people get less than 100 years on this planet. And when you leave, you leave all earthly treasure behind. But you will get to enjoy your heavenly treasure for eternity.

So how do you store up treasure in heaven? How do you send it on ahead? One of the best ways to do that is by investing in people. And I’m not talking about earning your salvation, because that’s already been secured by Jesus.

God wants you to invest in people because those investments have eternal effects and rewards. There are only two things that will last forever: the Word of God and people. People will spend eternity in either heaven or hell, and your investment in someone could make all the difference.

Philippians 4:17 says in The Living Bible paraphrase, “Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness.”

Paul wrote to the Philippians to express his appreciation for their support. But he said what meant the most—what brought him the most joy—was knowing that their sacrifice and generosity gave them treasure in heaven. They invested in him, but they also invested in their eternal home.

You will be rewarded for everything you’ve given away. Are you giving away your time? You’re going to be rewarded in heaven. Are you giving away your energy? You’re going to be rewarded in heaven. Are you giving away your money? You’re going to be rewarded in heaven.

There are opportunities all around you to be generous with your love, time, energy, and money, and invest in your eternal home. Don’t miss them!

Talk It Over

In what ways are you using your time, energy, and money to invest in people?

Is it hardest for you to be generous with your time, with your energy, or with your money? Ask God for faith to be generous in that area so that you can experience his blessing.

How can you cultivate a lifestyle of storing treasure in heaven rather than here on earth?
- by Pastor Rick

**************************************

Prayer:

Father, 

          Forgive us for being selfish with our love, our time, energy, and our money. Help us to keep uppermost in our minds to be like You - indescribably, overwhelmingly generous to all and in all. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen