THE RICH FOOL

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Read Luke 12:13–34

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 NIV

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It is a natural instinct to want to add to our possessions. The reasons are many, including the desire for security or just the pleasure of owning beautiful things. God does not condemn financial planning; in fact he condemns those who neglect their responsibilities. But this story of the rich fool, as told by Jesus, is about greed or excessive worry over money. No matter how much we own, we will leave it all behind, either in a natural disaster or at the end of life. The important issue is to be "rich toward God."

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Heavenly Father, Thank You for all You have provided for our family. Forgive me when I worry about money, for You have said, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (12:25-26)

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"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20-21 NIV

DISCOURAGEMENT

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NEHEMIAH

Read Nehemiah 1–2; 4:1–15

     I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success."   Nehemiah 2:20a NIV

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     Nehemiah, a cupbearer for the King of Persia, received some alarming news from Judah: "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." (1:3)
     The king of Persia gave his permission for Nehemiah to go and help his people rebuild Jerusalem – but the enemies of the Jews were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. (2:10)

     Not only was the work overwhelming, leaving the people exhausted, but three local officials set out to discourage the people with ridicule and intimidation. When that didn’t work, they threatened to fight against them. Nehemiah encouraged the people to "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (4:14)

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     Lord, in our homes and churches, we need encouragement for some of these same issues ; maintaining motivation, overcoming fatigue and dealing with our spiritual enemy who says we cannot succeed. Help us to remember Nehemiah's words: "The joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

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     "Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families…."   Nehemiah 4:13 NIV