It's Not About the Money

Do you worry about money?  A lot of people do.  I googled sayings about money and many familiar ones popped up.  Are any of these familiar to you?  Money makes the world go ‘round, it’s all about the Benjamins, she works hard for the money, money talks, a penny saved is a penny earned, money doesn’t grow on trees, time is money… I could go on and on.

There have been countless books written on how to make money.  You can attend seminars, listen to podcasts or CDs all telling you how to make money.  Why does making money consume our focus?  The answer is obvious isn’t it.  When we have money, we feel secure to take care of ourselves.  We can pay our bills, feed our family, put a roof over our heads, and plan for our future.

Money and wealth are hot button topics. Our scripture today warns against the LOVE of money, and praises the efforts of hard work.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
    whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. Vs. 10

The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
    whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
    permits them no sleep. Vs. 12

Taking care of ourselves and our family is different than loving money, but I think it can be a slippery slope when we look to money and wealth to solve all our problems. I love what verses 18 and 19 say,

“¹⁸ This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. ¹⁹ Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 

It is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor… I love that.  Working hard and enjoying the fruit of our labor is not a bad thing, but it would be good for us to all remember, it’s not about the money.

Read today's passage here

What Was, What Is and What Is To Come

Thanksgiving.

 

A day for remembering and celebrating. A day to spend time with family and friends.  A day to relax and watch football. A day to eat and eat, rest a bit and eat some more. And best of all, today is the day!

 

At our house we remember all the good things God has given us and give thanks. We look back to the past and reflect on what we have, and we reflect on the good things we have in the present. These include family, new family members, friends, our material possessions and perhaps a special vacation we took over the summer.

 

We give thanks for what is and what was.

 

Today’s reading is Isaiah 25:6-9.

 

Isaiah is describing a sumptuous banquet that at first may seem like a Thanksgiving Day meal. It is greater than that, though. It is the wedding banquet of Jesus and his Church.

 

The banquet is to honor the groom, Jesus, as well as the bride, his church. Since his church includes you and I, we will be there, not as invited guests, but as guests of honor!

 

Preceding this feast, Jesus returned to earth to gather the saints and take them to the banquet. He resurrected the dead; the once deceased saints will be there as well. He perfected us, he destroyed Satan and he removed all sin. All this is done in the “twinkle of an eye” (see 1 Cor 15:52).

 

The banquet will be a celebration of thanks for all that God has done for us.

 

Obviously this great banquet occurs in the future, yet we can be certain that it will happen. We know that Jesus will overcome Satan and his minions. We know that we will be there. What a great joy it will be!

 

Back to Thanksgiving at my household.

 

I have to modify the prayer for Thanksgiving  this year.

 

We will give thanks for what was, what is, and what is to come! (Cf. Rev 4:8)

 

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!