Aug 09 – Prosperity!

“The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.” (1 Samuel 2:7)

In her song of praise, Hannah extolled the beauty of the Lord’s holiness, His divine wisdom, and His life-giving power. Here, she goes on to magnify the prosperity and wealth that come from the Lord.

Money is necessary for life in this world. The Tamil sage Thiruvalluvar observed, “Without material resources, one cannot live in this world.” We need money for food, clothing, and shelter. The work of the Lord also requires financial resources.

Our God is the great Creator and owner of heaven and earth. The silver is His, and the gold is His. He has the power to make you prosperous and to lift you up. When you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, He will add all these other things to you.

Isaac sowed seed in the land, and because the Lord was with him and blessed him, he reaped a hundredfold harvest. The God of Isaac is your God. He is able to multiply your income abundantly. He can bless and elevate you far beyond your present circumstances – even a thousandfold.

If you desire to receive the Lord’s abundant blessings, give generously and wholeheartedly unto Him. The Scriptures declare: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honour.” (Psalm 112:9)

The Bible also says: “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Some become richer because they give generously, while others fall into poverty through stinginess. As Scripture warns: “He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27)

Today, some receive financial support from abroad to operate orphanages, Bible colleges, homes for the elderly, and ministries that care for widows. These are all commendable works. Sadly, however, not everyone remains faithful in the stewardship of such resources.

Christ said, “Sell what you have and give alms.” Whether you are giving to the poor or offering to the Lord, let your giving be marked by genuine sacrifice and heartfelt compassion. Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as unto the Lord and not merely for the praise of men.

Jesus taught: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Verse for further meditation: “He will dwell on high; His place of defence will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure.” (Isaiah 33:16)