Scripture Read:  Psalm 49, 50

Key Verse:  Psalm 49:17

“for when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.”

Observation:

This psalm reminds us that we cannot bring worldly possessions into the kingdom of heaven. It reminds us to invest more into heaven and less into earth because on our day of judgment, we will stand naked before God, stripped away of everything we’ve ever owned. Often people value their lives by how much they own or how much they’re “worth”. This psalm warns us that living by our possessions will ensure us an eternal grave, rather than eternal life when we live by faith.

Application:

How we spend our money tells more about us then we may feel comfortable to admit.  I heard a friend of mine tell me that our money is not ours but it is granted to us by God, making it His.  It is tough to grasp this concept but I’m learning to be a better steward. I try to keep in mind that if it’s not essential to live, I do not need it. It can be better used for God’s kingdom. Living in this culture makes this hard because it’s natural to be driven by wants & feeling as though we deserve nice things or need something because someone else has it.  Psalm 49 reminds us to invest in kingdom work.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for providing the essentials of life so freely. For the breath that I breathe, the water I drink & for the food that nourishes me. Help keep me mindful of the way You intend the money you provide to be spent. Remind me every day that the true investment is not in earthly possessions but in the heavenly riches that await us. Allow us to break away from cultural thinking & spending habits so that we may glorify You! Thank you for your word, love & gracious gifts.

By Sandy 217staff team