Tag: Money

Heart, Inheritance

I Am Their Inheritance

Inge Schultz

And it shall be unto them for an inheritance; I am their inheritance, and ye shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession.”

Ezekiel 44:28

What inheritance will you have? For some it may be a strong desire to have in so much that some go out of their way so to see to it that they receive what they believe is owed them. The uncontrolled longing to get gain is a driving force for many.

An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning: but the end thereof shall not be blessed.”

Proverbs 20:21

What should be our attitudes be towards an inheritance? When it comes to money it always brings speculation and everyone is judged as to their individual actions towards the one who has a will. Many families are broken up because of a will of a testator. Everyone in the family believes that they have a right to what is left of an estate by the testator. We forget to do the right thing in everything we do here on the earth. When we look at the house of Israel the main grievance that the Lord God had against them was harlotry along with idolatry. The house of Israel was unprincipled and immoral in their actions towards the house of the Lord. They have abused the sanctuary of the Lord and in Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 44, God is setting things in order and only the priests from the Levites are allowed to stand before the Lord. The Levite priests are given instruction to teach the people the difference between what is holy and what is common, to discern between what is clean and unclean [see Ezekiel 44:23].

To be able to minister in the inner court of the sanctuary, one must offer his sin offering. After the cleansing and sin offering, this is when an inheritance is set up where God himself shall be their inheritance and He is also their possession. What does it mean to have an inheritance. Is it not an irrevocable gift of God? This takes some thought and meditation to think it through in its meaning.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”

1 Corinthians 7:23

Who has bought you with a price? Is it not Jesus Christ who died as a sin offering in order that we may all stand before God in the inner court. Are we not to consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, [see Hebrews 3:1]. The answer is yes. A Christian after hearing the gospel of Jesus and believing in the truth of Jesus is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise and this is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, [see Ephesians 1:11-14]. We have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things to the glory of God. That is why we are not the servants of men, but of Christ instead.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that faded not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

1 Peter 1:3-5

God has provided an incorruptible inheritance for the children of God. This inheritance will not fade away and it is reserved for us in heaven. We are kept by the power of God through our faith in Christ Jesus. No one can take this inheritance away from us. Take note that a price was paid in order that an inheritance could be made. Let us not abuse the privilege that God has given us. An inheritance that is gotten hastily by a person is not innocent because he has fallen into temptation and a snare because of his own lust. Coveting brings destruction to all men even in the house of Israel. We should think twice about our earthly inheritance as to not abuse the written will of a testator as well as the Lord God.

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

Proverbs 13:22

Have you ever wondered about why in Proverbs it states that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children and not his children? Why should we leave an inheritance unto the next generation? Does this not take into account the future generations rather than the current generation which has already benefited by his parents love and support. Lest we forget that “children are a heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward,” [Psalms 127:3]. God knows the heart of man and in what state his heart is. I have witnessed and experienced the war one can wage in getting more than their fair share of a will. I was left standing alone many times as a young child, and as a teen by my own mother. I was born out of wedlock. Almost given up for adoption and used as a slave rather than a child/mother relationship. My mother disobeyed her parents and went her own way. It was my grandparents who kept me in mind in their will. And I am reminded that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. I received a portion of the will but received a letter from a lawyer that my mother was contesting the will. I received a copy of the will and showed it to a cousin. My cousin could not believe or understand why the will was being contested but told me that I was entitled to what the written will had stated.

At that time, I was not sure what the real issue was in regard to the will except for the fact that my mother wanted more. It was not the fact that she needed it, it was the fact that she desired more. I gave her what she wanted knowing that God is my inheritance. I knew that my grandparents were good and trusted in God. The labor of their hands God did bless. I have not spoken to my mother in over 40 years. She is estranged from me and has been since my youth. God has provided for my needs when I did not have a penny to my name, and this was before the death of my grandparents to whom I have never seen. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, therefore, cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light,” [Romans 13:12]. Our attitudes must change to the mind of Christ. We must know what is clean and unclean. We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts, [Romans 13:14]. We must not walk in strive and envying, we must walk honestly before all men. We live unto the Lord, and we die unto the Lord, for we are the Lord’s.

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”

Romans 14:9

Remember we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. “The kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17. Lord help us to follow after the things which make for peace. Let us give thanks unto the Lord who is our inheritance and has provided a place for us in heaven. Keep us from all forms of evil and help us to discern what is clean and unclean. In Jesus name, amen.

Labor

Labor not to be Rich. . .

Inge Schultz

Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.”

Proverbs 23:4

Who will heed this warning? Labor not to be rich that you become so righteous and think that your wisdom has gained you this position. Do not trust in what you have. Remember that you cannot take it with you when you die. Know that whatever you do in this life, it is God who gives the increase. Why the warning, and what does it mean?

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

1 Timothy 6:17

It is God who gives us all things to enjoy. Why does Paul state to Timothy a son of a Greek Gentile father not to trust in uncertain riches? These are warnings that Paul gave to those in ministries, but even the lay person can learn from the warnings that Paul gave to Timothy. Paul states that it is enough to just have food and raiment [see 1 Timothy 6:8]. Just food and clothing seem so little. Why? It is what your mind is focused upon. Having to strive to get money takes your eyes of off God. That is why the love of money is the root of all evil. Listen to what Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:10.

For the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:10

The root of all evil begins with coveting which is a strong desire to have something or obtain something that you do not have at that moment. It is coveting that many have misjudged themselves to do wrong in order to gain something. That is why we have laws in place to direct our behavior. Everything has its place in society in order that we may live in peace. A Christian’s behavior is to become more like Christ. A Christian prays that he may live a godly life. Paul comments that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” [see 1 Timothy 6:6]. A Christian is thankful to God for what he has provided. Have you ever considered the views regarding money? Have you read about the self-made millionaire Steve Siebold? Let’s look at a couple of statements what he found in researching out the wealthy. Think carefully! Is there wisdom in these statements?

Rich people believe money is liberating …while the average person believes money is controlling.

Are rich people liberated from having money? It is what you believe, but it may not always play out to be the truth in what you believe. They may believe that they have more freedom; however, with more money there is more responsibility that one does not take into consideration. Despite the fact that they may have the freedom to spend on what they desire, it is the individual’s attitude towards money that is the key. Why? Because many times it is money that will control you instead of the other way around. That is why Jesus said that it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for they are not able to let go of what they have. In otherwards, money has a great hold in their life to where they cannot separate themselves from the money that they have. Many times, money becomes a power play for an ideal status of an individual rather than an individual living in moderation and being content with what they have. We really need to change our behavior and attitudes towards money. That way it will be liberating to both the rich and the average person.

Rich people believe in working for fulfillment …while the average person believes in working for money.

Here again it is a matter of how you view money in general. Everyone knows that one has to have a job in order to make money. It all depends upon your state of mind. Evaluation of individual talents and gifts is what can motivate you to work. But if you are in the wrong job, it will not fulfill your desires no matter what amount of money you receive. You will always be dissatisfied. What you love to do becomes your passion and that passion should fulfill the desires of your heart. Work should be an adventure or journey rather than just something you just have to do to make ends meet. Focusing on money brings stress and anxiety. God wants you to use your hands to some kind of work that will not only bless you but others as well. Ask God to reveal the work you should be doing. The reason why you should have money is not only for your own personal needs but for the needs of others. The rich know that creative thinking is the highest paid skill in the world, so any kind of training you have is meant for not only for your good but for the good of others. Ask God to help you find solutions to difficult problems and to guide you into the right passions for the work you do. He will supply you with the answers and the right position in a job where you are fulfilled.

We are to remember the things that bring blessings. One of them is the work of your hands. God desires is to bless the work of your hand.

The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in its season, and to bless all the work of thine hand; and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.”

Deuteronomy 28:12

Lending to many nations such as giving to the poor are what God desires. The church is meant to teach people to distribute to the needs of others. The early churches did just that. They gave to each other when there was a need and to further the Gospel of Christ.

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”

Proverbs 19:17

When I read how giving to the poor is lending to the Lord, it amazed me and the fact that He will pay him again was something I did not expect. Yet, I have seen the benefits in my own life where my needs were supplied, and debts were paid off when I gave to the poor. God will always supply your need when you place your faith in him and not on something else like money. It is God who gives the increase for the work of our hands, and we should thank him every day for what he has given us in material wealth that we may continue to give to others who have need of certain things. The early church was taught to give and distribute, but we rarely witness this today. Some of us have to be shamed into giving.

If ever we need wisdom is now . . . we need the wisdom that God can provide, and the way to find it is asking. In James chapter 1 verse 5, it states that God will give it when we ask for it. The only condition is to ask in faith [see James 1:6]. It is the wise that will inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools [Proverbs 3:35]. In the scriptures there is much to meditate upon when reading. Within its pages is the truth and wisdom for each of us to take hold of. Take time to read and heed it, for it is your life.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding.”

Proverbs 4:7

Lord God, help us to get wisdom and most of all help us to get understanding. Let us learn what the will of God is in all things. Guide our thoughts to the truth about money that we may have the right attitude towards it and that we may be willing to give to others who are in need. Help us to have an attitude towards giving and distributing to others. May it become a way of life. Bless those who give and have wisdom to share and teach others. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Stewardship

Wasted Goods

Inge Schultz

Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest no longer be a steward.

Luke 16:2

The word stewardship is rarely used today. As human beings we yearn to possess or have something, and money is always at the heart of every situation in today’s living. We cannot survive without it, but can we get it unjustly, or without working for it? Maybe we should consider Mark Knopfler song “Money for Nothing.”

That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it

Money for nothin’ and chicks for free.

From lyrics of song titled “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits

You would be surprised how many people are out “to make money by doing basically nothing. “ “Making lots of money for doing basically nothing.” Not everybody on this planet is fortunate to get money for nothing,” stated an article from Hosbeg.com. Today we have many scams artist who are out to get money for doing basically nothing. Millions of dollars are being spent just to curb fraud, so it is big business these days especially during Covid-19. Even the federal stimulus money has been hacked and not everyone is receiving the money that they were entitled to this past year. People now want money for doing basically nothing like the delivery man to which this song refers to. What is the mind set of gaining money from doing hardly nothing? Where does stewardship enter the picture. Yet, Jesus talks about it in this parable of the unjust steward in Luke chapter 16.

The steward was cunning in his action when giving the account of stewardship. Maybe we should take a step back and investigate the meaning of stewardship. The Strong’s Greek translation for stewardship is administration. This means management of your household affairs or the affairs of others. It means you are overseeing the management of something like a business. You might say this relates to the job you are doing for someone. You get paid for the services you provide to your employer. The work you put in is of value and therefore you are compensated. I learned this at an early age when I worked in an office at the age of 16. I had responsibility to perform and complete my duties what the job required. I got paid for the service I provided. I could account for what I did because the business continued since I was doing the billing for the business. One must manage themselves to become a good steward.

The steward in Chapter 16 of Luke became worried about what he would do when he no longer would be a steward/manager. He said, “to beg he would be ashamed,” [see Luke 16:3]. Changing jobs or having to train for a new job is not always easy. But there is more to the story here and it is not always easy to understand the full meaning of what Jesus was trying to convey here. Jesus commented that the unjust steward had done wisely and then he states that those of this age are wiser than the sons of light. Jesus further says go ahead and make friends for yourself by means of unjust wealth [see Luke 16:9]. What Jesus is saying is to go ahead and carry on with your behavior, but who is going to trust you with the true riches in the future. Remember the saying, “what you reap is what you sow.” Let us think twice about deceiving our brother and sister in the Lord when we are given the responsibility of overseeing them. Let us think twice about deceiving our employer as well.

Why think twice, because what you put your hands to ends up as wasted goods in the end due to unjust wealth you have gained. Jesus said it is money of unrighteousness. Money of unrighteousness is a part of coveting, and no servant can serve two masters. The heart of the matter is that you are serving money and not God. God who is all knowing and all seeing is looking for good stewards or mangers in the Kingdom of God. God is looking for faithful servants to rule over His household. I urge you all to read Luke chapter 12 and compare it with Luke chapter 16.

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Luke 12:42

The Lord is expecting that those who belong to him are faithful and wise stewards over their own household and to bless them in due season. How so many have fallen from trusting God to provide a way and end up following their own way of getting wealth instead of learning to manage their own household. Be thankful for what you do have even when it is nothing. I was so thankful for housing when the manager of the apartment gave us room for no down payment when we were homeless, but we had to trust God to provide us with a job to pay for that housing. That meant looking for work. God provided the job to pay for the housing. One does not go about abusing the situation when God answers prayer for housing as was in our case. We had to be faithful stewards in managing ourselves to be faithful in what God has given and look for a job. That was the agreement made with the manager. That is being a good and wise steward. That is doing the right thing and doing it fairly and not defrauding anyone. Having the right attitude goes a long way when we as people are wise stewards for the Lord and this also includes how we manage our money. May our money not become as wasted goods. May our heart be in the right place.