"Do not inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things." Psalm
119:36, 37 NLT
His discovery on January 24, 1848, changed the lives of thousands. James W.
Marshall was prospecting at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California, when he
discovered gold. News of his find pummeled across the country. Over the next
seven years, 300,000 people made their way to California. Half came by sea, and
the other half arrived from the East by land using the California and Gala River
trails. Although a few became wealthy, most returned home with little more than
they started with. Even more disappointing was finding what appeared to be gold
only to have the assayer declare it pyrite-"fool's gold." It looked like gold
but was worthless.
I've never panned for gold or bought gold certificates, but I have been tempted
to love money and the things it can buy-many of which are worthless.
Money in and of itself is neutral. I can use it for good or bad. I can pay my
bills or throw it away by gambling. I can buy food and carry it to a needy
neighbor or buy the latest smart phone. I can save it for a rainy day or spend
it as fast as I make it. I can invest all my extra money, hoping it will reward
me with a nice retirement nest egg, or I can invest some and use the rest to
care for my family and promote God's work across the world.
To his son in the faith, Timothy, Paul wrote, "Teach those who are rich in this
world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable." 1
Timothy 6:17. As so many discovered after the stock market crashed in 1929, what
is here one moment can be gone the next.
I choose to store my treasures in heaven, which is what Jesus said I should do.
There, they are safe from thieves and the destructive elements of nature. When
loving and serving God through practical means is my focus, my rewards will be
secure. Search for what's worthwhile instead of spending your time on pursuits
that will only disappoint.
Prayer: Father, focus our pursuits on things that will build us up spiritually
and enlarge Your kingdom on this earth.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.