KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:22 (KJV). “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

In our last study we learnt that among the thorns that choke the word of God, in the hearts of men from bearing fruit, is the deceitfulness of riches. According to the scriptures God’s intention for His children, is that all things might be well with them. This is clearly seen in the creation of the man. God made available everything that makes life comfortable for man. God has not changed in His original intent for humanity. Unfortunately, most people choose, not to trust in God for His counsel and blessing when it comes to money. They tend to serve money. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

  — Matthew 6:24 (KJV). The Lord said it is impossible to serve God and money simultaneously, yet many are trying to do it. The end is that it chokes the word and makes it ineffective.

The Lord said those who allow the crave for riches to deceive them cannot bear fruit. They pierce themselves with many sorrows. “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 (KJV).   The above verse also establishes the point that lust for money deceives one from the faith. This has led many to do various hurtful and harmful things to one another. Some have grown very cold towards God and His work. Certain Pastors in their bid to obtain riches consult fetishes for power.

Dear one, don’t be deceived by the crave for riches. A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of riches. Luke 12:15. The word of God, although very potent cannot stand the competitions with other things initiated by the flesh. When the heart migrates more towards anything other than God, the heart of man loses its ability to trust in God. It is the presence of the word in one’s heart and its influence on that individual that makes the person take a strong hold of God. A heart overtaken by love for riches, will lose the influence of God’s word on it. Give no ground to anything to compete for your heart.

CONFESSION

My Father God gives me power to be rich, I therefore do not allow any lust for money to take over my heart.

FURTHER STUDIES

 Luke 12:15 (KJV). “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

 Habakkuk 2:9 (KJV). “Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!”