Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Memory verse:
”For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.“
I Timothy 6:10 NKJV
I once heard the story of a man who, having failed severally to convince a lady to marry him, decided to consult a ‘prophet’, who invoked and manipulated her spirit to compliance. The lady eventually and unconsciously yielded to the man, who was far older than her. However, few years after the marriage, the sweetness of the marriage left a bitter and an unbearable aftertaste. Love turned to cruel hatred and this continued for several years. No counsel could help him, in fact, he got hardened the more. Unfortunately, the hate was not only directed towards his wife but also to his own children. This cruelty made him to lose his wife and all his adult children as they moved out of the house in anger. His life was miserable, frustrated and full of bitterness, yet he was so blind that he couldn’t see his condition. The devil gave him more evil than the good he received!
So also was Gehazi, the servant of Elisha. “Naaman said, “Of course, how about a hundred and fifty pounds?” Naaman insisted. He tied up the money in two sacks and gave him the two sets of clothes; he even gave him two servants to carry the gifts back with him.” (2 Kings 5:23 MSG). Out of greediness, Gehazi threw away godliness and patience. He chose the way of deception and lies. Thus, he received £150 and two sets of clothes in exchange for a lifetime of leprosy for himself and his descendants! “Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.“ (II Kings 5:27).
Yes, you may ask, why will anyone in his right sense go for this kind of blessing? Gehazi didn’t see the other side of the blessing when he was going for it. That’s how the blessing from the devil appears. It is like poison overlaid with icing sugar or sweet chocolate! It paints a great prospect but eventually leaves its victims in regret. It is blinding!
“Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” (1 Tim 6:10 MSG). The way to escape this trap is to simply allow the word of God to guide all your decisions. The word of God is God’s ways.
Friends, may you not fall into temptation or trap, that those who crave to be rich at all costs, fall into; in Jesus’ name.
Prayer points
1. Father, I renounce every spirit of greed, lies and covetousness, in Jesus’ name.
2. O Lord, please, deliver me from hurtful and foolish lusts that drown men in destruction and perdition, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. Simply following the instructions of the word of God, delivers me from the deadly traps of the devil.
2. I will not pursue my needs or any seeming blessings at the expense of my relationship with God.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng