Finding Wealth For Youtself

Daily Reading: Hosea 12

And Ephraim said, "Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they will find in me no iniquity, which would be sin." (Hosea 12.8, NIV[JW1] )

Devotional Thought: Having come a long way from their days of slavery, Ephraim (Israel) said, "I have found wealth for myself."  Proud of their wealth, they were convinced that they had done something to deserve it, that God must be blessing them because he approved of their labors.  It boiled down to an attitude of self-righteousness: "They will find in me no iniquity..."

Self-righteousness can infect our attitudes as well.  When our lives are going well, it’s tempting to think we don’t need a Savior.  We must be doing something to earn God’s favor, or we wouldn’t be in this blessed position, after all!  But hear what Jesus says to the self-righteous: “You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3.17). The self-sufficient are blind to the fact that their own intelligence, works, power, or talent will never save them.

Are you experiencing a season of prosperity?  Then praise the Lord for his blessings in your life and give him the glory.  But also prepare yourself for the coming trials (never far off!) by praying for the Lord to refine you through the fire and give you wisdom and grace to grow in him. 

Perhaps you are experiencing a time of hardship.  If so, then praise the Lord for the opportunity to draw closer to him and to further develop your trust in him.  Give him glory and see how he proves his faithfulness over and over!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for "the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness ... through the one man Jesus Christ." Amen.  (Romans 5.17)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 85.1-7

" Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation."