1999-12-01 - Freedom From Debt

Originally Published 1997-06-25

Proverbs 21:20 The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. (LB)

Why Do We Spend Ourselves Into Debt?

Three Common Misconceptions

1. Having more things will make me more happy.
   
   Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings happiness! 11 The more you have, the more you spend, right up to the limits of your income. So what is the advantage of wealth-except perhaps to watch it as it runs through your fingers!
   
   Ecclesiastes 6:9 A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; mere dreaming of nice things is foolish; it's chasing the wind.
   
2. Having more things will make me more important.
   
   Luke 12:15 Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are.
   
3. Having more things will make me more secure.

Proverbs 11:28 Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree!

Proverbs 18:11 The rich man thinks of his wealth as an impregnable defense, a high wall of safety. What a dreamer!

1 Timothy 6:9 But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil-minded and finally send them to hell itself.

Enjoy Life More … On Less

1. Find happiness in helping others.
   
   Acts 20:35 And I was a constant example to you in helping the poor; for I remembered the words of the Lord Jesus, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
   
   Matthew 5:6 "Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied.
   
2. Find self-worth in knowing God.
   
   Isaiah 43:4 Others died that you might live; I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me and honored, and I love you.
   
   Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds! They don't worry about what to eat-they don't need to sow or reap or store up food-for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.
   
   Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
   
3. Find security in trusting God.

Hebrews 13:5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never, never fail you nor forsake you."

Matthew 6:19-21 Don't store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves. If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.

Philippians 4:19 And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.

Dear Lord, Help us put our trust in YOU alone. Everyday we are bombarded with marketing telling us that this or that will make us better, more loved, more secure and happier. Help us find our fulfillment in YOU alone. In Christ's name, Amen.

David Massey

david@masseyre.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.peacewithgod.com

All Verses from The Living Bible