I think it's so sad when people are always buying lottery tickets, hoping to win the BIG one. Paul taught us to be content with what we have, food and clothing. I have been a christian for a long time, and the Father has never allowed our family with four kids to go hungry or without clothes. At times those clothes came in garbage bags from friends, but hey, they were new to us. And the food was sometimes pretty plain, but it sustained us, and we were never hungry. God is good.
Metal~you're right, it is the LOVE of money, not money. God is a jealous God, and will not share his place in our heart with anyone or anything.
I had an awesome thing happen last night. I have been feeling so close to God and having a fantastic relationship with him for the past year or so, and then lately, i have been so tempted and felt as though my life/carnal self was beginning to control me with it's desires. I was praying about it, and this verse came to mind, right out of the blue...
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation."
Then the Father led me to all sorts of scriptures about my weakness and His strength. We must not lean on our own understanding, or think that we can overcome our sin by willpower. We are not warring against flesh and blood, so we cannot battle it that way. It must be fought with the word, and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Only by His strength can we still stand. That's what he loves, when we admit to him that we cannot do it, He must do it for us. We must depend on Him for all things.
And i don't see where money will lead us to do that.
