Enjoy the Blessings of God

178 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. We Americans are rich, and these commands are for those who are rich in this present age, (the period of time that passes as we wait the Lord's return.) We've looked at the first three commands, Thou shalt not be haughty, Thou shalt not trust in uncertain riches, and Thou shalt trust in the living God. Today I want to spend some time on this statement about God, “who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” The word “richly” is meant to conjure up thoughts of an abundant harvest. I think it would suit us all well to picture a cornucopia, spilling out over a thanksgiving table symbolizing blessed abundance. It's true that we planted the seeds, tilled and cultivated the soil, but none of that would have done any good without the rain that God supplies in the proper amount. So that cornucopia is only overflowing because of the overflowing goodness of God. So let us be thankful for the riches we enjoy. They could be taken away at any time. One of the ways to express that thanks is to enjoy your riches. I don't care what God has given you in the material realm or the spiritual realm....enjoy it! Spend it, don't hoard it! Give it away! You don't have to feel guilty about being blessed! Enjoy it! I think one of the saddest things about the stay at home son in the parable of the Prodigal son, is he had all the blessings of the father's house, but never took the time to enjoy them. How about you? Are you afraid to be a little extravagant? Are you up to pouring a bottle of perfume over the feet of Jesus or are you going to begrudge such an act? You know in the Old Testament there was such a thing as the second tithe. A second ten percent that was set aside for the purpose of feasting at God-ordained feasts! This tithe was spent on whatever the heart desired for the purpose of glorifying God and adding joy to the feast! Seems to me we could use a little more of that today, without sacrificing our duties to the poor! God gave it to you! Enjoy it!