I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
—John 10:14
Unless God is revealed to us through personal experience, we can never really know God. Most of us know about God, but that is quite different from knowing God. We learn about God through the agencies of the church, the Sunday school, the youth activities, the worship services. Many people stop in their quest for God at this point. It is one thing to be introduced to a person, but quite another thing to know him personally.
January 13 “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward” (1 Sam. 16:13). Like David each of us has been born into an earthly family; but have you ever realised that God wants you to be a heavenly King? Did you ever dream that your God and Creator had such a lofty purpose for you? Just read the Word of God, and see how much God loves and has planned for you. Then you will surely have a happy day. Yet when you become conscious of the Spirit of God being poured upon you as a sign that you are His forever, it is only a beginning. Even though the joy of new birth is so wonderful, it is only a beginning. When you receive the gift of salvation, and the seal of the Holy Spirit, you will begin to know the real purpose of God in calling you and loving you and saving you. This is the beginning of joy to know that God has called and chosen. The joy of victory over evil is a great joy, but your God has a much greater joy yet for you.
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Here the Lord speaks of His death and His victory over death. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:34). Now this is a simple and wonderful truth, which does not require any education or Bible knowledge to understand. All of us have seen the grain of wheat dying and bringing forth much fruit. One grain of wheat with good soil and water can produce about 5000 grains. Again if you sow these grains the next year and go on sowing what is produced for five years, you will have a whole long goods train full of grain. The Lord Jesus Christ is that grain of wheat. He died to bring many sons into His heavenly glory, and to fill the whole heaven with those sons. All that power was realized for you and for me, when He died and was buried, and rose again. If a grain of wheat has so much power in it, how much more the Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. No man could touch Him. When they came to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:4,6,7), our Lord said “Whom seek ye?” They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth”. And He said, “I am he.” As soon as they heard that, they went backward and fell down. They were afraid to touch Him. He gave Himself up, that we may be more than conquerors. He did not die as a martyr. He gave Himself up to bring into us the highest power in the whole universe and that power is now being offered to you. Has that power come into you? Does it work in you? Are you being raised higher and higher with the same power every day? Do you find yourself rejoicing in suffering, persecutions, trials and poverty? Weeping Christians have no right to be called Christians. God’s Word says: “…if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Roman. 8:9). Again, “whosoever believeth in him… have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God has promised these sevenfold tribulations, temptations, trials, famines, sword, suffering and persecution, to show in us His power and victory that while others start crying and weeping, we can be more than conquerors.
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
—Psalm 39:7
The sea was beating against the rocks in huge, dashing waves. The lightning was flashing, the thunder was roaring, the wind was blowing; but the little bird was asleep in the crevice of the rock, its head serenely under its wing, sound asleep. That is peace—to be able to sleep in the storm! In Christ, we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusion, bewilderments, and perplexities of life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace—at last!
What the Bible Says About Wealth. In today’s world, many people think wealth brings happiness and security. But the Christian Bible gives a deeper and wiser teaching about money and wealth. The Bible does not say that money is evil. Instead, it teaches how a Christian should think, earn, and use wealth in a God-honoring way.
Wealth Is Not Sin, but Loving Money Is Dangerous
The Bible clearly teaches that money itself is not sinful. The problem begins when money becomes more important than God.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the love of money leads to many kinds of evil. This means a Christian should not allow wealth to control the heart.
👉 Christian lesson: Love God more than money.
God Is the Source of All Wealth
A Christian should always remember that God is the provider. Our jobs, skills, and opportunities come from Him.
In Deuteronomy 8:18, the Bible says God gives us the ability to gain wealth. This teaches humility and thankfulness.
👉 Christian lesson: Wealth is a gift, not a reason for pride.
Christians Should Trust God, Not Riches
Jesus gave a strong warning to Christians about trusting money instead of God.
In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money. Money should serve us, but God must rule our life.
👉 Christian lesson: Faith in God is more important than financial security.
Contentment Is a Christian Value
The Bible encourages Christians to be content, not greedy.
In Hebrews 13:5, believers are told to be satisfied with what they have and trust God’s presence.
Contentment brings peace, while greed brings stress and fear.
👉 Christian lesson: A thankful heart is richer than a full bank account.
Wealth Should Be Used to Help Others
One of the most beautiful Christian teachings is about generosity.
In Proverbs 19:17, the Bible says helping the poor is like lending to the Lord. God cares deeply about how Christians treat the needy.
👉 Christian lesson: Use wealth to bless others and glorify God.
True Wealth Is Eternal, Not Earthly
Jesus reminded Christians that earthly wealth will not last forever.
In Matthew 6:20, believers are encouraged to store treasures in heaven. Faith, love, obedience, and good works are eternal riches.
👉 Christian lesson: Focus on eternal life, not temporary riches.
Final Christian Message About Wealth
The Bible teaches Christians to:
Respect money, but not worship it
Trust God more than wealth
Live with contentment
Give generously
Seek heavenly riches first
A true Christian life puts God at the center, not money.