Devotional - March 7, 2011

The full Rice & Beans Month devotional booklet "Shared Elements" is available for download here

I Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not
to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is
so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly
provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they
will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation
for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life
that is truly life.” (NIV)

Reflection
Do you want to get rich? Watch out!!!!

Do you have food and clothes? We are told that is enough - “...godliness with contentment is great gain.” Don't looooong for more. Many of us have more and more and MORE. God is not telling us exactly who is rich...but He does say food and clothes are enough. Wow!

The charge here is to put our hope in God - He's the One who provides. And to ALL of us in the “more” category, an incredible PRIVILEGE awaits us - SAVING treasure that lasts forever!

How? by 1) doing good, 2) being rich in good deeds, 3) being generous, 4) being willing to share.

So, let's put our hope in God, SAVING treasure that lasts forever, as we eat the rice and beans our loving Father has provided for our enjoyment!

- Char Holcomb, Lahash Volunteer

For Kids
What is “real life”? That's a strange question, it's true, but when you think
of what makes you happiest and feel the best inside your heart you don't
always think of it as what is the most “real”. We tend to see the things we
have as more “real” than who we are. That's not what God teaches us at
all. He tells us that we can be rich in good deeds, being generous and
eager to share what we have with others who need it. Today will you think
about doing things that make your heart feel rich? Show kindness to
someone who is hurt or feels left out, maybe share a special treat from
your lunch, or tell someone who looks like they need a friend about a time
you felt like that. You'll see what if feels like to be God's kind of rich, to
live the realest life there is!