Greetings Brethren:

If you claim to walk with God and know God where is your heart? If your heart dwells on Materialism, Money and the wants of life, you do not Know God. For where your heart is so is your treasure. You cannot love Money more than God. You cannot love God when it is convenient and only to exploit (Preachers are you Guilty) the people of God. For example telling God's people that God has commanded that we owe Him 10% of our incomes as a Tithe (tax) is ungodly and a Big Lie.

PREACHER'S WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART, IS IT MONEY OR GOD? Peace and Love, Carl Patton writing for the FreedomJournal June 1, 2001 in the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. PASTORS ANNIVERSARIES (APPRECIATION) RITUALS & MONEY PART 9: OBEDIENCE TO GOD MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY

In the name of God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.

The Word of God is truly wonderful and a blessing to the people God created. We are encouraged to stay true to the Word regardless of the temptations of the world. For it is written that obedience to the laws of God are the only route to true happiness.

The 119 Psalms is noted as the longest chapter in the Bible. Most theologians suggest that Ezra the Priest was the writer. The main subject is the Word of God. With the exception of verses 3, 37, 90, 121, 122, and 132, each verse of this Psalms makes a direct mention of the Word. The following terms are used to reveal to the reader the Word: law, testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, word, judgments and ordinances.

There is also a particular division in 22 sections of eight verses each. The Word that stands as the heading of each section is one of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Here we see the complete Hebrew alphabet spelled in English letters.

Our primary scripture lesson as related our topic comes from verse 36. However we will begin there but we will also note several other verses in this most powerful message from God.

Psalms 119:36. "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness."

A man's heart cannot go in two directions nor embrace two leaders (see Matthew 6:24). Here the writer reveals the way of God and His testimonies leads us to Him and the way of covetousness leads in the opposite direction. Most people in today's world covet money. This is why we have the ungodly fund-raising efforts in the church. In the world money represents power, influence and success.

Although there is a need for money for comfort, security and other necessities it will not bring you the joy of God. Thus obedience to God is far more valuable than wealth. The riches of heaven are no doubt more rewarding than earthly riches. The prayer for obedience to God is revealed in this prayer. In this prayer we find valid instructions for us also to pray to God for obedience and not a prayer for materialistic rewards and the lust for money.

Related Scripture: Luke 12:15. "Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in abundance of the things which he possesseth."

Jesus teaches us that material possessions are only temporary. When we walk in the Spirit the good life is revealed in those who know and trust God. The greedy desire for things you don't have is not a good life. However society and the world say the desire for more and more is positive and the way to happiness. However when you live for God these things cease too be important.

Luke 12:33-34. "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourself bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupted."

"For where your treasury is there will be your heart also."

When money is seen as the greatest commodity that exists we become detached from God and have very little interest in helping the needy. The accumulation of wealth is not the goal of the Godly. The people of God who have wealth use money wisely. Thus, they use their money to uplift God's kingdom. Giving large sums of money to Preachers for an annual, Appreciation is not building God's kingdom.

Hebrews 13:5. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things ye have for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

The word of God teaches us to be content. God's love is revealed in what He has provided. We must remember that money and possessions will pass away. When Christians become materialistic, they simply say that they do not trust God to take care of them.

We will now return to the 119 Psalms to get a better scriptural base on how to obtain obedience to God.

Psalms 119:1-2. "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord." "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."

Again we note that this Psalms reveals that it is a must for believers to follow the laws of God. Thus, obedience to God is seen in a sincere heart of God.

119:9. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word."

Our survival in an unclean and filthy world can be realized by staying with the Word. Meanwhile many churches place the greatest emphasis on raising money to give to Preachers than the study of the Word. If we do not know the Word how can we apply it?

119: 11. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

The word of God should be stored in our hearts. This is a sure way to combat sin. But we must always put the Word into action so it can truly guide our lives.

119:12-18. "Blessed art thee, O Lord teach me thy statutes."

Throughout society and for example the work place there are rules. We are to rejoice in Gods law just as much as one would rejoice in riches. The laws of God guide us along a path of righteousness and avoids destruction.

119: 19. "I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me."

The Word of God is a road map. So like any other map if we do not follow the map you will become lost. When you are lost in sin, you cannot reach the goal of all Christians which is Peace and Paradise.

119: 25. God's Word revives us. It offers answers but we must read it. 119: 27. God Word is a set of rules. However, God also helps us live according to the rules. 119:44-46. When we obey God's laws we are free to be what God has designed us to be. 119:97-104. Here we see that if a man does not know God he has very little wisdom. The Word of God makes us wise. Thus, we become wiser than our enemies.

119:105. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The Bible is our light as we go through this life filled with the pitfalls of sin and unbelief.

119:113. "I hath vain thoughts: but thy law do I love." God hates those who cannot make up their minds between good and evil. There is no room to compromise when it comes to God's law. Obey God and act out the law of love.

119:125. "I am thy servant: give me understanding, that I might know thy testimonies."When we apply scripture to our daily lives our faith comes alive.

119:160. 'Thy word is true from the beginning: and everyone of thy righteous judgments endureth forever." God is perfect truth. (See John 17:14-17). The Bible is completely true and trustworthy.

119:165. "Great peace have thy which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. If we love God and obey His laws we will have great peace.

Cont. Part 10: Integrity Is More Important Than Money

About the Author

Peace be unto you.