Daily Devotional
Are You the Target of “Cash and Cadillacs” Theology?
“Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea…their soul melts because of trouble…Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still…so He guides them to their desired haven”
Psalm 107:23-30
February 19, 2020
Ponder This
God is the master of the winds and the waves. He is able to cause storms to come or to calm them.
A very shallow theology says if we’re in the will of God, we’ll always sail smoothly on the sea of life. We’ll have no sickness, no sorrow, no disappointment, know no separation. There’ll be no problems in our family. The “joy boys” get on television and say, “You just believe God and send me an offering, and you’ll never be sick, never know loss, everything’ll be fine.” That’s the gospel of cash and Cadillacs. Friend, there’s a Greek word for that—baloney.
No, we’re going to have difficulty. When it comes, you can say, “I’m governed by His providence, but I’m also growing by His plan.” God’s plan is not to indulge you; God’s plan is to enlarge you. “Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress” (Psalm 4:1).
Practice This
Those of you who’ve been on the trail for awhile, who have walked a long time with the Lord, when did you grow the most? When everything was fine? When there was smooth sailing? Or when the storm came? Did you not grow more in the storm, in distress, when you were crowded to Christ, and when you had to call upon Him? You are growing by His plan.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
What is the mission of the Church?
Love Worth Finding's newest book, "A Final Charge to the Church, "is based on the final series of messages Pastor Rogers preached before retiring in 2005. Pastor Rogers wanted to prepare his congregation for the future. In doing so, he provided a biblically sound blueprint that applies to all Christians on topics including unity among believers, standing strong in opposition to the enemy (Satan), the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives, steadfastness in prayer, true worship, faithfulness to God's Word, caring for others, and the kingdom authority given to believers in Jesus Christ. The book is a great read for all believers who want to become better prepared, as the bride of Christ, to be radiant, pure, and faithful to Jesus, the living Word of God.
