8/30/2026
"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you
have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it,
why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
1 Corinthians 4:7
As you know, I attend Sunday afternoon services online with my California family at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills shepherded by Jack Hibbs. We are studying the book of Proverbs, snailing through, verse by verse, greedily devouring each syllable, savoring the flavor of God's Word for us today. He pulls no punches, teaches only the Word, and admits when he doesn't know something. How refreshing in an age when people always want the last say, and if they don't know an answer, they google the question for an answer in an effort to appear intellectual and scholarly. This is the height of hubris, which is another word for pride. What is the great sin in admitting we do not have the answers?! But we do know who has the answer to all things - Jesus! This is why I cling to one of the words given by Paul to the congregation in Corinth: "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
(1 Corinthians 2:2).
Today we picked up the study in Proverbs 3:7-10:
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions. And with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."
Pastor Jack entitled this message How to Get Rich Quick. I'm wondering how many people surfing the internet for information on prosperity, financial assistance, wealth, or any topic concerning money, or the accumulation thereof, were directed to this website?! Imagine sitting through the entire message just to hear the words "when you die you're taking nothing with you" or "nothing you have belongs to you." Of course, Pastor Jack is a bit more animated in his teaching, so they may become more enthusiastic until he gets to the heart of the matter which I quoted from 1 Corinthians 4:7 above. Everything, absolutely everything we have or think we own has been given to us by God - even your health, your intellect, your ability to go to college or get the job you ached for, and to achieve success. Some may ask, "Well, if that is so, then why hasn't God given me the things that I want or need?" To that I can only say that God is in control, and He knows what He is doing. Besides which, we in America are so incredibly blessed. Even when some go without eating it is not to the degree or the level of starvation that so many endure in other countries. I do know this though...no matter how limited our finances may be, if we reach out in love to others who are less fortunate than we, God will multiply blessings to us when we give from a heart of love and compassion and not from a desire to gain more for ourselves. We do not gain brownie points for heaven. God sees our hearts and searches the intentions and motives.
In his discussion, Elon Musk's lifestyle, a trillionaire, was mentioned. I have listened to Elon's testimony about his life myself. He states that he lives a humble or minimalist lifestyle, because possessions "just weigh you down." He doesn't own cars, homes, yachts, or even a home, and he doesn't carry cash. He doesn't take a salary, and he doesn't take any of the money from sales or invenions. I don't know what he does with his money, and it's not my business. He's an immigrant who is an American citizen investing his life and talents to benefit others. He no longer considers himself an atheist, acknowledges God as the Creator, and agrees with the teachings of Jesus. To me that is the definition of wealth. He cares more about others than he does himself. Whether or not he has received the Greatest Gift or not - the Gift of Salvation - I don't know, but I feel that even if he has not, in his simplistic reasoning and understanding, he will find his way. Especially if we do our job as intercessors and pray for him.
From the reading today the message I want to share is found in verses 7 & 8 of Proverbs 3 as well as verses 5 & 6 from last week:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones."
I underscored the words "fear the LORD," to emphasize the importance of these words which do not mean cowering in timidity and apprehension, although many would do well if they did. Rather, to fear God means to reverence Him as a Holy God and to give Him the honor and praise, and especially thanks, due Him. If we heeded His counsel, walked in His ways, it would indeed be an abundant lifestyle, as Elon Musk understands in a different way. God sees our hearts. He knows our needs and hears our desires. Simply trust Him - that's all He asks. Accept Him, love Him. "Find the love of Jesus, and love Him back."
