Topic: Dangers of Financial Storms [Sunday 23,
July 2017]
Memorise: The poor is hated even of his own
neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
Proverbs 14:20
Read: Proverbs 14:20-22 (KJV)
14:20 The poor is hated even of his own
neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth:
but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy
and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Bible in one year: 2nd Samuel 21:22, Ezekiel
13:20-14:11, Hymn: Sing hymn 4
MESSAGE:
Peace is desirable because it signifies everything
that is calm, quite and in order. On the other
hand, storms are undesirable because they bring
turbulence, trouble, fear and absence of rest.
While all storms are bad, a financial storm is one
of the worst storms that can hit the foundation of
an individual, family or community. One reason
why financial storms are more deadly is because
they can trigger off other storms. For
instance, Proverbs 14:20 says,
“The poor is hated even
of his own neighbour:
but the rich hath many
friends.”
This means that because of the poverty of the
poor, many of his neighbours prefer to avoid him.
Some would even develop hatred for him just for
that reason. This describes the attitude of many
unsaved people to their poor neighbours. It is
most unfortunate that some believers also follow
this evil trend. This has led to the formation of
cliques and factions in places where there should
be unity and togetherness. Psalm 10:2 says that
only a wicked and proud fellow would subject the
poor to such treatment. Some Church leaders
cannot stand seeing those who are not well-to-
do. As a result, they discriminate against them,
using every excuse in the book. They appoint
only those who are rich into positions, even when
they know that the poor are more ideal for such
positions. If you are involved in such
discriminatory practices, remember Psalm
12:5 which says that when the poor cry out to
God, He will arise on their behalf against their
oppressors.
Are you hated by your neighbours because of the
financial storms you are confronted with? Fear
not! According to Psalm 69:33 , the Lord will hear
your cry today and bring you out of poverty and
reproach. Moreover, financial storms can make
an individual contemplate suicide. In 1st King
17:12 , due to the financial storms that the widow
of Zarephath was going through with her son, she
decided that they should just take their last meal
and afterwards die. Have you found yourself in a
similar situation where you are contemplating or
have even attempted suicide? Stop right there!
Suicide can never solve your problems. It is
worse than going from frying pan into fire. See
your pastor, tell him your situation and see what
he can do to help. However, more importantly,
call on the Lord to deliver you from the
challenges you are confronted with. I rebuke
every spirit of death suggesting suicide to you
right now! I pray that hope be restored in your
heart right now in Jesus’ Name.
Action Point: If your financial storm is so bad that
you feel seriously pressured to commit suicide,
just know that your turnaround is truly around
you. Don’t ever quit, and don’t kill yourself!
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written
by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of
the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the
largest evangelical Church in the world and also
the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
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