“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. (Ecclesiastes 7:12, NIV)

While many people pursue wealth because of its apparent security, Ecclesiastes reminds us that — compared to wisdom — money is an inferior shelter.

Money cannot add years to our life, but wisdom will give life to our years. Money cannot reveal the secrets of life; but if a persons acquires wisdom, life’s secrets are revealed.

To live according to God’s wisdom is to have all of the things that money cannot buy.  – Luther

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“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24, NIV)

God is the Alpha and the Omega.

When God becomes the Alpha and the Omega (the first and last) in our personal lives, He becomes our delight; and every decision we make is made with the firm confidence that He will be our lifeguard.

There are many opportunities for us to become “tripped-up”: Some come as a result of our ignorance; some come as a result of the evil designs of others; some come as a result of our lot as humans; some come through our own disobedience.

In each circumstance, though we have stumbled badly — and are flailing-about to regain our equilibrium — the Lord’s hand arrests our fall.  The Lord’s hand re-establishes balance.

Walk closely with the Lord.  Hold firmly to His hand.  Delight yourself in Him.  – Luther

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“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25, NIV)

David saw in his history the total faithfulness of God, both to him — and to his offspring.  God is sometimes faithful to us “because of,” and sometimes God is faithful to us “in spite of,” but God is always faithful.

In His faithfulness, He cares for us. He seeks our highest good, even through trial or in tears.  He gives each of us reasons to love Him and to trust Him that are as countless as they are compelling.

Each of us has lived long enough to have made “history” with God.  When you look back on your particular, personal history, what is it you see?  What is your testimony?  – Luther

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