Thought for the Week

by Social Work Christian Fellowship.

(www.swcf.org.uk)

Bible Verse

"Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim 6:6) True religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn’t bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." 1 Tim 6:6-10 (New Living Translation)

Thought

Lust for more and more money, wealth and possessions is a snare. Enough is enough. But how much is enough? Living within our means. We all need to beware of rashly biting off more than we can chew, going for a fancy house/car to please a loved one or to impress others when it is beyond our budget.

The Holy Spirit is available to guide us with a sense of His peace in all our decision-making. Social workers meet many who are struggling with unemployment and deprivation. Such turbulent times can move people to turn to God in prayer and to prove the wonders of His providence for His children. May the faith of many be strengthened as they find that one closed door is Father God’s opportunity for them to find another (and better) open door. “This is the way – walk ye in it.” (Isaiah 30:21). Romans 8:28 is also always relevant for us. When we can no longer trust banks and other financial institutions, we can always trust our Almighty Heavenly Father.

Prayer Pointers

Pray for Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling at this time for God’s wisdom to guide them and other world leaders.

Pray for Christians to be wise and generous stewards of all God’s good gifts.

Pray for Christian social workers and financial advisers and staff at the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux who are very busy helping clients in financial straits. May our Lord point them to His best solution in each case.

May lessons be learned from this global crisis and materialistic values re-examined.

Pray for wise new regulations to guide those engaged in top level banking and financial trading.