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don't wear yourself out trying to get rich

Proverbs 23:4-5 (GW) --- Do not wear yourself out getting rich. Be smart enough to stop.  Will you catch only a fleeting glimpse of wealth before it is gone? It makes wings for itself like an eagle flying into the sky.
 
Have you chased the dream as I have?  I'm talking about the American dream of wealth or being comfortable.  That dream has to do with having all your needs met, not worrying and even doing just what you want to do.  Ok, you've chased the dream.  Have you caught it?  I have seem glimpses of it.  But has not been until recently, like the last 5 months or so, that I have really understand where it is and how it.
 
This dream comes true ONLY when you change your perspective.  Not with a job change or winning the lottery or finding out about about along lost relative that left you a fortune.  Those things are good and grand, yet they are reality for a very VERY few people.  Are the rest of us out of luck or what?  I say it this way:
 
Matthew 6:21 (nlt) --- Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
 
Ok.  I didn't say that.  Jesus did.  And He's the best at it as well.  I'm learning to be content and even to enjoy what I have.  There, I said it.
 
Notice the verses at the first of today's thoughts.  It says "don't wear yourself trying to get rich.  Be smart enough to stop."  More is never enough.  Life is not about you.  It is not about what you have.  All that stuff, whether money or material stuff possessions, could be gone in just a few moments.  Therefore, I believe that God would have us to gather stuff that lasts all the while using what we have for His glory and our enjoyment.  Is that possible?  I believe it is.
 
Julie and I are in the process of seeing greater success than we have ever had in our finances.  How is that when I have lost over 50% of my retirement due to the economy?  It is because we began a process that is creating margin in our lives.  No, neither of us has a 2nd job.  We simply are living with what we have and being smart about it.  By the way, we are still giving to our church and supporting other projects / missions.  You can do that too.
 
I'm excited that this weekend we are introducing our church family to Joe Sangl who has been our financial counselor.  He is not a miracle worker.  Joe simply learned what God intended for his family and is teaching others.  Take a look at his website which is www.joesangl.com and you will learn more.
 
Right now I want to ask you a couple questions and then ask a favor. 
 
QUESTIONS: What do you treasure the most in life?  What do you really want out of life?  Those questions will let you know if you are going to fail or succeed in life (not just with your money).
 
FAVOR: will you pray for the Financial Learning Experience taking place this weekend at The Community Fellowship. (We do have room for more people.  Click HERE to learn more.)

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