DCLM Daily Manna September 29, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Folly of Earthly Possession

Topic: Folly of Earthly Possession [September 29, 2016]

Text: Psalm 49:1-14

Key Verse: "For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names" (Psalm 49:10,11).

A traveler from an ancient land once told a story. According to him, he saw in a desert country, the remains of a huge statues, two vast stone legs standing; and in the sand, half sank, with a shattered head whose ugly, sneering face accurately portrayed its original on the pedestal. He read the proud lines: "My name is Ozymandias, King of kings: look on my work ye mighty, and despair". Many centuries had worn down the statue; the residue was all that remained.

No matter how carefully a proud despot may try to be remembered forever, he will finally be conquered by time. Nothing in this world is immutable. Pride will go down before time. This preamble captures the psalmist's address to all and sundry. He emphasised the vanity of the things that are seen, and the weight of the invisible. In these days of high mortality rate, worldlings should be afraid. To those who set their heads upon the riches of the world, death is a dreadful thing to them. To them, it is the king of terrors. There is no way a person can buy eternal life with his riches; only God can redeem a soul. Hence, no man should count on wealth and physical comfort to make him happy.

The rich and the poor have one similarity when they die: they leave all they own on earth. At death, both the rich and poor are naked before God. The only riches believers have are resources already invested in eternal heritage. It is therefore, more profitable to invest in heavenly treasures and less on earthly possessions. To have treasure in heaven, we must place our faith in God, pledge to obey him and utilize our resources for the good of God's kingdom. Check your investments and see where you have invested the most. Then do whatever it takes to place your investments where they really count.

Thought for the day: Earthly treasures will perish with the world

Bible Reading in one Year: Ecclesiastes 8-12

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.