"The poorest person I know is the one who has nothing but money."
J.D. Rockefeller, Jr.

"Greed is the logical result of the belief that there is no life after death.  We grab what we can while we can however we can and then hold on tight."
Sir Fred Catherwood

"Content makes poor men rich: discontent makes rich men poor."
Benjamin Franklin

All of these quotes came from church this morning as we continue studying the Book of James, Chapter 5.  Fifteen years ago, I don't think I would have fully understood these quotes as I made adjustments that I looked at as being "poor me" adjustments while I picked up the pieces after a divorce and chronic illnesses (I still have the illnesses.....).  Money certainly makes things easier....no doubt about that, but I'm leading a much fuller life now as a member of the poorer crowd.  My priorities, thankfully, have taken a 180 turn.  And as I get older and older, all of the "things" that I have held onto for dear life no longer have the grasp on me that they once had.  Things are only things and will all be thrown away some day after I'm long gone.

So I try to live each day with gratitude as I sleep in a warm (or cool) home, get a drink of water out of my faucet, a snack from my fridge, and know that the Lord provides ALL that I need. 

“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.”
(Joshua 1:11)

Can you imagine carrying all of your possessions, food, and supplies for a long journey?  Much of this would be carried on your back.  A few would have a donkey or camel to help with the load.  I can't even imagine being limited to the possessions that would fit in my car.  How would I chose what to take? There would certainly be no extras or unnecessary items.  It would actually be heartbreaking to leave my "treasures" behind.
We are blessed beyond measure.  Most of us, anyway, have a roof over our head, a personal car for transportation, and abundant food.  A hot shower is expected in my spoiled world, heat to keep me warm, and air conditioning to keep me cool. 
All of this is from God, who takes care of my needs, not to mention the extras.  Blessings abound!

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
(Matthew 13:22)

Even though I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior, I still have thorns in my life that distract me from spreading the Word of the Lord.  Call them excuses, if you must.  Whenever we give anything else top priority, we are cheating ourselves along with dishonoring God.  The one thing that you never want to be greedy with is God's Word. 

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(Ephesians 5:5)

I had a little wrestle with my conscious this morning..... while tithing and picking out a recipient from the Angel tree...... I was concerned about my finances.  Being greedy and not relying on God's provisions is definitely sinful.  It's prioritizing money, which is making money an idol.......and it's all wrong, wrong, wrong.

Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.

(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Money can surely cause trouble in our lives.  We really do need money for basic living needs, plus, it's nice to have a little extra for a little treat once in awhile.  The trouble lies in loving money, in making money an idol in your life.  Although I live with little monies, my life is full and blessed.  God gives me what I need, when I need it.  A little trust, like a little money, goes a long way.

So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
(Mathew 27:5)

Many people worship money more than God.  Seems odd, since it's all God's money anyway.  It never has a happy ending either, does it?  Money is temporary.  It helps us live an easier physical life but does nothing for eternal purposes.  Money easily becomes an idol in our lives and takes a number one position on our priority rung.  Just being aware of the power that money can have over us gives us the upper hand in keeping it in its proper perspective.   Turn to God for your strength and provisions and you won't be disappointed.  In fact, you will be greatly rewarded.