Gifts and Talents

      Many people believe in good luck, and bad luck. They believe in lucky coins, lucky horseshoes (the open end has to be pointed up, or the luck runs out), a four-leaf clover, Lucky charms, and many more things. They also believe in bad luck, like black cats, walking under a ladder, Friday the 13th, and many other things too numerous to name.

      Some cultures believe that some animals will bring them luck. A turtle may give longevity in life. If you see an elephant while traveling, then your journey will be successful. The ladybug will bring luck and prosperity. Some believe that the number 7 brings gifts: wisdom, and understanding. Honor, glory, blessings, strength, and godliness. A shooting star would grant a wish.

      All of these things are foolish. There is no such thing as good luck or bad luck. God does not talk about being lucky. He does talk about blessings and curses. He talks about the choices that we make. He said that He has set before us life and death. Then He says to choose life. Every one of us is living under a curse. Because of sin, we are all going to die. But when God talks about dying, He is talking about spiritual death. Our spirits will never die, but spiritual death is a separation from God (Hell). Christians can walk under a curse. If we are not doing the will of God; If we are not tithing. God’s will is not up for debate. We have to submit our wills to Him, and let Him lead us in the way we should go. We also must tithe the way God said to tithe, the first 10% of our increase.

      If we are putting our faith in lucky charms, numbers, or animals, we are not putting our faith in God. God’s blessings are for everyone. God will not withhold His blessings if we put our trust in Him. We are not lucky, we are blessed.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

      New King James Version
Psalms 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

      New King James Version
Psalms 31:19 ¶ Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!

      New King James Version
Malachi 3:8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, `In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.