DATE POSTED
Sunday, July 19, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Proverbs 28:20, 22 ~ The man who wants to do right will get a rich reward. But the man who wants to get rich quick will quickly fail.
Trying to get rich quick is evil and leads to poverty. (TLB)

2 Corinthians 9:6, 11 ~ But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.
Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. (TLB)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Although stewardship is perhaps one of the least preached or taught subjects in many church circles, it remains a vital part of God’s Word. I believe it is intentionally designed to give us a proper perspective on who truly owns everything on this earth. The God who created us placed us here with absolutely nothing, yet He is entirely willing to give us everything we need to flourish as His children. In His Word, God teaches us how to proceed from a state of having nothing to living a successful life that blesses Him and everyone He places around us. Just as with human laws, God is clear about the dangers of disobedience and the pitfalls of circumventing His principles to follow the enemy’s leading. Conversely, He gives us profound reason to celebrate when we obey Him and strive to mirror His generosity here on earth.

To properly evaluate our obedience to God, we must briefly reflect on what our goals were before we accepted Jesus as our Savior—in our Before Christ days. Back then, we had no spiritual plumb line or guidance other than what Satan drove us to see in the worldly success of the rich and famous. Unfortunately, the evil one blinded us to the hidden failures and deep grief that often accompany sudden wealth—realities that prove God’s Word right, as warned in passages like our Proverbs 28 verses. Because we saw people of all ages achieve rapid financial success, we may have assumed it was a plan worth duplicating in our lives.

However, this does not mean wealth itself is wrong. Many godly men and women in Scripture were blessed materially. Neither does faithful stewardship mean a believer should never save, invest wisely, or prepare responsibly for the future. Rather, I believe God wants us to remember that He has a specific, beautiful plan for our lives. It is just as He declared to His people in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When we reject His plan and try to force our own affairs through short-sighted means, we inevitably invite failure and increase distance from God, just as Proverbs 28:22 warns. God’s way may not always be the quickest, but it is always the safest and the most rewarding.

If the worldly path leads to an empty, unsuccessful future, we must naturally study God’s Word to determine how to attain His favor and walk in unity with Him. After Christ, this path becomes beautifully evident. We are no longer just learning about His plans; our hearts are truly prepared to follow them in joyful obedience.

Having spent my entire working career in the financial industry, I find one comparison especially meaningful. Before Christ, if someone accumulated wealth, they were often encouraged to seek the advice of a financial advisor. After Christ, I came to realize that my greatest Financial Advisor has always been God Himself. Long before any earthly advisor existed, God had already written the perfect financial principles into His Word. No investment strategy, financial institution, or market guarantee can equal the wisdom, security, and faithfulness of following His plan.

The world may question why believers give generously to the work of God’s kingdom through offerings, missions, and tithes. Some may even view such giving as foolish. But God sees our giving as an act of obedience intended for our ultimate benefit and growth! Our scripture from 2 Corinthians 9 reminds us that when we sow generously in obedience, God is entirely faithful to return a generous harvest to us. Having worked in the financial industry all my working life, I can personally assure you: there are absolutely no earthly guarantees, or market promises bold enough to match God’s amazing promises and security. No secular institution can protect, maintain, or grow what is entrusted to it the way God guards a life surrendered to Him.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Isn’t it exciting how God shows us that stewardship is a lifestyle, not just a line item in our bank account? While we should be diligent and wise in managing our practical resources on earth, it is only through God’s amazing grace that we become more than conquerors – both in this life and for eternity. Today, commit to trusting Him completely with your finances and your future, keeping eternity firmly in view. Let us live ready to meet our Master, secure in the knowledge that He is in full control of our days on earth and stands ready to welcome us into His presence forever.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for every blessing You have entrusted to me. Forgive me for the times I have looked to the world for security instead of trusting in You. Teach me to be a faithful steward of my time, talents, opportunities, and finances. Help me to give generously, serve joyfully, and live with eternity always before me. May my life reflect that You are the Owner of all I have, and I am simply Your grateful servant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!