50 Days of Wisdom

In Luke chapter 16, the opening 8 verses, Jesus tells a parable about an unjust steward. It's about a man who, in a clever, shrewd, and wily fashion, used money available to him to secure a future. Knowing he was being fired, he took advantage of the time that he had to work deals with his master's debtors to then indebt them to him so that when he was let go from his current position, they would be obligated to receive him. He was securing his future satisfaction, comfort, and well-being by very shrewd use of money. Jesus said sometimes unbelievers are far more shrewd in planning for their future with the use of money than are believers. He is telling us that we need to be very wise in how we use our money with a view to the future, and not an earthly future, but a heavenly future. And he opens up to us the reality that we can use our money to secure joys, surpassing joys, fulfillment, and satisfaction forever in heaven. It's one thing to plan for the few years of your retirement here. It's quite another to plan for a full, rich eternity, and that's what Jesus is teaching. After the parable in verse 9, Jesus makes an application. Just as the man secured future friends with the wise use of money, He says you need to do the same. Verse 9, "I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon (money) of unrighteousness, that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings." All he is saying is to use your money so that someday when you go to heaven, there will be a group of folks there to welcome you. What does that mean? Those folks who are there to welcome you will be the ones who have been reached with the gospel by your money. You gave to the church, to the work of the church, to the missions of the church, to evangelism, and to the spread of the gospel, and as a result they were reached, and apparently God will let them know who were reached by your gifts so they can be there to welcome you when you arrive. What an amazing thought! What a gracious gift on the part of God. How inviting! I mean, it's one thing to think about arriving in heaven and meeting all the people you already knew. That's OK. Reunions are going to be a reality there, but how about arriving in heaven and meeting all of the people who were reached with the gospel that you would never know until you meet them there, your new friends who will welcome you into your heavenly dwelling? There's a real connection between time and eternity with regard to money. You can't take your money with you, but you can invest it in such a way as to enrich your eternity. That's why our Lord Jesus gives the command in Matthew 6, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt, where thieves do not break through and steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." In other words, "Put your money in a place where nothing can ever touch it, where it can bring you an eternal reward, never being corrupted or diminished, and know this, that wherever you put your money, your heart will follow." So, how you use your money is critical to your eternal joy because what you do with money right now will determine the amount of your eternal joy. The point is this: If you use your money now for the advancement of the gospel, you will store up for yourself the treasure of a good, solid basis for your eternal life. And this just demonstrates the sheer goodness of God because we certainly don't deserve forgiveness or to be in heaven. And yet, our Lord says, "What you do with money right now, will determine your eternal joy." Amazing! Repent and believe! GTY.org (42-207) – Escaping Materialism

Today's Wisdom

Day: 946

June 16, 2026

woman in white sweater reading free ebook

About Us

The Mark Paul Ministry dedicates itself to providing free Christian eBooks that inform and empower readers. Discover and download free ebooks and articles compiled by the Mark Paul Ministry, as well as experience the power of faith through authoritative expository preaching.

Grace and peace,

My name is Mark Paul from Wauchula, Florida, and like the Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:14, "I know that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent." Consequently, my goal is to leave a legacy that will continue to advance the kingdom of God long after I have departed. In other words, bear fruit for eternity. And by simply reading and sharing my free eBooks, you too become contributors to the advancement of His kingdom. Thank you for partaking in this endeavor, and I look forward to greeting you on heaven's shore.

The Truth in Love,

Mark Paul - Servant of God

Now grant, O Lord, that when the souls who read these books cast their eyes upon these lines, their minds may be illuminated and their consciences convinced and awakened, that they may see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and be converted so that You may heal them. Amen