A few years ago I kept a “Treasure Journal” where I tracked my financial journey for a couple of years. I charted my income, giving, and unmet financial needs. Each time I sat down to record the most recent information, I’d scan the previous entries and was amazed how my needs had always been met, and even many of my “wants.”

Today I came across some of the research I used in that project on the topics of prosperity and poverty, and found some interesting quotes that I’ll share here.

“Be charitable before wealth makes thee covetous.” – Sir Thomas Browne (1605-82)

“I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 per week.” – John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (1839-1937)

And perhaps the most profound, “We are rich only through what we give; and poor only through what we refuse and keep.” – Anne Swetchine (1782-1857)

When we look around, there is always a need greater than our own. This was never more real to me than when I visited Russia last fall where even a famous artist lived in severe poverty. In his home there was no sumptuous meal laid out for us, only a melon and an art lesson by his wife. I cherished that time and felt deeply touched that she freely shared her God-given gift. Hopefully one day, they will receive God’s greatest gift.