By Peter Kennedy
“How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at the head of every street. How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands!” – Lamentations 4:1-2
John P. Davidson was a Kentucky-raised Irishman who, after some time spent as captain of a steamer on the Mississippi River. He made his fortune in the California gold rush and settled in San Francisco. He was a devout Presbyterian who always went to church but never chipped in for the collection. He stiffed workers and business partners but was always on the lookout for another moneymaking scheme, including an extended boondoggle involving buying hogs in the South Pacific. He took only one meal a day at the dining room of his hotel but would eat enough at that sitting to make up for the other two meals.
Davidson fled to England to evade taxes when the Civil War broke out, but returned afterward and died a rich man in San Francisco. He is remembered as one of America’s most miserly people.
Things in life can cause our hearts to wander from our love for the Lord. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His goodness. Seek Him as you would the most precious treasure of all.
"The world is poor because her treasure is buried in the sky and all her treasure maps are of the earth." - Calvin Miller
God’s Word: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
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