Friday, 28^th November, 2025

Bible Reading: Luke 15: 11-32

Memory Verse:  God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have. 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

Michael Carroll, often nicknamed the “Lotto Lout,” was a 19-year-old refuse collector from Norfolk, England, when he won £9.7 million in the UK National Lottery in November 2002. Born into a working-class family and raised with limited financial education, Carroll found himself thrust into sudden fame and fortune.

His early days as a millionaire were marked by extreme indulgence: lavish parties, fast cars, drugs, and reckless spending. Within a few years, the fortune had evaporated. By 2010, he was declared bankrupt. Eventually, he returned to working as a refuse collector, the very job he held before the lottery win.

Lessons

1. Wealth Without Wisdom Is a Curse, Not a Blessing: Carroll bought luxury cars, hosted drug-fueled parties, and gave out large sums of money without discernment. He had money but not the maturity to handle it. The wisdom here is that it is better to grow gradually in wealth and wisdom than to leap into fortune without foundation. Solomon asked for wisdom, not riches (1 Kings 3:9-13). Because of that, he received both.

2. Fame and Fortune Cannot Heal Inner Brokenness: Michael grew up in a troubled environment, losing his father at a young age and dealing with learning difficulties and behavioural challenges. The money amplified his pain rather than healing it. The wisdom here is that money reveals who you are, it doesn’t change you. The healing of the soul must precede the elevation of status. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Only God can do this, not wealth or popularity.

3. The Power of Stewardship: What you do with what you have today prepares you for what you can handle tomorrow. Carroll’s inability to manage £9 million is no different from many who struggle to manage £900 wisely. Practical Challenge: If you can’t steward little, you can’t steward much (Luke 16:10). Before asking God for more, ask: Am I faithful with what I have now?

Quote:  Wealth without wisdom is like a ship with a broken rudder, easily tossed by the waves and likely to be wrecked.

Prophetic Decree:  Receive the requisites wisdom needed to manage wealth, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus 

1. I receive wealth that comes with wisdom, in Jesus name. 

2. Lord, heal me of internal brokenness and trauma today, in Jesus name.

3. I shall not evade process in the school of God, in Jesus name.

4. I reject blessings that turns to curses, in Jesus name. 

5. O Lord, please conquer my bad habits and appetites, before lifting me, in Jesus name. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  1 Corinthians 1-4