THAT YOU MAY PROSPER

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. (WEB)

There was a season in my life where my focus was more on what God could give me rather than on God Himself. During that time in my life, I related to God on a contractual basis rather than a relational one. I quoted many Bible verses that spoke of God's blessings and His promises for my own gain. I know I was sincere in my heart at the time, but in hindsight I realize that I was seeking His hand instead of His face. 

In the midst of this short season, the Lord lovingly re-centered me to what was really important. And that was simply that He loved me. Regardless of how much I tried to win His favor with hyper religious activity, He continued to love me. It wasn't until His grace and His mercy brought me to a place of complete brokenness and helplessness that I truly had a revelation of His unmerited favor on my life.

That was over 30 ago and since then, I have realized that the greatest gift that I could ever receive is the love that comes from God. Everything else in life absolutely pales in comparison! While I would never advocate seeking prosperity for prosperity's sake, I still believe that the heart of our heavenly Father is to bless us... spirit, soul and body.

In today's Bible reading, John prays that his readers would prosper in all things and be healthy even as their soul was prosperous. My prayer today is that we would all know that our Father cares for every aspect of our lives, even the things that don't seem very spiritual. He has numbered the hairs on our head, He knows what we need before we even ask for it, and He loves to give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4).

While we never ever should seek God just for the things He gives us, we should still realize that He wants us to prosper in all things. He is a good Father who gives good gifts to His kids (Matthew 7:7-11). May we not be afraid to ask, seek and knock today. He is for you and not against you. He wants you to ask Him for what you need. May you have boldness today to ask for His full blessings on every aspect of your life.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future. (WEB)