JULY 27
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 time in my life when my focus was more on what God could give me than on God Himself. During that period, I related to God in a contractual way rather than a relational one. I quoted many Bible verses that spoke of God's blessings and His promises for my own benefit. I know I was sincere in my heart at the time, but in hindsight, I realize I was seeking His hand instead of His face.
During this brief season, the Lord gently refocused me on what truly mattered—His love for me. No matter how much I tried to earn His favor through overly religious routines, He kept loving me. It wasn't until His grace and mercy led me to a state of complete brokenness and helplessness that I truly understood His unmerited favor in my life.
That was over 40 years ago, and since then, I have come to realize that the greatest gift I could ever receive is the love from God. Everything else in life simply pales in comparison! While I would never encourage pursuing prosperity just for the sake of it, I still believe that our heavenly Father's true desire is to bless us—spirit, soul, and body.
In today's Bible reading, John prays that his readers will prosper in all areas and be healthy, just as their souls prosper. My prayer today is that we all realize our Father cares about every part of our lives, even the things that don't seem very spiritual. He has numbered the hairs on our heads, He knows what we need before we ask, and He loves to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
While we should never pursue God solely for what He provides, we must recognize that He desires us to prosper in all areas. He is a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-11). Let us not be afraid to ask, seek, and knock today. He is for us, not against us, and wants us to ask Him for our needs. May you be courageous today in asking for His full blessings in every part 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)
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. (WEB)
There was a time in my life when my focus was more on what God could give me than on God Himself. During that period, I related to God in a contractual way rather than a relational one. I quoted many Bible verses that spoke of God's blessings and His promises for my own benefit. I know I was sincere in my heart at the time, but in hindsight, I realize I was seeking His hand instead of His face.
During this brief season, the Lord gently refocused me on what truly mattered—His love for me. No matter how much I tried to earn His favor through overly religious routines, He kept loving me. It wasn't until His grace and mercy led me to a state of complete brokenness and helplessness that I truly understood His unmerited favor in my life.
That was over 40 years ago, and since then, I have come to realize that the greatest gift I could ever receive is the love from God. Everything else in life simply pales in comparison! While I would never encourage pursuing prosperity just for the sake of it, I still believe that our heavenly Father's true desire is to bless us—spirit, soul, and body.
In today's Bible reading, John prays that his readers will prosper in all areas and be healthy, just as their souls prosper. My prayer today is that we all realize our Father cares about every part of our lives, even the things that don't seem very spiritual. He has numbered the hairs on our heads, He knows what we need before we ask, and He loves to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
While we should never pursue God solely for what He provides, we must recognize that He desires us to prosper in all areas. He is a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-11). Let us not be afraid to ask, seek, and knock today. He is for us, not against us, and wants us to ask Him for our needs. May you be courageous today in asking for His full blessings in every part 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)