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 season in my life when my focus was more on what God could give me rather than on God Himself. During that time, I related to God on a contractual rather than a relational basis. 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 recentered me on 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 mercy brought me to a place of complete brokenness and helplessness that I truly realized His unmerited favor in my life.
That was almost 40 years ago, and since then, I have realized that the greatest gift 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 will prosper in all things and be healthy, even as their souls prosper. 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 heads, He knows what we need before we even ask for it, and He loves to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
While we never 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 be bold today to ask for His full blessings in 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)
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 when my focus was more on what God could give me rather than on God Himself. During that time, I related to God on a contractual rather than a relational basis. 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 recentered me on 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 mercy brought me to a place of complete brokenness and helplessness that I truly realized His unmerited favor in my life.
That was almost 40 years ago, and since then, I have realized that the greatest gift 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 will prosper in all things and be healthy, even as their souls prosper. 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 heads, He knows what we need before we even ask for it, and He loves to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
While we never 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 be bold today to ask for His full blessings in 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)