Fulfilling His Purposes!

"for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

If we, as believers in God, accept His Word as His revealed purpose for our lives, then what He spoke through Jeremiah speaks volumes as to God's plans for our lives. "For I know the plans I have for you,"declares The Lord,  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (29:11 NIV).

When we prosper (and not just in material wealth), we are fulfilling God's good purpose for our lives. Our prosperity is a result of our obedience in all things and therefore we should not be ashamed to declare what God has done and is doing in our lives.

With all of the head-shaking and murmurs against "prosperity preachers" one would have to wonder if those complaining read and understood and had God reveal His truth about His Word. God is not against our prosperity--He might have some issues with how some have prospered, especially if the means to prosper encompassed misleading people or lying, or being corrupt. Not every so-called prosperity preacher is just preaching prosperity. We need to listen with our whole "spiritual ears" and hear what is being said.  The notion that God intended for His children to live like paupers is so beneath a loving, Father, that I wonder--who people are really serving when they think God wants us to be poor!

Throughout The Word, we are told the outcome or results, if you will, of our being obedient: we would have good success and everything we put some effort into would prosper; His blessings will overtake us and we'll be the lenders, not the borrowers; we'll be the head and not the tail in business; and this list could go on and on. When Jesus was teaching His disciples just before His return, He told, "whatever you ask of the Father in my name, that I will do." So, where's the problem with prosperity?

Some want to amass riches for their own purposes, but there are many of us who have faith and confidence in God's Word so that we can "assist those in need." The more we prosper, the more we can help others and this is the Will of God that we--born-again believers--help those who cannot help themselves. If we were doing this right now, this country would not need welfare benefits, but it is because of those in political offices--those who have become greedy and forgot the needy, that this country is in such a mess. When those who God has promoted to positions to help, forget how they got there, chaos and confusion reign and their only concern is what they can get out of the situation; not in helping others. We see that right now--with a Congress that won't work for the people, but are more interested in pushing their own agenda. This is not part of God's plan--this is pure politics. Since that is the case--I can only conclude the politicians involved are not acting in accordance to God's plan to fulfill His good purposes.

Father, help us to understand You better.  Give us a heart like Your heart.  Give us a mind-set so we can think like You think. Move every obstacle out of our way so we can accomplish all that You have planned for us so Your good purposes will be fulfilled. In Jesus' name, I pray and thank You, Amen!