Working Together in Truth!

The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 3 John 1:1-8

There are a couple of things I wish to emphasize about John's letter and how it relates to our lives in 2017.

It is apparent from the content that there is a great deal of affection between Gaius and John and the work they do promoting the truth of the Gospel. John's praise for his friends hospitality and concern for others should motivate us to know how we are to treat others and what not to do (if we continue reading). It would appear that love and truth go hand-in-hand for those who love The Lord and it is because of the love He has poured into us that we are filled to overflowing, willing to love others.  

And when we truly love one another, we can work together--unified by love, walking in truth.
Notice that John wishes him good health and prosperity as his soul prospers. Too many times we equate prosperity with material possessions, but true prosperity resides in our health and knowing our soul (our conscience decisions) will always be on the side of right.

Why should we be concerned about our souls? The Word tells us when we die, our body returns to the dust from which it came, our spirits go back to heaven which it came and our soul is judged on that great day.

Whenever we look into the eyes of others or they look into our eyes, it is said, the depths of our souls can be seen. What do people see when they look into our eyes? Is there joy or bitterness? Is there love or hate? Is there concern or derision?

I've looked at people lately--seeking what resides inside--especially those politicians who claim to be followers of Christ, but their actions don't match their words. In fact, upon close inspection--looking into their eyes, all I see is emptiness or a great void--which would explain their attitudes towards others.  And since there is a void, there is no truth and certainly no love.

I would urgently challenge all to look into the eyes of those who claim to love and see if you can see into their souls.

For those who truly love, there is a light that shines brightly from deep within and it comes forth in any individual as joy and delight in life. They love to show affection to others, there is nothing hidden in them that makes them lie or promote falsehoods and they have no problem--looking back--open to full inspection--no guile in them.

When people don't want to look directly at you or their look is furtive (always looking from side to side), as if expecting the worse to befall them at any minute, they have a void in their souls and they're anxious about everything. People who are always trying to please people more than God are never at rest and it shows in their demeanor.

The eyes--regardless of color--are truly the gateway to the soul and if there is no light within guiding anyone--they struggle in darkness, trying to feel their way in life, never enjoying the fullness of what life has to offer.

I wish everyone reading this today, the joy of the Lord, overflowing onto all who come into your presence. I wish you good health and that you prosper as your soul prospers. Above all, I wish you the peace of God--allowing it to abide within no matter how chaotic the world is around you.

Obtaining Happiness and Keeping It!

If people are bound with chains and trapped by the cords of affliction, God tells them what they have done and how arrogantly they have transgressed. He opens their ears  to correction and insists they repent from iniquity. If they serve Him obediently, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. Job 36:8-11 HCSB

People are looking for happiness--in all the wrong places--and when they find what they think is happiness, it is short-lived and leaves them frustrated and oppressed. When most are asked what makes them happy, the first words that come out of their mouths is having money, then love.

If people need money and love to make them happy, we can get a better understanding as to why there are so many miserable people in the world.

Factual understanding: 1% of all Americans hold the wealth of country. These are the big businesses that rake in money hand over fist, pay minimum wages, and often ship manufacturing jobs overseas. This is the Wall Street Gang and in many cases--upon close inspection and looking at their lifestyles--they are not happy because they are obsessed with obtaining more money. They think living lavishly makes them somebody and when in actuality, they are somebody without the frills.

On the other hand--there are many people who have little money, but have learned to be happy with what they have and they are generous to a fault, compassion always reigning in their hearts, and they know how to enjoy the little things in life.

When it comes to love--far too many people have confused lust with love and when feelings wane--and there is no more interest in the person--the lust having been satisfied and now they turn to other people who are looking for lust--not love--and start the cycle all over again.

At the same time, there are people who understand that real love begins with loving self, loving God, receiving His love and loving others. They don't need someone hanging onto to them to know love, they are loving to all--considering what's best for all they meet. They know how to nurture relationships, listen to others and genuinely care. True happiness is a mindset that is developed from loving self.

Now, getting back to Job and his situation in life. Although he had lost everything (materially) as well as his children, he never gave up on God--even when his so-called friends and wife encouraged him to do so. His reward for obedience and steadfast faith in God? Restoration of all he had lost and even more. He may have experienced some sad moments as we all do, but he was able to keep moving forward to receive from God.

No matter what happens to us in life, if we are open to correction, repent of anything that harms others or self, and obey God, He will keep His Word and we can end our days with prosperity and live our years (however many we have) being happy.

"Because I'm happy" is a popular refrain in a song, but it also needs to be a deeply-rooted attitude in the hearts of all Believers because we have love and we know that God is always more faithful to us than we might be to Him, so we can count on Him to provide our every need. And when we take the time to please Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts.

The Person Who Prospers!

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

One of the insults hurled at any many televangelists is that they are "fleecing" people and misleading them with their prosperity messages. Well, I cannot speak for all of them, in fact I cannot speak for any of them, but I do know--the message of prosperity and how to accomplish it--is found in The Word and as long as they are preaching and teaching The Word, I find no fault with them.

When I listen to those who do find fault with anyone preaching about prosperity (and everything else in The Word), observation of those who are complaining are those who are barely surviving--in their personal life and in their church life. For it is envy that prompts their animosity towards others who dare to say anything about prosperity. And it is envy that clogs up their ears and blinds their eyes when they do not hear those they preach against--also teach obeying God's Word, totally. They do not hear the message of repentance, love, and obedience for they have closed their minds to hearing the "whole matter" and judge those things they do not understand.

It is not a sin for God's children to prosper and when we are obedient to His Word--it is a promise to us--that we should prosper in everything we do. What does it mean to prosper--when we obey? We end up having more than enough--for our needs and to help others.

Now we know that the wicked also prosper and we only have to look at the events occurring in the world to see how. The drug kings--both legal and illegal--prosper when they sell their wares. The illegal drugs keep people dependent and poor, committing criminal acts to support their habits. The legal pharmacies are just as bad when they overprice medicines needed and end up scamming insurance companies and leaving the elderly making choices between eating and taking their medicine. We see the wicked in high places of authority, making deals with the devil that ultimately create chaos and disaster for others. We see the wicked in families and churches who say one thing, but live a lie--scamming their families, neighbors and friends--trying to make themselves to be something when they are not. But God has a solution for the wicked and their wealth--it is laid up for the righteous--those who obey God no matter what.

But then the Word also says, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 1:3 NKJV). So now, we see that prosperity "in all things" is God's desire for us--in our finances, our health as long as our soul--our will to obey Him in all things--prospers.

When people complain about the prosperity of those who preach and teach the Gospel, I'm led to believe that they did not believe God from the beginning--of the Word. Throughout the bible, we find promises of prosperity (along with repentance and obedience). One of my favorites is Joshua 1:7,8 and then there is the entire list of things that are ours when we obey found in Deuteronomy 28 as well as the curses for disobedience. It's all in there.

The bottom line is this--we should not be "best buds" with those who deliberately live in opposition to God's Word or hang out with them unless it is an effort to be a witness to them about God's goodness. And we most certainly should not take up their habits, but be strong and courageous in obeying God's Word and stand back and see how He causes us to prosper in all we do that honors Him. That is the person who shall prosper in all things--when they are living The Word--for all to see.

Changing Our Society by Receiving God's Love!

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity." (Proverbs 3:1,2 NIV)

From a father to son and daughter,
Keeping us from Satan's slaughter,
Teaching us to remember and obey,
Walking in God's favor, night and day.

When we learn to adhere to the sound teaching of parents and God, we have a promise we can rely upon for long life, peace, and prosperity. If we look around at our society today, it would appear that not many have remembered anything worthwhile and obedience to sound teaching is not evident--anywhere.

But notice where we have to start--remembering what we were taught and keeping those sound teachings and instructions in our heart. If our heart is receptive to instruction and guidance, we will do what love does--obey. If our heart is hardened and we reject sound teachings, then hatred takes the place of love and all the forces of hell, break loose upon a society that refuses to hear and obey.

With the recent passing of the oldest woman in American, at 116 years-old, I wonder if she credited her long life with remembering the things she was taught by her parents and obeying. Her long life appears to be a testament of obedience--but I don't know that for a fact. What I do know is God is not slack to keep His promises to all who obey and He is not a man that He should lie.

If we want to see a change in our society, we must see a change in what people are keeping in their hearts and what they are teaching their children. Parents must learn to give their children righteous, sound instruction. Children must learn to obey and not rebel. We must all learn to receive God's love and allow it to overflow in our hearts.

For where love is, hatred doesn't stand a chance. Where love is--people are respected and given consideration. Where love is--we all seek to assist all who are in need. Where love is--we honor God and keep all His commands--to love Him and love others. Where love is--there is peace and no confusion.

I would love to see and experience for the rest of my days--love being the guiding force in our society so I can live the rest of my days in peace. I would love to see children obeying their parents and parents loving and teaching their children to do what is right. I would love to see all saved and walking in God's favor. I would love to see people living in the reverential fear of God and negating all of Satan's influence. I would love to see it, but unless something drastic happens in the minds and hearts of people, my desire may not be obtained, but it won't stop me from seeking God's Wisdom in all things.

We can stop all the madness in our society and the lack of respect and value for life. All we have to do is receive God's love to overflowing and allow it flow onto others, remembering all He has taught and keeping His commands.

No Weapon Will Work!

"no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)

When God declares a thing, it is what it is. He tells us through Isaiah, He is the one who creates all--the material for the weapons and the destroyer who wreaks havoc upon others, but no weapon made will work against those who love and obey Him! Hallelujah!

The enemy tries to use all sorts of weapons (literally and figuratively) against those who love God, but he has not managed to create a weapon that will work against us.

Poverty is a weapon influenced by the distractions that keep us hearing God and the using His Wisdom to amass wealth.

Sickness is a weapon when our bodies are attacked and we don't receive the healing already made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Persecution is a weapon instigated by the bold stances we take against the enemy who seeks to scorn and devour us..

Self-hatred, depression, oppression are all weapons ignited by a lack of knowledge of who we are in Christ.

When we get into The Word and allow The Word to dwell richly within us, we can overcome any attack and quench the fiery darts of the enemy, every time he launches an attack against us. We are overcomers, victorious in all things, and since the battle is not ours, but The Lord's, in the end, WE WIN!

We are never told that we would not be attacked. In fact, just the opposite is true. Jesus tells us, "In the world, we will have trials and tribulations, but He has overcome The World. What He's saying to us is that the god of this world--Satan--will influence, instigate, and ignite situations in our lives that may make us want to cave, but we don't have to cave, because the victory is ours in Jesus' Name! All we have to do is live according to The Word and see the results of our obedience to God's Word.

When there is sickness among any, we call upon those who know the power of prayer and the power of the healing virtue that flows from Jesus just as powerful today as it was in years past and we are healed.

When we experience lack of anything, we seek God's wisdom and He gives it liberally, and we know how to operate in the gifts He has given us and have more than enough--for ourselves and others.

When we stay in the Word, understanding who we are in Christ--knowing that we are children of the Most High and He will withhold no good thing from us because He is a loving Father and wants only the best for us and we can and should operate with the Mind of Christ, not our own and never be enticed into depression and self-loathing.

This is the will of God for us--No weapon--contrived by the enemy--will work against us!

Instability Gets Nothing!

"But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." (James 1:6-8 NIV)

If we lack wisdom, as stated in verse five, we should ask of God, who will give it to us liberally, without finding fault with us. Starting at verse six--when we ask, we must believe, not doubting--this premise holds true for anything we ask of God. We know this because Jesus, we must have faith and not doubt, believing we receive what we ask for.

If we doubt God will do what He says He will do--heal, deliver, save, prosper, lead, guide, counsel, protect--The Word says we are unstable and will receive NOTHING!

This is why when we pray--WE ASK ONCE, THANK HIM FOR WHAT WE HAVE ASKED, AND KEEP THANKING HIM UNTIL WE SEE WHAT WE ASKED FOR COME TO PASS! That is the benchmark of faith--believing we have received--without doubting.

People who believe they have to keep asking for the same thing, or get loud or shout, or cry loudly, apparently think God is either forgetful or hard of hearing. God is not moved by our emotions; He is moved by our faith. Declare the situation is resolved and keep thanking Him for the resolution. This is how we see prayers answered. It is not because of our begging, being loud, or our tears.

When we repeat ourselves in prayer, we demonstrate doubt and our doubt keeps us from receiving. God hears us the first time, but He may not respond right away. All we need to do is wait, patiently thanking Him, knowing He will do what is best for us at all times.

Father, forgive us for our lack of faith in You and Your Word. Help us to understand that You are faithful, even when we are not. We thank You for healing bodies--from crowns of heads to soles of feet and every part in between. We thank You for peace in the land and protection from the enemy on all sides. We thank You for love, liberty, and joy in the Holy Ghost. We thank You for family and friends who love like You love. We thank You for the ability to love the unlovable and desire to see all saved. These things we ask and thank you for in the name of Jesus! We declare all of it done to Your glory!

For Long Life!

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee" (Proverbs 3:1,2).

There is a reason why we should keep God's commandments--long life, peace and prosperity (NIV).

Even though some will usually think of the "ten commandments" as given to Moses, Jesus summarized the ten into two. The first five address our relationship with God and authority and the other five address our relationships with each other. Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind; love our neighbors as ourselves (paraphrased).

What really brings this passage of scripture to life is remembering to "honor mother and father so our days will be long upon the earth" and looking at our society; we see what happens when parents/authority are not honored and respected--where there is no love, there is no respect.

Many people can enumerate the problems that plague our society with the attitudes of young people, but in our observations we are hesitant to place blame where it rightfully belongs--on the shoulders of parents who have not been responsible parents. Responsible parents teach children right from wrong and model that behavior in front of their children. If parents are not doing what they say, they are saying without power and certainly the children won't obey. This is not to say that all the ills of society are the responsibility of parents because some children--when they reach a certain age--ignore all their training and do what they want to do, "when they reach that certain age."

For any child (regardless of age) living under a roof with parents and their parents are their primary source of support, the rule of parents should reign (especially for Godly households). No child living with parents should ever be allowed to just do whatever they want whenever they want. When they do--we see the results of their lives on the news--"teenagers killed in the midst of a home invasion," "drug wars claim the lives of teens over territory dispute," "bodies of parents found in the home where teens lived and were angry at parents who wouldn't let them use their credit cards," and the list of insanity could go on and on.

The bottom line is this--when we love and respect authority and others--we are assured of long life, peace, and the opportunity to prosper while we live. Parents need to be parents, not friends and children need to respect and obey. Are we not children of the Most High? Then we should obey Our Father in all things and live long lives in peace and prosperity.

Are You The One?

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers" (Psalm 1: 1-3 NIV).

Are you the one who is blessed?

Are you out-of-step with the wicked (not going along with everything the wicked--those who never knew God-- do)?

Are you standing on the other side of the street (figuratively speaking)--away from the sinners (those who once knew God, but turned away)?

Are you sitting far away from those who mock (not joining in) those who believe God?

Are you taking pleasure in God's commandment of loving, unconditionally?

Are you reading and meditating on the Word throughout the day?

If you are doing all these things--then The Word says--you shall be like a tree planted by streams of water--always being watered by the Word--establishing deep, strong roots (foundation for living God's way) and you will have good success at whatever you do (everything you do, prospers).

Are you the one?

When we do what God tells us to do we can expect to receive what He says we will get. When we don't--there is still an expectation--though not a pleasant one--we will receive the consequence of our actions.

God help us to be the one who lives according to Your Word so we may blessed with all spiritual and natural blessings in all we do. Remind us on a daily basis to share the love You have poured into our hearts and convince others to seek You for themselves by our conduct and in being a living testimony of Your goodness. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen!

For Long Life, Peace, and Prosperity!

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity" (Proverbs 3:1,2 NIV).

"Do not forget my teaching"--what teaching was Solomon referencing? His teaching about all He knew about God and living a life that pleases God. I have often had my children's friends come back to me when they become adults and remind me of the things I taught them. One young lady in particular, almost had an accident during a snowstorm, but she remembered what I had said about driving on slippery roads and avoided an accident. Many of them still remember bible study at my house and the things they learned when they were kids.

"Keep my commands in your heart"--why? If we hold fast to our instructions in righteousness, we will not disobey or disappoint. Whatever is in the heart of man (or woman) will surely come to light. Perhaps, this is why scripture tells us that God is not concerned with the external trappings of man, but looks at our hearts.

"For they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity"--what will? Keeping the commands/instructions given (obedience) we were given. Imagine that!
Let's look at how that might work in our society.

"Look both ways before crossing the street" --won't get run-down by a car.

"Don't spend every dime you get, save money (learn to invest)"--if we save, we'll have money when we need it.

"Treat people the way you want to be treated" --unless there is something seriously wrong with a person, most want to be treated with courtesy and kindness. If we do this, we effect peace where we are.

"Learn to respect self, others and the property of others"--when we respect others, there is no need for strife and we will not kill, steal, or destroy.

"Eat your vegetables"--proven to have not just nutritional value, but can thwart the growth of cancer cells.

"Stay away from drugs and alcohol"--drugs change the chemical production in our brains and cause us to be delusional and eventually erodes any sense of rational thinking and so can alcohol, when misused. When we destroy brain cells, we destroy our ability to function at maximum potential.

There are so many other things I could say, but this is not the appropriate forum. Perhaps, I'll expound more in a book, specifically dedicated to a reflection about Proverbs 3.

So, if we want long life, peace and prosperity, we need to be obedient--not just to parents, but to God and those in position of authority (teachers, laws of the land, etc.). (Please read the rest of this passage to the end--very powerful and pertains to our lives today.)

Now, just to look at things in a balanced perspective--if we don't do all the things that Solomon was advising us to do, we won't have long life, peace or prosperity. Could it be that this is the reason the world is in the shape it is in today? Hmmm. Something to think about!

What a novel concept! Disobedience leading to shortened lives, unrest, and poverty! This should not be a surprise to anyone if we understood that the act of disobedience is what caused man's fall from God's favor in the beginning with Adam and Eve. Nothing new under the sun--just recycled stupidity and foolishness when people refuse to listen and obey. We cannot keep doing things the same way, expecting to get different results (Einstein's definition of insanity), it just won't happen. We need to wake up, acknowledge where we are, and make some changes in what we do and how we do them. The first step is in seeking God and His wisdom to guide us in all things.

Lord, help us today to see the truth of Your Word and how it applies to every area of our lives.  Pour into us Your wisdom so we can get living right according to Your Word and then be in position to receive all that You have promised.

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!