Prospering in His Rewards

Hebrews 11:6

…But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Prosperity in our modern era is defined with a worldly understanding; while its original meaning seemed to fade over time. The most prosperous people are those who may have much or little, but regardless of their wealth, they live a fulfilled life without regrets.  The deceitfulness of riches (Mark 4:19) have “choked the Word” and caused us to deceive ourselves. (James 1:22-25) Modern terms like “being blessed” & “highly favored” may lead us to believe that a wealthy life is a healthy life. The most valuable resource is still quality time, not money, gold, silver, precious jewels, or the abundance of our possessions. There are many very rich individuals who run out of time (life), and immediately learn that the real prosperity or poverty lies on the other side of the grave.

Mark 8:35-37

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.   For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Prospering in God requires full obedience (attention) and diligence in our pursuit of the Lord.  So many have lost their joy in the Lord because their first desire for God may be His Hand (what He can “bless” us with), and not His Heart (abiding in His Will/Desire).  When Jesus said He came that we may have life (time), and have it more abundantly (quality time – John 10:10), His reference contrasted with the Enemy’s plan: Kill, Steal & Destroy.  We are truly prospering when we live (instead of being killed), move (away from the thief), and have our being (an existence that is indestructible).  (Acts 17:28)

Even some of the poorest among us are some of the wealthiest; and some of the wealthiest are living in poverty. A very wealthy person tried to ask Jesus to mediate a discussion between him and his wealthy brother.  Jesus, after confronting him for even asking, said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”  (Luke 12:15) Again, money does not equal life and life does not equal wealth.  Some of the simplest of life’s values will equate to abundant living, and abundant living buoyed in an ocean of prosperity.   

Messages

6th     True Treasure Seekers

13th   Special Presentation (The Power of Prosperity?)

20th   The Real Richie Rich

27th   Wealth for Worship