A life worth living
A life worth living, a life of victory, a blessed life, a meaningful life, an abundant life, such a life is not one that is lived merely "under the sun".
A person who enjoys the abundant life, who reigns in life (regardless of the circumstances in the world), is a person who has an "above the sun" perspective of life.
He sees the Big Picture. He has a keen awareness of eternity. He understands God's heart. He thinks with a Kingdom mindset. His eyes are on the Heavenly Father and not on the earthly things. As a result, he can live the care-free, worry-free life, complain-free life, which is the abundant life, the reigning life.
This is the kind of abundant, victorious, reigning life that the apostle Paul lived.
Now, let us explore further the kind of abundant, victorious, reigning life that Paul lived:
The abundant and reigning life that Paul lived
1) Did Paul experience material lack from time to time?
Yes.
But did he struggle with any bitter sense of poverty? No at all.
Paul having tasted the goodness of His God, maintained a sense of abundance, of 'no lack', of being provided for, of being looked after.
In fact, it was during his captivity in prison that he encouraged the believers in Philippians with the following words, "Indeed I have all and abound, I am full, having received...the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:18-19).
Even in prison, Paul's dignity remained intact, and he continued to enjoy contentment. It was in this context that he uttered the verse that we all love to quote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
"I've learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11-13)
Paul was truly reigning in and enjoying his life.
For more thoughts on prosperity and abundance in a believer's life, read my other post Taste and see your Good God today
2) Did Paul encounter trials, tribulations and persecutions from time to time?
Yes. Numerious, varied and severe.
But did he exhibit a defeatist attitude and suffer from any sense of abandonment? No.
It was Paul who wrote, "If God is for us, who can be against us?...Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom 8:31,35,37).
I believed Paul must have enjoyed many peaceful and trouble-free days when he walked on earth, and he must have celebrated many successes and triumphs.
And during those times that he had to deal with difficulties, challenges, and apparent defeats, he did not allow his joy to be affected. He was still conscious of the Christ-wrought victory that avails forever. He still maintained the overcomer's mindset.
Therefore Paul continued to reign over circumstances and to enjoy the abundant life, even in the midst of all the trials and tribulations.
Did Paul struggle? I believe he did. But I also believe he did not focus on himself and endured the experiences as sufferings in the cold hostility of an absurd world. Instead, he focused on Christ and enjoyed the experiences as snugglings in the loving arms of a Very Good God.
3) Did Paul have to face the prospect of death, and did he experience physical death ultimately?
Yes.
But was he anxious or fearful. No.
It was Paul who proclaimed, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory. The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:55-56).
What boldness! What a victorious attitude!
When one has the assurance of eternal life, and is secure in one's right standing before God, physical death no longer stirs up dread or fear. Death's sting has been removed. Death is no longer a tragedy.
No wonder Paul could declare, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labour...for I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you" (Philippians 1:21-24).
Paul was genuinely not afraid to die. As a result, he was truly ready to live, freely and boldly. Which he did. Paul lived life abundantly and victoriously.
The abundant life comprises challenging days and not-so-challenging ones
Do bear this in mind that the New Testament epistles recorded and presented to us only the more eventful parts of Paul's life. I am sure Paul's life was not just a constant series of trials, tribulations and persecutions. He must have enjoyed many trouble-free days as well.
What makes me conclude that Paul lived an abundant and victorious life is not his health or wealth, or how peaceful and trouble free his life was. Such blessings are purchased on the Cross for us, and we should rightly appropriate them and enjoy them. But they are not the most important blessings.
What makes me conclude that Paul lived life abundantly and victoriously is the way he continued to enjoy righteousness, peace and joy regardless of the circumstances he was in.
Living life "above the sun" - living in the Kingdom of God
Jesus taught us that "The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit". (Rom 14:17)
It was also Jesus Himself who taught us to seek first the kingdom of God, instead of focusing on the things we need, for our Heavenly Father knows all our needs and wants, and He freely and generously gives to us all that is good for us, in His good time. (Mt 6:33)
Jesus also assured us that it is the Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom. (Luke 12:32). It is God's pleasure to see you enjoy a life of righteousness, peace and joy - a life without fear of lack, a life of true freedom.
So, in closing, be encouraged to focus on the goodness of your Father's heart, and rest in the knowledge that He will not withhold any good thing from you. If He has given you His best, His most precious, His Son Jesus Christ, how will He not with Jesus, also freely give you all things?
The abundant and victorious life that Paul lived was purchased by Jesus Christ on the Cross. The same Jesus has also purchased an abundant and victorious life for you and your loved ones.
Believe right.
Focus accurately.
Do the one thing needful.
Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Sit at Jesus feet and allow Him to love you.
Allow your heart to rest in the finished work of Christ.
Let your soul prosper in the knowledge of God's grace towards you.
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers". (3 John 2).
As your soul continues to prosper, may you continue to reign in life and enjoy life more abundantly.
Showing posts with label prosperity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prosperity. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Taste and see your Good God today
Soul prosperity first
"Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your souls prosper" (3 John 2)
When your soul (i.e. your mind, emotion and will) prospers, everything thing else in your life prospers as well.
As children of the Most High God, we are not waiting to be blessed, we are already blessed. We are not waiting for good days, we are living in good days, and are expecting better ones ahead.
Prosperity begets prosperity, poverty reaps poverty
We are not waiting to be prosperous, we are already prosperous. Knowing and believing this truth causes us to be able and willing to give and sow generously (of our gifts and talents, our time, our finances), which in turn, causes us to reap bountiful harvests and experience a greater measure of abundance. As a result, out of a grateful heart, we cannot help but want to give and sow even more generously. This virtuous cycle goes on and on.
On the other hand, if someone does not believe that he is rich, he will most likely scrim and save everything he has. He will withhold from giving freely to others. Because he thinks his resources are limited, he cuts down on sowing As a result, he sabotages his future harvests - in the areas of his finances, his friendships or his overall fruitfulness in life.
So, paradoxically, the more he scrims and saves, and the less he gives and sows, the more poverty and lack he perceives and experiences. Soul poverty reaps poverty in other areas in life.
Prosperous when in possession of nothing
Remember the example of Joseph? When Joseph was a slave in Egypt, and had nothing, the Bible describes him as being successful, and says that everything he did prospered. (Genesis 39:2-3).
Joseph did not have a smooth-sailing life. He went through the pit and the prison, before he finally ended up in the palace. But do we see him complain and murmur? Do we see him discontent and bitter? Look at how he was always concious of the Lord's presence, and therefore enjoyed blessings after blessings, regardless of his circumstances.
Good days for Joseph were not defined by where he was or how much possession and power he had. Good days for Joseph were defined by the friendship and faithfulness of the Good God who was always with him.
Seeking after the kingdom of God which is righteousness, peace and joy
Joseph did not seek after earthly riches and material comfort. He did not seek after riches and honour. He sought after and enjoyed God. He sought after and enjoyed the kingdom of God. He sought after and enjoyed righteousness, peace and joy.
And goodness and mercy of God followed Joseph all the days of his life.
(Note that material riches and honour before men did NOT follow Joseph ALL the days of his life - he struggled with material lack and endured shame during parts of his life. But the goodness and mercy of God did follow after Joseph all the days of his life. Joseph was a blessed and prosperous man throughout his life not because of earthly riches and man-given honour, but because of the goodness and mercy of His Good God. And when God's goodness and mercy chase after you, do you think you need to worry about chasing after earthly riches and honour?)
See things through God's eyes. Renew your mind with God's truth. Speak forth life and peace. Know that you are already blessed in Christ, appreciate your blessednesses, and you will see more and more of God's blessings manifest in your life.
Loving life and seeing good days
"He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers" (1 Peter 3:10-12)
"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!...those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Psalm 34:8,10,12-15)
You have a Good God who loves you and blesses you more than you could ask or imagine. Your path is getting brighter and brighter. You are enjoying a good life that is getting better and better.
Turn away from the evil lies of the devil that tell you otherwise. Refrain from speaking his lies.
Good days are here, enjoy them now
Confess instead God's promises and God's truths. Speak forth your life and peace. And rest in the finished work of Christ that has given you everlasting righteousness. You are righteous and you are blessed! And you don't have to wait for good days to come. Good days have already come!
Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18,19).
And it is written, 'For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, NOW is the acceptable time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation' (2 Cor 6:2)
Appreciate and enjoy your good days now.
Taste and see your Good God today.
"Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your souls prosper" (3 John 2)
When your soul (i.e. your mind, emotion and will) prospers, everything thing else in your life prospers as well.
As children of the Most High God, we are not waiting to be blessed, we are already blessed. We are not waiting for good days, we are living in good days, and are expecting better ones ahead.
Prosperity begets prosperity, poverty reaps poverty
We are not waiting to be prosperous, we are already prosperous. Knowing and believing this truth causes us to be able and willing to give and sow generously (of our gifts and talents, our time, our finances), which in turn, causes us to reap bountiful harvests and experience a greater measure of abundance. As a result, out of a grateful heart, we cannot help but want to give and sow even more generously. This virtuous cycle goes on and on.
On the other hand, if someone does not believe that he is rich, he will most likely scrim and save everything he has. He will withhold from giving freely to others. Because he thinks his resources are limited, he cuts down on sowing As a result, he sabotages his future harvests - in the areas of his finances, his friendships or his overall fruitfulness in life.
So, paradoxically, the more he scrims and saves, and the less he gives and sows, the more poverty and lack he perceives and experiences. Soul poverty reaps poverty in other areas in life.
Prosperous when in possession of nothing
Remember the example of Joseph? When Joseph was a slave in Egypt, and had nothing, the Bible describes him as being successful, and says that everything he did prospered. (Genesis 39:2-3).
Joseph did not have a smooth-sailing life. He went through the pit and the prison, before he finally ended up in the palace. But do we see him complain and murmur? Do we see him discontent and bitter? Look at how he was always concious of the Lord's presence, and therefore enjoyed blessings after blessings, regardless of his circumstances.
Good days for Joseph were not defined by where he was or how much possession and power he had. Good days for Joseph were defined by the friendship and faithfulness of the Good God who was always with him.
Seeking after the kingdom of God which is righteousness, peace and joy
Joseph did not seek after earthly riches and material comfort. He did not seek after riches and honour. He sought after and enjoyed God. He sought after and enjoyed the kingdom of God. He sought after and enjoyed righteousness, peace and joy.
And goodness and mercy of God followed Joseph all the days of his life.
(Note that material riches and honour before men did NOT follow Joseph ALL the days of his life - he struggled with material lack and endured shame during parts of his life. But the goodness and mercy of God did follow after Joseph all the days of his life. Joseph was a blessed and prosperous man throughout his life not because of earthly riches and man-given honour, but because of the goodness and mercy of His Good God. And when God's goodness and mercy chase after you, do you think you need to worry about chasing after earthly riches and honour?)
See things through God's eyes. Renew your mind with God's truth. Speak forth life and peace. Know that you are already blessed in Christ, appreciate your blessednesses, and you will see more and more of God's blessings manifest in your life.
Loving life and seeing good days
"He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers" (1 Peter 3:10-12)
"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!...those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Psalm 34:8,10,12-15)
You have a Good God who loves you and blesses you more than you could ask or imagine. Your path is getting brighter and brighter. You are enjoying a good life that is getting better and better.
Turn away from the evil lies of the devil that tell you otherwise. Refrain from speaking his lies.
Good days are here, enjoy them now
Confess instead God's promises and God's truths. Speak forth your life and peace. And rest in the finished work of Christ that has given you everlasting righteousness. You are righteous and you are blessed! And you don't have to wait for good days to come. Good days have already come!
Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18,19).
And it is written, 'For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, NOW is the acceptable time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation' (2 Cor 6:2)
Appreciate and enjoy your good days now.
Taste and see your Good God today.
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