Tag: provision

CONTENTMENT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

American cartoonist, Doug Larson once stated:

The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.

Sad to admit, but this may hold true for those fully embedded in Westernized/Americanized Christianity as well. English Christian apologist, writer, and philosopher, Gilbert K. Chesterton (1874 –1936) who said,

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.

He also made this comment:

True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare. 

Perhaps one with that understanding and experience can copiously grasp and fully comprehend I Timothy 6:6-8:

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 

These verses demand believers to take notice, evaluate, and practically, as well as philosophically implement.  “With these” … with what? … “we (believers) shall be content!”  

Contextually speaking, one finds this admonition buried in a dissertation from the Apostle Paul to his “son in the faith,” young Pastor Timothy, concerning false teachers in Ephesus. They possessed and demonstrated inflated egos, they understood nothing, stirred up controversies and were teaching false doctrine as well as the theory that becoming a Christian was an ideal step and/or means to financial gain. (See Ephesians 6:3-5)  By using the words “godliness” and “gain,” Paul shifts the concept from erroneous to truthful.  Being godly does not guarantee financial gain; however, godliness in itself is tremendous gain when accompanied or joined together with the spiritual attribute of contentment.

The word contentment, as used in the above-referenced passage, is derived from the Greek word “autarkeia” which means to have satisfaction or competency–the exact opposite meaning of that found in the lyrics of a popular 1965 tune by the Rolling Stones from their “Out Of Our Heads” album.  Is it possible for humanity to find true satisfaction and/or contentment from/through any activity, experience, or possession?  The Stones were obviously convinced, even though that philosophy didn’t seem to stop them from trying to find it through the exact same experiences they so meticulously critiqued. 

Paul’s instruction to Pastor Tim provides encouragement for all faithful followers of Jesus Christ to simply, commendably, and meritoriously “be content” (See I Timothy 6:8)! At  first glance, this appears to be an external (perhaps emotional) expression of “satisfaction” or “contentment.” However, through spiritually-minded philosophical reflection, this radical demand becomes a stalwart admonition for the Lord’s true disciples. 

This instruction works perfectly in conjunction and congruent with Hebrews 13:5-6,

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.  WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’ 

In essence, is what one has (in Christ, and as a faithful follower of Christ–recognizing His provision) enough?

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough                                                                                     

— From Enough by Chris Tomlin

Really!  Is one fully satisfied–content in Christ and His provision?  Perhaps one’s life answers more clearly than the words one sings.  Are hearts shaped in such a way that one longs for the things of God, but never finds complete satisfaction and contentment?  

Is Jesus really enough? 

Does one require outside elements (sometimes even selected with great discretion) to be mixed into one’s Christian faith in order to raise contentment and satisfaction levels?  The previously mentioned 60’s rock song declares, “I can’t get no satisfaction.”  How many individuals who call themselves Christians have come to that same conclusion and look for something other than God’s Truth, God’s call, and God’s purposes to fill their lives with meaning and purpose?  These souls often say things like, “Well I tried the religious thing, just didn’t work for me” or “I formerly believed all that stuff, but I’ve moved on … gave it up, etc.”  Obviously, there was an extreme lack of contentment and satisfaction.  Perhaps that was even coupled with some unfulfilled and/or even improper expectations?  Consider Philippians 4:11-13:

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

  Now, there’s some contentment!  In all reality, isn’t the Lord asking all of us to move into a similar position?  However, this all begins by accepting our Lord’s call to godliness, not gain!

Over almost 40 years of ministry, I’ve learned that people who are satisfied and content with the Lord’s provision live freer lives, enjoy what they have, and give much more to the Lord’s work than those who are without contentment.  Why?  Because as they continually surrender to Christ-likeness, they live godly and according to scripture.  That’s an incredible “means to great gain when accompanied by contentment.”     

Perhaps this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations (and even the entire holiday season) should become focused on contentment and satisfaction offered to believers through our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Isn’t it time to set aside childish things and grow on up into “contentment?”  Godliness and satisfaction are actually twins!  

Now, don’t just think about it!

–Pastor Frank

SPRING

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The idea of spring brings pleasant thoughts to most of our minds … new growth, fresh flowers, enjoyable temperatures, smiles for the delightful season and sometimes even a lift in one’s human emotion and attitude.  In Zechariah 10:1, Judah and Ephraim are instructed to ask the Lord for rain in the season of spring (translated “latter rain” in NKJV and KJV).  Perhaps April showers truly do bring May flowers!  The scripture goes on in this verse to declare,

… the Lord who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to every man.

Certainly if one lives in an agricultural community, rain is absolutely essential.  Even for those that don’t, the ground must be watered if fruits, vegetables, and grains are to be planted, grown,  harvested, and distributed for food.  It’s interesting to note that they weren’t instructed to sow seed or remove weed.  That’s a given, but they were directed to seek the ONE who makes the storm clouds for the rain needed to water all they had planted, the actual works of their hands. These showers not only were critical for their crops’ development, but also an indispensible benefit/blessing for the entire society.  The well-being of the people is in play here, and God’s mercy is needed — in fact categorically and undeniably expected.  Here we see human dependence in its simplest form, and God’s trusted design and creation bringing provision and prosperity to His people.  

See, all was ready on God’s part, “ask and ye shall receive!” (See Matthew 21:22, John 16:24)  God’s blessings are usually both temporal and spiritual, but in this case the people of God were to call upon their ONE, TRUE, EVERLASTING, LOVING, OMNIPOTENT, IMMUTABLE Lord in order to fully receive His promised blessing.  Why call upon the teraphim or a diviner, as they had done in the past according to Zachariah 10:2-3? (See Hosea 2:1-13, Jeremiah 44:15-28)  Instead, ask Him who had made a covenant and promise like that found in Deuteronomy 11:13-15.

It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give   grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

Does the Lord want us, His followers, to simply ask?  Perhaps God’s blessings are given not to supersede prayer, but rather to encourage and stimulate believers’ prayer.  Consider this concept in relation to II Corinthians 6:18:

And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.

Doesn’t a father take great delight in fulfilling the request of his son or daughter when it’s exactly lined up with what’s good and right for his children?  Recall the teachings of Jesus on prayer in Luke 1:1-13 when Christ’s disciples desired to learn about prayer, stating that John the Baptist taught his followers to pray.  Consider the instructions Jesus Himself offered in verses 9-12:

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.  Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he?  Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly  Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

Certainly as believers, we understand that the Lord knows our needs even before we ask. (See Matthew 6:8)  In the same manner, spring is guaranteed to come around once a year, every year.  Nonetheless, our Lord told His people to seek Him for the spring rain anyway!   There is definitely a spiritual connection between prayer and promise … In this case, prayer and the process of nature put in place by the Creator, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit inspired writers of the Old and New Testament scriptures find no difficulty connecting prayer and the process of nature, spiritual impact, and/or the miraculous works of God’s Holy Spirit throughout history.  This includes all Old and New Testament believers, Christ Himself, and those called according to His purpose(s).  Do we suppose that when God promises or when He begins to bless abundantly, that we may then relax our prayers or cease in our efforts to please Him (bring Him glory through our words and deeds) 24/7 ? 

Without question, the former rain did it’s work, all it was intended to do, but now the spring rain is needed.  Perhaps this stimulates our sanctification, sweetens our fruit.  Shouldn’t we ask of the Lord who brings greenness, who gives growth, healing, maturity, wisdom, and strength to all who ask?   Matthew 7:11 reminds us:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

John Osorius, a Spanish post-medieval preacher once stated, “He (Christ) exhorts all frequently to ask for the dew of the divine grace, that what had sprung up in a heart from the seed of the Word of God, might attain to full ripeness.”  What a great thought for spring … may the showers of God’s promises and blessings bring forth much fruit! 

Now, let’s consider the prayers of the saints (all true believers) as they come up before the throne of God.  Are they not more significant than the seasons?  The natural laws that govern our universe were set in place, and in motion, (study Psalm 104:13-35) by the same Lord who hears our requests and brings answers to bear.  Sometimes those answers are even contrary to the laws of nature and the natural processes that He, in His immeasurable wisdom, divinely established!  Just think … can you imagine … the God who gives rain to earth attends to human (believers’) prayer.  In the eyes of God, is humankind greater than anything material?  For us, as faithful followers of Christ, a cry to the Almighty, in celebration or distress, in joy or when encompassed by trouble, is the instinctual reaction of our soul/spirit — thanks to our spiritually acquired divine nature!  Instead of interfering with nature’s law, prayer is the law of our new nature in Christ Jesus.  While prayer for the spring rain, or anything else is an expression of our dependence, the act of asking our Lord is something much more.  A precious privilege, an unsurpassed, sacred, incumbent duty for all His sons and daughters! (See John 9:31) – Pastor Frank    

POWER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

This word throughout the biblical text is indicative of might, strength, and force.  It is used in the Old Testament to render many Hebrew words like that for valor, rule, and dominion.  The principal words for “power” in the New Testament are ‎dunamis‎, from which we get the word dynamite in English, and ‎exousia which refers to jurisdiction over a certain realm, a right, privilege, or ability.  In Mark 3:15 and 6:7 Jesus gives His followers authority over demons and/or unclean spirits; and in Ephesians 1:21 Christ Himself is depicted with strength, “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and (above and over) every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Romans 9:21 reinforces this understanding of “power” when asking, “does not the potter have a right over the clay?”

This type of “power” is attributed preeminently to God, whose absolute attribute of omnipotence (almighty, all-powerful) is referenced in I Chronicles 29:11-13:    

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth;  Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.  Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.  Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

In Revelation 7:12 the testimony of God’s power is expressed as those gathered around the throne fall on their faces and declare,   

Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever.  Amen.

God’s supreme manifestation of this “power,” as in His wisdom, His mercy, His grace, and His love, is redemption.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  — I Corinthians 1:18

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For indeed Jews  ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.     — I Corinthians 1:21-2

In addition, the preaching of Christ’s gospel is often accompanied by a display, manifestation, or demonstration of “power” as affirmed in I Corinthians 2:4.  Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians 1:5 that this transforming message of grace, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, and hope, “did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction!”  Miracles are also noted by Jesus Christ, when translated literally, as “works of power” in reference to His own supernatural ministry on earth in Matthew 11:21, 23.  

As we’ve been studying on Sunday mornings and most recently on Wednesday evenings, we, as faithful followers of JC, recognize and are fully aware of these truths.

1.  The power of God raised Christ from the dead.

2.  That same power will raise all true believers who are Christ’s as part of the first resurrection.

3.  This power, God’s supernatural, incomparable, immeasurable, restorative, rejuvenating omnipotence, resides within us.

Therefore, we shall not be moved, we shall remain steadfast through all things (even physical persecution which may lay at our doorstep) in the hope and confidence of our Lord, Jesus Christ and His provision of great “power” … “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I  John 4:4.  In the consideration of “power” I’m challenging all of us to study, meditate upon, and fully embrace  II Timothy 1:7:

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (dunámeoos – dynamite) and love and discipline.

His & Yours, PF

PROSPERITY

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers”

… a remarkable and extraordinary prayer from the Lord’s Apostle/Elder, John, for the believer Gaius from 3 John 2.  Here, this faithful New Testament church leader expresses a strong and earnest desire for the side-by-side development of spiritual maturity, physical well-being, and material blessing. While certainly it is appropriate to seek God for any of these as significant aspects of one’s life, the coupling or joining of them together in this passage is unprecedented in the biblical text.  In addition, there is supportive evidence that physical health and spiritual well-being are uniquely intertwined, and surely success and/or prosperity in one’s career or business affairs can play a role as well in any individual’s overall well-being.  

Here, in 3 John 2 we find the Greek word, ‎euodoo (yoo-od-o’-o), which is a compound expression meaning to succeed along the road, to reach successfully, and/or to prosper in business affairs. The continuous tense in this scripture suggests consecutive, uninterrupted circumstances of varying prosperity as weeks follow weeks.  This concept is in the likeness of the inner man being renewed “day after day” as in II Corinthians 4:16.  In other words, this prayer finds Gaius’s faith father (see 3 John 4) praying for his spiritual, monetary/material, and physical well-being … prosperity! 

Most committed Christians can either quote or find a verse related to God’s material blessings being poured out (like Luke 6:38), God’s provision of health and/or strength (as in Proverbs 3:7-10), or concerning spiritual growth/maturity (such as Colossians 1:10), but how about all three, spoken together in one powerful and discerning prayer passage?  WOW!  How do you think brother Gaius must have felt when he received and read this prayer from Elder John? 

Undoubtedly, this experienced apostle/elder fully understood the concept conveyed by his co-laborer, the Apostle Paul, in his instructions to the Philippian church:  

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil 2:3-4)

Isn’t it interesting to note that this prayer ties both the physical health and material blessing directly to one’s spiritual growth and development as a vital/essential priority?  It appears, according to 3 John 3, that Gaius is growing spiritually and that there is distinct/clear evidence of this maturing being manifested throughout his life.  Apostle/Elder John seems to be delighted as well, even elated with his progress …

For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.  I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3 John 3-4)             

This simple, yet broad-reaching, unelaborate prayer would include success in business ventures and investments, happiness and peaceful fulfillment in domestic/family interactions, as well as within one’s spiritual relationships (with the Lord and other believers).  In addition, this intercession is inclusive of all the activities, engagements, and/or transactions in which a committed believer might lawfully engage within one’s society (pagan or not). It shows that it is absolutely and unhesitatingly right for us to encourage our friends through prayer, whether in good times or bad, lean or abundance, that they may have success and growth in their spiritual lives, be in good health, physically/ mentally/ emotionally and prosper through the works of their hands and in their plans of life.  John must surely have learned this from Jesus, whose concern for people’s physical troubles is attested to in all four Gospels. Certainly this is a biblical warrant for Christians today to pray for the temporal as well as the spiritual and physical needs of our peers in Christ.  

At West Oaks Fellowship, we’ve learned to actively embrace our cultural differences, as well as the distinctions in our widely diversified heritages. We are truly “nations gathered for worship” who at the same time are actively “sharing the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Now let us embark on praying for one another —  not just when needs arise — but as the Apostle/Elder John prayed for Gaius, that each one in our body will be in good health and prosper even as his/her soul prospers!             

Let’s just do it! -PF

SUMMER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word “summer” is used frequently throughout the Old Testament scriptures, while only being employed in the New Testament by Jesus Christ Himself in the gospels of Matthew (24:32), Mark (13:28), and Luke (21:30).  Each of these accounts occur in the “Parable Of The Fig Tree” and is the Greek word “theros” meaning, “to heat” but particularly in context speaking of “summer” as the season of heat or the hot season. 

However, in the Old Testament, while the Hebrew word, “qayits,” can refer to the specific, one of four seasons on the earth — with “summer” being classified as the “dry” season — it is also periodically, uniquely connected to the idea of fruit, grain, or a seasonal harvest.

In Psalm 32:3-4, David declares:

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night Your (the Lord’s) hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.  Selah.

 Obviously, we identify the distinct reference to the dry, hot feeling that “summer” brings, yet the reference is speaking more fully of David’s emotional and spiritual feelings as he refused to deal with some ubiquitous and prevalent sin that was negatively impacting his life, and dramatically hindering his spiritual walk / relationship with the Lord.

In Proverbs 6:8 we see the often used, familiar Old Testament connection of the word “summer” with the idea of fruit, grain, and/or harvest.  Here, Solomon considers the wisdom of the ant, who “Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.”  Proverbs 10:4-5 expands this biblical, as well as practical truth:

Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Clearly, without hesitation or indecisiveness, the necessary work should be accomplished within the suitable season.  If the opportunity that presents itself in the “summer” (fruit/grain and harvest) is neglected, the irresponsible individual cannot possibly expect the fruit/grain and harvest in autumn or in some/any other season.  For one to sleep or rest when the plenteous harvest lies ready, is seen in this passage as the most extreme laziness.  If an individual refuses, choosing not to work, they will be poor, whereas the diligent worker eventually reaps blessing and reward … by taking full advantage of the “summer” (fruit/grain, harvest), but the one who falters brings shame and disgrace. (Please study Proverbs 6:6-11)

A REALITY CHECK   

#1 The hand of one person is diligent, the other is slack.

#2 The soul/spirit of one seeks and seizes opportunity, the other neglects them, letting opportunity pass … sleeping, napping, or resting instead of harvesting.

#3 The destiny of one is God’s blessing, biblical prosperity (See III John 2), the other is that of devastation and ruin …laziness whether spiritual or physical, clothes a person in rags.  

#4 Perhaps one will hear from his Master, “Well done good and faithful servant” … but what about that other individual? (See Matthew 25:19-30)

In Proverbs 30:24-25, Solomon states that the ant is wise, even though not necessarily — “strong” — when compared to all the creatures of the earth!  Why?  Because, “they prepare their food in the summer (a time for fruit/grain and harvest).”

This summer, for the first time in the 31 year history of WOF, we are embarking on a new adventure for the whole family.  Beginning June 22, for 7 consecutive Wednesday evenings, the children will have a complete VBS (Vacation Bible School) very similar to our Mission Trip ministries including Recreation, Refreshments, Scraise (kids worship & drama), Crafts, Bible Teaching, and Scripture Memorization.  Simultaneously, “ALL” our adults (this is especially designed for those that serve in AWANA, and or teach other classes during the year) will have an incredible opportunity to participate in worship followed by men’s and women’s Bible studies.  See, we’re planning to take advantage of “summer,” and sincerely hoping you will allow this season to become a fruitful harvest of spiritual development and growth for you and your children, along with each and every adult in our entire church body.  Please plan on joining in as we become like the ant, prudently preparing for another year of faithful ministry by taking the opportunity that’s at hand to gather fruit and a reap a great harvest in our spirits and souls this “summer”! 

I’m looking for to it! 

How about you?            

His & Yours, PF

WHY ADVENT? PART 1

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The word Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. In reference to our This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. … Some people fast (don’t eat anything) during advent to help them concentrate on preparing to celebrate Jesus’s coming.

  • Embrace Change – just as the leaves change colors, reflecting the beauty of our Lord’s creation and design, so does life.  Almost every aspect of a genuine believer’s life is in a state of transformation as one’s grows spiritually, becoming more and more like Christ. (See II Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29, 12:1-2) We, as Christ’s followers, fully understand and comprehend that not all change is good.  Today, there is an awful lot of unwelcome and unwholesome change in our world. Moral and societal changes really bother us …  we see it everywhere, with almost no exceptions. On top of that, we are painfully aware that the children and youth of this era are growing up in a world far different from the one we experienced as children, youth and young adults.

Then there are those changes that impact us as individuals — children leaving home, the passing of dear friends/family members/loved ones, and even perhaps the slow, steady decline in our vitality and health. Sometimes we may even feel “outdated” at work.  But amidst all the changes, one thing, one Person, stays constant in His existence, purpose, and character … our eternal Lord! To fully embrace God’s purpose(s) in our lives genuinely requires significant, on-going modifications in one’s thinking, understanding, and actions/behavior. Therefore, as one looks upon the ever-present physical changes revealed in our world through Autumn/Fall, consider the marvelous, omnipresent work/molding Christ desires to accomplish in you.  Yield to His touch in the same way the leaves of the tree submit to His ultimate design and persistent resolve.

  • Let Go – just as the trees and grass are unable to hang on to their radiance from Spring and Summer (if rained upon and/or watered), maturing Christians must release the bonds of the past in order to fully participate in the adventures that Christ has prepared for His people to pursue and walk/live in.  (See Luke 9:62; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:8-12; Philippians 3:13-14; I Corinthians 9:24; II Timothy 1:8-11) As one observes the variations in nature brought about by Autumn/Fall, perhaps one should ask the Lord what needs to break loose, be raked up, and intentionally/purposefully and permanently discarded from one’s life!  The past only comes back to haunt us if we make provision for it, and allow it impact our spiritual lives and progress!  As a new creature in Christ, are you allowing old things, particularly those things of one’s fleshly/worldly nature, to continually fall off, pass away, die? (See II Corinthians 5:16-17) Sadly, and yes, destructively, many genuine believers are having difficulty distinguishing the difference.
  • Be Grateful – you’ll never have everything you want and/or absolutely perfect unless the desires of your heart are completely modified by the Lord, and that your definition of good and/or perfect somehow comes into alignment with God’s definition of those things in your own life. Simply put, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” — I Timothy 6:6-9.  I’ve continually found that individuals who are content, which doesn’t mean they are lazy or lack drive to be successful, are generally grateful for whatever they have. That’s proven to be true in my experience, with those who have an abundance, as well as those that may have little, or are lacking, as defined in the eyes of our western culture. In addition, I’ve also found many who have more than they could ever use or want to be ungrateful, as well as those that have little to sulk in their want and greed. Too often the formula of greed or covetousness resulting in poverty is forgotten.  Psalm 10:3 declares, “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire (rather than the desires being birthed and shaped by the Lord), and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord.”  Proverbs 28:22 makes it pretty clear, “A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth and does not know that want (poverty) will come upon him.”  While our God is certainly able to give us the desires of our heart (See Psalm 37:4-5). I suspect He is willing to do exactly that when and if our desires glorify Him and are conferring His purposes!

My prayer is that God’s Autumn/Fall 2018 will speak loudly to each of us!  –PF