Devotional: Jeremiah 29:11-13: “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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
GOD has plans to bless us and give us a future. HE assures us of this in HIS WORD. Yet GOD is changeless. The same yesterday, today and forever. As such, HIS message of Prosperity is changeless as well. For every account someone gives on a wealthy Christian, there are far more, equally if not greater in their praise and worship to the LORD of lords…who are in poverty. Prosperity is the little things. Breath. Bread to eat with a handful of water. I don’t feel inspired to serve GOD more when the goal I’m told to shoot for is always the over flowing basket of bread and the well that just pours out like a river. Otherwise to have less, I’m not “shooting high” enough or something like that.
What am I saying? As Stormy Omaritan wrote as the title of her book, “Just enough light for the step I’m on…” so is prosperity defined to be applicable to ALL people in ANY country or situation. Not just to those who have bathrooms with doors on them or those who have running water in their town. Again, my experience is that GOD supplies all my needs…in HIS timing…and rarely with excess. Whatever excess there might be…should be given to assist the Body….not necessarily the over accumulation of loaves of bread and bottles and bottles of water.
The concept of being a good steward in all things is not lost here. The admonition is to center on HIS gifts of the basics so clearly that when something “above and beyond” is given to you…you will see it as tremendous favor and outpouring of HIS favor while the defocused Christian sings with the world, “Yes, but….you don’t have ________.” Fill in the blank. Again by centering on all that HE has given, you will find that you are indeed prosperous and that if GOD has designed more than what you presently have, HE will anoint your daily efforts to see it. But be first found faithful in the small things by giving endless thanks to our LORD and Provider. Amen.
Prosperity’s Message
Prosperity preaching must speak to the masses
in darkness, in light and in shadows as well.
For where someone is might be as those in Egypt
when Israel – as slaves – were for four hundred years.
Hence, wealth is defined by the LORD’s certain favor
yet shelter and food seem to some…just expected.
Thus, Abundance with Perfect’s perspective finds those
who are thanking JEHOVAH with prayers – sincere.
Yet Prosperity preaching is used to build kingdoms
where focus is placed on each one and their seed.
Though scripturally based, still ‘tis torn from that context
which CHRIST showed through actions which blessed those in tears.
Hence, my breath – it is priceless! Each movement, ‘tis wealth!
Every smell and each taste that I sense – exceeds Thought!
How wondrous is HE who now speaks with great favor…
No matter the place, I shall bless those…who hear!
As HIS servant in your service,
W.V.W. Jasnoch: 11/29/07