BIBLICAL PROSPERITY

                                                            SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

BIBLICAL PROSPERITY

What is true prosperity?  Is it achieving economic success and having the advantage of independence and the luxury to enjoy your success?  If that’s the case then way are so many successful and prosperous people miserable, divorcing, or taking their lives?  Or is prosperity something else, true prosperity the way God defines it?  There is a prosperity God wants us to experience and it’s called BIBLICAL PROSPERITY because it’s in the Bible for us to discover.  

THE PROMISE OF PROSPERITY:  It’s a Biblical fact that God wants to bless and prosper His children.  It’s even a prayer in the Bible:  (3 John 1:2) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.  John’s wish for his readers was prosperity in three areas:  TOTALITY (in all things).  (Mat 19:26)…with God all things are possible."  PHYSICALLY (be in health).  (Exo 15:26)…For I am the LORD who heals you."  SPIRITUALLY (Pro 14:30) A sound heart (soul) is life to the body…  Are you expecting God to advance you and give you success in life?  

THE PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY:  So what is the pathway to prosperity? PERSEVERANCE.  Remember that on the way to prosperity is adversity.  Don’t let the health and wealth teachers convince you otherwise.  You have to bear the cross to wear the crown!  (2 Tim 2:12)  If we endure, we shall also reign with Him…  PONDER.  Read and meditate on God’s Word every day.  Try to never skip time with God.  (Psa 1:2 3)  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. {3} He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.  PRAYER.  Pray about everything you do and ask God’s touch to be upon it.  (2 Chr 26:5) He (Uzziah) sought God…and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

THE CHALLENGE OF PROSPERITY:  There is a danger in prosperity and that is forgetting the Lord who blessed us in the first place.  (Deu 8:17-18) then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…  We are to give thanks to the Lord every day and remember from whom all blessings flow.  And a sure way to also keep grounded in prosperity is to share the wealth God has given you.  Why do you think He has blessed you?  It’s surely not for yourself or to show how smart you have been your finances.  (1 Tim 6:17 18)  Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. {18} Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. 

Now we know what true prosperity is all about.  It’s called BIBLICAL PROSPERITY and it comes through a relationship with the Lord.  It’s experiencing His grace through Christ and sharing His blessings with a needy world so all can feast on the goodness of God’s salvation!  

Louie