Tag: wealth stored for righteous

Posted in I REMEMBER, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 20: “Going Postal!”

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

We get back to our continuing series “Wealth Stored for the Righteous,” thinking about things we are blessed with, right now, today, yet it seems, so often, we take for granted.

It strikes me that, so many of these things we take for granted, things which we have and are able to do or enjoy, are possible simply because of the place we are blessed to live in … the United States of America.

We’ve discussed things so basic to our everyday lives; things like being able to go to the grocery store and get pretty much anything we need, to just being able to travel, freely, “without incident.” We can get in our car and go anywhere we want … crossing state boundaries, without having to be searched, questioned, etc. Just this, which we take for granted, you just could not do, in so many countries around the world.

So, we look at another blessing we have, in this country, which we take for granted. Something so basic to our daily lives, that we just don’t even think about how blessed we are, we just take for granted:

Being able to mail a letter, anywhere in the United States, to any person or business, for the cost of a single postage stamp.
Boy … how many times have we heard the complaint about the price of postage. About how much it costs to mail a letter. I like to think we’ve all done it … complained about a price increase for the mail.

But … think about what a blessing it is to be able to just mail a letter … and have close to 100% certainty that it will arrive at its destination … unopened … in just a matter of days.

Think about that.
For the price of a postage stamp, your letter, your correspondence, regardless of who it is going to, or where … is guaranteed to be delivered, without being opened …
We just don’t realize the blessing that is.

Please note that there are exceptions to every rule. If you want to mail a letter to certain addresses, like (and, boy am I combining the two here), say the President, or a Prison, there are certain exceptions, but I am writing about just the “every day” letter, going to a “regular” address.

OK … I’m not that old … but, I remember when a postage stamp costs less than a dime. I can remember exactly what the price was, but even I can’t believe how much the price of postage has gone up … Uh Oh … Does that sound like a complaint???

Really … this is not an examination of the process or the cost. But, just being able to send a letter across the country for what we have to pay for a stamp is a pretty good deal.

So, I got to thinking about it.
How good a deal is it?
Here goes:

I need to mail a letter from New Hampshire to Los Angeles. That’s pretty much cross-country.
Let’s just say the address isn’t important, for this example.
I just need to get a letter to Los Angeles, from New Hampshire.

I could drive it there:
I did this search: “How far is it from Manchester, New Hampshire to Los Angeles, California?”
Answer:  3,026 miles

Another search: “The driving time from Manchester, New Hampshire to Los Angeles, California.”
Answer: 43 hours, 53 minutes

Let’s see … If I can drive 12 hours a day, that’s over 3 days.
If I get 25 miles to the gallon of gas … that’s 121 gallons of gas.
At 2.00 a gallon, that’s 242.00 in gas.
I’ll need to stay at a hotel. At 75.00 each night, that’s 225.00 for 3 nights.
I’ll need to eat along the way.
At, say, 60.00 a day for food, that’s 180.00 for the 3 days food.
So, just the basics … But, I need to get that letter there …
If I drive out to Los Angeles to deliver the letter, that’s 647.00.
And, that’s the basic expense. Just to get there.

By the way … I’ll need to get back to New Hampshire:
So … double the 647.00 …

It would take 6 days, and 1294.00 to get this letter to Los Angeles, get it delivered, and get back to New Hampshire. Really, it would be more like 7 days, as it is 43-44 hours each way.

1294.00 to get the letter there, and come back.

I know … I know … I think I’ll just fly the letter there.

Here goes:
New search: “Cheap flights from Manchester, New Hampshire to Los Angeles, California:”
First, all airlines showed between 8-9 hours flight time.
This is one way:
268.00
Hey!!! I can “save money if you fly from Boston!”

So, if I double that for the return trip, that’s 536.00 for the airline tickets.
It takes over 8 hours, so that’s 2 days, there and back.
You’d have to stay at a hotel at least once, at 75.00
Food for 2 days would be 120.00
I’d also have to drive to the airport in Manchester.
3 hours’ drive … one way.
136 miles.
I’d also have to leave my car at the airport for 3 days.
Plus … when I got to Los Angeles, I’d have to either rent a car, or take a taxi, to the letter’s destination, and then back to the airport.

Let’s see …

New search: “How long does it take to get a letter from Manchester, New Hampshire to Los Angeles, California?”
Answer:
I can get my letter there-guaranteed by the very next day for a little over 25.00
If I can wait, I can get it there in 2 days-guaranteed, for 7.35
And, hey … For that kind of money … you can track it, and get delivery confirmation!

Or … I can just mail it for 55 cents.
55 cents.

55 cents.
That’s 55 pennies.

That’s a deal.

And, this isn’t to even mention the security of our mail system. You can pretty much guarantee that your letter, or package, will get there. I can’t even begin to explain how big a blessing this is, compared to a lot of countries. Just ask people, around the world, how “safe” their mail is. By “safe,” for this example, we are just referring to the chances of your package actually being delivered. Meaning “not stolen.” Or, opened. Or, held for “security purposes.” Of all the things we write about, comparing the United States to how it’s like “over there,” this is near the top of the list. Just being able to send a letter, or package, “without incident,” is a huge blessing, which we so often, take for granted.

Only 55 pennies.
What a deal.

By the way, as a final note … if you don’t think we’re getting older:
To put in the “I Remember” column … To show how things have changed, yes, even here in our Country … I remember when there was no such phrase as “going postal.” This term was first used in the early 1990’s.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

Here’s a direct link to the entire series so far:

Wealth Stored for the Righteous

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Posted in AT THE ATM, HOLIDAYS

At the ATM, It Happened Again: “Triple Debit Indebtedness”

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Not too long ago, I wrote about how, in just over a month, I had found 2 Bank Debit/Credit cards, and how it made me realize how blessed I was to be “raised right.” To do the right thing.
That particular writing was called “Double Debit Indebtedness,” and told the story of how I had found the cards, well over 100 miles apart: One in August, and one over the Labor Day Weekend.
Well … this past weekend was Thanksgiving Holiday weekend …

It is a weekend I look forward to, all year. 4 days off, and, yes … lots of football. So much to be thankful for, and the joy I take in hearing others just talk about what they are thankful for.
The word “Veteran” came up a lot, and, on Thanksgiving Day alone … I heard our National Anthem on 3 separate occasions, from 3 separate states.

We have so much to be thankful for.
Among our greatest blessings has to be the examples we’ve had, starting with our parents, and continuing throughout our lives, with great examples we’ve been exposed to, that God has brought into our lives.

So … back to the weekend. True to my word, I didn’t leave the house until early Saturday morning, to trek to the grocery store (something I’m also thankful for). Seemed that most of the population was still exhausted from Friday (which is called “Black,” yes, like the Plague), so not many people were out.

Back to work on Monday, and I had to stop by the local bank’s ATM to pick up some cash, to have for the next day, for a collection they are taking up for, at School. Since I don’t carry cash, I never have money to give on the “same-day.”
Anyway, it was Monday, after School, and I was exhausted. I drove up to the ATM, put my card in … and, you guessed it … it wouldn’t go in. There was another Bank card in the machine, left by the previous visitor. I first thought was, “No, can’t be. Not the third time in 3 months.” But, there it was. I took it out, looked at the name, which was hard to see in the twilight. Man! It gets dark early up here!
Plus, even my eyes were exhausted. It never occurred to me that the bank was open, and I could have just pulled around, walked in, to give them the card. Or just pull up to the drive-through. I guess my only thought was getting home to the recliner, and my much-anticipated nap. I did call the bank, first thing, and, yes, they did ask if I could bring the card in. I explained I was already home (hoping they could sense the exhaustion in my voice), and would bring the card in the next day. They said that was ok, just deliver it through the drive-through, which I did, immediately after School the next day.

Once again, it made me realize how thankful I am, to have been raised to be honest. As I write this, it strikes me that I am also thankful that I had 20.00 left in the bank … after the Holiday!
And, as much as I may disagree with some of their policies, I am thankful that we do have banks. And, that we can bank, can do business with, any bank or financial institution we choose. This is another one of those “freedoms” we have, which we take for granted so often. I am also grateful for many of the services they offer, like the ATM, and the technology which exists, which allows us to “use our debit card just like a credit card” (sounds like a commercial, doesn’t it?).

I’m thankful I could write this in the earlier post:
“I was so glad I was “raised right.”
Raised to be honest.
And, that I was taught the difference between right and wrong.
And, yes, taught to work hard.
By the living examples of those who raised me, who were as hard-working as they were honest.
I may have strayed, but they never did.”

Let’s see … A found card over Summer Holiday, a found card over the Labor Day Holiday, a found card over the Thanksgiving Holiday … guess I’ll have to go back to the ATM over Christmas …

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

Here’s the link to Double Debit Indebtedness

 

Posted in WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 18: “Attention Shoppers!”

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

We are back to the series “in which, yes, we are thankful for what our Heavenly future holds, but, let’s not forget all of the benefits … all of the blessings … we have, in our life right now, which, often, we take for granted …”

I think that many of the blessings we enjoy are things and activities which we do … so often … things we have to do, that they become a “chore;” that we just don’t realize how blessed we are, just to be able to do these “chores.” High on this list is a chore, a “have-to” activity, done weekly, or even more often:

The opportunity, the ability, to just go out and buy groceries. To have “Grocery Stores” available to us, with such a variety of products. We can just go in, choose what we want, and leave … without incident. This “without incident” is important. Think of the situation so much of the world is in, right now. Just the ability to “go out without incident” is a pretty rare thing in a lot of countries around the globe. How blessed we are in this country, and in many countries, just to be able to “go out” and shop … where we want, and when we want. What a blessing this is! What an opportunity so many don’t have.

There is an example I’d like to share, which really brought this thinking on. Several years ago, our Pastor told this story:
This, again, was several years ago, and it was during a time when, in Russia, there were massive food shortages. Remember? People were lined up … lined up for blocks … just to get bread, or other basic food necessities. It was a terrible time in Russia, and we saw all this on the nightly news.
Our Pastor, like so many Pastors, worked a “regular job.” This is one of the reasons we try to do all we can to honor Pastors. So many we’ve known, have held down full-time jobs, while serving as Full-Time Pastors. Our Pastor worked in a grocery store. He had worked in a grocery store pretty much all his life, and was a manager when he received the call to preach. So, when God called him to a small town, many miles away … in order to support his family while beginning this new Work … he worked at a local grocery store.

One day, a lady, from Russia, came into the store, accompanying the friends she was visiting, here in America. This grocery store was laid out like all grocery stores, set up so that the first department you had to walk through was the Produce Section. In a marketing course I once took, I learned there is a reason that all grocery stores are set up this way. Anyway … our Pastor was working the Produce Department on this particular day. This lady, visiting here in America, during the time of a national food shortage in her home country, walked through the entrance of the store, veered to the right (notice it is always to the right), and the first Section she saw, in this American grocery store, was the produce department. She passed out. She fainted. She really did. She was so overwhelmed by what she saw, she just “shut down.” Fainted. Passed out. Overwhelmed. She could not comprehend how so much food … how so many choices … were available … She could just reach out and pick out … whatever she wanted … Where were the crowds … the pushing and shoving … the mass hysteria …???
I wonder … how many people … in that grocery store at that exact moment … were complaining? How about the “line” at checkout? I would image … once this lady revived … she could have told us about what a “grocery/food line” really looked like.

I think of two things as I write this: Knowing the outlay of the store, I know that the Deli Department would be the next section she would have encountered. All that fresh bread … all that fresh food … all those choices … All those people at the Deli Counter looking like they had better things to do than stand in this line … Somehow, she must have made it through. The other thing I think of, is this: I’m not knocking this particular grocery store, as they do have a fine Produce Department … but, I think about the first time, down in Rhode Island, when I walked into a “Whole Foods” Market for the first time. I must have spent an hour just in the Produce Department! At least! It was like a world tour of produce. I think … had this lady … from Russia … walked into this Store … well, they would have had to send an ambulance, at least …

How blessed we are. Maybe it’s because of this lady’s story, but, I never complain about going to the grocery store. I go down every aisle, whether I need anything there, or not. By the way, in the South, when you go to the grocery store, you call it, “go get groceries” or “grocery shopping.” In the North, it’s always called, “Food Shopping.” And, those grocery carts? In the North, they are called “carriages.” Just thought I’d throw that in. Yes, we all complain about prices, I guess. And, how about this, in the middle of this story: How often have we complained about the selection? Not enough brands. Not enough choices. I wonder how this lady would respond to our complaints over the pains of grocery shopping in the United States?

I never complain about the price of gas, because I know how much “the rest of the world” has been paying for gas for several years now …

A word about shortages: I can remember only a few “shortages” in my time. I think about how that must sound to those growing up in the World War II years, for example. How the word “ration” was part of their daily existence. How blessed we are! Right now! My first job, in fact, my first 2 jobs, were in a grocery store. I remember during this time, and I was still in my early teens, there was a “sugar shortage.” Remember? The cost of a 5 lb. bag of sugar “went through the roof.” There was a huge outcry from the public. I remember clearly, as I worked, bagging groceries. People just quit buying sugar. They did. What happened? Suddenly … the price went down … and, there was, suddenly, plenty of sugar to go around. It seems like there was another shortage I can remember, but I can’t quite remember if this was around the same time. But, at one time, I remember a shortage of peanut butter. Yes, peanut butter. A shortage. I remember it. Seems like the same thing happened, as happened to bring the sugar shortage to an end.

That’s it, the shortages I can remember. Of course, this doesn’t include the gasoline shortage. This was something we all remember. I can, so clearly remember, the statement that “Gas will never go up to over 1.00!” Never! Ever! Remember the lines at the pump? The certain days when you couldn’t buy gas?
I also remember this statement from that period: “As soon as gas went up over 1.00, suddenly, there was plenty of it.”

While I am writing about this lady from Russia, there is something else I remember, from hearing about her visit here, and it directly relates to this series, and how we take for granted, what so many people around the world just don’t have. Remember that this lady was staying with friends here in the United States, during a time of great turmoil in her home country.
You know how, when you take a bath, you drain the water?
And, when you finish doing the dishes, you drain the water?

Well, this lady, as she helped with the dishes … she was appalled when, after the dishes were done … the water was drained … What? What? She didn’t understand, and, as she watched the dirty dish water empty out, she exclaimed, “What are you doing???” Why aren’t you saving that water???
In her home country … there was also a water shortage … how could we possibly just drain out water we could use again???

Should I even mention her reaction when she discovered that, after someone bathes … they drain the dirty bath water?
She, literally, could not fathom such a waste of precious water. Precious water, which could be used. Again, and again.
How blessed are we?

I just got home from the Grocery Store. Our small town has a local grocer, and there is a “big” grocery store in the adjoining town, about 5 miles away. I am thankful to have the choice to frequent both, and that I get a sales paper from each … which determines which one I visit that particular week. Yes, one “large-chain” grocery store closed here a few years ago, and we still have that “big-box” store, where I can buy bags of dirt, and lettuce … and, check out at the same register.
We are blessed. We don’t have what many have, the choices and all. But, I am thankful for the choices we do have. Plus, if I want to save another 10.00 on groceries … I have the choice to drive, “without incident,” to other grocery stores in the region. My choice. I love it when I hear someone brag about how much they saved by driving 70 miles, and spent half a day … to get those veggies on sale!!! Saved 5.00!

It seems so silly to complain about any shopping experience we have, given the freedoms we enjoy, which so many don’t. My major complaint about my “gettin’ groceries” today is those “fridge-packs” of soda. Made to fit right in on that bottom drawer. Perfect! They have been out for several years … and, I still haven’t opened one right, yet! Today, I decided to change my luck, and, finally, learn the secret to opening one. They open, I see from the examples, where you can get one out at a time. It didn’t work this time, either. There are perforations to make it easy, but, to tear open from the perforations … I haven’t got it right yet … today, I set the “fridge-pack” on its side (pretty smart, I thought), and, as I tore apart from the perforations … I took out the spice rack from the wall …

I remember attending a lecture a few years ago about primitive cultures. How that they were “hunters and gatherers.” And, how we are, still today, hunters and gatherers. We just hunt for the bargains, and then we go to a certain location (the grocery store) and gather.
We are so blessed, just to have the opportunity to hunt and gather, without incident, in our country.

As a bonus, getting back to the story of the Russian lady, let us thank God, every day, for running water, for running hot water, for electricity, and for so many other things we take for granted. Every day. We are so blessed.

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

On the left-hand side, there’s a direct link
to the entire series so far

Wealth Stored For The Righteous

 

Posted in ROADS SCHOLAR, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 16

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

It is good to be back to writing.

With job, business, and other writing responsibilities, it’s funny how “your first love” gets pushed “to the back.” Plus, the opportunity to travel has also figured into the time equation.

We’re back to our series, in which, yes, we are thankful for what our Heavenly future holds, but, let’s not forget all of the benefits … all of the blessings … we can enjoy right now. I note that I use the term “can enjoy” right now, and realize why: There are just so many blessings we have, in our life right now, which, often, we take for granted. And, just like Spiritual benefits and blessings, there are many that we are not taking advantage of … even though, they are “ours” to use and enjoy … freely …

There is one great advantage we have in the United States, which, sadly, is not enjoyed by many countries around the globe. A great advantage, a great privilege, a great blessing, which we, as we do with so many “privileges” we enjoy in this country, take for granted. And, since we take this privilege for granted, it often becomes “unused.” This is such a basic privilege and, yes, freedom, we enjoy here in the United States. Ready?

The freedom to travel.
Period.
The freedom and liberty to travel.
What a blessing, a great advantage, and a great privilege we enjoy here in the United States. I’m not so sure if this isn’t near the top of the list for most “under-rated” privileges and freedoms we have here. A freedom which so many, in so many countries, can’t enjoy … because they don’t have this freedom that we, sadly, take for granted.

Especially after writing the series regarding Christian persecution around the world, to begin to understand what is happening in other countries, I have really been struck by how awesome a freedom and privilege it is, to just “get in the car and go.” Just as significant to me is thinking about how many of us, here in the United States (and other places), which have this liberty and freedom, yet don’t take advantage of it.

I think of the United States, for this example, as a continent. Like, say, Africa. Or, a block of countries in the Middle East. Instead of individual, separate countries, here we have “states.” I know, we all know this. Yet, think about it: We can “move” between states, without any problem or trouble at all. No “check-points” or other heavily guarded “militia-points” to carefully get screened-with our lives depending upon it-every time we cross into a different state. Think about it: You enter into another “state,” and after an intensive search (think of the time this would take, travelers), you are informed, by military personnel, that you have to turn back … you can’t enter … based upon … well, a variety of things, like political affiliation or religious beliefs …
Can you imaging, in the middle of your vacation … having to turn around, and go back? Just because of the political party you belong to, or because of your faith?

Let’s put it this way: “?????!!!!!?????!!!!!”
Etc.

If this would happen to you, and your family, just once … think about it …

Did I mention that, often, at stations such as these … the potential to be arrested for either of these “violations” (politics or faith) could mean that, not only could you be prevented from entering the country, but … but … you could get arrested. This also means being separated from your family. Etc.

I’m sorry, but I can’t help thinking about 2 groups of people I know:
I love to hike, and, when I hike, I like to enjoy the whole experience. I’m the type that likes to stop and identity every tree. This is called “taking my time.” I have hiked with people whose goal, it seems, is to set a new land-speed record. They hike faster than I run.
The other group are those who go on “vacation,” but rush, rush, rush. I won’t mention the “always on cellphone” issue, or try to, you guessed it … set a new land-speed record for moving from place to place. Can you imagine either of these two groups traveling throughout most of the world, in these war-torn countries?

Recently, we traveled down to Connecticut, meaning going through Massachusetts, and then we spent time over in Rhode Island. It was during this trip that I began to think about how easy it is for us to go from “place to place.” No check-points. No military. Here is what strikes me now, still thinking about our nation being divided into states, and not countries. Again, please consider the context. What if Massachusetts was war-torn? Think about how that would affect our travel. Just to get to Connecticut, or Rhode Island, not wanting to take a chance on what could happen in Massachusetts, it could add days to our travel time.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Maine recently. What if Maine was war-torn? The other part of that scenario is this, and, please consider this: If our neighboring “states” were in the midst of war … how long would it be, before the war crept into our “state?’ Just think about how that would affect every area … every decision … every move … in your life.

I feel a sadness for those who are able, but don’t, travel. Our country is so beautiful. And … And … so accessible ….You can just “get in your car and go.”

Boy, do we take a lot for granted.
OK … OK … I complained about the toll in Maine … We were on 95 for maybe 50 miles, and we had to pay 3 tolls … something like 2.75 in total … Yes, I did think that, if you pay the toll … why can’t you drive as fast as you want???
I even thought about how much money …. As I do each time (I’ll admit it) I pay a toll … I thought about how much money they must make from the toll … How could we be in debt??? How could there be bad places on the road?

Sorry, but I always think the same thought, after thinking about gross mismanagement … I mean … after thinking about all the money collected … I thought about how having a lottery would provide so much money for … yes, our schools and such …. How could we be in debt???

It’s been years … and, I still haven’t figured out the New Jersey Turnpike …

Other subjects for another time, perhaps.

Anyway, what a great, beautiful country we have! And, it is there for the visiting!

I think about a speech which President John F. Kennedy made in the early ’60’s. How he promised that we would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. But, that was only part of the goal. Not just to land a man on the moon … but, bring them back safely … I think about how, in today’s world, the way it is right now … the possibility of just traveling to another “state” and returning safely … is an impossibility …

Yes, there are costs associated with travel. But, in the context of this writing, what a privilege and blessing it is, to be allowed to freely go “anywhere we want,” without having to worry about what so much of the world has to worry about, as a part of their daily lives.

So, OK, let’s talk about “costs” associated with travel. Our freedom, as a nation, was paid for … at a dear, dear cost. Our continued freedom … the privilege and liberty to travel from state to state, continues to be paid for, by the sacrifices of our men and women actively serving around the world …Our freedom, as Christians, the liberty we have, was paid for, at the highest cost imaginable, God’s only Son. What great benefits and blessing we enjoy as we travel along life’s highway … Sadly, I think of those who don’t take advantage …

Blessings to you, and you family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

 

Posted in BIBLE STUDY, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 15

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Time after time, over and over, I try to help and encourage by writing about the importance of two things we can do, every day, to help us improve in our walk with God … our relationship with Him … and our relationships with others:

I just can’t empathize enough how important it is to begin the day with prayer and Bible study. How much? That’s a personal choice, but it is a choice which must be made, and followed through with, every day. As with most things in life, start “small” and you will find both time, and yourself, growing. I put it this way, in order to show that, as you begin to see the difference doing this makes in your life, you’ll begin to devote more time to prayer and Bible study, and you’ll see even greater benefits as you go along. I was sharing about this just this morning, as I ran into a dear Brother, while I was at a local gas station (Sorry, there doesn’t seem to be “Gas Stations” anymore, just convenience stores which sell gas … another point for another time …). I explained that setting aside this time does require a sacrifice, as does just about everything worthwhile which is meant to improve us (I think there’s another topic right there). I explained how much of a difference it is to have to get up at 5:30 in the morning. Last year, I could leave my house-on a bicycle-at five minutes until eight, and make it on time. This year, a different School, so I have to leave around seven. Which means I must get up at 5:30 in order to “do what I need to do” in order to leave on time. But, it is so much worth it. The hard part is that, while I must get up at least an hour earlier … I can’t seem to get to bed any earlier. That’s something that I am continuing to ask God’s help for.

The point I am making is that, in order to improve, it does take work. Hard work. Consistent hard work. And, this work requires more time than if we didn’t want to improve, and didn’t want to find the time to improve. That’s why the time to improve, often, with our busy lives, doesn’t exist. It does not exist. That’s why … that’s why … we have to “make the time.” Those who “don’t have the time” never will … because they are not willing to do what it takes in order to “make” the time, to manufacture the time. Trust me, the time really doesn’t exist … and won’t exist … until we make it. Then, and only then, will this “new time” come into existence.

What could possibly be more important than “making” time to “spend time” with God? Talking to Him, listening to Him, and reading His Word. How could anything be more important? What is more important than our own, personal relationship with God?
“Our … (fill in the blank) …”

I get this thought that if we spent more time speaking with God about our problems … there would be less problems to speak with Him about … So … So … So … that would give us more time to just praise Him, thank Him for … yes, for … what He has already done … for the prayers He has already answered … the needs He has already met …
I’m going to say this, because it is true: God loves it when we praise Him! How do you think He feels-about you-when you are willing to “make time,” manufacture time (which before didn’t even exist!) in order just to have more time to spend with Him? How would you feel if the situation was reversed? Remember that our “closeness” with God depends upon how close we move toward Him. And, movement of any kind takes effort. And, in order to move closer to an object (yes, even an “object” of our affection), it is going to take more effort.

I keep getting this picture, as I think about all of the gifts God has already bestowed upon us. After all, this is the whole point of this series, to help understand how rich we are right now, how much God has already done for us, and what He does for us every day. The picture I get is this:
We see a gift that we know would be great to give to a particular person. Something they want, something they will just love, but, maybe, something they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Something, maybe, you know that they want, something maybe that they’ve even hinted around for. Something they will never be able to get on their own, but they still want. You have the resources to give them this as a gift. What goes through your mind as you think about it?
“They are going to love this!”
“I can’t wait to see the look on their face …!”
“This is great! I can’t wait!”
You become just as exited to give the gift as they are to receive it.

I believe God feels the same way. I think of the look on Jesus’ face, as He looked upon the face of someone He had just healed. I don’t even know the way I would describe it. What joy He must feel when He gives a gift to someone. When He answers a prayer.
I think the greatest joy Jesus gets today is when someone praises Him, when someone realizes what He has done for them, and thanks Him.

I think about how we feel.
When we give a gift to someone … and, “the look on their face” as they receive it is something we’ll never forget. I remember, a few years ago, when Carol gave a daughter of friends of ours a necklace. It was not for “Christmas” or for a birthday, or anything like that. It was just something she wanted to give this child. I remember that the necklace had a sunflower design (we love sunflowers!). This is years later, and I still remember the look on this young child’s face, as she unfolded the chain, and realized what it was. The look on her face! But, it was what she said that I think I remember the most. This was one of those moments, which you experience so rarely in life, when you witness something so special, as it unfolds before your eyes, that it is like a scene from a movie being played out in front of you. Something that you have read in a book, or perhaps seen in a movie … What she said, as the necklace was clasped, and the sunflower came to rest, it was what she said:
“I am never going to take this off!”
I’ll just never forget the joy and wonder in her voice, and on her face. I remember it so clearly today, so many years later.

God loves when we talk to Him. He loves when we are thankful for what He has given us. I don’t know about you, but I think that when we give someone something, and they go out of their way to let us know how grateful they are … it makes me want to give them something else! I hope the underlying point settles in.

God can do anything. There is nothing He can’t do. Guess what? He knows this. But, I think He loves it when we tell Him that we know it, too. He so loves it when we go out of our way to thank Him, to praise Him, and to just let Him know that we realize that what we have, the blessings we have been given (already), we are thankful for.

I’ve helped people, and they were so grateful … I wanted to do something else for them!
Another point.

I think about this: What if, every day, there was someone, a particular person, who gave us a gift? We’d get a gift, every day. What are the chances that, when you awoke every morning, the first thought you had was in anticipation of what gifts today would bring? Would this change your attitude? And, as you went about your “day to day,” I’m thinking that this would change everything. The person who gave you these gifts: Would you take the time to thank them? Wouldn’t you go out of your way to find them, make sure you ran into them-even if you had to change your schedule in order to do it? Wouldn’t you, somehow, someway … “make” the time to thank them?

I think that was another point.

So, if we don’t make the time for prayer and Bible study, it won’t be there. Because it doesn’t exist. At least, not yet. And, it won’t exist … it can’t exist … until we make this time. Consider the benefits. Remember also that doing nothing is also a decision.

Have you ever gone out of your way to do something for somebody, and they did not even acknowledge what was clearly a sacrifice for you to do?
Have you ever given a gift to someone, anticipating eagerly their response to the gift … and, they acted like it was “no big deal?”
Did you ever do something for someone, or given someone something, and they didn’t even say thank you?

Ever done all you could for someone, and they act like you don’t exist?
Ever sent a note, or a letter to someone, and they didn’t even take the time to read it?
I feel I must insert something I heard recently. I can’t get this picture out of my mind:
It has to do with football, and a recent press conference.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was injured during a game.
After the game, head coach Bill Belichick was asked this question:
“How did you feel when Gronkowski went down with an injury?”
Here is Coach Belichick’s response:
“How would you feel?”

God loves it when we “make” the time to thank Him, to just talk to Him.
To thank Him for what He has already done.

To be like Him, we must know Him.
How can we do this unless we speak with Him, read about Him, and then ask Him questions?

God has blessed us so much.
In closing, note that He will always make sure the time is available for manufacture … if it is something which you truly want. Meaning … if you truly want Him …

Blessings,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.


Posted in BIBLE STUDY, HOLIDAYS, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 14

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

It seems so easy to fall into the temptation of making some kind of a list at the end of the year, and usually this falls into the category of “Resolutions,” or “The Year That Was” type of listing. There also seems to be plenty of “Best of/Worst of” lists that so many put together.

About resolutions:
We don’t need a new Resolution, we need a new Revelation of Jesus.
Who He is, What He is. His Word and His Person.
Jesus spent most of His entire earthly ministry showing, revealing, and proving, Who He is, and What He is. To allow others to accept His Word and His Person. The same choice we have today is the same choice Jesus offered then: Do you accept His Word and His Person? You can’t separate Jesus from His Word, or His Person. He is, simply, the Word of God manifested in human form. If you accept His Word, you accept Him. He is still the only means of eternal salvation, and the only way to the Heavenly Father.

Yet, He is so much more. Our Healer. Our Provider. Our Helper.
Wow! If we would only just believe those 3 things about Jesus, and I mean really believe them, what a difference that would make in our lives. Every day. And, not just every day. But, every moment of every day. What is so important about just believing? Because … if we would just believe … if we really just believed … we would start acting like we believe. Do we act like we really believe it? I’m first in line about failing, miserably, at times, on that one fact. I say I believe, I know I believe … but, do I act like it? Does this belief affect my behavior? Change how I think, change how I act, and change how I speak?

It is true that we will act out how we really believe. I like to say that, “When I act on faith, I’m not acting.” I try to live up to that in every area of my life. Truth is, it’s not really me that is able to stand firm in faith while I am battling life’s storms, but it is Jesus dwelling inside of me that allows me to stand. And, I’m ok with that. Completely. I need to depend completely upon Jesus every moment of every day. If I’ll just do that, then Jesus is already “there” whenever something happens during the day. Yes, things happen which I can’t control, or have no control over. But … these things should only be what others do … not me! I can’t control what others say or do … but, I can control what I say or do. That’s the real difference between having Jesus dwelling inside of you … or not. There are so many people, which we come in contact with every day, which don’t have Jesus dwelling inside of them. But … we do. Shouldn’t we act differently from them? Shouldn’t we speak differently from them? Oh …. And, perhaps the most important thing of all, in dealing with others … Shouldn’t we react differently from them?

If we don’t act, or react, differently from them … then what is the difference between them and us? Most importantly … if we don’t act or react differently from those who don’t know Jesus … how will they know we know Jesus … how will they know we know … I mean … I know I know … but, do they know I know???

And … if I act “just like them,” then why would they want what I have … if “what I have” appears to be the same thing they have??? How can I witness to others about Jesus, and the difference He made, and makes, in my life … if I don’t act or speak any differently from them??? If there is no difference … then, and think about this one … If there is no difference in my life … I really don’t have anything to offer them … so why would someone ask me about something that it looks like I don’t already have? Careful! And, I’ve seen this happen: Before you know it, instead of being a witness for Christ … people will start coming up to you … and, witnessing to you!

Maybe what this new “Revelation” is all about is this:
When Jesus came to earth, He was the very image of God, manifested in human form. As Christians, we are chosen to be the same … exactly the same … the very image of God, manifested in human form. Which means we are the image of Jesus on earth. His Words. His Person. His mission. Are we? Am I?

The question of who Jesus is, is the most important question we will ever face, the most important decision we will every make.
How about this for a turn-around:
Jesus is “I am.”
Are we “Am I?”

Do people we know and come into contact with accept our word and our person?
Just like Jesus … and, that’s the bottom line … we are supposed to be “just like Jesus” …
Jesus spent His life manifesting the Truth of both His Word and His Person …
What truth are we displaying to those around us?
The old saying is true (that’s why it’s such an old saying):
If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Jesus has turned this entire message around.
“A new Revelation of Jesus Christ.”
He is wanting us, every day, in every way, to “reveal” Him to others in the only way we can:
Though our Word and our Person.
What we say. How we act. How we react.

The “New Revelation of Jesus” is not about Him revealing something new to us … but about us revealing something new to others!
To “reveal” Jesus to those we come in contact with, every day.

Jesus living inside of us! Dwelling inside of us!
What wealth! What a treasure!
That’s what people want to see!

I get an image of someone bringing out a “treasure map,” and showing it to a few, select friends.
What would be their reaction?
They would huddle around … anxious to see what the treasure is … and, most importantly … where it is … They would, perhaps, depend upon you to lead them to the treasure …
I think the point is clear.

The question which comes to mind is this:
If you really did possess a “treasure map,” and for this example, this was true, and the treasure was available to all who would find it, it would make sense that you would find it first, to make sure the treasure was real. For, only then, could you, with full faith, share this treasure with others. And, if you did truly possess such a treasure … wouldn’t that affect your attitude? Wouldn’t that affect the way you acted? The way you talked? And … wouldn’t that make people want to be around you … wouldn’t that make people “want to have what you have?”
Another clear point.

If the room was dark … and, you had the only light … would everyone in the room just naturally gravitate toward you?

What incredible treasure we have! What incredible wealth we have! What incredible riches we have! The best part? It is for now … and for eternity!
And, yes, I’ll say it: The more of this treasure you give to others … the more you receive!!!

Let the Word go forth throughout the world, through time and space … and social media:
Forgiveness?
It’s free, and always will be!

Blessings to you, and your family.
Now, and always,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

 

Posted in BIBLE STUDY, GUEST POSTS, MINISTRIES WE SUPPORT, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

Guest Post: Gregory Dickow: “I Could Succeed if I Had the Right Surroundings”

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Pastor Gregory Dickow shares from his series, “Fast From Wrong Thinking.”

This goes perfectly with our “Wealth Stored for the Righteous” series, and incorporates so many of the points we have made over the past few months, including the great statement that “It’s not what surrounds you, but it’s what’s inside you that causes success.”
Amen!

I have featured lessons from Pastor Dickow in the past, and I strongly encourage you to subscribe to his “Fast From Wrong Thinking” series, as a great way to begin your day as a Bible study. I’ll include a direct link at the end:

Today we are fasting from the thought that says, “I could succeed if I had the right surroundings, the right people, or the right breaks.”

“If I just moved to a different city or had a better boss, or if someone gave me a chance, I would prosper,” they think. This way of thinking leads to blaming circumstances and other people for why things don’t get better.

LET’S CHANGE IT TODAY 

1. It’s not what surrounds you, but it’s what’s inside you that causes success. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore, we do not lose heart. For though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” Notice, Paul is saying that even when things go the opposite direction on the outside, something good can be happening on the inside. And what does God say we should do on the inside? Be renewed day by day. Be filled with the Word day by day—AND THE INSIDE WILL OVERTAKE THE OUTSIDE!

2. Success or failure is created by how you think. Never forget our foundational verse, which is in Proverbs 23:7. “As a man thinks, so is he.” And Joshua 1:8 says, “. . . but you shall meditate on the Word of God day and night . . . and then you shall have good success.”

3. Understand the source of blessing. Psalm 1:1–3 says, “Blessed is the man that . . . meditates on the Word day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, whose leaf does not wither, who bears fruit in his season, and whatever he does, prospers!”

4. The root to true success is a prosperous soul. 3 John 2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in health, EVEN AS your soul prospers.”

5. Remember Joseph, who was thrown into a pit by his brothers and sold into slavery. Genesis 39:2 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and so he became a successful man.” Notice: Even though his surroundings were terrible, JOSEPH STILL BECAME A SUCCESSFUL MAN. He had a bad home environment and bad breaks, and he was surrounded by bad people, and yet still succeeded, BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM.

6. We affect our surroundings and create our breaks by the thoughts we think and the choices we make. Deuteronomy 30:15, 19 says, “I have set before you life and prosperity, or death and adversity . . . Choose life!”

THINK IT AND SAY IT 

It’s not what surrounds me that determines my success; it’s what’s inside me.

My success is created by how I think. I agree with God’s thoughts and meditate on God’s Word, day and night. Success follows me. I prosper in my soul. I fill my mind with the richness of God’s Word, and therefore it spills over into every area of my life.

I AM A SUCCESSFUL AND PROSPEROUS MAN OR WOMAN, because God is with me, in Jesus’ Name!
In God’s great love,
Gregory Dickow Click here to receive the “Fast From Wrong Thinking” Series http://www.fastfromwrongthinking.com/

 

Posted in SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 13

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

At some point, and now seems to be the time appointed, it’s time to think about “today’s economy” in light of this series. Or, maybe, in light of this series, to think about today’s economy.
The first thing we have to realize is that our employer, or our business, or “the State,” isn’t our provider.
God is our provider. Period. This won’t change.

We must face the facts. God is capable of supplying our every need. Period. I didn’t say our “wants.” I look at this statement, and, I’ll be honest … I know what I mean … I don’t mean that God is not capable of supplying our “wants” … but, how often have I written that if God gave us everything we thought we “wanted,” it would ruin us … And, worst of all, if God gave us everything we thought we wanted … it would ruin our relationship with Him. And, frankly, if we got everything “handed to us” that we wanted … it would ruin our relationship with a lot of people … and, not just friends and family. There! I had to include that!
Often, and I must say this, our “wants” seem to grow as God meeting our needs grows. The danger is this: Sometimes, the more our needs are met … the more “we get” … the less we may feel that we need God. Let’s let that one sink in. Is it true that the more we have, the more we want? Maybe another topic for another time, but necessary to at least mention here.

There have always been “bad times,” and there always will be. There have always been “good times,” and there always will be. Please keep these statements in proper context. There will always be people “with money.” There will always be people “in need.” This won’t change. I have learned that, no matter how bad the economy is … there are always people who have money, and lots of it. Am I equating success with money? For the point of the “present economy” and “need” I am using the term “money” in context. Let’s think about “success.” Throughout history, regardless of the “present economy,” there have always been people who were successful, and, yes, regardless of the “economy,” very successful.

What do you mean, “What am I talking about?” I answer that question with this question from recent history: During the Great Depression, and every “bad time” since, weren’t there people who were able to obtain incredible wealth? No, please understand I am not trying to downplay the severity of the times, only that, regardless of the times, or “present economy,” there were people getting extremely wealthy.

“Hey! Wait! Stop!”
“During those times, there were so many people who made money by immoral activities … even by breaking the law! What are you doing? Honoring them?!!!???”
Well … I hate to be the first one, if necessary, to break this news, but I must:
People making money by immoral means, or by breaking the law … didn’t start in recent history. As long as there have been people … which means humans … which means sinful man … which means …
“We ain’t grown.”

There will always be, and again this in context to the time we are living now, and history past, there will always be people who “do wrong.” Make money wrong. And, this “wrong” thinking/action directs their every move. Guess what? Their reward is only temporary … and, only for this world … ours is eternal, and for the World yet to come. While this is true, the point we’re trying to make is that regardless of the condition the world is in, God will still provide for His people. Period. That is, really, the only point I am trying to make. God will provide. Because: His provision depends upon Him, and not the world.
Does your provision depend upon Him … or the world?

We need to spend more time thinking about the Good News instead of the 6: 00 O’clock News.
(I think I just wrote that.)
I haven’t read the local newspaper in months. Not that it’s not a “good newspaper” (Did that phrase begin with good news …?”) … In fact, it’s a great newspaper. They have certainly been kind and gracious to me. And, I am most grateful for that. But, to the point, in relation to this writing: I decided, many, many, months ago, that I wouldn’t read the paper anymore … I couldn’t read the paper anymore … because (and this was the part of the paper I would always first gravitate to) they print a “police log,” and there were so many former students I knew, appearing in this part of the paper, that I finally just said, “I can’t read this anymore.” While this may have been even more of a reason for many to cherish this part of the paper … I just didn’t want to bring myself to the place of disappointment on so regular a basis, so I decided to just not read the paper at all …

Anyway, a few months ago, this was during “Summer Break,” I made a point to get the paper every day. After all, it was free, and available. (I think, “Man … Oh man … how often has that phrase, ‘free and available’ gotten us in trouble in the past …”) Anyway … this was a few months ago, when our country was in the throes of another “really bad economic time” cycle … I mean, it seemed like it was a really, really, bad time in this country … at least, that’s what I kept reading about … One day, I was reading the paper, and it seemed that every ad … at least every other ad in the paper carried a phrase like “during these hard times” or “during this bad economy,” and I’m serious, it seemed like every ad had something about our “bad economic times,” and due to this, there was a “price break” they were extending to their customers … I’m not making this up … it seemed like every ad had a negative about the economy …

That’s when I folded up the paper, and threw it on the table, exclaiming, “Man, if I keep reading this, I’ll start believing it!!!” I was serious, because I knew it is true: “If I keep reading this (after all it’s the newspaper), I’ll start believing it …”

“Hey! What are you saying? We shouldn’t stay informed? We shouldn’t read the news?”
“Hey! What are you saying?”
(Maybe they are saying that if we don’t read the paper, we won’t have anything to do as we sit at lunch, or at home … we’d be forced to actually speak or interact with someone???)

Maybe this is what I am saying: The newspaper has its place. No doubt. Television news? As an old time radio guy (with television experience-and, I starting writing published articles in the local paper in the 6th grade), I’ll pass on that. Because that’s not the point. I still pick up the paper (it’s free), and I have an obligation to do so in my job capacity. I do scan the paper for pictures of students, being portrayed in a positive way.

This is the point: God is our provider. Period.
He won’t let us down. He can’t.
And, won’t.
He wants you to depend on Him.
And, if I can take a phrase (boy, that word “phrase” has come up a lot) from our present-day teens (or maybe teens from years ago?):
“Totally.”

Now you know why I write so much about how important it is to spend time reading God’s Word.
As I read those newspaper ads to the point of memorizing them … I exclaimed, as I threw the paper across the room, “Man, if I keep reading this, I’ll start believing it!!!”
Here it is:
As you read the Bible, especially read God’s Word every day, my prayer is that you will make
the same declaration, with the same shout:
“Man, if I keep reading this, I’ll start believing it!!!”

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.


Posted in BIBLE STUDY, HEROES OF THE FAITH, HISTORY CHANNELS, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 12

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Well, here we are at Part Twelve of this series, and still, we can’t get away from how much God does for us every day. Every day. It begins with our eternal security of salvation, yet there is so much more. Every Day. Perhaps Psalms 68:19 says it best: “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”

This is why it is so important to pray every day, and read God’s Word, every day. I also believe the absolute best way to start your day is with prayer and Bible study. God knows what’s ahead … but, you don’t. So … be prepared, by starting your day with the One who holds the future-including today’s events, yet to come. I love how so many of the Psalms begin with praise to God … just like our day should begin. As Paul would write, we should, “In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Regardless of what you are facing, Paul encourages us to do the exact same thing the Psalmist would do: Yes, let God know your requests, pray to Him, but always add “thanksgiving” to include what He has already done for you. Why? God knows, what better way to build your faith, by recognizing what He has already done for you? And, by reading His Word, every day, then, “every day” you are reminded of what God has done for others throughout history, and be reminded, “every day,” what God’s promises are for you.

David (and let’s not forget this is King David) would begin the hymn of Psalm 103 with “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Verse 1). Can you imagine how different the world would be if the leaders of the nations would begin their day, on their knees, beginning with words like “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Do we dare to imagine what our nation, and for our friends around the globe, what your nation would be like … if the leader of your nation began their day with “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name?”

Hey! This is an “election year!”
How different would things be … if … well … you get the idea …

Remember, friends, that it is perfectly fine to say “God bless,” even “God bless America,” just as long as you, just as in the Apostles’ day … just as long as you don’t mention the name of Jesus … I guess that’s another topic for another time. Ever considered the fact that, in the time of local or nation calamity or disaster … it is perfectly ok to say, even on Government grounds … even on School grounds … in case of disaster … it is perfectly ok to say things like “our thoughts and prayers are with …” I still remember, clearly, the “graffiti” I once saw scribbled on the wall of a trailer I was unloading: “In case of nuclear attack, the ban on school prayer will be lifted.”
Can you imagine a government leader … in the middle of great times, when things are going well … can you imagine a government leader beginning their speech with a prayer of thanksgiving to God, something like, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation?”

Remember that the nation of Israel was first when they put God first.
When they didn’t, they fell …
I think I have a new quote:
“To be first, put God first.”

Back to King David, and Psalm 103:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits … Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Verses 2-5).
How much better would our day be, if we started with praise to God … to let Him know that we haven’t forgotten “all his benefits?” If begin our day by focusing on what God has already done for us, how do you think God would feel about that? How do you think our day would go?

I know … I know … What about when things go wrong? And, the worst of all: When someone treats us wrong, does us wrong, or talks about us wrong? The next verse of Psalm 103 addresses this: “The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed” (Verse 6).
If we can just learn to place all things in God’s hands … and, yes, I’ll say it … especially if we place other people in His hands. Often, this is the hardest thing of all to do.

I especially like that David praises God, not only for what He has done, but he praises and thanks God for Who He is, addressing the very character of God: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Verses 8-10). Notice the first two characteristics mentioned are God’s mercy and grace, and reinforced in verses 11-12: “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Verses 11-12). Hard not to think that God removing our sins from us is at the top of the “benefits” list.

Then, as we wrote of last time, God is seen as the loving Father: “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Verse 13).
Not only does God, as Creator, know us, but He knows our weaknesses: “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (Verse 14).
Yes, we are beneficiary of God’s grace and mercy, but let’s not forget that with benefits come responsibility: “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them” (Verses 17-18). Let us never forget that God is sovereign, and He is in control of everything that happens in our lives: “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all … Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul” (Verses 19, 22).

So, in closing, allow me to write, and say, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”

Blessings to you, and your family
Richard. Vincent. Rose.

Posted in BIBLE STUDY, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS, WEALTH STORED FOR THE RIGHTEOUS

Wealth Stored for the Righteous-Part 11

Posted on by pastorappreciationblog

Hi Friends:

I sure loved that “God’s Love for Us” video! As we continue to think about how blessed we are right now, we have to start with the fact that God really, really does love us. So much, in fact, that He gave Himself for us. And, all He seeks for us is what is best for us. He really, really does want to bless us … right now!

And then … we can bless others!

Ephesians 1:3 tells us that God has already “blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” While, yes, this does point to our Heavenly reward … let’s also keep in mind that these blessings are, over time, given to us according to our need … and, our Christian growth. The key is always to be “in Christ,” having Him dwelling within us … and, allowing Him to manifest Himself in our daily lives. For others to see Him through, and in, us.
Remember, as the next verse says, “he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4).

So … you didn’t choose Him … He chose you … And, He did it before He even created the world! How great and encouraging is that!

I think about how important “benefits” are in a job situation. How often have the “benefits” offered through a job made the difference in whether we took the job, or stayed on the job. I would venture to say that the “benefits package” offered through a job is one of the deciding factors in where we work. Or, don’t work. We all know that there are certain careers where these “benefits” offered make that particular career so highly sought after. On the other side of the coin, we also know there are companies which purposely limit their employees’ hours because if they gave more hours … they would have to pay or offer that employee “benefits.”

I think we don’t meditate on, or even consider all the benefits we have as a child of God, often enough. Yet, there are so many! Yes, salvation is enough! How about God’s very Spirit … Jesus Himself … living inside of us? However, a loving Father loves to lavish gifts on His children, right? A loving Father doesn’t need a “reason” to give a gift to his loved one. He doesn’t have to wait until a certain time of year. God owns everything! He doesn’t have to wait until “a month next week” to give us a gift. How much pleasure do we get from just being able to give a loved one a gift, something special … “just because …” God loves that!

God knows everything … especially our wants and our needs. Yet, it gives Him so much pleasure when we ask Him … when we go to Him personally … just us, alone … to let Him know what we need, and to hear us ask. He loves that!

Here’s something to think about: What is the one thing most children want (and need!) from their parents … and, for this writing, allow me to say, “from their Father.” It’s not the “newest this” or the “newest that” … the one thing, I understand, which most children desire the most from their father … is for their father to spend time with them … and, especially, for the father to want to spend time with them … A father who is always there, and willing to “drop everything” to come running to them …

I didn’t know this is the way this would go …

When I think about a Father like that, Who only wants to spend time with me, to do everything with me, and for me … How can I not think about our Heavenly Father? He loves us so much, and is willing to do anything, give anything, to have us to … just want to spend time with Him. I think of how God is so often the reverse of everything we have known … which makes sense, if you think about it. Anyway … we speak of children just wanting their father to want to spend time with them … And, here God is … just wanting us to spend time with Him … that’s it …

I think … if more children spent real quality time with their father … if more fathers just wanted to spend more quality time with their children … How different these children’s lives would be …

If we only spent more time with our Heavenly Father … how much different our lives would be … and, yes, I’ll say it … how much different the lives of those around us, and especially those whom we have influence over … would be.

I just don’t see how I can add to this.
I pray I can be as obedient in my life as I am in my writing …

I guess the writing about “benefits” will be for next time … I had it all planned out …

Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.