All Things: Including Abundance

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10 (ESV)

Q #1: If God 'Gives us richly all things to enjoy' (1 Timothy 6:17), can't we enjoy the riches we pursue?

Q #2: If John prayed for us to 'Prosper in all things' (3 John 1:2), can't we follow prosperity preachers?

A #1: We must NOT pursue riches: Here’s the plan: 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you' (Matthew 6:33). If we seek God first and obey Jesus, our Father’s best blessings will pursue us.

A #2: We must NOT follow people: Here’s the plan: 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me' (Matthew 16:24). As this commandment transcends common sense, Christ isn’t common, and we aren’t either!

Our Creator defines “abundant gifts” with a broader pen than people can read (because He sees the future we cannot).

If we seek the “treasures” most people seek (which, if received, will surely disappear), we've been blinded by the god of this world. Therein, we’re selling ourselves short and cheap!

SIDEBAR: When rich men are asked their greatest regret… most say that they spent their time unwisely. They pursued the wrong kinds of abundance, including:

Extravagant wealth,
Opulent mansions,
Designer fashions,
The “coolest” of cars,
Yachts and private planes,
Awards on their shelves,
Titles on their names,
And pats on their backs.

God defines abundance with words like these:

‘Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] and self-control’ (Galatians 5:22-23).
Justice, mercy, comfort, and forgiveness.
Strength, grace, and help– every time we need it!
Family, fulfillment, and contentment.
A happily-ever-after ending..*

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Earthly prosperity is a small thing. Heavenly wealth is a far better thing. Don't let the father of lies deceive you.

In your King’s presence are riches that last.

All Things: Including Abundance (Part 20)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* God links these words with abundance. Verse references are listed in order, starting with the word...

* Justice: Job 37:23: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+37%3A23&version=NKJV

* Satisfaction: Psalm 36:8: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps+36%3A8&version=NKJV

* Peace: Psalm 72:7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps+72%3A7&version=NKJV

* Mercy: Psalm 86:5: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps+86%3A5&version=NKJV

* Lovingkindness and Truth: Psalm 86:15: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps+86%3A15&version=NASB

* Redemption: Psalm 130:7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+130%3A7&version=NASB

* Goodness: Psalm 145:7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145%3A7&version=NASB

* Strength: Psalm 147:5: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+147%3A5&version=NASB

* Pardon: Isaiah 55:7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55%3A7&version=NASB

* Grace: Acts 4:33: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+4%3A33&version=NASB

* Comfort: 2 Corinthians 1:5: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A5&version=NASB