Christian Living

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PROSPERING

"Beloved, I wish (pray) above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers". III John 2

We hear a lot of criticism today concerning "prosperity" coming from the pulpit. The main stream thinking of prosperity is material, finances, etc. According to III John 2, this is an incorrect understanding of this scripture. Material things and finances are a part of the prosperity message, but let's look at it from another perspective.

The spirit of man is the part of man that is re-born when he/she surrenders their life to Jesus Christ. We become a NEW CREATION.

The soul of man consists of the mind, will and emotions. I am sure you know of many in your life walk that are not prospering in these areas.

The mind is to be renewed (the scripture tells us) by feeding God's word into it. It is much like a computer that has to be programmed. The computer also needs to be de-fragged from time to time. We are sometimes fed the wrong information and things do not work just right so we have to clean up our minds and then things will be more clear. We renew our minds by hearing and hearing repeatedly and acting on the Word. Then our minds will begin to think like God thinks when we are filling our minds with His word.

Our will determines the choices we make. Even when we choose not to do something, we have automatically chosen to do something else. There is no way around it. We choose every day of our lives, every minute of our lives. We exercise our will constantly.

Now, to our emotions, which are sometimes a bit more complicated part of us. Emotions can be drastically damaged or stunted by events in our childhood. There are deep wounds and scars. The word of God ministered correctly can and does heal those wounds but the scars sometime take awhile longer to go away, some never go away.

As I listen to the leading ministers of today I can see they are doing their best to get the body of Christ prosperous in their emotions. Why this area of our lives is more complex and more difficult to change, I do not know. (If I knew that I would be God)...It is like knowing that managed electricity can heat/cool our houses, cook our meals, dry our clothes, give light when we flip the switch. The proper amount of electricity is released for our use (our prosperity). At the same time this same electricity, released in massive volts can kill you. Massive application of GOD'S word to the emotionally damaged person can make matters worse, but the gentle application of God's word in the appropriate amount and at the right time can and will heal the emotional damage. The sword of the Spirit is a very useful weapon but we need to be skillful in using it properly.

The body (the 3rd part of our being...our earth suit, if you will) needs to be fed healthy physical food to produce strength and endurance. Many of us fail in this category but we can work on it.

Prayer for today:
Father, grant your ministers and your lay people the wisdom to help the emotionally damaged/stunted children of God. They need your help and we are your hands to do this. We pray that your healing power will flow through us as we speak, touch others who need your help. Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayer.

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