My riches

A true fear of the Lord and humility has come upon me. A new understanding of my utter nothingness without Christ. Power, riches, esteem, position, gifts and talents it is all a gift that can be taken at any moment. It should not be treated lightly either. There are two extremes we can all tend to lean towards.

We will give an account for every word, every deed and every missed opportunity that the Lord gave us strength for. Our influence, our image and what we used it on all matters. It is all a gift. When we meditate on scripture such as do not love the world or the things in the world. If we love the world the Love of the father is not in us. (1john 2:15- paraphrased). We can begin to understand it in practical terms. Sometimes we get blinded to obtain a certain image, status or gadget. Even a holy image. We get sucked into idolatry, or legalism and tell others to follow. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” Mathew 18:16. We follow after this world’s standard and forget about things above. We encourage others to create idols and worship images or status, as if it can be obtained. We don’t practice stripping off our old self.

The other things to remember is it is not in our abilities. We cannot heal anyone, help anyone, grow in a certain thing in our own power; it is utterly impossible. Everything is from Him and for Him. 

In scripture we are reminded that the best we have to offer is like filthy rags. We really don’t have much. Now when we come to that realization and connect with the source of everything we rise up with new strengths. We have been called to live a higher calling and life, always giving the glory all back to God. 

Our hands were blessed to do, our mind was given to use, our lips were given to bless; but how many times do we take it for granted or use it for vanity. 

When we truly realize our fasting, prayer life and everything else or the lack of doesn’t produce boldness, but merely a self confidence. Sometimes we can entangle our minds with what God can do through us through evaluations of our fleshly works. Yes we are called to be Holy because He is Holy but it does not limit the resources and blessings already bestowed upon us with redemption. Prayer and fasting should be part of our lifestyle to crucify the flesh and connect with God but we must be weary of self righteousness or letting that define us in our own eyes with pride. It isn’t in our abilities. 

We come to realize that despite all these things overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ. It is a gift given. When we were adopted into the family we now are heirs to all these things in Christ Jesus. So the condemnation of the enemy has no more power because it isn’t in my good job or fails for that I’m counted worthy. It isn’t the law that defines me. My life is hidden in Christ. I am a new creation. I have obtained every spiritual blessing and as soon as I realize my identity then I can begin to move. Knowing that none of it is deserved or ever could be earned. It is the blood of Jesus that covers me and makes me anew. 

This blessing should cause us to want to change and draw near the source but God really calls us to that posture, He changes us. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. The wicked don’t seek the creator. We should uphold to a posture of righteousness and seek from the source of life but never rely on our strivings to give us that definition of value. 

Everything; our desires, our efforts, everything is orchestrated by Him for our benefit and for His glory. He teaches us, molds us and shapes us. At any moment everything can change in either direction so learn to be content and give praise and make the most of every circumstance given to us each day. It is a gift, it is the present moment offered to you. 🎁 let’s not waste it.

Let us give Him back in ten fold. Don’t believe any lie spoken over you by the enemy. If God is for you who can be against you? Don’t be intimidated by your enemies in any way, this will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed and you will be saved. (Paraphrased verses). Keep a posture of humility and understand it is all a gift. He defines us and we are richly blessed by salvation.