Prosperity gospel

One of my cell members posted an article on Facebook regarding the prosperity gospel and it also contained the following link

http://www.albertmohler.com/2014/09/03/the-osteen-predicament-mere-happiness-cannot-bear-the-weight-of-the-gospel/

It's a question that I ask myself as well. Am I looking to be satisfied by the things of life or am I satisfied by God himself? You don't need to be in Joel Osteen's church to believe and live according to the prosperity gospel.

Somewhere in the lie is a truth that was twisted. God is for joy, peace, love and may I even say the word prosperity, even though this word is so loaded now. But to make these the end sum of it all is a tragic fatal mistake.

God so loved us and gave His Son that we might have eternal life. And what is eternal life?  John 17:3. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

In God is everything that we need and our hearts deepest desires are fulfilled. And God is not an object that we possess and utilise. That's just the same self centred fulfilment. It is not the possession of God but the intimate relationship with God that is the greatest treasure. It's directed away from self to love of another,  of God.  And that's how we were meant to live. 

Sometimes,  I make the mistake to think that this world will go on forever. It will not. And material wealth or lack thereof in this life is not the final word. God is still moving history to a finale and this age will be closed.

Let's live a part of heaven now through an intimate walk with God today. Eternal life starts today. This is indeed a message that can be preached from Miami to Mosul.

Wisdom in life

The kind of wisdom that the bible puts forth is very different from what is put forth in the world.

"Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom", James 3:13

It is a wisdom that says no to self-centredness, what's-in-it-for-me, envy, selfish ambition. Big words but many times I apply worldly wisdom in my life when I complain about why other drivers should give way to me when I have the right of way. Not that we should be overly considerate to others (that would make me too hesitant and ironically a dangerous driver), but to pause and consider others, to consider

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

It's also easier to consider these when things are fine. When things are not going well or when pressures of life and work surround, it's easy to slip into earthly wisdom.

Dear God, help me especially in times such as these, renew my spirit, remind me of the abundance of love that is for me, let me be filled with wisdom that is above..