Being Rich Is Freedom

Famous rich man, Kevin O'Leary, speaks the truth when he says, "if you are rich you are free."  However, he is a slave to money.  How could he say the right thing, but be wrong? 

True riches, true freedom and all answers are in God's Word:

"For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied)." 2 Cor. 8:9 Amp.

"So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free."  John 8:36

"In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]."  Galatians 5:1 Amp

The Real Glory of God

May 23, 2014

 

Dear Bride and Groom,

 

Today puts the finishing touch on what would be an honor given in heaven itself.

 

Ten years ago, the Lord allowed your hearts to knit together with a strength that surpassed not only the oppression of all outside influences but the disruption of internal distress that would have spoiled a lesser bond.

 

Bride, speaking on behalf of my family, it has been our privilege to walk side by side with you over the last 10 years.  We have learned of the glories of the Lord in a way that would have otherwise been unachievable.  We have seen the sweet relief of His sure freedom and the refuge that He gives from complications that man tries to impose.  We are enjoying His many rich rewards with you as you and Groom believed that He is enough for absolutely everything.

 

The Groom's family has a lasting gift that will never fade.  We are beyond delighted in our longtime dear friend who is now our new family member.  Your uncommon strength, confidence, liberty, peace and simplicity are anchored in our Deliverer, Jesus Christ.  Groom, you have done exceptionally well.

 

If anyone wonders what triumph in Christ might be, they can look at the two of you today and see it written on you with His sure hand.

With love from the Father of the Groom

A Little Too Self Centered

The Lord Jesus Christ fights and wins the greatest battle of history and establishes Himself as the Center of Two Eternities.  As He completes His quest He actually rises from the dead; peacefully, as a man rises from a night's sleep, carefully folding the garments of His rest.

In contrast, a modern day athlete beats his chest, struts and displays himself for onlookers after he scores or make a positive play that may or may not win a game; as if he has done something no one else can do or has ever done.  Who should we imitate?

Character - The Exercise of Faith

Character of the Flesh:
Following accepted cultural rules,
Doing good deeds that others see, appreciate and respect,
Being what is considered normal,
Doing what is considered polite,
Pleasing "good" men,
Following all rules that are "good" men's ideas of what is acceptable.

Character of the Heart, (Spirit):
Loving others unconditionally,
Having a base of joy that does not fade, rooted in the knowledge of His sure deliverance,
Having peace that passes understanding in circumstances which are annoying or dire,
Having patience that flows from the possession of that peace,
Exhibiting gentleness and goodness that flows from His love and understanding of the needs of others,
Having humility that flows from our understanding of our own nothingness,
Possessing faith that has been given by God that makes possible the reality of the fruits of the Spirit and the character of Christ.

...

When you are at work, are you walking fast and looking worried or resting in His all-sufficiency?

When you are gathered with your brothers and sisters in Christ, are you looking and acting as they would expect, or are you enjoying the presence of the One Who is in the midst?

While scrutinizing someone's behavior are you focusing on the character of the flesh while unwittingly overlooking the character of the Spirit in them?

When you advise someone on right behavior, are you teaching them to prove that they are enough through right activity instead proving that He is enough though the exercise of their faith?


Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.  2 Cor. 4:18 Amp.