Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
In my discussions with and ministering to people over the last year Father, I’ve noticed that one topic of concern seems to rear it’s head more often than any other…
Economic fear and uncertainty.
Our country, and the world in general hasn’t seen financial turmoil like this in a very long time Lord, and it’s made many who thought they were secure and stable feel quite vulnerable. I know in my case, this has been the most financially difficult year Shannon and I have ever faced, so I understand the concerns completely. Unemployment is near all-time highs, the cost of gasoline, electricity and home-heating fuel has skyrocketed, and the general sense among many I speak with each day is that it’s isn’t going to get better anytime soon…
Prosperity seems out of reach.
But it’s not… We’re just looking for it in the wrong place.
In today’s society, prosperity is commonly linked with so many worldly states Father; wealth, fame, status, and beauty to name a few. By defining our self-worth using earthly yardsticks, we’re chaining ourselves to the changing world around us:
Money is gained and lost…
Fame is fleeting…
You can’t “keep up with the Jones’” forever…
Our physical looks change as we age…
None of these things define us, unless we allow them to.
And that’s not who we are in Your eyes. You love us Father; each and every one of us:
Whether we make millions in the stock market or live out a humble existence; You love us all the same.
Whether we rise to stardom, or spend our days in quiet contemplation; You love us all the same.
Whether we spend our leisure time at the country club playing golf, or taking our kids to the public park to play; You love us all the same.
Whether our face adorns the cover of the latest Glamour Magazine, or we’re suitable to be the next contestant on “What Not to Wear”; You love us all the same.
You love us all the same…
Your desire is that we should all be prosperous Father, but not necessarily in the way that society describes. True prosperity doesn’t come from the accumulation of wealth or the achievement of worldly power; those things are finite, and just of this earth. True prosperity in our lives is found in the riches we store in our eternal home; in Your Heavenly Kingdom.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
True, Eternal Prosperity… It’s within our reach, we simply need to claim it by living our lives in Your service:
Giving of ourselves to help others…
Reading, studying and living by Your Word…
Joining with others in Fellowship to strengthen the Body of Christ…
Opening ourselves to You in prayer, and seeking Your presence in our lives.
Now that’s true success Father… That’s the prosperity that I seek.
Heavenly Father,
In today’s uncertain times Lord, we thank You for the one assuredness we can all cling to; Your unconditional love for us. Please help us focus not on the transient idols of existence this world holds dear, but instead on building riches in Your Heavenly Kingdom.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
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Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Oh, what a WONDERFUL message dear Phil.
Most days I could be a contestant on What Not to Wear 😉
I’ve been reduced (thank the Lord) to focusing only on what matters most…
And eternal values are all that matter in this life. I learned years ago to take no thought for tomorrow, what I’ll eat or wear. I had a dream some time ago that I was seeking the kingdom (I’ll spare you the details here). That was the first part of the dream.
Part 2 was this. God dropped a glazed butterball turkey from the sky, which landed at my feet. Next, a glazed pound cake landed. Since there was no airplane overhead, I assumed that the food gifts had to be from God. The turkey and the pound cake was a step above the manna and quail he sent the Israelites 😉 The dream was just a sign telling me that he will provide all my needs. And he’ll do the same for us all who love him.
“True prosperity in our lives is found in the riches we store in our eternal home; in Your Heavenly Kingdom.” So true and I’m so very glad! Great, relevant post! I hope you’re feeling better today Phil!
This really touched me today. Our icebox went out a month or so ago. The same week our dryer broke. We were able to get a used dryer but now our washer went out today. I was really having a pity party for myself about these tough times. When I should be rejoicing in God. I feel like I have been looking for prosperity in the wrong places this week. Thank you for this.
Phather Phil, this was such an inspirational post! Being loved by the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit is all we need to know in our hearts to truly feel successful. Loving others in the same way we are loved can only make this hurting world a place where healing and hope abide.
I am so sorry I have missed your blogs over the past several weeks; saw your posts on FB, but it just didn’t dawn on me to click on your header to be redirected here. I think I was getting some kind of notification; maybe it stopped???
I will make sure I click the follow button in just a second.
I love your inspiration so much!
Blessings always!
“Prosperity seems out of reach. But it’s not… We’re just looking for it in the wrong place.” Love this, Phil! The seems of this world may seem so important to us, but they will all pass away. Only that which is eternal really matters. Really good post, Phil!
I’ve been thinking allot about this country and what we need to do to get people working and families back together and getting health care for those who need it, I also been praying and I know that God is in control, but I also know that we too must do our part….It needs Jesus that is for sure,
I really enjoyed this post. God has abundance stored up for us and as long as we align our lives with His will, we receive those gifts. But as you established – it is important for us to recognize that God views abundance in a different way than we do. When we change our paradigm we can see how truly blessed we are.
Such a very important word for my heart today. Like you, like many, we’ve struggled financially this year. It’s sometimes difficult to want a truck load of $ to land in our back yard. Sometimes we laugh and talk about what we’d do should that happen!
Even in the midst of that kind of dreaming, God has been moving my spirit to consider this eternal prosperity that is awaiting me in heaven. What am I doing today to add to that bank account? I may not be able to “see it” now, but I like knowing that every kingdom seed planted here will matter there… for all eternity.
Thanks for this.
peace~elaine