 |
|
|
|
| Steve Sappington Communications | June 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
Happy June, Everybody!
I don't know about where you live, but here in central TX, the thermometer has already been hitting the mid and upper 90's, and our garden is growing by leaps and bounds, so it must be summer! As always, for those of you new to our monthly newsletter, if it doesn't bless you, you can unsubscribe below.
This month we want to share some thoughts on our responsibilities as children of God. We know that there's nothing we can "do" to "earn" salvation, but out of gratitude for all God does for us, we can continually learn how to allow Him to work in and through us to accomplish His will and purposes.
We also know that while God can do anything, He has chosen to work through us to increase His Kingdom on earth. That's why you'll hear some Christians talk about having a "personal relationship" with God: it's almost beyond our comprehension, but the Creator of the Universe not only cares about the smallest details of our lives, He also wants us to dream big, especially when it comes to equipping us to share His Good News with other people! Even a casual reading of the Bible confirms that God wants to communicate regularly with us and to bless us. Here are just a few of the scripture addresses that discuss these points:
1) Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us that God gives us power to get wealth, which is one way that He confirms His promises to us;
2) Jeremiah 29:11 tells us of His good plans for us;
3) Isaiah 54, Psalm 91, and many other passages tell us how He longs for us to
draw close to Him so that He can protect us and give us His best, even when all around us there may be catastrophes;
4) Colossians 1:26 and other verses tell us that God hides things for us, not from us;
5) Dozens of times, Biblical characters were told to "fear not," and 1 Peter 5:7 and Philippians 4:6 instruct us to cast our cares upon God and not to be anxious about anything. 2 Timothy 1:7 further tells us that fear does not come from God;
6) Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we're His workmanship, and that He has had a purpose for each of us since before time began.
For those of you who are new to our mailing list, you can visit www.todayswordonmoney.com to read samples of an e-book I wrote that explores the spiritual components of today's financial issues, as well as many of the above-mentioned topics.
++++++++++++++
Our family was recently privileged to hear Robert Mawire speak here in Waco. Robert has advised many U.S. and world leaders regarding what the Bible says about various current events and issues. I would strongly encourage you to read his latest book, America's Manifest Destiny. For those of you in the Waco or Dallas-Fort Worth areas, Robert will be speaking Sunday June 6th at the Arlington, TX Sheraton at 4 p.m. During that time Robert will be sharing what he has learned over the past 2 weeks on his latest trip to Israel. If it's at all possible for you to attend, I encourage you to do so.
++++++++++++++
One of the scriptures I repeat daily is Psalm 103:1-5. As I've meditated for years on these verses, I have often wondered how we can "Bless the Lord." I mean, He's God, and He has everything, right, so how can we finite humans bless an infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-sufficient God? One meaning of the word "bless" is to "empower to prosper." So how can our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions) and everything that is in us empower God and His name to prosper? To answer that, we have to know how God measures wealth. It's obviously not with gold, since in heaven gold is used like we use asphalt or concrete here on earth. And since the walls and gates of heaven are made of huge pearls and gems, we humans would have no jewelry on a scale large enough to enhance God's net worth. So what is valuable to God? The souls of men and women. That's how God measures wealth. I've heard it said that evangelists like John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon and Billy Graham are "souls millionaires." I confess that in terms of people who have received God's Good News through me, I'm not anywhere near a souls millionaire. But this newsletter is one way that I can share the goodness of God with others.
So based on the preceding paragraphs, how and what can we pray to position ourselves to bless God? I believe God will show you His personalized plan for you if you will ask Him, but here are some of the words and phrases I've found:
"Father, may everything I say and think and do and have, and everywhere I go honor You. May it advance Your Kingdom here on earth, so that it increases and grows according to Your best intentions. May I be used as Your Word says in 2 Corinthians 2:14 to spread the sweet aroma of the knowledge of You everywhere I go. Would You grant me victory as I attempt to speak well of You, for You, about You and about Your cause, Your purposes, Your truth, Your ways, and Your name. Please work through me so that Your Lordship is declared, acknowledged, and celebrated throughout the whole earth. May I lift You up with all I am, so that others are drawn to You."
+++++++++++++++++++
I know many of you see and hear the daily news and wonder how we should react, especially those of us who profess that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Lately I've been reading Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, and also attending a weekly men's study group which is studying some of his other materials. I highly recommend Blackaby's work to you. It is helping me to ask God how I can join in on what He's doing. In the past I've often been guilty of not asking God what to do until I've tried everything I can think of! So whether you have concerns about politics, the economy, health or family matters, God wants to help you, if you'll just slow down long enough to get His input. (I'm preaching to myself here also!)
+++++++++++++++++++
For those of you in the Waco area, we're doing a seminar on Thursday June 10. We should have some very timely information and an excellent organic meal prepared by Robin Jeep. For more information, call us at 254 751-0565.
+++++++++++++++++++
Here are a couple of quick ideas I encourage you to meditate on, and please email me with your feedback:
1) What role should God's laws have when we share His "Good News" with
others?
2) What are the benefits of meditating on "Promise Land" instead of "Promised Land"?
+++++++++++++++++++
And finally, one of the clients I serve sent me this (thanks Sally!): Top 10 Predictions for 2010
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth...
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Remember Who is really in control, and that "the Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Peter 1:25)
  Until next time, Steve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
