Another week comes to an end in central Florida as my wife Elizabeth, two year old daughter Grace and I were blessed to enjoy a most wonderful sunset at Fort Desoto on Friday evening. A picture perfect sky, warm sand and feeding seabirds contributed to a most peaceful few hours spent soaking in the Bay’s magnificence.
I can honestly say we are beyond blessings and truly not deserving of such heart felt joy in a world filled with hatred, envy and bitterness. As we watched the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico, innocent people were being killed throughout the middle east and I am sure, throughout the world. Burning with the desire to help yet not in a position to travel, the best Elizabeth and I can do is contribute through local missions ministry hopeful we are making a difference.
But like most people, at the end of the month we have bills to pay and since this ministry is certainly not yet generating enough funds to afford full time ministers, Liz and I work outside our ministry. I am the proud founder and owner of several businesses involving graphic design, internet marketing and of course, photography. I am glad to say the Lord has blessed my endeavors according to my spiritual growth. What I mean is that ever since I was born again back in 2000, I have been on a financial roller coaster ride unlike any other before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. Though being self-employed has been challenging, I believe I have made choices acceptable to God and for this, He continues to bless me accordingly.
Don’t get me wrong, I remain focused on eternal wealth however, I welcome all worldly wealth God entrusts me with. For the past five years, Elizabeth and I have had more than we needed, always. These days, we seem to have more than ever, almost too much. I suppose God knows we will handle this success in a manner acceptable to Him.
Isn’t it endearing when pieces of God’s plan fall together in a perfect choreography where the holy spirit leads each step? I could not help but shed tears as I sang praises to our king earlier today in faith driven thankfulness. God has truly blessed me and my family in recent weeks and I pray He will continue to shine His light bright upon us.
While reading my bible, I came across these verses which I found not only inspiring, but also reflective of our lives and endeavors:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8)
“But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:25)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4)
What are you to make of this scripture and it’s relevance to financial success? Whatever we do in this life not only has great impact on our lives but also extrapolates into our eternal lives. The verses above invite us to obey God’s commands and do so in faith. Either in our personal relationships or in business, we are to sow love, kindness and joy. Embed these godly truths into your endeavors and you are promised to bear fruit in this life or the next!
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For inspiring us to be the best we can be
Allowing us to touch others positively each and every day
And spreading the good word to all those around us.
Lord we pray you will continue to look after us,
After our families, our friends and loved ones
Answering the prayers of those who seek your perfect peace
And eternal life with you in Heaven.
Father we pray for your strength and for your wisdom
And ask that you strengthen us in all that we do,
So we can glorify you with each breath
And fulfill your mission for our lives.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
