Is it okay to have an abundance?

Lately the Lord has really been stirring my heart towards a simple matter:

Trust.

He just wants me to trust Him.

No matter what I desire (based on either needs or wants), and no matter how little or great my desires are, he wants me to know that in Him alone are my requests granted.

And, boy, do I have a lot of requests!

For the sake of my family privacy, I won’t list them here on my blog- but let’s just say our family is looking forward to the days ahead and APPRECIATING the moments today.  Even the struggles can be appreciated when we realize that the joy is in the journey.

The key is, trusting God to get to the other side.  If we give up or lose faith along the way, we won’t be able to enjoy the journey, much less persevere to see the solutions that God has in store.  And I am thrilled just sitting here thinking about much He has already taken care of us, and how much more I know that He will.

No matter your desires- be it physical or spiritual, even material– if they equal to needs (or even some rightful desires)- God has promised that He will give us abundantly and above all that we can ask or think.

Some people say that He has only agreed to give us our needs.  Well, if that is the case, praise God for the food on our tables and the clothing that we wear each day.  Praise God for the roof over our heads!  The so-called “prosperity message” has actually turned people in a complete 365, and when it comes to the idea of wealth building and becoming prosperous.  Is it wrong?  What does God say about wealth?  What about the abundance of “stuff” we’ve already accumulated in our lives?  What does God think about that?

If you know God has done abundantly ABOVE basic needs for you– (how about that SUV you might driving, or the extra spacious home, or even just the abundance of clothing that might be spilling out of your closet)- then think about it.  Really think about it.  Does God hate our abundance?

Really think about that.

Did God hate Abraham’s abundance? Was it not Elohim the Creator who caused Abraham to be abundantly blessed- he and his entire household?

There are too many more instances in the Bible to prove that not only is God not against abundance but He is the source of it.  (After all, Heaven is definitely not a chintzy place.  I would hope that when Jesus said that He went away to prepare a mansion for us that He didn’t mean a shack…)  Remember when Jesus told His disciples not to worry?  He proved His point of His love for us even then when He said this (Matthew 7:9-11- NIV)

⁹“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Yeah…like if my daughter asked for a glass of milk, would I by any chance figure she meant fuel?  Gross right?  No loving parent in their right mind would give a child something so horrid when she or he has asked for something special and important to them.

Some things we need.  Some things we just want.  I am at a place in my life where I am beginning to understand that it is not a sin to desire something  that registers above the “needs” meter.  In fact, I have to believe that my Heavenly Father delights in showing His love for me in extraordinary ways- and that includes showering me with blessings I don’t necessarily NEED to survive.

But what’s next is this: it’s a heart issue.

Not a prosperity issue.  Not a “name it, claim it, blab it, grab it” issue.

(In fact, this is usually how spoiled brats behave– little children who either know no better or are just purely ignorant).  Don’t mean to sound rude.

Can you imagine God bending to every notion of one of His immature kids who has incredibly ludicrous requests and a bad attitude?  I don’t think our Lord will be responsible for making that person a million overnight and issuing twenty sports vehicles and thirty-something mansions…that would not be happening.

But do you think a mature child, who understands the heart of her parent, would ask for ludicrous things?  Do you think the desires of her heart would be too challenging for God?

A job?  An extra income?  Ability to pay your bills?  Enough money to not only pay your bills but help others?  More clothing for your children?    So much clothing you can help others and give some of your clothes away? A safe neighborhood?  A bigger house?  A house big enough to not only fit your family, but other families, so now you can help take care of others?  Another car?  A car with more room so now you can give others a ride who need one?

God knows your heart.  His children know HIM. His children know His voice.  His children know His heart.  His children ask for things according to God’s will.

His children can rest assure that NOTHING is too hard for God.  AND…God is not displeased when we ask Him for things, with a grateful attitude, and a willing heart to continue loving Him, serving Him, and doing good to others as we wait patiently upon our answers from Him.

Prosperity as a result of impatience is a really bad mix.  Prosperity and patience go hand in hand.

Ultimately, it’s up to you and I to figure out what prosperity means to each of us.  Honestly, there are some things I can go without.  We live in a an “abundance is everything ” society, but we don’t often see the appreciation for the things God has blessed us with.  Additionally, we see misuse of what God has given us.

May it not be that way with us as Believers.  We can use God’s blessings to help others and bless the world around us.  How can the world know who we are if we are unable to help?

It’s all a heart issue.  If your heart is right, it’s okay to ask God for it!  Just don’t bank your salvation or your happiness on it.

And as you ask for these things…remember they are only things. Temporal.  Soon to pass.  But seeing as you’re still sticking around Planet Earth, you could probably use those things…and share with others who might like to enjoy it as well.

So.  That’s what I’m learning.  I’m not afraid to ask God for what I need…OR what I want!  And while I am waiting on my answers, I learn to relax and enjoy the journey.

Hungry

Tonight at church, the evangelist asked an interesting question:

“Are you hungry for Him?” he asked.

I began to wonder about the Scripture that  says in the last days there would be a famine of His Word.

You know…I began to really think.  Who is my Jesus to me?

I call him my Jesus.  He is mine. I think of Him that way.  And I have to continue to remind myself daily…

“Did I partake of my Savior?”

“Did I drink from His fountain of Living Waters?”

” Did I consume Him as my daily Bread, my Living Bread in as much earnest as He wishes to consume me?”

I want to be hungry for Jesus.  I want to be thirsty for Yeshua’s Living waters so that I will never thirst again.

Nothing, and I do mean NOTHING can ever satisfy the way He does.

He just makes that itch go away.  He replaces that horrific sadness with a joy so deep.  That deep yearning – He fills it.   The void- He consumes it with His presence until it is full.

Any and everything I have been wanting in life, I found that He alone is the answer.

I can turn right or left– but He is always surrounding me, beckoning me to look to Him.  He is never too far away- an “ever present help”.  He has never, ever left me alone, and never, ever will.

So, am I hungry? Do I long to hear His words, sit in His presence at His feet and enjoy His company?  Do I long to hear Him speak the Words of Life that sustain my soul?  Do I long to partake of His presence here and now…and also at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in the days to come?

Hungry.

I want to be hungry. Hungry for more of my Lord.

Discover Your Destiny Series/ Gift and Talent Workshop

I was honored to be asked by Lori Arriaga of Christian Womens Resources in 2006, to speak to her listeners about Gifts and Talents during her online conference.

When Lori asked me to speak about Gifts and Talents, I realized the only way to present this was through an in depth look at our solid foundation in Christ.

Listen in by clicking the play button below, and enjoy!

(Basic Outline)

1.)  Knowing  Christ as Your Savior

2.)  Defeating Your Identity Crisis

3.)  Discovering God’s Plan For You

Also, you can follow along with the audio below by viewing the power point slide right beneath:

 

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Debt Management Chat Transcript

Dr. Taffy Wagner joins us at Christian Ladies Connect during a chat session to talk about how to control our finances and manage debt.

Click on the PDF below to open and read the document.  If you don’t have a PDF reader, you can download it for free at Adobe.com- http://get.adobe.com/reader/

About Dr. TaffyWagner

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Taffy Wagner, alongside her husband, Eric, has worked to provide  educational consulting and career planning for families in 1995.  She has been doing one-on-one l

ay consulting since 1997.  She has been a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors since 1998.  Taffy is an ordained minister.   She holds a doctorate in Biblical Counseling, Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, Bachelor’s degree in Business Admin/Management, Associates in Paralegal Studies,  and an Associates in Administration.

Eric and Taffy believe in helping people find solutions to the challenges they face in life.  Together, they have seen how God has moved in their lives and others that they have helped.

Journey to Wholeness is an organization that is designed to advise and mentor individuals, couples and families in the areas of communication, marriage, finances, relationships, divorce, pregnancy, parenting nd health.  Eric and Taffy will help you discern how to begin cleaning up the distractions in your life.

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Click on the PDF link below (where it says  Ebook PDF/ Ebook Download) to read the document.

 Debt Management Chat Transcript: Download

The Daily Walk With Christ Chat-Beginners Guide To Christianity

Several years ago, after writing a short e-book entitled “The Daily Walk With Christ”, I thought it would be good to have a follow-up chat session for those who had read the book and wanted to discuss it.

So, if you click the PDF/Ebook download button below you can view the transcript beneath the Ebook below.

First read the e-book “An Easy Guide To Christianity/The Daily Walk With Christ”…

Don’t Forget–>Then…click the PDF link below to view the chat session we held at Christian Ladies Connect about the book.

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Click on the PDF link below (where it says  Ebook PDF/ Ebook Download) to read the document.

 Daily Walk With Christ: Download

God, My First Love Chat Transcript

In May 2006 Christian Ladies Connect conducted a chat session with Bettye J Jamerson on the topic of love for the Christian woman.

Click on the PDF below to open and read the document.  If you don’t have a PDF reader, you can download it for free at Adobe.com- http://get.adobe.com/reader/

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About Bettye:

Bettye J Jamerson is an author and inspirational/motivational speaker.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio/Television Communications from Arkansas State University.  She has held positions as Operations manager/Writer/Producer/Host for Christian Radio and Television.  Bettye is President and Executive DIrector of Change-A-Life Foundation, New Life Productions and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Park Hill Progressive Academy.  Bettye’s life is devoted to empowering the lives of our children and individuals.  Love: The Greatest Choice of All is her second book.  Bettye resides in Coloradow with her husband adn twoc hildren.  Visit her at www.changealifefoundation.com.

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Click on the PDF link below (where it says  Ebook PDF/ Ebook Download) to read the document.

 Ebook: Download

Wonderfully Made – sung and recorded by Demetria Zinga

This song was originally written and performed by Bryan Wilson, and has been instrumental in encouraging me over the years with self esteem and security.  I took out my keyboard and my recording equipment one evening and decided to sit down to record my own home spun version of Bryan’s wonderful song.

I pray that you enjoy this song as much as it has been helpful to me.

 

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Debt Management Interview with Dr. Taffy Wagner

Dr. Taffy Wagner comes with a wealth of information about debt relief in the Christian marriage.

As Christian women, we need to understand how to help our husbands and/or children in our families about forming new money management habits.

How should we talk to our husbands about the family finances?

Dr. Taffy helps us through our questions on:

• managing debt
• credit cards or not
• budgeting
• emergency funds and savings

Find out more about Dr. Taffy’s work at her site.

Then click below and listen to the podcast.

 

 Debt Management with Dr. Taffy Wagner: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Intimacy With God

How can women in today’s 21st century hustle and bustle, learn to calm ourselves and develop a peaceful intimacy with God?

That is what this episode is all about. Finding peace.  Finding true intimacy with our Savior.

When all else fails, there is only One Someone who can deliver the peace of mind we need from the chaos of this world’s business.

He is our Heavenly Father , our Savior Yeshua- Jesus Christ.

Listen to the first few minutes of the show to hear me sing “Speak for Me” by Jaci Velasquez…then be encouraged by the rest of this audio segment.

 

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God Still Speaks To Those Who Listen

Meet Audrey Wyatt, our Christian Ladies Connect 2006 spirituality coach, who leads our April 2006 teleseminar entitled “God Has  A Plan For Women”.

Join us on this initial teleclass as Audrey explains to us how to listen to the Lord and hear His voice leading us.

 

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