What is the abundant life?  How do we receive a peace that goes beyond understanding?  There is a secret that rests on being connected to the right spirit – a life-fulfiling one that provides the spiritual nourishment to bring forth sought-after of an abundant life that includes peace, joy, gentleness and self-control.  One of the right spirits can be found in how we handle material things.

When we view material things in the context of who is the rightful owner of all things, this allows us a sense of peace in all of our possessions.  We are given material things for our own enjoyment as a parent would give a toy to a child.  At the same time, we are given things for the sole purpose of passing them on to other who may need them.

I came across this quote from Susan Nikaido.  She wrote, “God has blessed you with a bounty of material possessions, both to enjoy and to share.  Finding the right balance requires day-by-day surrender to and communion with God.  The answers will look a little different for everyone.  But when you find that balance, you will begin to live in freedom: freedom to enjoy God’s good gifts, freedom from materialism and greed.  Holding your possessions with an open hand, you can experience the blessings of receiving and the even greater blessings of giving.”

Even though so many of us in America have many material goods, one thing that we seem to be lacking is peace.  There is frustration and fear in a our hurried pursuit of grasping a hold of life.  But quite often, we are not sure what we are attempting to grasp a hold of.  When there is no other peace that is around me, God grants me peace and desires to communicate His peace through prayer and His Word.  Then, we can encounter a peace-giving God who invites us into a transforming and life-changing fellowship with Him.

And through this peace, we are given a measure of patience and rest.  Throughout Scripture, God invites us to rest and to receive His grace.  This means that we don’t stop working hard, but we do let go of a relentness pursuit of things outside of God that only brings stress and worry.  But, I have to admit, it is during those times of stress and waiting for an answer, is when God becomes the most audible.  He seems to whisper to us, “Be like a weaned child: content, quiet, satisfied.  Be still.  I have you here for a reason.  Don’t strive to achieve, just receive.”

These are my thoughts for today.

“Several years ago, 50 people over the age of 90 were asked what they might do differently if they could live their lives over again.  One of the most common responses was, “I would reflect more.”  Our goal today is more like, “How much can I cram into my schedule?  Colleges particularly reflect that very way of life.  There are precious few students on most campuses these days.  Most of those who attend universities would be better labeled crammers.  They don’t study a subject — they cram for exams.  They have never been taught that study is gradual, intentional, and purposeful.  Knowing God’s Word doesn’t come through cramming; it comes through deliberate and mindful study and waiting on Him.  Don’t hurry through your study time with the Lord.  There are so many nuggets of gold He is waiting to show you.”  Thoughts from H.B. London.

Perhaps we can all look for a different pot of gold in our lives.  Not the gold that is accumulated in our world, but the treasure chest that can be found through a deliberate study of God’s Word.  My prayer is for the spirit of self-discipline that will enable me to seek the treasures of heaven.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  (2 Timothy 2:15)

In the past few months, I lost a part-time position that forced our family make some significant adjustments on our budget.  Since it has been difficult to find another part-time job, we were surprised to out that our children qualified for Medicaid – even though we made $3,000 per month.  It got me to thinking, am I still considered middle class, lower middle-class, or am I considered among the poor in America.

In our society’s pursuit for material things and status, I came across some interesting statistics several years ago that defined wealth from a world perspective.

For instance, if you have sufficient food, decent clothes, live in a house that keeps the weather out, and own a reasonably reliable means of transportation, you are among the top 15 percent of the world’s wealthy.

Also, if you have any money saved, a variety of clothes in your closet, two cars (in any condition), and live in your own home, you are in the top 5 percent of the world’s wealthy.

According to the world’s standards, I am an incredibly wealthy person.  If I had all of my possession and lived in some village in a remote part of the world, I would have my house on the hill and be considered amazingly wealthy and rich throughout the region.

Talk about having an different perspective!