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There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.            Acts 4:34-35 I know many people whom God has blessed with financial abundance. While they were in that mode of growing and developing their young family and getting their business started, they were faithful to the Lord, serving the Lord, and living for Him. So God gave them success. But before long, many of these people began to remove themselves from the presence of God’s people. Then, they stopped serving the Lord and became more concerned with making money than they did doing God’s work. And before long, their success had changed them for the worse. This story is far too often repeated among God’s people today. And here in our culture, at the most financially blessed time in human history, so many are dying in spiritual poverty. It’s affecting their families, their relationships with others, and their service to God. Now, whether you’re blessed with financial abundance or not, the eternal principle never changes: serve God with what He’s given you. If it’s abundant wealth, serve Him. If it’s a great family, serve Him. If it’s good health, give your life to His purposes. God’s greatest desire for you is to be obedient and faithful with what you have today! NO MATTER WHAT GOD BLESSES YOU WITH, BE OBEDIENT AND FAITHFUL WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AND LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR HIS KINGDOM PURPOSES.

Fighting in the Face of Fear

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them.”
1 Samuel 14:6–8

The Philistines were a huge problem for Israel during the time of the judges and the reign of Saul. They had greater military strength than the Israelites and better technology to produce weapons of war. As a result, the Jews were facing an enemy they had little hope of defeating in battle. But Saul’s son, Jonathan, was not content to cower in fear, even in the face of a superior foe. Instead, he decided to step out in faith and take the battle to the enemy. And God used Jonathan to bring about a mighty victory.
We are not told whether or not Jonathan had fear. He does not appear to have known that victory was coming, for he said, “It may be that the LORD will work for us,” (emphasis mine). The important lesson for us in this story is that despite whatever doubts Jonathan may have had, he and his armor bearer stepped out of hiding and confronted the enemy. Elisabeth Elliot said, “Sometimes fear does not subside and you must do it afraid.”
God does strengthen us for the challenges and battles we face, but that does not mean we do not sometimes face doubts and fears as we head into a conflict. The call of faith is not to be completely without fear, but rather to do what is right regardless of our confidence level.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Even when we are afraid, we are still responsible to do what God has commanded us to do.