Faith

Continuing our study on establishing a prosperous soul, we look at the next trait of a prosperous soul: walking in the truth. III John 1:3-4 “For I rejoice greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.“ Far too many Christians attribute having heard the truth to walking in it. Hearing it isn’t enough. When we learn better, we should do better. Think of it as a hands on project. Most of us learn by doing. It is the process of walking out the truth that allows us to internalize the truth.

Did you know that obedience always is followed by blessings? When studying the topic of authority and prospering one’s soul by subjecting ourselves to biblical authority, we learn that specific blessings are promised in scripture.

I have been doing some cleaning. (I still have to rest between jobs.) But, I enjoy doing my work, myself. Not to mention the good exercise, from doing it. I was on the back porch, again. I have some busy, busy spiders, around here. It seems, I am constantly sweeping down webs and spraying for them. I swept the broom up against my window frame and felt something soft, come away with the broom. I saw it fall to the floor and realized it was little, white frog. Now, I am not a fan of frogs. But, the tiny, green tree frogs are really pretty. Not like those ugly, scaly brown ones; that hop away from me, in the carport. I am not afraid of them. But, neither do I want one of them, to jump on me. Since I live in the country, I see a variety of wild animals. Some of them, I fear and respect. “You leave me alone and I will leave you alone.” Most of the time it is squirrels, armadillos, opossums, skunks, deer, foxes, rabbits, birds and frogs. I have had the tiny green frogs, attach themselves to my kitchen window and look in at me. There was one on it, last night. I took his picture. But, I left him alone. Maybe he’ll eat some bugs.

by George Ross In seeking a prosperous soul, we as believers must drop our rocks and judgements. Last week we began looking at judgements we tolerate, excuse or justify in our own minds; we withold forgiveness and dam up the blessings and freedom that come with a right relationship with our Father in heaven and we do more harm to our own souls than to those we are judging.

I was dressed and ready for Sunday morning service, but I was thinking about the car outside. I had never been in it much less driven it. (My kids and I had swapped cars for the weekend. Mine was a bit larger. They needed that room for “back to school” shopping.) “I hope this goes well,” I thought.

by Mark Sloan I grew up in the Lord’s church. My Grandfather was a preacher for more than 50 years.