When it is Good it is Empty

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. New International Version

There is a proverb amongst many older pastors: When the times are good the churches are empty. When the times are bad the churches are full.

I am sure for most it has been a distant memory, but has there ever been a time in your life when you had it all. You know, you had a house (actually, the bank had your house with the mortgage). You had a car (Actually the finance company had your car. You were just kind enough to make payments on it). You could eat out at fancy restaurants. Where was God in your life at that time? Was He distant? Was it He who was distant? I lived like that many, many years ago. And you know what? My spiritual life and contentment was as empty as a balloon.

Now, I spend a lot of time with Him and my life is the best it has ever been.

I may not be rich like Bill Gates, but, I am rich like the Apostle Paul. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Now that the hard times are here, you call out to Him.

Why not live by the KIS rule? Keep it Simple. Instead of playing with your Wi-Fi, why not go enjoy nature, where you can walk and talk with God? While you are doing that you can enjoy all of His beauty in the flowers and clouds while listening to the songs of His beautiful little birds. Instead of pigging out at a restaurant why not enjoy family time, cooking and eating a meal at home? Instead of watching all the garbage on TV, why not watch Christian movies? Instead of going to the bar, why not go to a Bible study group? Instead of asking God why He is far from you, why not ask yourself why you are far from Him?

God is only as close to you as you let Him be. It is not that He is far from you; it is that you are far from Him. Joseph- Anthony: Green

No, God will never leave you, nor forsake you. But, have you left Him and forsaken Him?

I came to the end of myself.

Last week my left ear was blocked. For six days I tried every method I knew to unblock it. Finally, Thursday evening in my prayers I just surrendered it to Jesus, saying Jesus if it be Your will, please unblock my ear. If it not be Your will I will accept it. Upon waking up Friday morning guess what? No more blocked ear.

I have been praying for about two years to find a Chinese web site where English movies and shows can be watched. From my experience all the DVD’s here are pirated and cheap quality. I searched and searched to no avail. Then I just said “Okay, God, I guess it is not Your will. I give up. On Wednesday I felt moved to read this article, I don’t even remember which one; it mentioned two web sites in China to watch English shows. It is great. I can watch classics like Andy of Mayberry and the classic show about the average American family Married with Children and the classic about British society Keeping up Appearances. As well I can practice my Chinese by singing along with Christian praise songs in Chinese.

I have been trying to sell my photography and eBooks online for over a year. Each time I am blocked because I can not use PayPal I know the Lord has promised to provide for me, I just wanted to help Him along. I tried to set up a site where people can donate money to me to help me along. It too was not possible because of PayPal .Then I listened to a sermon by Pastor Tom on Drive Time about how Abraham and Sarah tried to help God fulfill His promise for a son by getting Hagar pregnant. It ended in disaster and they are still paying for it in the Middle East today. It was God saying “Don’t try to jump ahead of Me. I promised to take care of you and My promises are always fulfilled. He has fulfilled His promise for over three years now. But it took Pastor Toms sermon to help me realize God doesn’t need my help that I surrendered and promised not to try to go it alone.

Why do we try to bargain with God? Just as Jacob tried to bargain with God after God promised him in his dream of the ladder. Jacob said If God does this I will do that. Why try to bargain when God already said He will do it.

I felt ashamed. God had already promised He would take care of me months before. I tried to say Yes God I know You will take care of me, but let me help you by selling my photography and eBooks.

You know what? It was only when I came to the end of myself that God answered the prayers.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Jireh (God our provider) forgive me when I try to bargain with You. Guide me to trust You completely with every aspect of my life. I ask this in the name of our great Mediator Jesus Christ. Amen

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.