Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 1

January 1;   Luke 12:32;   56/260(VI);   ‘Father’s Good Pleasure’

Luke 12:32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Religion has lied to us that God the Father wants us to have nothing.  How could anyone think (that is the problems, we often do not take time to rationally think about the religious lies that we have heard about the Lord) this of a loving Father?  In one verse, the Lord Jesus straightens out our theology.  He calls us, ‘little flock,’ what a kind and loving term.  We are His sheep and the Good Shepherd takes real good care of us.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, even laid down His life for us that we might be blessed in every aspect of our lives, here on this earth.  I pray that this verse will strengthen your faith that the Lord will always take good care of you.  The Father has never been opposed to His people prospering.  When Christians prosper, it is an excellent testimony to the love of the Lord for us.  The Lord opposes greed and He should.  Years ago there was an over emphasis on prosperity, which turned into nothing less than greed.  The secular world condemned the Church and the things of God, for only wanting their money, though the Word never teaches this.  If you will keep a proper perspective about finances, knowing that Jesus knows you have need of finances, to support the Church, for meeting your needs and for blessing you with things desired, He will always take good care of you.  If we keep a right attitude on finances and all of the blessings the Lord freely gives, our lives will be prosperous and we will then be able to concentrate on doing the Lord’s work.  Love Him, serve Him, trust Him and be blessed by Him.