| The Institute for Living |
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Be sure to read our recently released book: The Making of a Preacher: Naked in the Pulpit |
| I Am Tied To The Source Of All Resources. |
| It is a truism. It is always true. It is never not the case. It never ceases to be true. It is never a temporary condition. |
| My only problem is that I slip in and out of awareness. Sometimes I am aware of my limitless store of abundance; most times I am unaware. Since I am unaware, most of the time I operate from a condition of deficiency rather than a position of abundance. |
| Oh, let me be clear: even the rich people operate from a position of deficiency. This is so because they are dependant upon a certain level of liquidity as their assurance that everything is alright. Below that level of liquidity, they feel very insecure. They become very worried if their capital assets and liquidity fall below certain levels which they have determined to be their comfort levels. That is why there is such panic when the stock market takes a plunge: a lot of people are afraid that the indicators of wealth on which they rely have suddenly lost their underlying value. |
| There is, in fact, a paradox. If we look at the example of the Christ we see one who had almost no physical assets, and yet evidenced complete security. He said, “the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no where to lay His head.” In spite of this lack of apparent assets, he moved graciously about -- healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and multiplying food. More importantly, He spent most of His time just chatting with people, helping their wounded souls. When the lady who had the issue of blood touched Him, he said, “Who touched Me?” The disciples said, “Now look, there are multitudes of folk around you and you ask ‘who touched me’?” They didn’t get it: Jesus said, “Somebody really touched Me.” “Somebody made a connection with Me.” “Someone opened their door at soul level.” |
| Now how is it that Jesus the Christ could have little to nothing at material level and yet give so much? Could it be because He does not slip in and out of awareness? Could it be that He is in perfect alignment with the truism of being tied to the source of all resources -- at all times? Because of this awareness, there was no need to display abundance at material level to satisfy ego needs. Instead, abundance showed up when needed -- like at the wedding at Cana, or at the Lazarus tomb, or to feed the five thousand. |
Imagine what it would be like to live a life of abundant faith. Imagine a life where I have a $4,000 per month mortgage and yet I have no money in the bank. I move through the month in perfect peace -- helping other people and ministering to their needs -- knowing that exactly when the mortgage payment is due the money will show up. Imagine knowing that this will be the case for all of my material needs. Imagine not ever worrying about mortgage, car note, electric bill, gas bill, food, or any other expense, but really embracing Psalm 127:2 and getting my beloved sleep? Now if you think this is far fetched, just read Matthews 6:25-34. |
And that’s the secret!
| But dwelling in the secret place (see Psalm 91) is easier said than done. Many of us have never even visited the secret place. Those of us who have visited it are still challenged to learn how to dwell there. Jesus said, “This kind comes only by prayer and fasting.” Now rather than grabbing on to images of pharisaic posture, let’s try to really grasp what He is saying. The psalmist has already given us guidance (see Psalm 51). He says, “a broken and contrite heart Thou wilt not despise.” Luke echoes that same message in chapter 18 verse 13, when he tells the story of the publican who says, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” When we get in right posture with the source of all being -- humbling and emptying our self -- then abundance is ours. |
Obviously, the abundance applies to other than financial needs. It applies to every domain in our lives. It applies to health, wealth, relationships, skill sets and any other area of need. That’s why the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content… my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:11, 19). |