Prayer Journal

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Everyone wants to live a long time and grow to be old. In many cultures, old age is seen as a direct blessing of God as much as being prosperous. In Psalm 41 we learn the Scriptural foundation of that belief. It seems there is a direct correlation between the degree a person cares for those who can't care for themselves and how long they live, stay healthy and prosper.

Listen to these benefits: "The Lord delivers him in time of trouble, protects him and preserves his life. He blesses him in the land, prevents his enemies from prospering against him, sustains him while he is sick and restores him to good health." (Vs.1-3) Now that's the kind of health insurance I want! Amen?

"How much does that kind of insurance cost," you might ask. Well, it costs all your time, energy and resources. "That's a lot to expect as I have a heavy schedule, prior commitments, work obligations and such. Tell me, do you have a limited liability plan where I can get limited benefits for limited investment?" No, I'm sorry. It's a package deal. You must commit everything to this program to enjoy the benefits of the plan.

In view of this Scripture, it's not hard to understand why so many Christians die young, stay sick and never prosper. We are supposed to care for the weak with every fiber of our being. Who is "weak," you might ask. Here's a short list:

Children need the help of mature adults to watch them, counsel them and listen to them. Single parents need help in more ways than you can imagine. Teachers need help ministering to a class as do pastors who work in small churches where there is little to no financial reward. Missionaries need encouragement, financial help as well as assistance with their kids while they're in the field. Prayer intercessors are needed who will dedicate their life to praying for those God brings to them. And the list goes on. I think you get the picture. There are a lot of "weak" people out there.

In Mark, we see Jesus healing the weak who came to him for help. He never sought financial return but more than likely existed by the gifts of the people he served. It's not very different from the evangelist or teacher who depends on financial help while he does the work God called him to do.

Would you like to sign up for this REAL health, wealth and prosperity club? If so, open your eyes to the needs of those around you and set your heart on addressing their needs with the resources God has blessed you. That's all there is to it! Do that, and on the authority of the Word of God, He will protect and preserve your life.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Lv. 16:29-18:30 Mk. 7:24-8:9 Ps. 41:1-13 Pr. 10:15-16 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers

* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans

* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself