BLESSING
Someone has said, “All the devil’s apples have worms in them.” But “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). God wants us to be happy with the blessings He has given us. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come” (1 Timothy 6:17–19). We are not to be prideful of our blessings or trust in riches, but be thankful to God for them. Nor did God give us blessings to feel bad that we have them, but “to enjoy” them. Abraham (Genesis 13:2), Isaac, Jacob, Moses, King David, and Solomon were all rich.
Help others if you are rich or have some blessing: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute.” God expects more from those who have been blessed by Him. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48). I heard a rich man say, “If your only purpose is to accumulate wealth, then you will be unhappy.” He went on to say that having a purpose for wealth will make it fun and give you new strength to accomplish your goal. The Bible teaches us to be “rich towards God,” and the person “that layeth up treasure for himself,” God calls a “fool” (Luke 12:15–21).
Scripture teaches us to count our blessings, not to gloat in them but to remember Who gave them to us. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). If one will count his or her blessings, he will end up being happier and hopefully thankful to God Who gave them. Try it (see THANKFULNESS)
Someone has said, “All the devil’s apples have worms in them.” But “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). God wants us to be happy with the blessings He has given us. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come” (1 Timothy 6:17–19). We are not to be prideful of our blessings or trust in riches, but be thankful to God for them. Nor did God give us blessings to feel bad that we have them, but “to enjoy” them. Abraham (Genesis 13:2), Isaac, Jacob, Moses, King David, and Solomon were all rich.
Help others if you are rich or have some blessing: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute.” God expects more from those who have been blessed by Him. “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48). I heard a rich man say, “If your only purpose is to accumulate wealth, then you will be unhappy.” He went on to say that having a purpose for wealth will make it fun and give you new strength to accomplish your goal. The Bible teaches us to be “rich towards God,” and the person “that layeth up treasure for himself,” God calls a “fool” (Luke 12:15–21).
Scripture teaches us to count our blessings, not to gloat in them but to remember Who gave them to us. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). If one will count his or her blessings, he will end up being happier and hopefully thankful to God Who gave them. Try it (see THANKFULNESS)
GOD & SPIES
BASED ON A TRUE STORY
GM Matheny was US Navy saturation diver on the nuclear submarine USS Halibut. Involved in "Operation Ivy Bells". America’s most important (and most dangerous of the Cold War) clandestine operations. If you like good old fashioned American bravado, espionage and American history, you will enjoy this book.
The Mount Everest of Spy Missions
Firsthand Account of History's Greatest Intelligence Coup. Operation Ivy Bells was not a onetime intercept of foreign intelligence but an ongoing operation of multiple Soviet military channels, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, which lasted for years! Another reason for the high interest in our operation was the audacious nature in which it was done—with not one person risking his neck but a whole crew of a nuclear submarine.
How did I end up as a navy diver, four hundred feet down in a frigid Russian sea? After making my dad totally disgusted with me, I set out to make him happy. “Honour thy father” - I struggled with a decision to serve God. “Lord, I will give my life to you and serve you if you let me make this dive.” But I had the impression He only wanted to know one thing: “What if I do not let you? Will you serve me anyway?”
KINDLE, PAPERBACK AND AUDIO, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TCSLFWR