Miraculous Abundance

In our Disciple II Bible study, we are studying the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. There is so much power and miraculous abundance displayed in both of these books. They describe many miracles which were performed by Jesus and then by his disciples, under the power of the Holy Spirit. It's easy to see that raising the dead and giving sight to the blind are miracles. But why do people think miracles like this no longer happen in our world?

I believe that many miracles go unnoticed every day. I also believe that many more miracles are possible. Aside from the word "miracles," what other word is repeated in the previous two sentences? "Believe." That one word can unlock more power than any other.

The sad thing is that the world is so full of doubt and fear that people refuse to believe even simple things are possible. How much less will they believe that seemingly impossible things are possible. I fully believe that nothing is impossible. To state that in a more positive way, anything is possible.

If it was once possible, it is always possible. Many things previously thought impossible are now commonplace. These include flight, deep sea diving, and nuclear energy. I pray I never give up on any dream I have for a better way of life for anyone. Everyday I expect a miracle of some sort.

After all, everything in creation is a miracle. Whether organic or inorganic, it all began with a thought, a belief, and a word. Shame on any of us for living small when we could be God's faithful instruments to bring hope, courage, and plenty to this world of doubt, fear, and lack. Our challenge is to be so plugged into the power of creation that we expect and allow that very power to bring miraculous abundance into our midst on a regular basis. Just believe.

To your abundance,
Sandra Hayes
Prosperity, South Carolina

Abundance Abounds

So here we are in the last month of 2008. Worldwide people are wringing their hands over the state of the economy. I met with my financial advisor today and we were both laughing and enjoying life, knowing that the current state of the stock market is temporary. Such is the case whether the Dow is up or down. It's all about perspective and faith. This fact is taught in our personal development business and was solidly reinforced by in our pastor's sermon this past Sunday. How can we ever think there is lack when it so obvious that abundances abounds in our world.
Today I celebrate my physical , emotional, and spiritual health. In so doing, I focus on what is good and positive in my life and in the world. Hopefully, we all know that we manifest what we focus on and think about. My prayer is that everyone comes to realize this immediately. There are circumstances we cannot change or control, but we can choose our thoughts. The best way to guard our thoughts is by limiting what we allow ourselves to see, hear and read. TURN OFF THE NEWS. STOP READING THE NEWSPAPER. Read, watch, and listen to positive material only. Ask yourself if what you are reading, watching, listening to and thinking about are moving you closer to your goals or not. If the answer is "not," then leave it alone and focus on something that will improve your life.
So let's get back to my Jody's sermon (he's my pastor - I don't always enjoy his sermons but this one was one of his best ever). The basic premise is that God is all-powerful, the creator and sustainer of everything both animate and inanimate. Secondly, God is willing, even eager, to share that power with us. In Ephesians 3:20, we read, "His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. "(Contemporary English Version, E-Sword) That is so amazing if you just think about it. The same power that created the universe and living cells is available to me. I just have to acknowlege and believe this.
Jody went on to say that we are given the "power along the way." This means that we don't immediately realize we have the power until we step out on faith and take action. As soon as we obey and move in the direction our heart (the Holy Spirit) is directing us, we see the power manifest itself in the occurrence of miracles. This reminds me of Indiana Jones stepping into the abyss to reach the Holy Grail. As soon as he takes the step, the bridge appears. We just have to take the step, knowing a miracle is about to happen.
I am so grateful for this knowlege of abundance and power. Because of this certainty I have no fear of the future. You see, I'm living my life with full knowlege of the final story. When you know how a story ends, there's no need to fret about the challenges the hero encounters in the middle chapters. When you start living this way, there is no limit to the miracles you can manifest. God is eager for us to live our lives with His power.

To your abundance (and God's Power),
Sandra Hayes