Psalm 1

BE RICH ! (On little or no money).

"It's a Wonderful Life" the movie with Jimmy Stewart showed us how to be rich with little or no money.
For many the indicator of success is the amount in the bank account. Even George Bailey, after his angel Clarence told him they didn't have money in Heaven replied: "It comes in pretty handy down here bub."
                                            
     Three short ideas, though there could be quite a list on how to be truly rich.

1.  Friends--We cannot and should not try to go it completely alone. God said that it was not good for man to be alone.  Beyond spouse or significant other the importance of friends cannot be measured.  God is a relational God and we, being made in His image desire relationships and community as well.  It is important to remember as we look for friends, that we become a friend.  A true rich person is one who also adds value to the circle of life God has placed us in.  It will require patience, love, listening and input as well, to have a well rounded life of pure wealth when we all do life together.

               "To George Bailey. The richest man in town." ( enough about George).

2.  Passion--We can be challenged to live life in prosperity or poverty with passion.  Passion adds steam for direction and purpose. A life lived with passion is an abundant life. With a lively desire to be what we are to be, wherever God has planted us.  One picture of passion is when a mother fights a would be kidnapper from her child. A prosperous passion is one that again, is directed for the good of others, and strives and thrives when our hearts are touched by and moved forward to help those in pain.

3.  God---- We can have a million dollars $$$ and that's all we'll have.  But if all you have is GOD, God is all you need. Remember Jesus said: "I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly." He wasn't speaking about finances or position but a true Biblical relationship with God through faith in Him.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman church and us today: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," that's priceless! Only Jesus was enough to pay for that.

                    We might be living the financial dream or financial nightmare, but if you are a believer and follower of Christ, sin forgiven, the Bible states:
  And if His children, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

Guilty!

If she was on trial by a jury of her peers, she would be found guilty of the occasional but mostly, premeditated acts of kindness. Many of these actions were well thought out and planned.  Many days of shopping for something she hoped was just right.  Hours spent cooking so someone that was sick or even to busy, would not have to.

She is guilty of consideration, putting others before herself.  She has aimed it towards me with her everyday life and a surprise dessert or meal or gift.  Loving God and others is her motive.

She in return has received gifts and cards of get well or thank you, from surprising sources; those that have been appreciative of her unselfishness.

She  experiences a second of self time, maybe because if you don't help yourself, no one else will.  Even with her unselfishness she often receives a request for another favor or a "what have you done for me lately."

She is guilty of sacrifice. Giving her time effort and other resources. She has given me her life and had to give more than what should be expected. Thank you!

She deserves mercy, love and appreciation. Her actions require the maximum. Life! with as much love as I can give. There's not enough space or time to say it all here.

But, I love you Linda.