Time to take inventory

Today is inventory day. It is time to take stock of the inventory in our lives. Think really hard about this scenario? If you were to wake up tomorrow without anything except the clothes on your back, who would come to your aid? Who could you call on to help you?  Yesterday you had $100,000 in personal assets, and today you will have nothing $0. You now have no home, no boat, no car, no social clubs, no job, and no money.  

“Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.” (Proverbs 19:6)

Could you call your very best friend who you went to school with (high school or college) have know for 20 years and you feel they would help you? You called them and they helped you some. Suddenly, they are unavailable. You feel embarrassed because you have nothing and they have what you had. Your own siblings seem to have turned their back on you or they do not have the means (so they think) to help. But, then again why should they since you have been estranged from them for reasons of past familial events. What do you do and where do you turn.

Now that you are totally destitute, where are your friends?

“Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friends…All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them” (Proverbs 19:4, 7)

We learn very quickly who our friends are. We hurry to try and make a quick change in our situation, but soon realize it is very tiring to you emotionally and physically. In the process of all this life changing events, we have an array of emotions from hate toward those around us to anger at God allowing this to happen. After all what did we do to deserve this?

“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin; his heart rages against the Lord… It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes… Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:2, 10, 27)

In most cases, when we are wealthy, we did not study the word of God nor did we worship God; now we have nothing and we still are not studying the word of God, do we worship Him, nor do we do what is expected of us by God. What is wrong with this picture?

“Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool… Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he, who understands, will discover good… Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his way will die. Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed… Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose o the Lord that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to 

a life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm… (Proverbs 19:1, 8, 16-17, 20-23.) 

I do not feel it is evil to have money or assets; the evil comes in as to how we use it. If you have a dollar that is useless to you, and you meet a person in need gift it willingly. It shouldn’t be your concern how it is used. If you buy food and give it to that person in need it is the same. As Christians when a need is known we are suppose to help God fulfill those needs. When we give generously in the grace of God, then we will be repaid more so.

We can make all the plans we want in life, but our ultimate purpose is that of God’s will. We need to be receptive to the knowledge (the word of) God. We need to gain the wisdom like a parent teaches a child; that true wisdom can only be obtained through God.  Seek Gods word, learn his word, and fulfill his work and his love in your heart and in your soul. Fear what it would be like lost, abandoned, hungry, homeless, and with nowhere to turn, because that is your life without God.

From personal experience, I have been hungry, homeless, walking in the rain with small children, and without anyone to call, but I have never lost sight of my faith. I have given when I have had extra. God has seen to my needs every time, relentlessly, without me asking. He knew. I have prayed many times and laid everything at his feet. He has kept me safe and will continue to do so no matter what is in my path including but not limited to death. Even in death I know I will be safely in His arms.  Be thankful for everything because our very essence is the sole creation of God.

There is humanity in this world. There is truth in finding that humanity. For there is love where there is truth and there is humanity through that love which is God’s ultimate path and plan.   

Today is the day for inventory of your life.

Keep in prayer Shea Morrow Fraley and one of her sons who are both sick with the nasty flu. Keep in prayer each other.

Remember this is just my opinion. I will respect yours, so, please respect mine.

God bless you all and keep you safely in His arms. 

***Special Note: One of my professors reminded me today something very important: When Christ was born, we accepted him. It was the casting off the old for the new and eternal life. I am eternally grateful.