From the Pastor's Heart

The Apostle John wrote: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health – just as your soul prospers” (3 John, verse 2 – New King James Version throughout).   This verse is often quoted by some to try to prove their “health and prosperity” doctrine (teaching).   A close evaluation of this verse of Scripture shows us that it means more than that!   The latter part of this verse, often neglected by many, is the key to the whole rest of the Scripture.

“Just as your soul prospers” sets the stage for what has been said previously and what is to follow!   Jesus said: “I AM the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me!”  The Apostle Peter, when encountered by the Sanhedrin Court, said: “Nor is there salvation in any other – for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  

We live in an age when the “popular” teaching is that “all roads lead to the same place” and “we’re all headed in the same direction.”    A person can live the life of a scoundrel from birth to their death and yet some preach at their funeral that they have gone to heaven.  Most think that if they “believe” in God, they are alright.  The Apostle James wrote: “Even the demons believe – and tremble!” (James 2:19)   Then he goes on to say: “faith without works is dead” (verse 20).

That means there is something more to it than just believing in God.   The works involved in this context does not mean doing a bunch of do’s and don’ts, but rather developing a relationship with the Living Lord Jesus Christ by, first of all, repenting of one’s sins and accepting Him as their Lord and Master.   It is more than being baptized just to be baptized – going in the water as a dry sinner and coming out as a wet sinner.  It is accepting Jesus as one’s personal Savior and living by what He taught us in His Word.

Only when we have done this, can we expect to “prosper in all things and be in good health.”   Once we have appropriated His blood to cover our sins, Holy Spirit will open our hearts and minds to the truthful teachings of the Word of God – the Bible.  He removes the veil from our eyes so that we can see things from a Spiritual perspective. 

If you are ready for that to happen in your life, I invite you to pray this prayer from Psalm 51 – the real Sinner’s Prayer: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness.   According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me of my sins. Purge me and I shall be clean.  Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow!  Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God – the God of my salvation – and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.   O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show forth Your praises.  For You do not delight in burnt offerings but in a broken and crushed heart.”   Then add: forgive me of my sins!  Jesus, come live in me because I accept You as my Lord and Savior.  Make me a new creation in You!  So let it be, even now, Lord!

If you prayed this prayer, I would like to hear from you.   There are no gimmicks.  I have nothing to sell you.  I want only to pray for you and to send you some FREE guides to help you in your new life in Christ.  Also please let me know any prayer requests you may have.  All communications are kept in strict confidence, so you may even wish to call me.  My telephone number is (575) 590-0143; my mailing address is P. O. Box 697; Lordsburg, NM 88045-0697; and my email address is pastor@LordsLivingWaterLighthouse.org. 

Pastor Dick Davis
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