Revelation 3:15,17-19 – These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. (NIV)

I get a lot of e-mails. They keep me in touch with who and what needs praying about around the world. It helps me to keep my feet upon the ground — at least I would like to think so.

I am, in comparison with those by whom I am often surrounded in my family, regarded as not well off. So it is quite easy for the little green monster of envy to poke his head out from my lower consciousness, now and then, and make a natural assessment of my lack and their high-flying excess.

It is nice and cosy where I work. At times, it is frustrating and stressful, yes, but no one is going to torture or shoot me or my family for our faith.

In contrast to those about whom I read through e-mail, who are in real danger of dying for their faith today, I have plenty, and not just in regard to the material things of this world.

I wonder who is really wretched, naked, and poor, and who is really clothed in white.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you so much for all we have. Enable us to keep a loose grip on our possessions and a right understanding about your kingdom values in our lives, to the glory of your name. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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