40 DAYS OF ABUNDANT LIVING – INTRODUCTION

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“… I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b NKJV

Years ago, a famous golfer was invited by the king of Saudi Arabia to play in a golf tournament. He accepted the invitation, and the king flew his private jet over to the United States to pick up the pro. They played golf for several days, and enjoyed a good time. As the golfer was getting on the plane to return to the United States, the king stopped him and said, “I want to give you a gift for coming all this way and making this time so special. Anything you want. What could I get you?”

“Oh, please; don’t get me anything. You’ve been a gracious host. I’ve had a wonderful time. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” The king was adamant. He said, “No, I insist on giving you something so you will always remember your journey to our country.” When the golfer realized that the king was resolute, he said, “Okay, fine. I collect golf clubs. Why don’t you give me a golf club?”

He boarded the plane, and on his flight back home, he couldn’t help wondering what kind of golf club the king might give him. He imagined that it might be a solid gold putter with his name engraved on it. Or maybe it would be a sand wedge studded with diamonds and jewels. After all, this would be a gift from the oil-rich king of Saudi Arabia.

When the golfer got home, he watched the mail and the delivery services every day, to see if his golf club had come yet. Finally, several weeks later, he received a certified letter from the king of Saudi Arabia. The U.S. professional thought that rather strange. Where’s my golf club? He wondered. He opened the envelope, and to his surprise, inside he discovered a deed to a five-hundred-acre golf course in America.

Sometimes kings think differently than we think. We serve the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. We serve the Most High God, and His dream for our lives is much bigger and better than we can ever imagine. He has promised us abundant life – living a rich and fulfilling life.

Successful, fulfilled people have learned how to live rich and fulfilling lives. They make the most of the present moment and thereby enhance their future. You can do the same. No matter where you are or what challenges you are facing, you can enjoy abundant living! You can live at your full potential right now!

During the next 40 days, we will share with you seven steps to living abundantly. These steps are based on the book, “Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen. We encourage you to get a copy and read along with us during the next 40 days.

The seven steps to Abundant Living are:
1. Enlarging your vision
“Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams….” (Isaiah 54:2-3)

2. Developing a healthy self-image
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalms 139:14)

3. Discovering the power of your thoughts and words
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)

4. Letting go of the past
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

5. Finding strength through adversity
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” (Ephesians 6:13)

6. Living to give
“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.” (Genesis 12:2)

7. And choosing to be happy
“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Shalom,

Rev. Obadiah Swen
Pastor, BWOC-VA

Application and Prayer for Today
1. Reflect on what it means to live a rich a fulfilling life.
2. Have you ever being given a gift that surpassed your wildest imagination? What was your response?
3. Praise God for who He is and what He has done. Psalm 103:1-5