Faith, Folklore, and Friends

I pray that out of His glorious riches  He may strengthen you with power  through His Spirit in your inner being,     so that Christ may dwell in your hearts  through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted  and established in love,     may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,  to grasp how wide and long and high and deep  is the love of Christ,     and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled  to the measure of all the fullness of God.   Now to Him who is able  to do immeasurably more than all we ask  or imagine, according to His power  that is at work within us,     to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.                                              ...

I am rich, immeasurably rich. Not from wise investments in the stock market. Not reflected by my bank account, although I'm thankful the bills are paid. Not in my humble home, although I'm thankful its dry and warm. Not because of my job, although I'm thankful it provides a little extra. I am rich in love of my Savior, my family, my friends. My Father holds the wealth of the world in His hands. The Word, the Truth, said "For a man's life consists not in the abundance of things he possesses." There are poor wealthy people. People who can buy a mansions and jet planes, but remain lonely, bitter, hoarding their riches because its all they have. The poorest of them all think their wealth is all they need, that their wealth will save them, and in the end have no hope of eternal life, no Divine comfort when their "fair-weather" friends can't be found. David, the great slayer of giants, wealthy king and conqueror, became poor be...