Daily Devotional Wk9 Daniel Fast Day 9 - 02/26/24 - The Perfect Gift

Author: Evangelist Lisa L. Dalton

The Perfect Gift
 3 John 1:2 
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Devotional:
What does it mean to prosper? Let’s look at a few synonyms. There is flourish, thrive, grow, bourgeon, and burgeon. They all point us to prosper. Have you ever seen someone who walked around with the Bible, preaching the word of God but lived a life that didn’t match what they were preaching about. I believe Pastor Samu-el mentioned such a scenario in one of his recent sermons. "Go home with a person and you’ll see how they really live."
 
In this scripture, James was encouraging one of his friends, Gaius, that he not only wanted him to grow spiritually but he wanted to see him live a perfect life in God in every area of his life. And perfect meaning, Whole. James wanted him to have Whole Life Insurance. One that lasts forever. James saw his friend growing spiritually, but his life and body wasn’t growing at the same rate.

Many of us are Bible toting believers. Speaking, teaching, and preaching the word of God. We always have an answer for the Hope that we live in. But does the Hope that we speak show in the  other areas of our lives? We know that all good and perfect (whole) gifts come from the Lord, James 1:17. Our body is a gift from God. When He made us, He made us whole. It is our responsibility to keep it whole.

Wouldn’t it be a shame to know all the scriptures in the Bible, but be unable to apply those same scriptures of faith and hope to our own lives? It is not God’s will that we live in lack or be poor. When He made us, He made us perfect.

As you go through day nine of your Daniel Fast, really focus on what you’re putting into (apart of) your body. What’s becoming a part of your life that’s causing you not to flourish, not to thrive, not to burgeon, not to grow, not to prosper. If it is in your power, in which it is, begin taking steps towards changing those habits and start working to become that perfect gift God has given you.

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for giving me this awesome gift of life. I thank You for giving me the power to change the way I take care of Your gift. I thank You for making me whole inside and out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.