A Christian devotional on discovering the keys to a prosperous Christian life by focusing on kingdom principles over earthly ones.
Scripture References
Genesis 26:15 – The Philistines stopped up the wells: 15 So all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the time of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up, filling them with earth.
John 6: 5-67
Sermon Highlights
Kingdom Principles vs. Earthly Principles – Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell emphasizes the importance of living by kingdom principles rather than earthly ones to live a prosperous life. Earthly principles like selfishness block the spiritual wells God intends for prosperity.
Relationships as Kingdom Wells – He discusses how kingdom relationships should add to your life and not deplete you. They should be a source of spiritual and emotional growth.
The Well of Intellect and Relationship – Your intellect and relationships are wells that need to be clean of earthly dirt like pride and selfishness to remain drinkable and prosperous.
Self-Righteousness and Humility – The sermon addresses the dangers of self-righteousness in relationships, emphasizing the importance of humility and mutual improvement.
Total Devotion – Powell highlights the need for total devotion to God, pointing out that following Jesus requires complete surrender and an understanding of spiritual bread and drink.
Quotes
“Kingdom relationships are supposed to stretch you, expose you, and make you better.”
“If you are dirty, selfish, and full of yourself, no relationship God sends you will be prosperous or drinkable.”
“I’ll walk with you as long as I know you are a person that’s broken before God, saying, “Lord, give me a clean heart.””
Reflection Questions
1. Are there areas in your life where you are living by earthly principles instead of kingdom principles? What are they?
2. How do your current relationships contribute to or detract from your spiritual and emotional well-being?
3. In what ways have you allowed pride or selfishness to affect your relationships?
4. Are you willing to fully surrender all aspects of your life to Jesus, including your relationships and intellect?
5. How do you incorporate God’s principles in your daily decision-making?
Action Steps
1. Read Scripture Daily – Commit to a daily devotional, focusing on scriptures that outline kingdom principles (John 6:5-67).
2. Evaluate Relationships – Identify relationships that need more humility and less self-righteousness. Initiate changes by apologizing, forgiving, or making amends where necessary.
3. Practice Kingdom Living – Adopt and practice kingdom principles such as loving your neighbor, humility, and selflessness.
4. Self-Reflection – Regularly reflect on your actions and attitudes, questioning if they align with kingdom principles.
5. Community Service – Engage in acts of service inspired by Matthew 25:40, emphasizing that serving others is serving Christ.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to discern and live by your kingdom principles. Help us to cleanse our wells of pride and selfishness, and let our relationships be sources of growth and blessing. We surrender our lives wholly to you, acknowledging that true prosperity comes from you alone. Grant us a clean heart and the courage to follow you faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”