Blessed or Stressed: Pt 5 - Principles of Peace
In this powerful exploration of financial peace and spiritual freedom, we journey through the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, discovering that our stress often stems not from external circumstances but from ignoring God's principles for living. The message confronts a challenging truth: most of our anxiety comes from wanting more, wanting everything now, and spending everything we have. Through the story of the younger son who demanded his inheritance early—essentially telling his father he wished him dead—we see ourselves reflected in moments when we've valued God's blessings more than our relationship with Him. The turning point comes when the prodigal 'came to his senses' and realized his father's servants had more than he did in his self-imposed poverty. This awakening invites us to examine six transformative principles: obedience (particularly in tithing), contentment, margin, generosity, integrity, and dependence on God. The challenge of tithing is addressed head-on, reminding us that Malachi 3 is the only place in Scripture where God says 'test me'—inviting us to see if He won't pour out blessings when we trust Him with our first fruits. Perhaps most beautifully, we're reminded that the father in the parable was watching and waiting, running to embrace his son while he was still far off. God isn't waiting to condemn us for our financial mistakes or spiritual wandering; He's waiting to welcome us home with open arms, offering not judgment but restoration and peace.
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