Thomas à Kempis: Abundance

"The religious who concerns himself intently and devoutly with our Lord’s most holy life and passion will find there an abundance of all things useful and necessary for him. He need not seek for anything better than Jesus."

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) in The Imitation of Christ) excerpt from Chapter 1, “Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth (Grand Rapids, CCEL), p. 39.

I am still in the 14th century but shifting from one saint, Julian of Norwich, to another, Thomas à Kempis (or in English Thomas of Kempis).

Today, we discover abundance. People who don't know Jesus think it is their job to sort all their basic needs. He says something different. He says to seek Him first and His kingdom and everything else will be sorted.

That's what is "needful" for each of us. There's nothing better than Jesus. I am thankful for His care. But the reality is that if we try to sort our own needs, we take on worry and fear that He does not want us to burden or bear.

I am in Michigan today facilitating meetings at Western Seminary for advancement officers from 10 of the leading seminaries in USA. This is the 23rd year that I have done this, since back in the days when I was VP of Advancement of Denver Seminary. It's rewarding to serve and mentor these skilled workers.

Appreciate your prayers for a day filled with an abundance of blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ. And I pray an abundance of blessings on you, wherever you are. Together, let us live simply, give sacrificially, serve humble, and love generously.