I looked at the multitudes and saw sheep without a shepherd and it broke my heart. What do you see? Truth is timeless and eternal, but every generation needs a prophet to declare the ancient truth. Who could you identify as being the current voice in your generation, and those from times past? In this regard do not limit your consideration to those at the head of organizations; to those who hold offices and titles. If you look at the Biblical example you will see that prophets are outsiders rather than insiders. Consider John the Baptist, and of course, me.

Are you familiar with the passage that promises that in return for your faithful generosity, I will open the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing on you? (See Malachi 3). Do you assume that this means a financial blessing, that in return for giving money you will get money in return? A reasonable reading of the passage would suggest that you will have whatever is in heaven poured out on you. Doesn’t that conclusion follow? So what are the contents of heaven? Is heaven full of money? If I poured the contents of heaven on you now would you be disappointed if it wasn’t money?

Everyone likes money, but you know that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, so some believers have a conflicted relationship to it. Money is a hindrance for many. If it is not for you I can open the windows of heaven and pour it out on you as a blessing. The Bible speaks strongly against exploiting the poor in their wages. I care more about the absolute condition of the poor than I do about the disparity between the rich and the poor, for the rich will be with you always, even as the poor will. Can you acquire wealth in a way that does not diminish the poor?

I said that my sheep would hear my voice. How do you hear my voice? Do you expect an audible voice in a rich baritone? Have you ever gotten that? What about your own imagination or unexpected thoughts? Would you recognize these as being from me? What about events in your life, especially when a series of multiple, independent, unlikely events converge in your favor? Do you think of this as random serendipity, or do you think there is divine purpose behind it? What if this happens all the time? Do such occasions capture your awareness and make you ponder?