A Selection From

General Douglas MacArthur's

Farewell Speech

Given to the Corps of Cadets at West Point

May 12, 1962

“…the story of the American man at arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefields many, many years ago... I regarded him... as one of the world's noblest figures; not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless.

His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give.

...when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under fire, and of his modesty in victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words.”

Paul told Timothy to be like a soldier who lives for God’s purpose and vision for his life:

“ Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.” (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

Living for God takes “Courage under fire” as well as the other attributes that Gen. MacArthur pointed out as he described the “American man at arms.”

Today, we are living in times of economic pressure around us. How should we live?

     With courage to do the right thing... 

To begin with you must understand and believe God wants you to prosper!

The fact of the matter is that God wants you to prosper. It gives Him glory when His children are taken care of. Poverty is a curse. Jesus died to redeem you from this curse. Jesus said in John 10:10,

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10 NLT)

He wants you to live in prosperity at every place in your life.  

He wants your needs met financially, relationally, physically and emotionally.  This good life all stems from living in Him spiritually.

How do you live spiritually?

First be born again by believing His Word.

"For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God." 1 Peter 1:23 (NLT)

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

At the moment you decide and confess Jesus as your savior you come to life spiritually. You have entered into a new relationship with God as your heavenly Father. He is your provider and protector.

Now you live by the same process that you were born by. That means you build your new life by hearing and obeying His Word. That new foundation is the bedrock for your success.

Jesus said it like this:

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents... it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”

Matthew 7:24-25 (NLT)

Living like that takes courage under fire. You may feel like you are under fire with the pressures of life's needs, but stay the course.

No matter what happens chose to do the right thing. Live by God’s Word the undisputed authority in your life.

Every Other Step...

His way is the easiest way. Not always at first, but through it all, His way is the easiest and the only real prosperous way.

God’s Word says:   

If you need... Give.

Faith takes action to produce life in you. (James 2:26) Your faith connects you to God. It allows all of His promises to be real in your life.

Faith must be seen and heard to be real.

So how do we act in faith with our finances?

We give.

Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 (NIV)

"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,' says the LORD Almighty.  'Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the LORD Almighty.'"

Malachi 3:10-12 (NIV) 

"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,' says the LORD Almighty.  'Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the LORD Almighty.'"

Malachi 3:10-12 (NIV)

Give God Glory!

Pastor Kevin Casey