What is one word that you would use to describe Alaska?

Big? Frontier? Wilderness?

I think I would use Abundance. Not in population or wealth but in many other categories.

I checked on some aspects of abundance in Alaska: 27,000 glaciers, 130 volcanoes, 2,670 named islands (no number given for total), 3,197 named lakes out of over 3 million, tidal shoreline of 47,300 miles. Now that is abundance!

I’m always amazed at how quickly the trees and fields turn green in May. It seems that it almost happens overnight. The abundance of flowers, dandelions, lupines and fireweed among others, show up adding beautiful color. Some good blueberry and salmonberry patches I could pick from would be great.

Catching some of the millions of salmon and halibut that show up is good for the food freezer and is a lot of fun. Seeing the birds return to nest and hatch their young is always amazing. Aren’t you glad the mosquitoes aren’t here in as great numbers as they normally are?

Right now we are enjoying the daylight and warmer temperatures. The seasons will change and abundance of another sort will begin.

Abundance is a characteristic of God as well. The psalmist David declared, “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” The blessings were bountiful as God ministered to him and his psalms express gratitude for them.

David experienced a lot of ups and downs in life. It wasn’t always good times. Yet he could write, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

Jesus stated a contrast of purpose of himself and the thief. To steal, kill and destroy is the intent of the enemy of our souls. Jesus declared, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This abundant life is what Jesus has to offer if we obey his word.

Here is an interesting possibility. Suppose you knew someone who could grant you the things you thought about.

Or provide the things you ask.

All the things you ask or think included.

Above all you ask or think is possible.

Abundantly above all you ask or think as well!

Exceeding abundantly above all you ask or think is available!

This is the promise of Ephesians 3:20. It includes this premise, “according to the power that worketh in us.” That is the important key. There is only one source of power that can fulfill that promise.

The more we let the power of Jesus Christ work in us, the more we can experience his abundance. The application of his love and mercy in our lives can make great changes. Jesus called it being “born again.” We can have a new start at a new life! Being in Christ makes us a “new person” or creation. Divine power can accomplish those changes in us if we seek it.

Abundance is in many aspects of our lives, some good and some not. Put faith in Jesus Christ to lead you to his abundance of grace and goodness.

Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit the services and our website, sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.