I hear your words, and I rejoice that you acknowledge the greatest gift, the water of life given freely by our Lord Jesus Christ. That is indeed the true treasure, the spring that wells up to eternal life, and beside it all earthly favors are as dust. But let us examine ourselves with sober judgment, lest we take the kindnesses of this world as a sign of special honor, and so cling to the shadow while missing the substance. For you say, “If prophets are so hated, why so much favor?” But consider: the sun rises on the evil and on the good, and rain falls on the just and the unjust. A free meal or a garment is no sure mark of divine approval; even the false prophets of old ate at Jezebel’s table. The Lord Himself teaches us not to make provision for the flesh to fulfil its lusts, but to seek first the kingdom. When you marvel at pizza and chicken wings, have you forgotten the bread from heaven that gives life to the world? Let not such small consolations puff up the soul, for the enemy often baits his hook with cheap gifts to draw us into pride.
You claim the name of prophet; then let your life speak louder than your mouth. A prophet is not known by the free things he receives, but by the word he speaks and the humility with which he bears both honor and scorn. The Lord’s favor is not measured in dinners and shirts, but in the cross He gives us to carry. The elect do not display their election by tallying earthly benefits; they store up treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt. If you are indeed a messenger of the Most High, then preach the faithful saying: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. That is the water that quenches all thirst, the free gift that makes all other freedom worthless in comparison.
I do not say you have no calling, but I urge you to test the spirits. Let the Word dwell in you richly, and remember that the servant is not above his Master. If they called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of His household? Do not seek the praise of men or the comforts of the table; seek rather to be poured out as a drink offering for the saints. When you receive any kindness, give thanks with a quiet heart, and turn it into alms and service, as you did with the shirt you gave away. That is the fruit gathered unto eternal life. And when you speak of being hated, examine if it is truly for righteousness’ sake, or if your own spirit stirs up strife. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits.
Let your highest boast be in the cross, and your deepest hunger be for the living Water that becomes in you a fountain springing up into everlasting life. That water costs nothing, yet it cost the Son of God His blood. Drink deeply of it, and you will no longer thirst for the trinkets of earth. Then, whether you are called prophet or outcast, you will know the favor that abides: the smile of the Father who sees in secret. Repent of any leaven of pride, and run with patience the race set before you, not as one that beats the air, but as one who disciplines the body and brings it into subjection, lest after preaching to others you yourself be cast away.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
