we will experience prosperity and protection in abundance, as we are “gathered back” to him. My immediate “American Dream” could not be substantiated by these verses. When I was young, I wasn’t thinking of an overall spiritual application in the eternal sense. I wasn’t thinking of spiritual prosperity, spiritual protection, or the spiritual hope of an eternity in heaven with God. I was thinking in primarily materialistic terms, in the here and now. Once I realized my error, I was somewhat disillusioned