Seeking God will Prosper You!

Seeking God will prosper you

Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.
7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

Doesn’t matter where in life you are right now. If you are with God, you are increasing, because He loves you and loves to show Himself strong to His children.
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, you see where I am at, and I am seeking you for increase today, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’

The Spirit of Faith! USE IT!

The Spirit of Faith!

Read with me: 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

This is the heart of any true minister. You need faith for your marriage, faith for protection, faith to receive wisdom and revelation from God. Faith to eat your meals, faith to raise your family, faith to provide for your family. Faith to be a good steward over your money.

The Bible says: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

I want God’s church to grow, so I must continue to preach the Word to you, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Some of you need faith just to get to church every Sunday. Well,

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Or if you want a teaching on it: https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/why-go-to-church/
https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/04/15/eagles-still-go-to-church/

You now see that regular church attendance is actually in the Word of God, so now, you simply have to agree with the Word, for faith came when you heard it, now do what you believe!

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Once you recognize that your very world is framed by the Word of God, you will have no problem getting to church to hear the good word of God.

Why?

Well, I’m commanded by God to 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind

;

Now, if you understand that your life is going to be adversely or positively affected according to your hearing of the Word of God, you will reprioritize some things. ‘Seek ye first’is still in the book, not in a legalistic sense but so that God can add all things unto you.

2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

2 Corinthians 4:13 (BBE) But having the same spirit of faith, as it is said in the Writings, The words of my mouth came from the faith in my heart; in the same way, our words are the outcome of our faith;

Romans 4:17 ¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Throughout the week, I spend countless hours praying out mysteries in other tongues, for you.

1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Why, because faith comes by hearing.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

692 argov argos ar-gos’

from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2041; TDNT-1:452,76; adj

AV-idle 6, slow 1, barren 1; 8

1) free from labour, at leisure

2) lazy, shunning the labour which one ought to perform

For Synonyms see entry 5814

My question to you today is what do you believe about your life? Like that old comedy:”Doom misery and despair, if I didn’t have bad luck I’d have no luck at all?”

Like Eeyor in Winnie the Poor, are you down at the mouth, just barely getting by?

Well, you’re carnal then. The children of Israel died in the desert by grumbling and complaining. What are you doing day to day? Calling those things that are not as though they were? Standing boldly on the promises of God, more than a conquerer in Him? Or like the ten spies, do you have grasshopper mentality, all your problems are giants in the land? Where are the Joshua’s and Calebs of this generation who will stand up and boldly declare the victory Jesus bought and paid for in His own blood?

I like the statement I read of the Moravian Christians that went as missionaries to the Virgin Islands to bring the gospel to the slaves there, knowing that it may cost them their lives, that they might need to become slaves themselves, in order to reach the slaves there.

They prayed, “Dear Lord, that we might grant you a reward worthy of Your sufferings..”

They had such a deep revelation of the depths to which Jesus went for us, when He died upon the cross for all mankind, in light of eternity, no sacrifice was too great, in comparison of what He did, to redeem people back to Himself.

Faith, established upon the promises of God despises obstacles. He is the resurrection and the life. He is Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and earth, He lives, and He reigns.

Lets see this spirit of faith in action in the Word of God

David

Did David say to Goliath, “You big mighty man of war. You fearsome giant, and undefeated warrior?”

Not!

He was so in tune with His walk with the Lord, and the promises of God, He saw the problem from God’s perspective. ‘Who is this uncircumcised Philistine to raise up against the army of Almighty God?’

He saw himself from God’s perspective, with a covenant with God.

He saw Goliath from God’s perspective, without protection, and without a covenant.

Can’t you see, this man is without protection, and He dares to raise His hand against God? This should be fun, what’s in it for the man who chops off his head?

Did he run from the giant? No! He ran to him! Faith is not waiting for Jesus to come and deliver them but enforcing Jesus victory in every arena of life.

What about Jonathon?

1 Samuel 14:1 ¶ Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

16 ¶ And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.

One man, with God, walking by faith got victory over an entire enemy nation. Why, because when he did in the natural, God did in the supernatural,

and:

15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.

God backed up Jonathon, and the earth quaked.

Where are the giant killers today?

The David’s that will look enemies in the eye and tell these mountains to move?

The Jonathon’s that will take the battle to the enemy, not run from it or pretend it doesn’t need to be fought!

He went to the enemy, and he won.

How about the three Hebrew children? Let’s pick up their story in the midst of their challenge.

Danial 3:10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Notice the attack is against the glory of God, we must keep our attackers focused on Him, not us.

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

Spirit of Faith – They knew God, and knew He would deliver them!

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

17 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

If you throw us in the furnace O king, God will deliver us and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

That kind of stand of faith will really tick a controlling person off. They think they are in charge.

19 ¶ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Enemies were destroyed in their own flames.

No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

In your trial of faith, in the firey furnace of your affliction, the object of your faith will appear!

Jesus, your Lord and your king, shows up, for He will never leave you or forsake you. When He does, you get delivered for God acts!

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

26 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ. Kings come to the light of God’s glory.

Isaiah 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (God shows up, you get delivered, and yes, you get really grateful and glad!)

1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

27 ¶ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

God gets the glory, you get the promotion, and the real purpose of your trial is revealed – the harvest! God has eternity on His mind, and we are the only hope this generation has. Sometimes we go through things at the hands of satan and wicked people, that God allows for a season to perfect us, glorify Him, and most importantly, allow others to come into the kingdom of God.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Notice the gospel was preached by the government as a result of the stand of faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They did not bow, they did not burn, and the entire nation came back to God through their stand of faith, and they were promoted!

Ps 75:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.

6 ¶ For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

So who are you anyway? A grumbler, destined to spend forty years in the desert in despair, or more than a conquerer in Christ Jesus?

You can choose what you are going to do right now, COMPLAIN AND REMAIN (In your present trial), or PRAISE AND BE RAISED (seeing the power of God make your mess a miracle!) Praise Him in the midst of your madness, and He will deliver you!

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Jesus made it plain,

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So your bills look like they have you whipped? Are they a mountain of bills yet? God said something about mountains in Mark 11:24. Are you down so low you have to look up to see bottom? Not! Never! You are the head and not the tail, a child of the king, made to sit with Him in heavenly places. There is no circumstance that can lord over you, unless you let it. Whatever your circumstance is, get over it with the Word of God.

Jesus is your Lord, and He has the final say.

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

If it is in the world, your faith in God is well able to whip it. Are you a grasshopper? Or are you well able to take the land?

Stand in the presence of our king, and let’s reaffirm our faith in Him again.

I don’t care what your bankbook says:

God says:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

You are a giver aren’t you?

Let’s believe the Word together!

The Bible says now 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Now how are we to be strong, when we feel so weak?

In the Lord, using our faith-filled words!

Mark 11:22-25New King James Version (NKJV)

²² So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. ²³ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. ²⁴ Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

I am a whosoever, and so are you! (https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/mountain-moving-faith/)

We are mountain-moving, history making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Joel 3:10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

You say it, and God will back you up, and you will be strong.

Is 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Thank you Father, we were healed. We believe it and receive it, now, by faith.

Now normally, I end these exhortations with a prayer, but not today. The Word of the Lord given to me by the Holy Spirit is PRAISE!

Ps 67:5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

Praise is the weapon of the day, the key to unlock our victory, today.

Hurting, discouraged, feeling beat? Been there, done that…

Sing!

I don’t care if you are choking on every word join me:

‘We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord’

‘We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the Lord’

‘And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of thanksgiving’

‘And we offer up to You, the sacrifices of joy!’

Praise paralyses devils, it is the shout of victory that overcomes the world, for God inhabits the praises of His people!

I remember hearing a testimony of a women doctor, dying of cancer and a heroin addiction named Dr. Lillian Yeoman. She had been asking God to heal her, and bringing His promises of healing before Him in prayer, yet was still dying. One night, lying on her pain-wracked bed, she had a vision, that changed her life. She saw a balance, with one side that was labeled PRAYER, and the other side PRAISE. The side that was labeled PRAYER was weighted down completely, while there was nothing on the praise side to counter-balance the load. She claimed she heard the voice of God speak to her, to PRAISE, and that when the weight of her praise, equaled the weight of her prayer, she would be miraculously healed. So, she began to sing praises to God, like a croak at first, but as she gave herself to it, she began to get stronger, and her voice clearer. She stayed with it, until she literally sang herself off of that deathbed, totally healed of cancer, and totally delivered of her heroin addiction.

He is worthy!

https://chrisaomministries.com/2016/08/06/the-purpose-of-this-blog/

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

You Have Friends In High Places! Receiving Favor from God!

Friends in High Places…

Receiving Favour from God with Man

You have friends in High places, in the highest courts of heaven! God Almighty is your friend, and you have access to His throne, for it is written:

Ephesians 2: (AKJV)

⁶ and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Today we are going to look at a topic that has come to the forefront in faith circles these days, the concept of receiving supernatural favour from God with people.

We’ve all heard the saying, it’s not what you know, but who you know that makes the difference in our status in life.

People in the workplace spend incredible effort seeking to develop relationships with people of influence, in order to get the better job or position of status they desire.

Well, we’ve got friends in high places, determined to promote us, if we would simply ask. Friends of eternal consequence that is, if you have made your peace with God, and received Jesus, as Your Saviour and Lord. If you haven’t yet, please read:https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/the-gospel-the-power-of-god/

Of course, like every promise of God there is a condition attached. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his way of doing things, and all other things are added unto us.

Let’s look at a few examples of individuals in the Bible of godly people who received supernatural favour from God with man.

Joseph

Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Remember, Joseph walked with God, and gave God all the glory for what God did in his life. You recall the story, Joseph interpreted Pharoah’s dreams and:

39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

One day of favour is worth a lifetime of labour.

Ruth found favor in the eyes of Boaz, a very wealthy man. She became his wife. Her life made an eternal impact, and the rest of her days were far better than any she had experienced beforehand.

God has some Boazes for you too, as you serve Him!

Moses

I know I am using images from children’s cartoons, but hey, I’m a dad, and I love watching kids movies with my children, snuggled in the sofa before bed.

Exodus 3:21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty:

Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.

Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

Not bad, God moved to deliver His people, even as He has and is moving to deliver you. When He was finished, the enemies of the people of God freely gave them riches and wealth.

May God both deliver you from the hand of your enemies, but so move, that they freely give you riches and wealth!

Esther

You remember the story. King Ahasuerus had a haughty wife who conducted herself poorly in court, and formal affairs. He divorced her. He then had everyone look for the most beautiful virgin in his kingdom to be his wife. All the women were brought and:

Esther 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

Esther 2:17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Who do you think gave that favor to Esther? God of course!

He will do the same for you too is you serve Him.

Sounds like a Cinderella story without the need of fairy god mothers, pumpkins and golden slippers.

Isn’t that the gospel though? We were lost, without purpose and direction in this life. Lonely.

Then we heard about Jesus the  King, and we asked His forgiveness, and received Him as rightful Lord of our lives, but the miracle then occurred: We became not mere subjects of His Kingdom, but adopted into His royal family, sons and daughters of heaven, kings and priests unto Him! We have become, the bride of Christ!

Well, God has a purpose for favour. It is always the gospel. There was a plot afoot in the king’s court to assassinate the people of God. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle discovered it, and asked his step daughter to go into the king to try and do something. The problem was, anyone who appeared before the king, without invitation was immediately put to death, unless the king was to extend the royal scepter towards that person:

Esther knew this so she asked for prayer:

Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

5:1 ¶ Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. Esther 5:2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

The scepter was extended! She humbled herself before God, asked her people for prayer, and they surely did pray. God answered these prayers and gave her favour with the king.

You know the rest of the story, God moved, the plot was stopped, the wicked enemy of God was hung on his own gallows, and God got the glory!

So, it appears that the favour of God could work in the governments of the day. It will work today too.

Let’s look at another couple of Bible characters to see this principal in operation.

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

Now again we have the people of God being ruled by a godless government power, sort of like many nations today. We have a man of God, working for the government, desiring to do a work for God in his generation. He’s seen the desolation of the things of God, the wall around the holy city was:

Neh 1:3…the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

So this man prayed and fasted and cried out to God for mercy, then he asked the king he served for permission to rebuild the things of God. We pick it up in chapter 2:

Neh 2:1 ¶ And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.

6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

So here we have a man of God, sent by the government in place (which means he still got paid) and with letters granting him all the building materials he needed to get everything done. How’s that for favor? He rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem with the godless government’s money!

Truly, this is Romans chapter 13 manifest,

Ro 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Ro 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Ro 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

God sets the governments in place, and brings order to the earth, saved and unsaved alike.

Well, you know the rest of the story, envious jealous people did everything they could to stop the plan of God. Gershom, Sanballat, and Tobiah, Satan’s GST. (Inside joke for Canadians, there is a tax there called the Goods and Services tax, called the GST) When you get promoted and prospered, not everyone is going to be happy about it.

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Yea, even Christians may oppose you.

Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Yes, we believe for favour with people but there are those who will not have it. Love them anyway. You favor and blessing will make them scared, envious, and jealous. That is why we cannot tell everyone all the goodness God is doing in our lives sometimes…

Well, anyway, Nehemiah built the wall despite the persecution.

You can do the plan of God for your life too.

We are looking at how God gives favour to his people with government, let’s look at:

Daniel 1: 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;

4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.

6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

9 Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs

.

17 ¶ As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Well you know the rest of the story. Daniel served as prime minister under three kings. The three Hebrew children were delivered out of the firey furnace, and promoted to first place among all of the kings cousellors.

One day of favour is greater than a lifetime of labor.

Well, so what’s the point pastor, all of these people in the Old Testament have died and gone to heaven, what does their life have to do with me, today?

Well, I’m glad you asked child of God, you royal seed.

1 Corinthians 10:6 ¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

If God did it for these, He will so it for you, for we are under a better covenant based upon better promises. All the promises of God are yes and amen in Christ Jesus.

Well, Many countries have become a socialist countries, with government involved in almost everything, because we let them.

My personal opinion is that the government that governs best is the one that governs least, yet the Scripture is clear:

Romans 13: 1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake

We are to serve Jesus, and pray for the government. Nehemiah had such favour with the government he served that they paid him and gave him everything he needed to accomplish God’s plan for his life. I believe God is well able to speak to this government to fund the gospel and the mission and mandate of your particular ministry.

1 Tim 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

If you are a soul-winning ministry, you qualify for government funding, because salvation is always the will of God.

So, today, we are going to pray for some of you. This was written in the nation’s capital of Canada. We see businesses thriving on government contracts. People financially blessed with great jobs, working for the government. I am going to pray that God do the following:

1. That God grant us favour and divine appointments with the lost to present to them the gospel and an invitation to your church.

2. Give your church or ministry favour with the governments where you are.

3. Give each of you individual favour with the governments. (this can sure help you with your taxes)

4. That God give favour with government in the form of grants and business opportunities to anyone that will believe.

5. That God reveal to us, our authority in Him, seated with Christ in heavenly places, to bring change to our communities, and nations where we serve.

6. That God bring wealthy people into your life to lovingly support your gift and calling.

7. That God give you wisdom to recognize and avoid the traps of your enemies, as His favor manifests.

Ps 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Let’ Pray:

Father, we ask you right now for:

1. Romans 13 – favour and praise and honour from governments.

2. You to surround us with favor as with a shield.

3. Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

That God would order our steps into right places, and relationships of honor, integrity, and like precious faith.

4. Lu 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdotm and stature, and in favour with God and man.

That we would grow to become more like Jesus today, in wisdom, strength, in your favour, and please grant me favour with man.

5. That your grant us favor with wealthy people to lovingly support our gifts and callings.

6. That you protect us and give us wisdom to avoid the traps of our enemies.

Now there is action to be done here:

His will is to see lost people born-again and loved into His kingdom. Let’s pray for divine appointments to pray with people to receive Jesus, and to be used to help those He loves.

Father, I believe that my steps are ordered of you. I know your will is that people be born-again, and added to the church. Please give me favour with those who don’t know you, and words to win them to you, and invite them to church, in your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen.

For prayer, comments, or to donate online:

Email: chris.aomministries@gmail.com

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Give in faith!

1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits?

1 Corinthians 9:14 [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel.

Paul goes on to say, that he did not use his position as a minister of the gospel to take up offerings, rather he worked, making tents, to support himself. You might notice here, that Paul was not married, nor did he have children. Family responsibilities take time, and just as you bust a move on your job to provide for your family, I work every bit as hard, doing this, faithful to the Lord in prayer and the ministry of His Word, to you.

I will never charge for this: it my responsibility to God, my calling. Freely I have been given, now, I freely give…

As you give, hear Holy Spirit what to give, and honestly expect God to reward you for your giving.

Matt 10: 41 He who receives and welcomes and accepts a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives and welcomes and accepts a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

I am a five-fold ministry gift and office – this is my life – I pray, I hear, I write, and wonderful things happen. You have your job description, I have mine – this is mine….

I have ‘see through’ faith for you, in this: Gal 3: 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I believe I have a responsibility before God to be like Jesus, in every offering I receive. I receive it with thanksgiving, just like Jesus did the little boys lunch.

Then, because I walk and live by faith according to the blessing of Abraham, I believe that God will take your seed sown, and multiply it, according to what the blessing of Abraham promises:

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies

It has been a joy to me, to see the hand of the living God act in the lives of those of you who have supported us this year!

Many have seen tremendous blessing come into your households, and for this we give thanks, and give Jesus all the glory!

Faith Sets the Sail! Adjust to the Wind!

Faith sets the sail!

I still remember sailing across the Atlantic on a 65′ schooner when I was 21 years old. Though I had little interest in sailing at the time ( I was on a treasure hunting expedition, and I was pretty much the lead diver on the crew), I do remember learning that though we had no control of the direction or strength of the winds, we could always change the set of the sail, and tack back and forth, to stay on course. 26 days after leaving, Key West, Florida, I was awakened one morning to the shout of ‘Land, Ahoy!’, as we came upon the cliffs of the Azores, one misty dawn.

During those 26 days, we saw some bright sunny days, and endured a severe storm, that kept us simply hanging on for dear life for three days and three nights. The winds and seas constantly changed, as as they did, we had to run up many different sets of sails, depending upon the wind that particular day.

Gravity, is like the law of sin and death, that drags you down, always.

FAITH – the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, lifts us up above the circumstances of life, just like the laws of thrust and lift under and airplanes wing, defeat the law of gravity.

In this life, we face both calm and stormy seas.

While enjoying the wonders of creation on the bright and beautiful days, wise people study and prepare their faith for the storms of life, for in the severe tests, only faith will suffice to weather the storm.

Like sailing, each particular wind required a particular set of sails, so each season of life, requires our faith in Jesus adjusted to whatever wind current is blowing that day, for the Holy Spirit is always moving, and we need to be sensitive and adaptive to what He is doing, and adjust our faith sails to maximize our eternal impact with our lives, that particular day.

This is not about salvation, rather joy-filled obedience, intimate relationship with Him, daily.

When life comes to us, to bring sickness or pain, that are never the will of our God, those of us that are wise have learned that a legalistic stand boldly claiming God’s promises of healing, become only the beginning sometimes, of a spirit-led walk leading again to strength, health and wholeness.

When I had my stroke in 2009, and found myself on the medical examination table with blood pressure 200 over 150, claiming: ‘By His stripes I am healed’ I was confronted by a brutally rough ex army doctor who read me the riot act. She told me in no uncertain terms what I had to do over the next year, in terms of reducing stress, changing my diet, getting actual sleep at night, and learning to exercise again, what I needed to do, if I want to live past what could have been my last six months on the planet.

I did what she said, cut my work day back from fourteen hours to nine or ten each day, signed up for the local YMCA, and over the next two years, lost 45 pounds, and found a new perspective and lease on life.

The sail that had built a million dollar a year company, was insufficient for the wind that blew that day, and by the grace of God, I changed, and am alive to tell my story.

The season had changed in my life, and I had not discerned it….

I have walked with the Lord now for over 25 years, and He is good!

It is too late to try to convince me that health and provision, are not part of the gospel – Jesus still heals, and He would that we all prosper financially.

Yet, money will not buy obedience, nor health. These are gifts from the Lord, and come as a result of a grace-filled life stemming from spirit-led obedience, daily, over years.

What we don’t know, can kill us!

During the good times of smooth sailing, dig deep into the Word of God, and learn about healing, diet, exercise, nutrition, finances, how to hear and become led by the Spirit of God, the principals of faith and confession, wisdom, because know this: there is a storm coming!

God doesn’t bring it, devils and people that serve them do, but this world is a difficult place.

It is tough to pour concrete in a tornado! The wise man built his house upon the rock, BEFORE the storm can!

The foundation you must have to survive the storm must be built in the calm, good times, when there is calmness to learn and learn to apply spiritual law that will dominate life’s circumstances every time it is applied.

Romans 8:2

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law  of sin and death.

I pray you begin and end this day, in faith, fully led by Holy Spirit, rising high above every storm of life, by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!

It can be done!

Stay in faith today, and SOAR with Jesus!

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I submit to Your leadership in my life today. Holy Spirit, please speak to me, and help me to carefully obey, as I seek first You and Your kingdom, today Lord Jesus. Amen’

Seeing Heaven – I preach Prosperity

Seeing Heaven, I preach Prosperity!

Rev 21: 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Let’s look back a couple verses to Revelation chapter 21:

v19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

See the majesty of heaven described here? Gold, precious jewels, glory, majesty, honor, holiness!

Jesus told us to pray:

Mt 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Then Jesus said:

Mt 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The kingdom, rule, reign and presence of heaven is among us!

My version of repent is a little different than some: I think of a penthouse as a high place, an executive suite, the best condo in the building, the best room in a hotel, the Presidential suite, the highest place in the building.

Re: means to return to.

Repent then, means, come back to your high place. Your place of dignity, honor, respect, holiness. Leave the filthy, unclean, darkness of sin, and your own way, and come to the high place, where we walk with the King of Glory!

Ephesians 2:6 (KJV) ⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Ps 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

When you do, heaven comes to earth!

First to your soul, but this word picture in Revelation is the atmosphere of heaven, and it is glorious!

It includes, but is not limited to riches and wealth!

Lu 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Lu 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

There is no sickness, poverty, sin, or heartbreak in the kingdom, and this is the kingdom of God, the rule and reign of our King, that was given to you, when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and King.

Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Ro 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Righteousness releases resources, heaven’s resources, provision for your life, resources to fulfill your God given destiny!

De 11:21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
Let’s Pray:
Father, I ask you today for the fullness of your kingdom to manifest in my life. May strength, health, glory, and prosperity manifest in my life today, for I am your child, and you are the great King of all the Universe! Show forth your glory, as I seek you today, and determine to walk with you in honor, power, and obedience today, in your name I pray Lord Jesus!’

The Poor are Rich!

I do not usually use anyone else’s material, but these words leaped off that page at me.

A Trustworthy Name

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. (Zephaniah 3:12)

When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith.

The Lord has even now His faithful remnant. Am I one of them?

Perhaps it is because men are afflicted and poor that they learn to trust in the name of the Lord.

He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust. He whose own name is good for nothing in his own esteem, acts wisely to rest in another name, even that best of names, the name of Jehovah. God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people. Little as the world thinks of them, their being left in the midst of a nation is the channel of untold blessings to it. Here we have the conserving salt which keeps in check the corruption which is in the world through lust.

Again the question comes home to each one of us. Am I one of them? Am I afflicted by the sin within me and around me? Am I poor in spirit, poor spiritually in my own judgment? Do I trust in the Lord? This is the main business. Jesus reveals the name, the character, the person of God; am I trusting in Him? If so, I am left in this world for a purpose. Lord, help me to fulfill it. Wood John http://jesusprayergroups.webs.com/

As I read this quote today, it provoked me to thinking…

I thought of people who’s walk with the Lord I admire, and I think of God’s servant Heidi Baker, when she had completed her Phd in systematic theology, and God told her and Rolland, to “Go to Mozambique, and sit with the poor, and learn about my kingdom’.

I think Jesus, the great king, is also the greatest of servants and loves to use, poor, broken people, to teach us about Him. He is love, He is mercy, and He is humble.

In all my study, and depths of prayer and soul searching, I see the needs of this broken world, and am reminded that His love, His power, His grace are sufficient, but if I want to see it.

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Heaven is where the power of the Holy Spirit is authorized from. This is where the Father, receives our prayers through Jesus our high priest and answers in signs, wonders, and miracles…

How I long to see the power of God in the earth, healing the sick, mending shattered lives, hearts, dreams.

Yet, the kingdom of heaven is for those who are poor in spirit, yet rich in faith.

Today, I see tremendous things occurring in his kingdom and I have the privilege to be part of some of them. Yet, in my own life and family, I need some miracles….

If you are truthful with Him, so do you…

For these, let us come together before Him, and humbly ask:

“Father, I need you. Your power, Your provision, Your grace, Your wisdom, Your understanding, Your insight into my life, that I might walk before You, pure, and able to be some sort of solution to this broken hurting world. Jesus, though You have gifted me greatly, I, just like the poorest of the poor, see my great need of You. Meet with me today, and do what only You can do.’

Workers in the Vineyard – Be Led!

Workers in the Vineyard

In today’s text I read:

Matt 20:13 But he answered one of them, Friend, I am doing you no injustice. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this man hired last the same as I give to you.
15 Am I not permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? [Or do you begrudge my being generous?] Is your eye evil because I am good?
16 So those who [now] are last will be first [then], and those who [now] are first will be last [then]. [d]For many are called, but few chosen.

Four things I see in this that are helpful to me:

1. Every man cuts his own deal. Job and financial opportunities come to us all the time, we decide what we are worth. Certain positions only pay certain amounts, and some money is always better than no money, but we should be looking to be in the right field, working for the right Master, that values us and rewards us well for our efforts. If we are self employed, Jesus is our direct Master, and we need to be diligently seeking Him for His direction, promotion, provision, favor and means of maximizing our effort for maximum result.

2. The opportunity offered was open to many, but only a few even showed up at the place of service.

3. The pay was no based upon longevity, faithfulness, or service, but only upon the generosity of the Master. Our income can radically increase when we obey Jesus. Availability trumps ability. Obedience is better than sacrifice and hard work.

4. Only a few may make the grade. Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Read this parable carefully. Ten servants were called, only three showed up to give a report of their stewardship. The one who buried his talent, lost it, which means that only two out of ten servants, were ever heard from in Scripture again. Eight disqualified themselves! It is imperative that we not only hear the voice of Jesus, but that we obey quickly, and give it everything we’ve got!

What is He saying to You, today? How can we maximize our effectiveness for the King today?

Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, life is busy, with many opportunities to work, grow, learn, and move forward. Help us to fully obey you, that we might maximize our eternal impact today, and every day. We ask, knowing we are heard and answered, for we ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

The Golden Ladder of Giving:

The Golden Ladder of Giving:

The following account was written by a friend of mine, pastor Dan Stratton, from New York City, and I love it’s thoughts. So, I shot him a message, and asked his permission to post it here on the blog. With his permission, here it is:

“A while back I had dinner with an elderly gentleman who was doing work around the world. He spoke of building shopping centers in Ghana. His name was Daniel and his son’s name is Joseph. Joseph and I were classmates at Yale. However, I was introduced to Daniel through Obie who has been my friend now these past 8 years or so.

A group of politicians and business leaders had come from Africa to discuss potential work that we might do together. We met at the Havana Club at the top of the 6’s where Obie has been a member for some years. We were there as Obie’s guests.

Obie is an established African American businessman – a Harvard graduate and a very strong Christian. Daniel is a Jewish businessman who has done amazingly well in the real estate market and a devout Jew.

Our discussion began. Obie challenged the motives for this potential partnership as he spoke to the contingency from Africa. Amongst this group were men who had been to prison with Nelson Mandela and had been part of the formation of the new government in South Africa. We looked for common ground.

We found common ground Daniel and me in and old document written by Moses Maimanodes. I was introduced to this as the Golden Ladder of Charity. Daniel challenged me and said that the thought would best be understood and communicated as the Golden Ladder of Justice. He said that the difference was this, “Charity is something we can choose to do or not do. Justice is a duty. Justice must be done.”

In this Golden Ladder, Maimanodes bemoans the fact that so many with such good intentions create division through their giving. He says that it is not enough to give. He describes a wisdom and a process that must be considered to insure that the giver doesn’t subjugate the recipient. If the recipient is minimized in any way, he says, eventually there will be a major backlash that will leave both parties diminished.

The Golden Ladder

The steps of giving — 8 rungs.

1. To give with reluctance or regret. This is the gift of the hand but not the heart. 
2. To give cheerfully, but not proportionately, but not until solicited. This causes distress to the sufferer. 
3. To give cheerfully and proportionately, but not until solicited. 
4. To give cheerfully, proportionately and unsolicited but the giver gives directly into the hand of the receiver, exciting in him the painful emotion of shame. 
5. To give cheerfully, proportionately, proactively but the giver does not know the recipient. Still the recipient knows the giver. 
6. To give cheerfully, proportionately and proactively; whereas, the giver knows the recipient but the recipient does not know the giver. 
7. The chamber of Silence — total anonymity. Giving cheerfully, proportionately and proactively, whereas, neither the giver nor the recipient knows each other. 
8. Anticipating need. Preventing poverty. Preventing suffering through education, infrastructure and access. Giving to someone so that they never experience a day where they have to raise their hand to ask for help.

I have written extensively on the emotion and the pain experienced as we walk through these 8 steps of revelation. Growing to give without the need to be recognized is a process that few are unaware of.

In every exchange, every conversation, it would bid us all well to keep in mind that even Wisdom is a gift that can subjugate the hearer if we are not careful. This subjugation will create a backlash. Taking heed to give as anonymously as possible is a journey toward selflessness.”

Carefully consider that which you have received. Has it created in us an anger or worse, a hatred for the giver. Reconcile that, or you will receive that same anger paid back to you when you give.

And carefully consider when you give. Your motive may be some form of recognition, that will cost you and the recipient far more than the resources exchanged.

I say this into the realm of need that exists on our precious planet earth. None of these thoughts are mine. I have just discovered them on my “school of hard knocks” journey.”

This is the end, of pastor Dan’s account, but I have been meditating on several Scriptures, that lead my thoughts towards the worship component of our giving:

How about this one:

Hebrews 7:8 AKJV

And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth

Here, we see that when we give, we first present our offering to God as an offering, then to whoever He directs us to give it to in this life. Charity then, true charity – must be worship to God.

In this passage, that I often teach on with respect to tithing, I see the spirit of giving, and on this I will expound. When I give to the poor, if possible, I do what I can to remain anonymous, for Jesus Himself said:

Matthew 6:3 AMP

But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy],

As we understand, that ‘the poor we will always have with us’ and we seek to honestly empower, support, and bless them to the best of our ability through the love of God that works through us, it is good to meet needs, without expecting anything from them, as part of our worship and obedience to God Himself. Though I may not expect anything from the poor, I do expect things for them – as I honestly seek to better their condition, be it through education, job creation, or economic development initiatives.

In Matthew 25, we see how God will judge us, individually and in the work of our organizations, by how well we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, get water to the thirsty, visit the sick and the prisoner. Again, in these passages, I see the spirit of worship injected between the lines of the text – God loves all people – and one of the ways we worship, is to serve and meet the needs of people that He created in His image.

We must do it in faith to please Him, for it is written:

Proverbs 19:17

He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord, And the Lord will repay him for his good deed.

No matter how wealthy our work and gifts make us, we humbly recognize that it is only by the hand of an Almighty Creator, the author of all life that we have been able to prosper, and that He is the author of all life. No matter how wealthy we become, we are limited in our abilities to alleviate human suffering, He is limitless, and well able to repay to us, any amount He might require us to give.

Sometimes that giving, is only seen privately, between us and Him in prayer. Like when Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, and was legitimately owed his wages and expenses while he was there. Yet, he saw the oppression and needs of the people and we read:

Nehemiah 5:

Nehemiah’s Example

¹⁴ Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my relatives have eaten the governor’s food allowance. ¹⁵ But the former governors who were [in office] before me put heavy burdens on the people and took food and wine from them in addition to forty shekels of silver [as an excessive monthly salary]; even their servants assumed authority over the people. But I did not do so because of the [reverent] fear of God. ¹⁶ I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered together there for the work. ¹⁷ Moreover, there were at my table a hundred and fifty Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. ¹⁸ Now the following were prepared for each day: one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls (poultry) were prepared for me; and in intervals of ten days all sorts of wine was provided in abundance. Yet for all this, I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people. ¹⁹ Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all I have done for this people.

Read the whole chapter – he used his position and authority to make financial wrongs right, and to set the people of God free from unjust interest.

I find myself often surrounded by glaring financial needs, children that need food each day to live, orphans that need school tuition and supplies, ministries that need buildings, and I long to help them all, yet I am ONLY responsible to help those that God places upon my heart.

Yes, we are to give, but with selflessness, and purity of heart, that we might see God in every area of our lives.

May we give, generously, often, in faith, to glorify Jesus in all we do:

Let’s Pray:

‘Father, flow through me in generosity and love as I worship You in my giving. Help me to become more selfless, than selfish, equipping and empowering people that you love to the best of my ability. Release to me, more resource and wealth to further make this world a better place. Help me to alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, to use my position, authority and influence to break policies that oppress people, rather than empower them in life, liberty, honor, and pursuit of the dreams You have placed in every human heart. I ask this, knowing I am heard, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

Money with a Mission!

Power to get wealth

May 16, 2011 at 10:53pm

 

Deut 8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Money with a Mission. Power to get wealth is the promise. Yet, like many of the promises of God it comes wrapped in conditions designed to protect us from even ourselves. We are to glorify God as He brings us money, recognizing He is the one who created us and who gave us the strength and skill to accumulate wealth for a purpose. What is the purpose? To establish His covenant in the earth. God and sons Inc. He has a business in the earth; the redemption business. Reaching people with the gospel, making them disciples, and sending them out to tell others. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness therof. No matter how much real estate you accumulate, or how much equity you create, you are only a steward of that wealth. God’s desire is to prosper you, so that you can help fund His business. Some would say that’s Old Testament pastor. Nope. He still gives power, the power of the Holy Ghost, to do what? To be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth. What does a witness do? Tells about Jesus. What happens to those who call upon the name of the Lord? They become born-again, establishing His covenant in the earth, through the blood of Jesus. Think about this:

Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

If a woman operating under the power of an evil spirit can bring much financial gain to her masters, how much more a blood bought child of God operating under the power of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.

Even if we ‘own’ land here, we are only renters in the earth before God, because He owns everything. Paying our tithes at a good Bible believing church that is evangelizing and raising up people in the Word of God and their destiny is establishing God’s covenant in the earth. As you give today, know that you qualify for this promise. Let’s believe God for more of the Holy Spirit today, and His power to get wealth.

Want to get wealthy more quickly? Share the gospel with someone today, tell them about Jesus and get them adopted into the kingdom of God. You will find several things happening: 1. It’s fun, there is joy in it, because one third of the kingdom of God is joy! 2. There’s power in it, because it takes the power of God to translate someone out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. 3. There is money in it. You are fulfilling your part of the money with a mission message, and actively establishing His kingdom in the lives of others. He will do His part, and give you power and finances to get the great commission done. Truly, he that wins souls, is wise!
Let’s Pray:

‘Father, I ask you today, for the power of the Holy Spirit to extend and expand Your kingdom. I believe you will set before me today, opportunities to lovingly share Jesus with people, today. As You do, and I share the gospel with them, I believe You will release prosperity and blessing upon me and my house. I ask, knowing I am heard and answered, for I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen’

May the Lord Bless and Multiply YOU Today!

May the Lord Bless and Multiply YOU Today!

One morning R.C. Chapman, a devout Christian, was asked how he was feeling. “I’m burdened this morning!” was his reply. But his happy countenance contradicted his words. So the questioner exclaimed in surprise, “Are you really burdened, Mr. Chapman?” “Yes, but it’s a wonderful burden–it’s an overabundance of blessings for which I cannot find enough time or words to express my gratitude!” Seeing the puzzled look on the face of his friend, Chapman added with a smile, “I am referring to Psalm 68:19, which fully describes my condition. In that verse the Father in heaven reminds us that He ‘daily loads us with benefits.'”
Source Unknown

God said to Abraham:
Ge 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

We can follow this incredible promise, that God made to Abraham, renewed by covenant through-out the generations:

Issac
Ge 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

David
1Ch 27:23 But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the LORD had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens.

Ga 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Because of Jesus, this promise belongs to you and me!

In today’s reading, we see:

Deut 1:10 The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude.
11 (The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!)

Well, since all the promises of God, are yes and Amen, why not believe this on purpose today?

Let’s Pray:
Father, I pray that you bless and multiply my friend, as the sand of the seashore, stars of heavens today, at least a thousand times more than where they are today, in your name I pray Lord Jesus.