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’

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’

In Tune with our Father’s Heart….

The Heart of Faith!

Ps 145: 15 The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

16 You open your hand

and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Simple verse, keeps us focused. Every day, whether circumstances are stress free and it is our season of great prosperity of blessing, OR, we are in the trial of our life, trying to fully transition into our new season and place of perfect provision and blessing, our eyes must remain fixed upon Jesus, Yeshua, master and captain of our souls!

Jesus only did the will of our heavenly Father, and as He is, so should we be in this earth.

Let’s Pray:

“Father, again today, I seek to do Your perfect will, as You again do for me, what I cannot do for myself. Cause me to hear, see, and do, exactly what you need done, today, for my heart and eyes are fixed upon You. I love You Lord Jesus, thank You for again hearing, and answering…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’

Faith Sets the Sail!

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’

The Lord has need of it?

The Lord has need of it…

Mark 11:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

We all know the story, how Jesus spoke to his disciples to go procure for Him a donkey for the triumphal entry, and told his disciples where to get one, and what to say to the owners.When the owners came out to see what was going on with a couple of guys apparently stealing their donkey, they were informed: ‘The Lord has need of it!”
Interesting verse, especially in today’s Christian culture.
Could you imagine a minister showing up in your driveway, and taking your car proclaiming: “The Lord has need of it?”
Yet, we say, that Jesus is Lord of our possessions, that we are only stewards of them.
Round here, all I can say, is the Lord better be speaking to you, or you’re going to get shot!
This verse exists, and I am convinced that God still speaks to His disciples to give certain things at certain times.

Problem is, we have all seen the excesses.

 

Prosperity preachers who prophesy money out of people’s pockets, clearly padding their own pockets, and giving the gospel a bad name.

 

Yet, there have been clear cases where God did speak to His servants to tell people to give, and they heard correctly.

Like my pastor, Billy Joe Daugherty, getting a word in prayer, that he was to claim a summer camp for youth, of at least 100 acres, and he was not to pay one dime for it. We call it Camp Victory now, and it is a remarkable testimony, how God did it.
Or when God spoke to us to believe for a second vehicle for my wife, and a couple came to the church, having just closed their driving school, asking God what to do with one of the cars. They learned of the need, and showed up at our house with a little Toyota Tercel, that we drove for several years. We had no idea they even had an extra car, much less were intending to give it to us.
Yet, on the other side, we all get the letters, you know the kind: “I was praying last night on my prayer rug, and the anointing fell from heaven, and flowed down my forehead, over my body, and into this rug. The Lord instructed be to cut this rug, endued with Holy Spirit power, into 1000 pieces, and to send it to 1000 people with the following instruction: Lay this upon your body, and you will be healed, and if you sow $99.95 into this ministry, when you receive this, you will receive $10,000.00 harvest in the next 9 months”
Could God have spoken to a man like that?

 

Sure He could. Did He?

 

Probably not.

Why?
1. You cannot buy a miracle. You can sow a seed, and believe God for increase, but notice that when hankerchiefs were sent forth from the apostle Paul for healing, he was simply moving in love and power to heal the sick. He was not taking up an offering.

2. Judge the fruit of the person’s ministry. If they were using this gimmick this month, what will it be next month?

The American industrialist, Henry Ford, was once asked to donate money for the construction of a new medical facility. The billionaire pledged to donate $5,000. The next day in the newspaper, the headline read, “Henry Ford contributes $50,000 to the local hospital.” The irate Ford was on the phone immediately to complain to the fund-raiser that he had been misunderstood. The fund-raiser replied that they would print a retraction in the paper the following day to read, “Henry Ford reduces his donation by $45,000.” Realizing the poor publicity that would result, the industrialist agreed to the $50,000 contribution in return for the following: That above the entrance to the hospital was to be carved the biblical inscription: “I came among you and you took me in.”
Bits & Pieces, March 3, 1994, pp. 1-2
I am not cynical about giving, like every Christian, I love to give. It is the nature of God, for God so loved the world that He gave…yet I preached a message recently entitled, ‘Be led, not bled”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x13nAPRbCE
I believe in vision based giving. Where a man or woman of God receives a visionary directive from God, then using common sense and sound business practice, they investigate how much what they believe God has called them to do is going to cost them, and they make the need known.
In the meantime, strong Christians and ministries are working the unshakable principals of the kingdom of God: Tithing, sowing financial seed, aggressively believing, and placing pressure on promises, not people.

http://chrisaomministries.com/2015/08/07/gods-promises-of-provision-from-scripture/

God must honor His Word, but how He does it, is up to Him.
I have been thinking about the work of the Holy Spirit in all this too.

When God sent Elijah to Zerephath, 1 Kings 17:8 ¶ And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,
9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.
10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11 And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.
12 And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.
15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.
Similar situation I’d say. God had spoken to Elijah, and He also had spoken to the widow woman. Had they not both obeyed, things could have been pretty rough for both of them. God had the provison of the widow and the prophet on his mind.
Notice the key in my mind to the whole account, God spoke to both the woman, AND the prophet!

Much can be said here, but I will end with this thought: While God governs by principals, He speaks individually to people.

It is a relationship He requires, not religion. He is alive!
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

 

No matter what the emotional plea, the screaming financial need of a sin sick, hurting earth, we are only responsible to give what Jesus tells us personally.
If someone shows up at my door asking for money, generally, my answer is no, unless He should speak to me.

And speak He has!

 

I cannot count the times, we have had the privilege of God to meet human needs!

 

Truly, it is more blessed to give than to receive! There is wonderful joy in giving!
When I owned my companies, and would receive the countless support letters sent out by various ministries, I would carefully open them, and place the reply letter on my shelf. When we were paid on various contracts, and there was some money in the bank, I would take down this sheaf of envelopes, and get quiet before God to see what He might have me do financially for any of them.

 

Sometimes, He would instruct me to give our men a bonus, or buy a new tool, or take my wife out to eat, but often, regularly, I would write checks to many of these ministries, sometimes sacrificially, as part of my worship towards God. He fully understood the long hours worked to earn the money, the battles fought, the fatigue, frustration, pressure, and sacrifice we had endured to earn the money.

 

In those moments of giving, I had a fresh insight into the verse:
Rom 12:1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Giving, at those times was a deep sacrifice between me and God, worship, only He and I fully understood. Truly, He understands the long hours, stress, sweat, and brutal deadlines met, that produces the money, and this is our sacrifice…

Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure is, there is your heart; where your heart is, there is your happiness.
Augustine

Yet, whatever a man sows, he must also reap. As I step out again on this well worn gospel trail, I am convinced that those sacrificial seeds, will richly provide the needs of this family, and this ministry…

Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, you have created us all uniquely with different jobs to do to develop us, support our families, and to build your kingdom. As we see the next season approaching, may we remain faithful where we are, carefully hearing your voice, and living in obedience to you, daily. Shepherd, pastor; lead, feed, grow, and speak to me today Lord Jesus, Amen’

 

 

Money simply makes more of YOU!

Pr 10:16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives,
but evil people squander their money on sin

Some years ago, I was over at Rhema listening to Deon Sanders, the football legend speak.

He made the statement: Money simply makes more of You!

He went on to explain:

If you love Jesus, your money will go to help support His work, and to build great things for your family. If you love immoral women, money will buy more women. If you love partying, money will buy more expensive parties, more cocaine, fancy wines, superb whiskey. If you love cars, boats, computers, toys, etc, money just buys more of them, but if you love Jesus, you will use wealth with wisdom….

I don’t know about you, but I am determined to make my life count for eternity!

I want each and every day to make an eternal difference in this sin sick, war torn, hurting world. I want to see people’s lives changed, by the love and power of God, and I’m hard after it.

Money simply helps me love more people, and do good in building cool projects.

Sure, the love of money is the root of all evil, but money itself is not evil, in fact, it can become an great tool to use in developing people. It makes a great servant, but a lousy Lord.

Seems the Lord has directed me to write and study often on the topic of Biblical wealth, the motives that govern our money. Here are a couple of thoughts:

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/wealth-gods-way/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/good-gold-money-with-a-mission/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/the-money-test/

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/what-spirit-do-you-serve-with-your-money/
https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/10/27/wisdom-for-biblical-prosperity/

When I had my carpentry company, and was determined to produce the highest quality of woodwork possible, money was a great way to keep people motivated. Not only did it provide for us as we carefully managed and produced some incredible projects, but it was a great way to reward men who took the time to hone their skill set and develop as master craftsmen over years.

People who would never take time to listen to you about Jesus, have a lot more interest, when you are the one writing their paycheck each week, and they actually see God’s love being walked out in the workplace, a boss who regularly walks, talks, and sacrificially loves the people we are called to serve, earns respect through the sweat, that can come no other way.

Matthew 23:11

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Seems God’s promotions simply mean more responsibility, and the privilege of serving and loving more people…

The truth is, there is a spiritual war being fought every day in the earth, and control of money is one of the weapons employed.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

I have a couple of questions for you today:

In this verse, that has been often misquoted, I believe Jesus is not speaking about money directly, but naming an actual evil spirit that controls people through money, named mammon. Light and darkness, you can’t serve God and money, but surely you can serve God WITH your money.

Not all of the thoughts that cross your mind with respect to your spending, are your own. Holy Spirit will gently nudge you to do good things, and evil spirits will encourage you to indulge your lusts, and spend your hard earned cash on worldly pleasures…

1. What do you do with your money? Have you taken a look at your bank statement, and honestly tried to look at your cash-flow with the eyes of Jesus? Could you cook at home a couple of days, or pack a lunch, so that you could give some of the money you presently spend eating out, on supporting an orphanage, a missionary, or some unique Jesus project perfectly tailored to your gift?

2. What are you doing to grow in your gift and calling? Do you have a night course you can take, some books you can read, or a mentor that you could carve time out with, that will help you grow intellectually, spiritually, physically? Are there ways that you can improve, so that you might earn more money, not only to improve the quality of your life (God does love you and want you to have nice things), but to deliberately to earn more income to do your part in alleviating human suffering somewhere in the world…

 Let’s pray:

‘Father, please supply my needs today, and lead me and guide me in my spending, my giving, my stewardship of the resources and gifts you have given me, and give me creative ways to increase in all of these areas. May I ever be led by You Holy Spirit, not bled by the screaming needs and schemes of people, or the deceptive thoughts of devils. May I be generous, as You are Father, but careful to only give where You lead, not moved by the apparent need. I trust that You are good, and that You hear and answer me today, for I come to Your throne, in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen.

Ministers – Don’t Manipulate People for Money

If people in ministry have not learned the principals of tithing, giving, exercising our authority in prayer in the financial realm, dispatching angels, binding devils,and putting pressure on prayer and promises, all that is left, is the desperate, manipulative ways of man, as they sidle alongside potential donors, attempting to get their ministry needs met.

From the age old ‘selling of indulgences to rescue perishing souls from purgatory’, to the latest book or tape offer, ministers have used various techniques attempting to get people to give them money. It is a horrible sight, and brings great reproach to the gospel…

Yes, those of us who preach the gospel and who live by the gospel, are worthy of support, and yes, we depend upon the donations of God’s people that we might Go into all the world…

In a church, this is simple, people are conditioned to ‘bring their whole tithe into the storehouse’, and this offering supplies for staff support, lights, building, etc.

Yet, what about those of us who are five fold ministers, who are not pastors? There are four other ministry offices represented in the Body of Christ, and each of these is worthy of financial support.

In a perfect world I guess, everyone in the kingdom, would tithe and give offerings, and there should be such an abundance in the house of the Lord, that missions are easily funded, evangelistic crusades are paid for, compassionate ministries (hospitals, schools, orphanages, food banks, prison outreaches etc) are funded, and elders are only concerned with managing money well enough to ensure everything flows correctly, so that there is no lack of supply for kingdom initiatives, but for those of us serving as leaders in the Body, we quickly discover the brutal truth – many of God’s people do not tithe, and there are huge screaming financial needs all around us as we try to alleviate human suffering, and we need to be aggressively in the face of God to both ensure our personal needs are met, and then the needs of the helpless we are called to serve.

In the book of Acts, clearly the work of God was demonstrated in great power, and there was no financial lack:

Acts 4:³³ And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

³⁴ Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

³⁵ And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

I have learned that I MUST consistently obey and demonstrate great power with God among people, and great grace and supply supernaturally happens. It takes the power of God to shake devils free of the money they control!

And yet we see the fund-raising appeals, the telemarketing letters, the tele-thons, and the carefully planned meetings with potential donors…Ministers chasing money, instead of people with money chasing them!

We do a yearly missions banquet, where we show pictures of our missions trips, and present our vision for the upcoming year. We post often on Social Media, and send out a monthly newsletter, showing what God is doing through us, and encouraging people to give.

Gal 6:6 AMP The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]

This is why I stay faithful to the Word of God, digging deep into mine of revelation contained there, seeking fresh living teaching to feed the people of God, this is why all the books, blogs, and myriads of Social Media posts, this is my way of teaching, training, equipping, and ministering to people the Word of God….

True Faith places pressure on God’s promises in prayer, never upon people.

Holy Spirit is well able to speak to people to give, when our ministry is fully obeying God.

 

I took the time to research 100 verses promising God’s provision. Here, is the promises that will provide for you, for Jesus is faithful to His word, He cannot lie.

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/gods-promises-of-provision-from-scripture/

I then took these verses, personalized them, and they have become my sword of the Spirit, my confessions of violent faith as I exercise His authority through His Word, from before His throne, into the earth.

https://chrisaomministries.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/prosperity-prayer-and-confessions/

I have learned that as I become more accurate in my Spirit led obedience, God has been faithful to provide what I need, as He graciously deals with others to give into our ministry.

No, as we work, preach, travel, and perform the works of compassion required of us, Holy Spirit will deal with men’s hearts about our support.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

I guess if anything I have written has blessed anyone, trained, equipped, or helped them walk with God, then they will be moved to send in donations and offerings to our ministry. If they don’t give, and yet somehow, I am able to encourage someone to believe God, get their needs met through His promises, my reward will be in heaven, for He sees, He knows, and He provides.

The gospel will never have a price tag upon it, for what price can one place upon eternal life?

Freely we are given, so freely we give…trusting Jesus for both the power to perform what we preach, and power to supply our every need, so that we can preach…

We all have out part to play in the kingdom…

Let’s pray:

Father, I trust you again with this day, to perform Your Word, with signs following. I trust You to provide for all the needs of my life, my family, and every family who has in any way received from this ministry. Together, our eyes are upon You, purposed to obey, in whatever path You have called us to walk in this life. Thank you for clear direction, and I believe I receive it for I ask again, in Your precious name Lord Jesus, Amen’

 

I Have Third Day Faith!

On the third day…

Ex 19:16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain.

God seems to like 3rd days!

Jesus came out of the tomb, on the third day!

I choose to release my faith, NOW, that in three days, that is Saturday, our time: I will see God do great things – life from the dead things, thunder roaring and lightening flashing things, where God comes down upon the mountain of my devotion, and meets with me, face to face.

Let’s Pray:

Father, do it again. God of power, might, Creator of Heaven and Earth, meet with me, deliver me, provide for me, again.  In Your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen!

Negotiations – Not Every Offering is acceptable

Negotiations

2 Kings 5:26 Is it a time to receive money?

I remember this verse well, but to begin, let’s look at the account of Abraham looking for a burial place for his beloved wife, Sarah.

Gen 23: 4 I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
6 Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.
7 And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
10 And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
11 Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.
12 And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.
13 And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.
14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,
15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
16 ¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

Notice the heart of Abraham here. He could have simply received this grave site cave as a gift, but his heart fully belonged to God, full of honor.

He knew that in the long run, not paying full price for this burial plot would have caused strife between him and Ephron, and there is no honor in strife. How? Think about it for a minute: the people in the community would say: Abraham is really wealthy, yet he took some of our land to bury his wife. He could have paid for it, but he took advantage of ‘uncle’ Ephron’s kindness…You know how all that can go…

Reminds me of the heart of Elisha after Naaman was healed of leprosy, yet he did not receive an offering from him.

Let’s look at the account here:

2 Kings 5:15 ¶ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.
16 But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

As we study church history, we have seen great abuses of spiritual authority in this area.

The great healing evangelists who would see the power of God open a number of deaf ears, or raise cripples miraculously from deathbeds or wheelchairs, only to announce:

‘Now let’s honor God by taking up an offering!’

As if one can buy the miraculous power of God!

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Not every offering is acceptable before God, and though folks may offer us money, gifts, great deals, not every offering is acceptable before God.

I remember how the Lord dealt with me along these lines while I attended Bible school at Rhema back in the 90’s.
I had prayed for some new suits, and while at a revival meeting, a man approached me and told me that God told him to give me three new suits that he had just purchased. We went to his house after the meeting, and they were beautiful suits, and exactly my size! I went home praising God, thanking Him for this blessing, but had a gentle nudge down in my heart, that something wasn’t quite right. Wasn’t sure quite what yet.

Next morning, in devotions, the Lord showed me the motives of this man’s heart that had given me the suits, and they were not right before him.

Mt 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

The man was extremly bitter against Rhema, and was in gross rebellion towards God Himself. I prayed about what to do, and the Lord told me to return the suits that very minute to the man, so I jumped in my car, drove across town, and left them on the doorknob of his house with a note on them. Never saw the man again, but God ignited my heart with joy, and I knew that I had done the right thing.

The heart of any true minister of God, is to receive offerings, in faith, just like Jesus received the little boys lunch: When people give to us, we should have not merely gratefulness that OUR needs are being met, but more importantly, that they honored God in their giving, so that we could, with the faith of Abraham, believe God would multiply their gift exponentially so that THEIR needs are met.

This is the heart of the apostle Paul in the famous verses, often misquoted at offering time that he wrote in his letter to the Phillippians:

4:¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

¹⁷ Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

¹⁸ But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul saw, before the throne of God, how God Himself was honoring the offerings of the Phillipian church, and ‘fruit was being added to their account’ so that he could state clearly that God would become personally involved in their finances, and would supply all of their needs according TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY by Christ Jesus!

Hope this helps someone today, trying to walk in their calling, and to keep their heart right before the Lord.

Let’s pray:
“Father God, I come before you right now, trusting you, and You alone fully for my provision. Show me where to give, and where to receive, and give me strength of heart, to never be bought, nor compromise our vital, living relationship. In your name I pray Lord Jesus, Amen’