Tag: prosperity

Prosperity & Pride

Prosperity & Pride

It’s a sad fact of life that many believers who experience prosperity fall prey to a proud and haughty spirit, and no longer trust in the Lord for anything.  Because they are prosperous, they think that they will ALWAYS be prosperous, and therefore, well able to provide for their own needs—whatever they may be!

What a truly sad state of affairs for a follower of Jesus Christ to “forget” their Savior, as the following Scriptures will demonstrate:

. . . lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, 13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery . . .  (Deut 8:12-14 ESV)

But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, you grew thick, you are obese!  Then he forsook God who made him, and scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.  (Deut 32:15 NKJV)

When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.  (Hos 13:6 NIV)

This article is merely a timely warning to us all that we NOT become complacent, but rather, let us continue to read and meditate upon the Bible regularly.  Let us continue to pray to the Lord, and to thank Him and praise Him for all of our many blessings.  Let us remember that it is the LORD who upholds and sustains our very lives.

All that we have and all that we are is thanks to the Lord, our Creator and Savior.  Let’s give Him the praise, honor and glory that He deserves. Hallelujah! 

Our Talents & Gifts Make A Way for Us

Our Talents & Gifts Make A Way for Us

Whatever gifts and talents that the Lord has given to us, individually, will surely open doors and opportunities for us.  It is up to us to use these opportunities in service of God and of His Kingdom. 

Let’s turn to the Bible:

A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.  (Pro 18:16 NASB)

Your talents will bring you before “great” men.  What does that mean?  It can mean that our talents and skills open opportunities for us with people who are:

  • Famous.
  • Eminent in their field.
  • Wealthy,
  • Skillful or talented, or
  • Powerful.

A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers.  (Pro 17:8 NKJV)

An ability to make wise investments will certainly bring a person to the attention of many.  A proficiency with mathematics or statistics will open a multitude of opportunities to an individual.  An aptitude for remembering facts and a competence in using those facts to advantage is another skill that will take a person to great heights.  These are the types and kinds of “gifts” or “presents” referred to in this verse of the Bible.

And now this present which your maidservant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord.  (1 Sam 25:27 NKJV)

Even a physical gift can be used wisely to give a person an advantage in a situation.  We are called to pray about our gifts and talents and to use them to the best use of the Kingdom of God.  Along the way, don’t be surprised if the Lord blesses you with prosperity and favor, as well!  Have a blessed day!

We’re Called to Freedom

We’re Called to Freedom

We, as followers of Jesus Christ, have been called to FREEDOM.  We have not been called to legal bondage!  We’re being reminded that we’re no longer under the law of the Old Testament, and that we should not try to live as the Pharisees did.

Not only are we free from the bondage of the Mosaic ceremonies, but we’re also free of sin and misery.  The gospel of Jesus Christ calls all people into the law of love.

The truth of God’s Word and God’s salvation sets people free in every nation and culture on earth.

. . . and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  (Joh 8:32 ASV)

. . . because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.  (Rom 8:2 CSB)

We live under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!  Hallelujah!

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  (Gal 5:13 ESV)

We’re called, through love, to serve one another as well as the Kingdom of God.

Now ‘the Lord’ here means the spirit; and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  (2 Cor 3:17 NTE)

Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical freedom.  There is health, healing, prosperity and peace wherever the spirit of the Lord reigns.  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and govern your life.

Inherit the Earth

Inherit the Earth

For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.  (Ps 37:9)

He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth.  (Ps 25:13)

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.  (Ps 37:29)

For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it . . .  (Pro 2:21)

These passages of the Bible focus upon the idea that the righteous have been given a promise to “inherit the earth.”  What does that mean for believers? 

Here are some facts to begin this meditation:

  1. God is the owner of this earth (Ps 24:1).
  2. Those who obey Christ become children of God (Gal 3:27; Heb 5:9), and “joint-heirs” with the Lord (Rom 8:17).
  3. The Father supplies all of our needs (Phil 4:19); we therefore enjoy this earth and its blessings more than all others.
  4. Mainly, however, our inheritance is spiritual (Ac 20:32); we are heirs in the kingdom of Christ (Eph 5:5), and citizenship in that kingdom is available now on this earth (Col 1:13).
  5. Finally, we also look for an inheritance that is reserved for us in heaven (1 Pet 1:4), because we are aware that the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns (2 Pet 3:10).

The verses of Scripture at the beginning of this article all describe a blessing appointed to the righteous in the coming age. 

All who have been made righteous through Jesus Christ shall one day have power over all things, and until then will always receive provision of their needs through Jesus Christ. How blessed we are!

Pay Attention to the Wisdom of God

Pay Attention to the Wisdom of God

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; 18 for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips . . .  (Pro 22:17-18)

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it.  34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  (Pro 8:33-34)

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, 2 that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge.  (Pro 5:1-2)

As we read these passages from the Bible shown above, we can clearly see one theme shining through which is that we need to pay attention to and obey the Wisdom of God. 

The Bible is filled with the wisdom of God from the beginning to the end.  As we fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word, we will learn about God’s nature and goodness as well as about His eternal wisdom.

As we choose to obey God’s will and to yield to His wisdom, we will experience God’s blessings and prosperity.   As we continue to yield to His Word throughout the course of our life, we will acquire a merciful and loving heart toward others, and a deep desire to bless other people.  This is truly the outworking of God’s life and Spirit within us.

Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24, 30), and in Him, this wisdom is available to us.  Glory to God!

Prosperity, Wealth, Abundance

Prosperity, Wealth, Abundance

God has given us promises to bless us with prosperity and abundance—even wealth.  But we need to trust in God’s faithfulness, and trust that He will bring these promises to pass in our own lives.

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deu 8:18 NKJV)

This Scripture passage says that God gives us power to get wealth in order to establish His covenant with us.  This is an important concept to hold onto:  that God gives us the competence, aptitude, and capacity for receiving and acquiring wealth.

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.  (Ps 37:11 NIV)

The meek are all those who follow Jesus Christ.  Jesus even said that the meek would inherit the earth.  That would include inheriting prosperity and wealth.  (Mt 5:5; Col 3:2) 

Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.  (Isa 60:5 NKJV)

Isaiah 60:5 informs us that abundance and wealth shall come to God’s people.  Furthermore, it says that our hearts with swell with joy and that our faces will glow joyously because of this truth.

The secret of knowing the Scriptures is to realize that every promise and every blessing is ours NOW—before we see it and before we experience it in the natural.  This is why we are called people of faith.  Faith is trusting God to bring unseen things into the place where we can see them and experience them!  (Heb 11:1)  Hallelujah!

Trust God’s Word more than you trust your senses!  He is a God of signs, wonders, and miracles.  (Ac 2:22; 1 Cor 12:28; Heb 2:4) 

God will never allow your faith in Him to be put to shame.  (Rom 9:33; 10:11)

How Can I Receive a Miracle?

How Can I Receive a Miracle?

Considering the last blog article, I thought it would be timely to look at Bible verses that help us to understand how to receive a miracle when we need it or whenever someone we care about might need one. Let’s clarify our terms, first.  Let’s look at the difference between a blessing and a miracle.

A blessing is unmerited favor or approval; a special favor, mercy or benefit.  (Example:  The blessing of living in a land of liberty. -or- The blessing of having food and shelter.)

A miracle is a supernatural phenomenon from God in an emergency or time of need; an extraordinary, welcome event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to God. 

From time to time, most of us need a miracle at some point in our lives.  The God whom we serve is predictable and orderly; He is forever faithful. 

God doesn’t change.  God always want to help us; always wants to bless us and to deliver us from evil.  You can find these truths right in God’s Word.  (Ps 54:4; Isa 41:10; Heb 13:8)

First, know what the Bible says to you.  Meditate upon these truths from Scripture:

  • And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.  (Deu 28:13)  –  God surrounds us with His favor at all times.  He gives us the grace and ability to rule in this life.
  • But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness . . .  (Rom 4:5) – Our faith in Jesus Christ is our righteousness in God’s sight.
  • And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (Phil 4:19) – God’s promises to meet ALL of our needs through Jesus Christ and our faith in Him.
  • And let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”  (Ps 35:27b) – God is pleased with our success and our prosperity. 
  • Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.  (3 Joh 2) – The Lord’s desire is for us to prosper and to be healthy always.
  • But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  (Mt 19:26, see also Mk 10:27; Lk 18:27) – All things are possible to us through our faith in Jesus Christ.
  • And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  (Joh 14:13) – Jesus says that He will do WHATEVER we pray for in order to bring glory to our Father God through the Son, Jesus. 
  • Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”  (Lk 1:38)  – When we ask God for something, we place our faith in God and in His Word. 

The eight Bible verses shown above are only a sample of the good and precious promises that God has given to every believer.  God’s Word is His will.  When we ask for something in agreement with His will, we know that God WILL give us whatever we need.  (1 Joh 5:14-15)

  1. Know what God’s Word says and understand that it is His will for you.
  2. Sow God’s Word into your heart by reading, memorizing, and meditating upon it daily.
  3. Put your faith in the Word, and ask God for what you need, based upon His Word.
  4. Understand that God’s answer to you is “Yes” and receive your miracle by faith right then.  Have confidence that God’s Word will prevail in your life.
  5. Praise and thank God for hearing and answering your prayers, and expect to reap the harvest of your miracle thanks to the seed of the Word of God that you have planted in your heart. 
  6. Do not abandon your faith or your testimony. Hold fast; do not waiver in your faith in God.

Following these guidelines should reap untold benefits and wonders. Give God all of the glory, honor, and praise, in Jesus’ holy name.

Treasures

Treasures

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  (Mt 6:19-21)

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.  (Pro 10:2)

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.  10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  (Ps 19:9-10)

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.  (Mt 13:44-46)

. . . that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  (Col 2:2-3)

We may think that wealth and riches profit us in this life.  In some ways, that is true.  However, we should remember that any so-called treasure that is a result of dishonesty or sinful pursuits will not bring us the joy that truly satisfies.  Such treasures will never profit us in eternity. 

But the righteousness that is born of faith in Jesus Christ will deliver us from many evils in this life as well as from eternal death in the next.

The Bible is packed full of precious promises (treasures) for the believer.  There are promises concerning health, healing, prosperity, the blessings of children, and the joy of relationships.  There are promises about every area of life; and all we need to do is to study them, meditate upon them, and to claim them for ourselves.  Here are several examples:

  • Children are a blessing from God.  (Ps 127:3-5)
  • Great wealth is in the house of the righteous . . . (Prov 15:6a)
  • Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  (Ps 103:5)
  • Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.  (Isa 48:17)
  • For I am the Lord who heals you.  (Ex 15:26)
  • . . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.  (1 Pet 2:24)

These are the true treasures of life and of eternity in Jesus Christ.

Union With Christ

Union With Christ

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.  (Rom 6:5-6 NIV)

. . . always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  (2 Cor 4:10 NKJV)

. . . even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus . . . (Eph 2:5-6 NKJV)

These Bible passages are discussing a believer’s union with Christ.  Union with Christ refers to the relationship between the believer and Jesus Christ.  It also refers to a willing loyalty of Christ to the believer, as well as a loyalty of the believer to our Lord Jesus. 

The first 14 verses of Ephesians, chapter One, explain some of the blessings that we receive from being united with Christ.  These passages reinforce our understanding that we are blessed and highly favored by God. 

Unity in Christ—a result of our salvation—brings about an ongoing redemptive work in a believer’s life and conduct.  As we come to know and understand our Savior, and through the Bible learn about our untold blessings, we yearn to live in a manner that is completely pleasing to the Lord.  This is understandable. 

Even as a small child who is loved, valued and protected by their parents will choose to please and obey those good parents—so also does a believer desire to please and to obey our loving and merciful Savior.  From His hand we receive forgiveness, favor, health, prosperity, protection, provision, and the gift of grace to enable us daily. 

Our God is a good God.  He blesses people and nations, whether they acknowledge Him or not.  He places people in governing positions for the sake of giving people order and safety in the world.  He blesses believers individually as we love, obey, and serve Him.

In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the Lord and of his goodness. (Hos 3:5b NLT)  As this Scriptures states, in the end times we will tremble with awe because of the Lord’s magnificence and His unimaginable goodness to mankind.  Glory to God!

An Open Heaven

An Open Heaven

There is much discussion in Christian circles and among the highly educated about the concept of “an open heaven.”  I can’t say that I have definitive answers for us, but I always like to open the Bible to read what God is saying about every topic.

The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.  (Deu 28:12) 

This passage of the Bible gives us the idea that “opening heaven” to a person means that they shall experience God’s plentiful blessings, favor, and prosperity.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.  (Mal 3:10) 

The verse above discusses opening the windows of heaven to pour out ABUNDANT blessings upon each one who gives generously to the Lord’s work, church, and people. 

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.  (Lk 3:21)

The Scriptures tell us that at the time of Jesus’ water baptism, as Jesus prayed, the heaven above Him was opened!  The Bible goes on to say:

And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”  (Lk 3:22)

When I ponder Luke 3:21-22 along with John 1:50-51, I start to draw some basic conclusions for myself.  Let’s read the verses in John:

 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”  (Joh 1:50-51) 

This section of Scripture is actually a record of Jesus speaking, and Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” 

The “Son of Man” refers to Jesus Christ, Himself. 

My conclusion from studying these Bible verses is that the person of Jesus IS our open heaven, and all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord live under an open heaven.  All praises to God most High!