Wednesday, September 09 2015
Contributor: Alex Alajiki
INTRODUCTION:
Last two weeks, we considered the topic “Flourishing in the Household of Faith & Supernatural Wealth Transfer”. We were reminded that it is God’s desire, as a matter of fact, He’s always programmed into the “design specification” of Man, the power and ability to flourish. There is no doubt that it is God’s eternal plan for us to walk in absolute wealth for the main purpose of propagating His Kingdom.
Today we are looking at Supernatural Provision, Increase and Multiplication. Let us look at this word from the Lord through Kenneth Copeland.
“I have a great storehouse. Much more has been stored up in the storehouse of riches beyond your wildest dream that I laid up for you before the foundation of the world. Much more is stored up there than what the Church has ever called for. I never have held back on the Church,” saith The LORD and the God of plenty. “I’ve made it available to you. I put it in My WORD. I gave you promise and stood behind it with the blood—the precious blood of your Saviour.
“But there has been a backwardness in My people about laying hold of the things that I have provided for you.
“But I will say this: There is a people in the land. There is a people around the world. There is a people strong and mighty growing much stronger and much mightier and more bold to lay hold and put their claim of faith on the things that I have laid up for them and it thrills Me,” saith The LORD, “because it’s been theirs all the time.” By Kenneth Copeland Nov.10, 2011
1) What is “Super-natural”?
A) Super: - above, over, beyond, higher, surpassing; outside the natural realm.
B) Natural: - lower, below, limited to the earthly realm; conforming to the ordinary course of nature; something deduced by human reason alone rather than by divine revelation or inspiration.
C) Supernatural: - something that takes place outside the natural world; above, over, higher and beyond the ordinary course of nature. It is purely divine.
Supernatural Provision, increase and multiplication: - an unlimited, overwhelming supply, increase or multiplication that comes from above. James 1:17 (AMP): “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light.”
God has unusual ways and unlimited avenues of provision that supersede all natural limitations and faith gives access to the supernatural.
People try to increase themselves through toiling. There is a supernatural increase and a supernatural multiplication that we ought to operate in, in the Kingdom of God system. So, we are looking at the above and beyond the natural course of this world.
“Rejoice and renew your faith in the supernatural. For it is time for the words and the faith and the preaching that has gone on before us to come to pass and come to full maturity. We will stand up and say, ‘Surely the Glory has come down.” —Word from the Lord through Kenneth Copeland, Dec. 24, 2005
• If you are blessed with €10m today, what will you do with it?
“If you put things off in time and are looking through the natural progression of time, you can’t operate in the supernatural. The supernatural only operates by faith and faith is a higher law than time.” By Bill Winston, the Supernatural Church.
2) Supernatural Provision; 1Kings 17:1-6, John 17:24-26
“After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
3) Supernatural Increase; Psalm 115:12-16, Leviticus 26:4
“The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.”
“Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.”
We are not limited to or affected by the natural realm. Supernatural provision, increase and multiplication will un-fix a fixed income. The Lord will supernaturally provide in ways we have never considered.
4) Supernatural Multiplication; John 6:1-13, Leviticus 26:9 (AMP)
“For I will be leaning toward you with favour and regard for you, rendering you fruitful, multiplying you, and establishing and ratifying My covenant with you.”
“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).” Ep.3:20
• What is the difference between Increase and Multiplication?
5) Steps to Supernatural Provision, Increase and Multiplication
Our God has unlimited avenues and unusual ways of providing that extend beyond our natural limitations.
1) Our God is our source and only source; Gen.22:1-14: Jehovah Jireh—the Lord will provide
2) Be conscious of God’s blessing upon your life and all that is connected to you. Deu.28:8, 11-12
3) Be ready to obey the word and voice of God irrespective of the circumstances. John 2:5
Conclusion.
Philippians 4:19 (AMP/Greek paraphrase): My God will liberally supply, fill to the full, cram, furnish, satisfy, finish and complete all of your needs, employment, requirements, lack and business according to His riches, His wealth, His money and His possessions in glory by Christ Jesus.
Most parts of this outline are culled from the Book “40 DAYS OF PROSPERITY” by Pastor George Pearsons.
Wednesday, August 26 2015
Contributor: Leye Olayiwola
INTRODUCTION:
Last week, we considered the topic “Call in Your Harvest”. We were reminded that the responsibility of harvest is ours. In the words of Apostle Paul, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.” This also reiterates that planting is our responsibility. The growth part belongs to God. Mark 4:26-29 sums up the whole concept of planting, growth and harvesting. We were also reminded about the importance of our mouth in calling in our harvest. In today’s study, we shall be looking at God’s plan for us to flourish and the long overdue supernatural wealth transfer that those of us in the household of God have been positioned to enjoy in Jesus name, Amen.
A. Flourishing In The Household of Faith
“The world is in serious trouble. But for the household of faith and those who will cling to God’s word and listen very carefully, and do this thing that I have demonstrated before you tonight, and night after night after night……..Stand on my word and it’ll not come nigh you. Praise and worship My Name. Don’t feed and feed fear and feed trouble into your life and into your mouth. Feed on My Word, not on the bread of sorrow. In church, praise and worship and preach the Word. Everything is going to be alright” [Excerpt from the Word from the Lord through Brother Copeland in August 6, 2010]
“And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.” [Genesis 1:28 AMP]
It is God’s desire; As a matter of fact, He’s always programmed into the “design specification” of Man, the power and ability to flourish. We will look at scriptural confirmations to support this truth.
1. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to show that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” [Psalm 92:12-15]
To flourish means;
• To Flower, blossom, bloom, breakthrough, spread out.
• Enter into a state of prosperity.
• Increase in wealth, favour and honour.
• Grow vigorously and exuberantly, enlarge and expand.
• Become extremely successful.
2. “The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish” [Proverbs 14:11]
3. “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.” [Psalm 52:8] – The word green signifies flourishing.
“Wealth and riches shall be in his (the righteous) house: and his righteousness endureth forever.” [Psalm 112:3]
4. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” [Jeremiah 17:7-8]
• “….her leaf shall be green” – means prospering, thriving, flourishing.
• NLT Translation: “…Their leaves stay green [and flourishing], and they never stop producing fruit.”
• MSG Translation: “….They are like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – never worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.”
5. “He brought me to the banqueting house, And his banner over me was love. [SoS 2:4]
“He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage [branch]. [Prov. 11:28]
B. Supernatural Wealth Transfer
“Financial inversion (reverse in position) shall increase in these days. For you see, it is My (The Lord’s) desire to move in the realm of your financial prosperity. But release Me, saith the Lord, release Me that I may come in your behalf and move on your behalf….The economy shall go and it will go down [current situation in China worth mentioning]; but those who learn to walk in the Word, they shall see the prosperity of the Word come forth in this hour in a way that has not been seen by men in days past.
Yes, there’s coming a financial inversion in the world’s system. It’s been held in reservoirs of wicked men for days on end. But the end is nigh. Those reservoirs shall be tapped and drained into the gospel of Jesus Christ. It shall be done in the time allotted and so shall it be that the Word of the Lord shall come to pass that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. This shall be done predominantly in two ways. Firstly through the conversion, into God’s Kingdom, of those who have hoarded up and stored up wealth because of the inspiration of the evil one. Secondly, the Word of the Lord shall rise within men of God of low esteem in the financial world, who shall work in the light of the Word and give. Their giving will increase, and through the hundredfold return, the reservoirs that have held riches in days past shall return to the hands of the giver. This is how the reservoirs shall be lost from the wicked and turned to the gospel. [Excerpt from the Word from the Lord through Charles Capps, in February 1, 1978]
We will consider some scriptural truths in line with this prophesy.
1. “But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” [Proverbs 13:22b]
AMP Version: “…..the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.”
2. “Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like piles of clay, what he lays up the righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his silver. [Job 27:16-17 NIV]
NLT Version: “16 Evil people may have piles of money and may store away mounds of clothing. 17 But the righteous will wear that clothing, and the innocent will divide that money.” 19The wicked go to bed rich but wake to find that all their wealth is gone. “Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company” [Proverbs 24:1]
3. “To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God…...” NLT Version: “…if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please Him.”
4. “He brought [Israel] forth also with silver and gold, and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” [Psalm 105:37 AMP]
[a] Feeble (in Hebrew) means there was not one pauper among their tribes
[b] Pauper – An extremely poor person; A person without any means of support; A destitute person who depends on aid from public welfare funds or charity.
[c] Tehillim Commentary:
• Rabbi Eliezer the Great taught that the lowliest among the children of Israel brought ninety (90) donkeys laden with silver and gold when he left Egypt.
• The pauper is a man who has become impoverished and stumbled from his original financial level, No Jew who left Egypt could be described as a pauper because all were enriched by the possessions of their oppressors.
• Ibn Yachya and Sforno describe the pauper as a man whose health has deteriorated to the point that he stumbles unless he uses a cane. When the Jews left Egypt, a miracle occurred – not a single person among them was sick or debilitated.
5. “And He brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen ones with gladness and singing,” [Psalm 105:43 AMP]
[a] Tehillim Commentary:
• God did not merely load their saddlebags with material wealth, He also filled their hearts with spiritual wealth.
• The redeemed ones reaped a rich 3harvest of faith, the outgrowth of the wonders they beheld. This filled their hearts with mirth and their mouths with song.
Conclusion.
There is no doubt that it is God’s eternal plan for us to walk in absolute wealth for the main purpose of propagating His Kingdom. This wealth is already here even though some are in the hands of the wicked. But the time has come for the supernatural transfer to take place. We pray that every one of us in the household of God will be appropriately positioned to receive this wealth in Jesus name. This we will do through feeding on God’s Words, embracing His promises and acting on them by faith. Also through praising and worshipping Him in the beauty of His Holiness. “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.” [Isaiah 3:10].
Most parts of this outline are culled from the Book “40 DAYS OF PROSPERITY” by Pastor George Pearsons
Wednesday, August 19 2015
Contributor: Alex Alajiki
Introduction
Last week, we considered how to make deposits and withdrawals from our heavenly accounts. Phil.4:14-19 gave us insight into how the Philippian Church consciously made deposits into their heavenly account. We saw the various ways of making deposits into these accounts.
This week, we are progressing into the understanding of how to call in our harvest after sowing or making deposits into our heavenly accounts.
1) Harvesting Is Our Responsibility; Ecc. 3:1-2 (NLT), Prov.10:5
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.”
“He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.”
Any farmer that will put in the work to sow and will not bother to bring in the harvest will be considered a fool, so also, everyone that sows and never believe nor demand for harvest.
Believers are deceived in their thinking that they can just wait on God to bring in their harvest. Some are disillusioned and aggravated with God. Don’t think reaping is automatic. Don’t think once you put the money in, it’s all up to Him. You just sit back and relax and think it’s all going to just come on you. That is ignorance and confusion. We can’t sleep through our harvest or allow our harvest to stand in the field.
In Mark 4:26-29, the man did the sowing, God gave the increase and the man did the reaping.
2) How to Reap Your Harvest; Heb.11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
A preacher was struggling financially. Physically, he was well and strong. He had powerful demonstrations of the spirit. The ministry was growing. The only area of trouble he had was in the financial realm. He took time to fast and pray, seeking the Lord to find out why. The Lord told him that he was not in faith where his finances were concerned. He told him that he had to receive his finances the same way he received his healing—by faith.
We must use our faith to call and bring in our harvest. The mouth is a powerful instrument of harvest. Mouth harvest whatever they speak. Our words of faith bring in the harvest.
We must expectantly command the angels to go bring in our harvest. Hebrews 1:14: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
The reapers are the angels. Matt.13:39 “ ….and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.”
3) Not Subject to this world; John 17:14-17
“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
We are not subject to, nor do we live under, the dominion, rule, control or influence of whichever way the economy and the world’s system are going at the moment. Our times are subject to the authority of the Word, the blood and the Name of Jesus spoken and acted upon by the believer. The times are subject to us. We are subject to and governed by another economy and another system—the kingdom of God.
We are to thrive, not just survive.
a. Survive—barely get by, merely exist
b. Thrive—flourish, succeed, advance, prosper
1 John 5:18 “ We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.”
We thrive and prosper in tough times. We are not subject to the economy of this world. We are to flourish in spite of what is happening around us in the world. We are untouched and unaffected.
Conclusion (Jer. 17:5-8)
The cursed man trusts himself, his heart is not toward God. The result: no fruit, no hope, no future The blessed man trusts God with his whole heart. The result: thriving tree, roots deep, no fear, produces fruit 5. Verse 8 (MSG): “They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.”
Most parts of this outline are culled from “40 DAYS OF PROSPERITY” by Pastor George Pearsons
Friday, August 14 2015
Contributor: Akin Akande
Introduction
Last week, we considered how God is able to supernaturally provide as well as cancel debts, whenever He wishes to do so. We saw that God can not be limited in supplying for what we truly need and He is more than able to cancel any debt by providing the finances, removing the debt or moving upon the heart of others.
This week, we will look at the “bank” of heaven, how one makes deposits and withdrawing from the account.
“Bank” of heaven
Simply put, a bank is a supply of something (mostly money) held in reserve or an establishment for the custody, loan, exchange, or issue of money, for the extension of credit, and for facilitating the transmission of funds. There are therefore banks here on earth and nothing is wrong in having them. We must not only trust in them! In the bible there are “banks” (See 2 Chro. 31:11, John 12:6).
Similarly, there are “bank” accounts in heaven too (See Matt. 6:19-21, Luke 12:33). Unfortunately many do not know that they have such accounts. One church that walked in the reality of such account is the church at Philippi (Phil. 4:14-19 – Read verses 15 and 17 in different versions).
Making Deposits
Just as we make deposits into our accounts here on earth, we must make deposits to our heavenly bank accounts. In Matt. 6:19-21, “Lay up” means to make deposits. One makes deposits by doing the following
• Tithing – Mal. 3:10
• Investing in the gospel – Mark 10:29-30
• Giving to the poor – Pro. 19:17, Matt. 19:21
• Giving as praise to God – 1 Chro. 16:29
Making Withdrawals
Again, since there is an account and one makes deposits into them it must also be possible to make withdrawals 1 Tim 6:17-19
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland story: They started up with lots of difficulties in their finances. After hearing messages about faith from Kenneth Hagin, they took practical proactive steps; listed all they owed, what they needed, prayed, fasted, etc. They agreed together according to Romans 13:8 that they would never borrow another dime. They committed to God that they would pay back everyone they owed. They continued to make deposits into their heavenly account by faithfully tithing and sowing seed.
They released their faith and made a withdrawal from their heavenly bank account.
This process took time, effort, prayer, focus and diligence. They saturated themselves with God’s Word and cut off every voice of the world – no TV or newspapers – just the Word of God.
Praise God – twelve months from that day, every debt was paid in full and every need was completely met.
Seven-Point Bank of Heaven Withdrawal
1. Decide on the amount you need (James 1:5-8).
a. Be exact and single-minded.
b. Write it down.
c. List your needs, debts and desires.
2. Get in agreement with people of like faith (Matthew 18:19-20).
3. Claim what you need by faith (Mark 11:23-24).
4. Bind the devil and his forces (Matthew 18:18). Say something like “Satan, take your hands off my money!”
5. “Loose” (I will say “speak to”) the angels to go get it (Hebrews 1:4).
For example declare “Ministering spirits – go get my money!”
6. Continually praise God for it (Psalm 34:1).
7. Avoid strife and unforgiveness (James 3:16; Mark 11:25-26).
Conclusion
Understanding that we have “bank” accounts in heaven is the first step in order to make withdrawals. Most importantly, we must consciously make deposits into the accounts before withdrawals are made. Take practical steps to deposit into your heavenly accounts and release your faith to withdraw from them.
Most parts of this outline are culled from “40 DAYS OF PROSPERITY” by Pastor George Pearsons
Sample Prayer of Agreement
“Father, in the Name of Jesus, we make a withdrawal of €_______ from our heavenly bank account. We have this money in our account and we are withdrawing this amount now. We believe we receive €_______. As in Mark 11:23-24, we believe it in our hearts and confess now that it is ours in the Name of Jesus. We agree that we have this amount according to Matthew 18:19. From this day forward, we roll the care of this over on to You and thank You for it. Satan, we take authority over you; we bind your operation now and render you helpless. Ministering spirits, we charge you to go forth and cause this amount to come to us according to Hebrews 1:14. Father, we praise Your Name for meeting our needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus, and for multiplying our seed for sowing, in the Name of Jesus.”
Wednesday, August 05 2015
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
Introduction
Last week we treated “walking in the fullness of the blessing”. We learnt that by virtue of our redemption through Christ Jesus, we have access to the Blessing by faith; and that the Blessing makes us rich (with money) and our attitudes to money must be different from those of the unbelievers. Money is our servant and not the other way round. God doesn’t want us to be limited by our current financial circumstances but to walk in the fullness of the blessing. Today we will consider one of the ways God chooses to make us walk in the fullness of the blessings - Supernatural Provision & Supernatural Debt Cancellation.
I. SUPERNATURAL PROVISION
A supernatural occurrence is a manifestation or event that is attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. It is an unusual, unlimited, accelerated supply from heaven superseding the realm of impossibility and foreign to natural man’s thinking. In simpler terms, it is God’s involvement in the physical world! God has supernatural ways to fully supply every need in the face of lack, shortage and a bad economy.
(a) Biblical Examples of Supernatural Provision
• The sacrificial ram for Abraham in place of Isaac. (Gen. 22:6-14)
• The ravens bringing food and drink to Elijah. (1 Kings 17:1-6)
• One-year supply of food for the widow and Elijah in the midst of a famine. (1 Kings 17:8-16)
• Multiplication of oil for a prophet’s widow. (2 Kings 4:1-7)
• Jesus turning water into wine. (John 2:1-11)
• Jesus multiplying the fish and loaves and feeds 20,000. (John 6:5-14)
These instances are not limited to the Bible only. A 15-year-old was so impressed with Elijah’s story that he decided to try it. He asked the Lord for $10 for missions. He went out, spoke to the birds and commanded them to put it in a tree in the backyard. The first day he discovered 65 cents, the second day $2.35, and the third day $7. Over the next two months, he found a total of $440 in the tree! And there will be many more other experiences out there today.
(b) What We Must Do to Experience Supernatural Provision
• We must feed on the Word of God and renew our minds. (Romans 12:2)
• We must take our eyes off your financial problems and focus on God. (Heb. 12:2)
• We must remove the spirit of fear, worry and unbelief from our hearts and mind. (Phil.4:6)
• We must picture God supernaturally supplying our needs enlarging our capacity for supernatural provision. (Phil.4:19)
• We must stop depending upon ourselves and rely on God as our source of total supply. (Prov.3:5)
• We must not hold from God our tithes and offerings; we must continue giving liberally, expecting God to multiply it back into our lives. (Mal 3:8)
• We must walk in and exercise our faith. We must realign our thinking and walk in obedience to God. (Phil 4:13)
• Ask in God for it in faith without doubting Him (Habakkuk 2:4; Heb. 11:6).
(c) Faith-Building Scriptures for Supernatural Provision
Galatians 3:14 says that we have access to the blessing by faith. Without belabouring the point; faith is therefore a huge necessity; most especially when it comes to supernatural provision. Let us consider a few scriptures that will help build our faith for the supernatural.
• James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift [AMP—free, large, full] is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
• Ephesians 3:20-21 (AMP): “Now to Him who, by the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams]—to Him be glory in the church....”
• Philippians 4:19 (AMP): “My God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
• Psalm 68:19: “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”
• Isaiah 55:1: “Every one that thirsteth, come to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
II. SUPERNATURAL DEBT CANCELLATION
God is Omnipotent; He has unlimited authority and power. So He can do anything if He so chooses. If He can blot out every handwriting against us, He sure as well can blot out any financial debts we owe!
(a) Three Ways God Supernaturally Removes Debt - Luke 4:14-21
i. He Provides the Finances
As we see in 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NLT): “…Sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” And Luke 5:1-11: Simon Peter’s fishing business avoided bankruptcy after Jesus told him where to drop the nets. Also see Matthew 17:24-27: Taxes were paid from money in a fish’s mouth.
ii. He Removes the Debt
• Nehemiah cancelled the debts of the poor Jews. (Nehemiah 5:1-13)
• The king forgave his servant of the 10,000 talents. (Matthew 18:23-27). But it’s important to note (Matthew 6:12) “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”
• Jesus “cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note…with its legal decrees and demands. He set it aside and cleared it completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14 (AMP))
• He reduces the debt. (Luke 16:1-7)
iii. He Moves Upon Others
Philemon 18-19 (AMP): “If he has done you any wrong in any way, or owes anything [to you], charge that to my account. I, Paul, write it with my own hand—I promise to pay it in full….”
Luke 10:30-37: “The Samaritan took out two pence and gave them to the owner of the inn and said to him, “Take care of him. Whatever else you have to spend, I will pay it back in full when I return.” God is the One who moves upon a person—not you.
Once again, these instances are not limited to the Bible only. (Share testimony)
(b) Principles for Supernatural debt cancellation
God has given us the power to overcome debt through the supernatural laws of debt release. Practical, natural wisdom can assist in debt freedom; however, Christians have an anointing advantage to get out of debt supernaturally.
(i.) Announce your deliverance from debt (Luke 4:18). Everything in the Kingdom of God starts with a decree. Declaring what God has said will release the anointing of God to destroy the power of debt.
(ii.) Bind the "strong man" (Matthew 12:28, 29). There is a demonic spirit behind debt. Binding the spirit behind debt gets to the root of the matter, which is spiritual. You can't stop debt if the spirit behind debt is still allowed to work. So take authority, and in the name of Jesus declare war on the spirit of debt.
(iii.) Apply violent faith (Matthew 11:12). Violent faith is faith that is consistent and working all the time. Meditate on the Word, and confess it every day, regardless of the attack and opposition. When force is exerted, the intensity of that force will cause victory. The more intense you are in your faith, the quicker you'll see results. Real freedom from anything requires violent faith, because the devil will not give you anything. Use the Word of God to speak to your debt, and take what belongs to you. Declare what you want as though you already have it.
(iv.) Don’t dwell on past debts. (Philippians 3:13, 14). Focusing on the past causes one to lose momentum. Past debts will cause depression and self-doubt. Stop remembering old things; God will do a new thing if you let go of the past (Isaiah 43:18, 19).
Conclusion
God doesn’t want us to be limited by our current financial circumstances but to walk in the fullness of the blessing. He is Jehovah El-Shaddai – the All Mighty One! This means He’s able to do anything He wants which includes supernatural provision and supernatural debt cancellation for us if we can truly take Him by His words!
Wednesday, July 29 2015
Contributor: Akin Akande
Introduction
Thriving in the midst of famine was the subject that we treated last week. We saw that God does not just want us to survive during famine but to prosper, succeed and grow vigorously. This was the experience of Isaac and since we are also part of Abrahamic covenant we can enjoy the same privilege. Additionally, we must pay attention to the steps that Isaac took for him to thrive during famine. He obeyed God, sowed seeds, paid tithes and walked by faith. We also need to do same to enjoy such privilege.
This week, we will continue in the same spirit by looking at The Blessing, the basis for our access to The Blessing and what our relationship should be towards money. May the Lord open our eyes to this aspect of the redemptive package in Jesus’ name (Amen).
Review of the Blessing
The Blessing is loaded in the very first words heard by a human ear, setting the course and precedent for God’s perfect will for man. Essentially, man was empowered by The Blessing in order to: Be fruitful; multiply; replenish the earth; subdue the earth; Have dominion over the earth.
The Garden of Eden was a perfect demonstration of God’s plan for this planet. It was a prototype of what He wanted the planet to look like. Adam’s job was to exercise his God-given authority and expand that Garden until it encompassed the entire earth. That was what The Blessing was for.
It provided Adam with the power to carry on the work God began at Creation. It equipped him with the divine resources he needed to follow God’s example. He was to transform the uncultivated parts of this planet into a veritable Garden of Eden by speaking faith-filled words. The Blessing empowered Adam to be
The Blessing wherever he went. The Garden of Eden was literally inside Adam.
Adam lost The Blessing at the Fall. The last Adam in the person of Jesus Christ came to restore The Blessing that was lost. Jesus Christ is The Blessing! He is alive in us. We have been redeemed from the curse and now walk in The Blessing of Abraham.
Galatians 3:13-14 – Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that The Blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Therefore, we have been redeemed from the curse to walk in The Blessing
To Redeem means to buy back, to buy out, and to clear by payment. To free a person from captivity by paying a ransom. We have been freed from the curse of poverty (Lack, Deficiency, Not enough, Shortage). Proverbs 10:22: “The Blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”
Fullness means the state of being filled to capacity; To fill to the top so that nothing is wanting; to fill to the brim so that nothing is lacking; overabundance, excessive amount, superabundance.
Components of The Blessing and walking in it
Useful ingredients to walking in The Blessing include faith – Gal. 3:14, careful observance to all of God’s commandment and diligent obedience to His voice – Deut. 28:1
The Components: Deut. 28:2 – 14 (Read it!)
God’s Blessings on Israel
• Cities and farms will be successful (28:3)
• They will produce many children (28:4)
• They will harvest large crops (28:4)
• Their livestock will have many young (28:4)
• They will have plenty to eat (28:5)
• Their daily work will succeed (28:6)
• They will be able to defeat their enemies (28:10)
• They will be God’s own special people (28:10)
• Rain will come at the right times (28:12)
• They will have plenty of money to lend to others (28:12)
• Their nation will be a leader among nations (28:13)
• Their nation will be wealthy and powerful (28:13)
Money is a component of The Blessing and so what should be our relationship with money?
Our Relationship to Money
The Role of Money in Our Lives: Money issues can be a source of stress and pressure in that they control lives, attitudes and emotions. Some are slaves to money i.e. driven to make it and keep it. As believers, we must straighten out our relationship with money.
Matthew 6:24-33—Settle This: I Serve God. Money Serves Me. Seed was designed by God to serve us (Genesis 1:29). Seed is also for the service of man (Psalm 104:14).
How, then, should we conduct ourselves with money? 1 Timothy 6:10, 17-19
The love of money is the root of all evil (vs 10), hence, we must not love money – we love God. Also we must not trust money (vs 17) – we trust God. In addition, we are to be givers of money (vs 18) – not only takers. Finally money should be seen as a tool to help others.
Conclusion
By virtue of our redemption through Christ Jesus, we have access to The Blessing by faith. The Blessing makes us rich with money and our attitudes to money must be different from those of the unbelievers. Money is our servant and not the other way round.
Most parts of this outline are culled from “40 DAYS OF PROSPERITY” by Pastor George Pearsons
Confessions
I am walking in the fullness of The Blessing, fully furnished and liberally supplied.
Filled to the top – nothing wanting.
Filled to the brim – nothing lacking.
My ship is full and overflowing.
The Blessing has come to me.
The Blessing has overtaken me.
I am walking in the superabundant, exceeding excess, fullness of The Blessing – in Jesus’ Name (Amen)
I settle this issue right now.
I adjust my financial attitude.
I do not serve money. I am not a slave to money.
I serve God. Money serves me.
I do not work for money. Money works for me.
Money doesn’t control me – I control money. Money doesn’t rule me – I rule money. Money doesn’t dominate me – I dominate money.
I fearlessly tithe as I am told. I boldly give as I am led.
Money – you serve me. Money – you obey me.
Money – you multiply, increase and produce maximum harvest.
Wednesday, July 22 2015
Contributor: Leye Olayiwola
INTRODUCTION
“Poverty is a curse. It’s a curse that stems (emanates) from disobedience. Being under the curse of poverty means one cannot be prosperous even if they worked hard. But Jesus Christ broke the curse of poverty according to Galatians 3:13”. It is hoped that the above statement, which is startling, is still fresh in our memory, after the awesome lesson titled The Laws of Poverty, which was examined in details last week. It is hoped that we have been very mindful of the laws that governs Poverty and we have been conscious in operating the superseding laws. We shall continue this week on the series of the teachings on Prosperity by considering the topic, Thriving In the Midst of Famine.
1. There Was a Famine in the Land [Genesis 26:1]
Famine is defined as severe shortage; extreme scarcity or serious economic downturn. The time of Famine is a Dark Time for those
• who do not know God (Daniel 11:32)
• Who do not know their covenant with God
• Who are filled with fear, panic, uncertainty and hopelessness (2 Timothy 1:7)
God’s promises for us during the time of famine abound.
• “In famine He shall redeem you from death……….You shall laugh at destruction and famine.” - Job 5:20,22 (NKJV).
• “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.” - Psalm 33:18-19
• “They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough”- Psalm 37:19
As sons, daughters and friends of God, we don’t just survive in famine. WE THRIVE!
“The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22. To thrive means to;
• To prosper, flourish, succeed, and advance.
• To grow vigorously.
• To increase in goods and estate.
2. Isaac Thrived In Famine
[a]. [Genesis 26:1-6] : Obey God and stay wherever He’s placed you.
Isaac obeyed God and stayed where God wanted him to stay. Egypt looked more like the Promised Land in the physical. It must have been a land flowing with milk and honey in those days. It must have been the favourite place of abode that majority may have been migrating to. But God told him explicitly “Do not go down to Egypt”. Isaac stayed in Gerar because;
• God needed him there.
• God needs us right here, right now (except you are very sure He’s asking you to move).
• “Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!”Zechariah 8:13 NLT
• We are a symbol and a source of THE BLESSING – “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others]. And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves”. Genesis 12:2-3 AMP
“For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever……” Psalm 21:6 AMP.
[b]. [Genesis 26:12]: He sowed and received in the same year one hundred fold – and the Lord blessed him. If anyone had told Isaac he could sow and reap anything in the land of Gerar, he would have disbelief it. But obedience to God made the difference. Suffice it to say that his obedience to God made the so called futile ground become fertile. The following are true;
• Unusual yield - even in fertile regions, yields are usually not greater than twenty-five (25) to fiftyfold (50).
• "You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!". Psalm 65:11-13 NLT. He reaped in the same year!
[c]. [Genesis 26:13]: Isaac waxed great, went forward and became very great.
• "He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow." Gen.26:13 NLT
• He was thriving - flourishing, succeeding, advancing, growing vigorously, increasing in goods, estates, bulk and stature.
• He became stronger and more powerful in wealth and influence.
[d]. [Genesis 26:14]: He had possessions of flocks of sheep, herds of cattle and a great store of servants. As a result of this fame;
• The Philistines were jealous of him and made efforts to stop him.
• Beware. Your godly prosperity will attract oppositions and resistance.
[e]. [Genesis 26:24]: He didn't give up - he wouldn't quit.
• Rehobeth (in Hebrew) means room, streets, a broad and spacious place, an enlargement.
• “At last the LORD has created enough space for us to prosper [thrive, flourish, succeed, advance and grow vigorously] in this land.” Gen.26:22b.
3. In Order to Thrive in Times of Famine, We must Keep Doing What Isaac Did
[a]. Keep Obeying God.
• Obedience is where THE BLESSING is. "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;" Isaiah 1:19 AMP.
[b]. Keep Sowing seeds
• Everytime is a good time to sow into the kingdom of God. There's never a bad time. Seize every opportunity to sow into kingdom based projects and works. "He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap". Eccl.11:4 AMP.
[c]. Keep Tithing.
• Isaac tithed. How do we know?
• ".......And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken].Gen.14:20b; "For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him." Gen. 18:19 AMP.
[d]. Keep on walking by faith.
• Isaac did not quit standing in faith. Waiting back in Gerar, he must have seen the physically futile ground. There would have been neighbours and many others who were helpless because of the unbearable conditios in the land. Yet, Isaac persevered.
• "Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward." Hebrews 10:35 AMP;
• "And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint". Galatians 6:9 AMP
[e]. Keep attending church.
• Our future is secure in Him.
• The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. Psalm 92:12-14 AMP.
IN CONCLUSION
Living a life of consistent faith in God's promises in this modern world has never been more challenging. The good news, however, is that our God remains ever faithful. Hebrews 13:8 confirms this. He is the same yesterday, today and will be forever. We can have the same encounter like Isaac did many centuries ago in this challenging times. Thriving to the envy of others. Remember, in order to thrive in this modern times, we must keep obeying God, keep sowing seed, keep tithing, keep on walking by faith and in fellowship with one another. Finally, we must consistently confess our belief in order to appropriate God's promises regarding prosperity. Please say the following confessions;
"I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I hear.
I am going up higher. I am going to keep obeying. I am going to keep sowing.
I am going to keep believing. I am going to keep receiving. I am going to keep on walking by faith. In a time of famine, we are thriving. We are prospering.
We are flourishing. We are succeeding. We are advancing. We are growing vigorously. We are increasing." In Jesus Name. Amen.
Culled from the Book: 40 Days of Prosperity by Pastor George Pearsons
Thursday, July 16 2015
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
INTRODUCTION
During last week's study we learnt that there were laws governing every single thing in existence and that nothing happened by accident. We also talked about laws and opposing laws; we learnt that one must know about one law in order to counter it.
Poverty is a very serious phenomenon in the world today; its devastating effects can only point to the fact that there’s a spiritual force behind it. John 10:10 talks about the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy. Poverty puts its victims in a bad place. It makes them vulnerable (Proverbs 18:23), they are shunned by friends (Proverbs 14:20), and makes them become servants to the rich (Proverbs 22:7). Poverty also brings sorrow (Proverbs 31:7) and can lead to crime (Proverbs 30:8-9). From these instances we know that poverty is not God’s intention for us; because He takes pleasure in the prosperity of his people. (Psalms 35:27).
In today's study we shall be considering the laws that govern poverty (in other words, the causes of poverty) solely for the purpose of knowing how to supersede them with a corresponding higher law!
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Poverty is a curse. It's a curse that stems from disobedience. Deuteronomy 28:15 says: “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you. “Also read, Malachi 3:8-9
Being under the curse of poverty means one cannot be prosperous even if they worked hard! Because the curse will negate their efforts. But Jesus broke the curse of poverty. Gal. 3:13 says:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”).”
This tells us that we are no longer under the curse but it however, doesn't automatically makes us prosperous. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says: "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." (Emphasis mine). He became poor for our sakes giving us the opportunity – making it possible that we can be rich; because now, the curse no longer has its effect on us!
THE LAWS THAT GOVERN POVERTY
The book of Proverbs gives visibility to the causes of poverty. Because of the book's instructive nature it does not only tell us the “Laws” it also tells us the “Superseding Laws”. So let us look at these causes:
1. LOVE OF SLEEP
Proverbs 24:33-34: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”
Proverbs 20:13: “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.”
While this character should be up tilling his field and planting his vineyard, he is in his bed; and awaking, instead of rising, craves for and indulges himself in another little doze, and which he repeats again and again. Also it's important to know that sleep can also mean prayerlessness. The state of prayerlessness is spiritual slumber.
To supersede this Law of the Love of Sleep we need to turn to the higher Law – of Being Alert!
Prov. 23:34 says poverty will come like a robber – to steal, kill and destroy. That’s why 1 Peter 5:8 says we should “. . . be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”
2. HASTE
Being in a rush especially when you have left something that needs to be done, undone. And then seeking for get-rich-quick schemes.
Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
To supersede this Law of making haste we need to turn to the higher Law – of Careful Planning!
3. LAZINESS
Proverbs 20:4 – “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.”
Proverbs 19: 15 – “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.”
Proverbs 10:4 – “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
To supersede this Law of laziness, we need to turn to the higher Law – of Hard Work!
4. STINGINESS/SELFISHNESS
Proverbs 11:24 - “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Another aspect of “scattering” is wisely investing in ventures that will bring increase. Eccl. 11:6 says: “In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.”
To supersede this Law of stinginess we need to turn to the higher Law – of Generosity!
5. DISOBEDIENCE
Failure or refusal to obey God’s rules or surrender to His authority.
Deuteronomy 28:15 says: “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.”
Jesus said if ye love me, keep my commandments. When we disobey God’s commandments, it shows that we don’t love Him. We also break the hedge and give room for the serpent to bite!
To supersede this Law of disobedience we need to turn to the higher Law – of Obedience!
6. INDISCIPLINE
A situation in which people do not control their behaviour or obey rules.
Proverbs 13:18
“Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honoured.”
To supersede this Law of Indiscipline we need to turn to the higher Law – of Taking Correction and not continuing headlong in error.
7. IDLENESS
Not working or active; habitually doing nothing or avoiding work. To pass time doing nothing.
Proverbs 14:23 – “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Proverbs 28:19 “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!
To supersede this Law of idleness we need to turn to the higher Law – of Diligent Work.
8. EXTRAVAGANCE (SELF-INDULGENCE)
Lack of restraint in spending money or using resources. Characterized by doing or tending to do exactly what one wants, especially when this involves pleasure or idleness.
Proverbs 21:17 – “He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”
Proverbs 23:20-21 – “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags”
To supersede this Law of extravagance we need to turn to the higher Law – of Exercising Restraint!
CONCLUSION
Poverty is a curse. It's a curse that stems from Disobedience. Poverty is a very serious phenomenon in the world today; its devastating effects can only point to the fact that there’s a force behind it. John 10:10. It is not God’s intention for us that’s why Jesus broke the curse of poverty as we see in Gal. 3:13. Meaning that we are no longer contending with the curse ourselves. However, breaking this curse doesn't automatically make us prosperous. Because if we allow the devil to use the tool of ignorance against us he will succeed in keeping us impoverished. Now that we know the laws of poverty, it is up to us to use the higher laws given by God in His words to supersede them!
Wednesday, July 08 2015
Contributor: Alex Alajiki
“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.” Duet. 8:18
“If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures” Job 36:11
“Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Psalm 35:27
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:19
“Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2
Introduction:
Prosperity is part of the redemptive package that Jesus delivered to us when were born again. Col.1:12 -14 “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
The same way that we were redeemed from sin and sickness, we were also redeemed from poverty and every work of the devil or darkness. We use the word of God to implement total redemption in our spirit, soul and body. God has a covenant determination to prosper us. Our responsibility is to believe it and receive it by faith.
What is True Prosperity?
True prosperity is the ability to use God’s power to meet the needs of mankind in every realm of life—spirit, soul, body, financially, emotionally, etc.
Spiritual and Physical Law: Rom.8:29
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
We must understand that there are laws governing every single thing in existence. Nothing is by accident. There are laws of the world of the spirit, and there are laws of the world of the natural. The laws of the world of the natural govern our activities in this natural, physical world. We don’t float; we walk. If the law of gravity were not in action, we would float. These physical laws can be manipulated. For instance, the law of gravity is used when flying an airplane, but it is superseded by another physical law, the law of lift. When you put the law of lift into operation, you can fly, but you must know something about the law of gravity in order to use the law of lift. You don’t do away with the law of gravity; you just supersede it with a higher law. These are natural, physical laws, and they govern this natural, physical world.
Spiritual law gave birth to physical law. The world and the physical forces governing it were created by the power of faith—a spiritual force. God, a Spirit, created all matter, and He created it with the force of faith. Hebrews 11:3 says, “…the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” The law of gravity would be meaningless if gravity were not a real force. Faith is a spiritual force, a spiritual energy, a spiritual power. It is this force of faith which makes the laws of the spirit world function. When the force of faith is put to work, these laws of the spirit function according to the way God says they will.
The Law of Sin and Death & the Spirit of Life;
There are two functional laws in the world of the spirit. One, the law of sin and death, was put into operation by Adam when he disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. The other, the law of the Spirit of life, was put into operation by Jesus Christ at His Resurrection 1 Cor15:21 “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead”. The law of the Spirit of life is the master law under which we operate as children of God. It supersedes the law of sin and death and faith causes it to function. There are certain elements which, when combined, will bring forth the result God intends. Salvation is available to every human being on the face of the earth because the Word says anyone who calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13). This higher spiritual law of life is here in the earth, but every day people die and go to hell. Why? Because the law of salvation hasn’t been put to work in their particular lives. It will work only when it is put to work.
This same rule is true in prosperity. There are certain laws governing prosperity revealed in God’s Word. Faith causes them to function. They will work when they are put to work, and they will stop working when the force of faith is stopped. The laws of prosperity work the same as the laws of salvation, healing and so forth. A farmer can intend to have a good crop, but if he never plants the seed, how can he possibly produce a harvest? These laws, both spiritual and physical, must be followed if you expect to get results.
We Are Not Subject to the Times; Ps.27:5
“For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.”
We are not subject to, and do not live under, the dominion, rule, control or influence of whichever way the economy and world system is going at the moment. The times are subject to the authority of the Word, the blood and the Name of Jesus spoken and acted upon by the believer. The times are subject to us. We are subject to and governed by another economy and another system—the kingdom of God. We live in the secret place of the Most High Ps.91:1.
Conclusion
We must settle it in our hearts that God’s will for us is all round prosperity. There are active spiritual laws that govern the physical and spiritual realms. It is our responsibility to put the laws of prosperity to work in every area of our lives. We are not here to survive; barely get by and merely exist, we are to thrive; flourish, succeed, advance and prosper.
Friday, June 26 2015
Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
INTRODUCTION:
Last week we considered the place of listening to our hearts; but not just any heart but the regenerated heart as Christians. We learnt, according to the Bible, that the heart is the centre not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life.
In today’s study we will be looking at how to train our spirits. The Lord enlightens us and guides us through our spirits. It is therefore very important that we become more spirit-conscious. We need to become more conscious of the fact that we are spirit beings, and not just mental or physical beings. We need to train our spirits so they will become safer guides. One thing which has held back the Christian world as a whole is that we are more physical-conscious (body-conscious) and more mental-conscious (soul-conscious) than we are spirit-conscious. We have developed the body and the soul, but we have left the spirit almost untouched.
Our spirits can be educated just as our minds can be educated; and can be built up in strength and trained just as our bodies can be built and trained.
Four rules by which we can train and develop our spirits.
1. Meditate On the Word
2. Practice the Word
3. Giving the Word first place
4. Instantly obeying the voice of your spirit
1. MEDITATE ON THE WORD OF GOD
Most deeply spiritual men and women give time to meditation in the Word of God. We cannot develop spiritual wisdom without meditation. God made that fact known to Joshua just after the death of Moses at the very beginning of Joshua's ministry in Joshua 1:8
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Another version of the last phrase says: "... you shall be able to deal wisely in the affairs of life."
We will know how to deal wisely in the affairs of life when we meditate in the Word of God and walk in the light of that Word. If we ever want to do anything great in life, if we ever want to amount to anything in life, we must take time to meditate in the Word of God. Start out with at least 10 or 15 minutes a day—then increase the time. The Hebrew word translated meditate also carries this thought with it: To mutter. Mutter the Word. We should therefore speak it to ourselves.
2. PRACTICE THE WORD
Practicing the Word means being a doer of the Word.
JAMES 1:22 says: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only....”
We have many "talkers about the Word," and even many "rejoicers about the Word," but we do not have many "doers of the Word."
Begin to practice being a doer of the Word by doing in all circumstances what the Word tells you to do. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34).
A doer of the Word will do that. If you love someone, you won't steal from him. You won't lie about him. The New Testament says that love is the fulfilling of the law. If we walk in love we won't break any law which was given to curb sin.
Being a doer of the Word means that we are to do primarily what is written in it. They are the letters written to us, the Church. As an example of doing the Word, let us look at some instructions given us in one of the Epistles. Philippians 4:6 says:
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
So let’s do that!
Mostly, we don't mind practicing part of this verse—the part that says to pray. But if we practice just that part and not the first part, we are not really practicing the Word—we are not really doers of the Word.
The Amplified translation of Philippians 4:6 begins with, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything...." First we are told not to fret. If we are going to fret and have anxieties, it will do no good to make requests. That kind of praying does not work. An over-anxious prayer full of fretfulness does not work. It is possible to become so fretful over something that we cannot eat or sleep. But all we have to do is practice the Word and we will get results.
Philippians 4:7 which says: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” is a result of practicing Philippians 4:6.
Many of us want what verse 7 talks about—but we don't want to practice what verse 6 says to do to get it. The Amplified translation of verse 7 says, "And God's peace . . . which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
God's peace will keep guard over our hearts and minds.
But we cannot reap these results and have this peace without being a doer of the Word! Verse 6 tells us not to fret. People who worry and fret, continually think on the wrong side of life. Verse 8 tells us what we are to think about. PHILIPPIANS 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Practice this verse. Think about the right things. On the contrary we continually worry and fret and think on the wrong side of life—and continually talk unbelief. A doer of the Word will not continue to talk unbelief. The more we talk about some things, the bigger they get. If something does not meet all of these qualifications—if it is not true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report—do not think about it and do not talk about it!
3. GIVE THE WORD FIRST PLACE
The training, the developing, the educating of our spirits comes by giving the Word of God first place in our lives. Proverbs 4:20-22:
“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”
The margin of the King James says the word translated health is the Hebrew word for medicine. God's Word is "medicine to all their flesh." There is healing in the Word.
We should train ourselves to ask ourselves concerning any matter, "What does God's Word have to say about this?" We should ask ourselves what God has to say about anything that may come up in our life—and then put that Word first. Sometimes family and friends will try to rush us into things—but we need to think about what the Word of God says and put God's Word first in every area of our lives.
4. INSTANTLY OBEY THE VOICE OF YOUR SPIRIT
The human spirit has a voice. We call that voice conscience. Sometimes we call it intuition, an inner voice, or guidance. The world calls it a hunch. But what it is, is our spirits speaking to us. Every man's spirit, saved or unsaved, has a voice. The human spirit, as we have seen in previous studies, is a spiritual man, a spirit man, an inward hidden man. He is hidden to the physical senses. We cannot see him with the physical eyes, nor touch him with our physical hands. This is the man who has become a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). When a man is born again, his spirit becomes a new spirit.
It is worthy of note that meditation in the Word, practicing the Word, giving the Word first place, all come before obeying our spirits. You see, if our spirits have had the privilege of meditating in the Word, of practicing the Word, of putting the Word first—then our spirits become authoritative guides.
From Prov. 20:27, we know that our new-born spirit has within it the life and nature of God. The Holy Spirit dwells within our spirits. 1 John 4:4 says: "... greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." The Holy Spirit dwells in our spirits. God has to communicate with us through our spirits because that is where He is. Our spirit get information through Him. So we should learn to obey the voice of our spirits.
If we are not accustomed to doing that, of course, we will not get there quickly.
CONCLUSION
Our spirits can be built up and strengthened just as our bodies can be built up and strengthened. Our spirits can be educated just as our minds can be educated. But just as we did not begin school in the first grade one week and graduate from the twelfth grade the next week, our spirits will not be educated and trained overnight. However, if we will follow these four points and practice them, after a while we can know the will of God the Father even in the minor details of life. We will receive guidance and will always instantly get either a yes or a no. We will know in our spirits what we should do in all the affairs of life.
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