Faith, Blessings, Miracles, and Answered Prayer – God’s Way

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

“Delight” and “Desires” are Biblical Words

God wants to grant the very desires of our hearts and that’s made clear in Christ’s statement:

“Have faith in God (not self) …. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24

WHY not just stop and simply ask HIM?

Abraham

Abraham appears 250 times in God’s Word. Think he’s important?

At God’s command, Abraham, by faith in God and self-abandonment, went out towards a land he had no earthly idea even existed.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

Hebrews 11 is what is called the “hall of faith” chapter where our LORD heralds the faith of many patriarchs who went before us. One of them is beloved Abraham. God promised them a baby. He’s 100 and she’s 90 – and they are going to have a baby!!! NOW, what can’t God do for you?! “Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?” (Genesis 17:17) … “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:14)

When we read Hebrews 11 afresh, we begin to further realize that FAITH is not something we use to get things for ourselves but rather something He requires and is the blessed connection we enjoy between God and ourselves.

Jesus’ Prayer

Have you of late read Jesus’ prayer to our Heavenly Father as is on record in John 17? Study that prayer. Much can be learned by what Christ prayed. You will note the grand theme of His being one with His Father and asking that we – His beloved children – be made one with Him.

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21

When we begin to serve the LORD with the deep desire to continually know Him better, then we will begin to pray with the LORD’s desire and delight in mind – caring for His glory and not our own selfish lusts. It’s then that we will know He’s conforming us to Christ’s holy image.

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

Do you desire Christ-likeness? Are you asking God daily to conform you to Christ’s holy image? Is this not His stated will for your life and for mine? Are we truly “crucified with Christ”? (Galatians 2:20) Are you being taught this daily cross message?

In His earthly life Jesus set this example for us to follow – “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30)

“Not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

Worshiping, serving, and praying to God with the right motives is important to the LORD. When we do things His way, He promises that “all” His blessings will follow:

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

GOD is not a genie or slot machine. We don’t obey Him to get something from Him but because we are choosing to love and worship Him for who He is, the Almighty, supreme LORD our Redeemer!

The LORD gave conditions for having our prayers answered. Listen to the apostle John’s words:

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22

What if God just gave you everything your sinful heart desires? Think about it: You would never be moved into the place of being conformed to Christ’s image. Now that would be tragic, wouldn’t it? No, we have to “seek … first” His blessed kingdom’s glory and not our own glory and in that process He is conforming us to Christ.

I must ask myself the simple question “What are my motives in serving God and in my prayers?”

Praying with the right motives is important to the LORD.

—–BIBLICAL FAITH IS NOT ABOUT ATTEMPTING TO USE GOD TO GET SOMETHING FOR OURSELVES (AS THE WORD OF FAITH WOLVES WOULD LEAD THEIR PREY TO BELIEVE). FAITH IS NOT COMING UP WITH SOMETHING WE WANT AND TRYING TO GET GOD TO PROVIDE IT FOR US. REMEMBER WHAT JAMES WARNED US OF?

“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3

In the above verse, it seems that the Holy Spirit is addressing misguided, wrong, unpurged motives here. And, as long as our hearts are being circumcised by the LORD through the daily cross, we will not have those self-centered motives that cannot be hid from God who sees all. He cannot be deceived (Galatians 6:7). Instead, we will be made one with Him through daily communion – on His terms – and will pray His perfect will which has Him, His kingdom, and others in mind, not just us or our selfish desires.

If we are denying Christ by denying that “daily” cross He commanded us to take up, we are still praying out of an uncircumcised heart (Philippians 3:3). Can you begin to see how that “daily” dying truly is at the center of our walk with Him?

A pure heart is of the utmost importance to the LORD and can only come as a result of laying ourselves, our will, our lives, our desires aside for His greater glory. It’s really not that difficult friend. When you wake up tomorrow morning, or even right now, stand up before the LORD. Raise your hands and say from your heart “Holy Father, into Your holy hands I commend (submit) my spirit.”(Luke 23:46)

Here’s a sampling of the LORD’s desire for us to have a heart purified by Him – a pure heart:

“Now the end of the commandment (the chief, supreme purpose of all of God’s Word) is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” 1 Timothy 1:5

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Our LORD would have us to pray for a pure heart: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

Jesus made it clear that He desires to answer our prayers for what we desire and yet, those desires have to come out of a daily cross relationship with the LORD where our desires are made one with His. Isn’t that what He’s getting at when He tells us this?:

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4

Let’s establish firstly that “delight” and “desires” are God’s words and therefore important to Him.

As we “delight” in knowing and truly worshiping the LORD “in spirit and in truth,” our “desires” will be purified and conformed perfectly to His (John 4:23-24). Then, when we ask – when we pray – there will be congruency.

As we are made one with Christ by seeking Him, we will then “delight” in Him and our “desires” will be what He desires.

MODERN WOLVES ARE EASILY IDENTIFIED AS THOSE WHO ARE LEADING A WHOLE GENERATION TO BELIEVE THAT GOD IS JUST SITTING IN HEAVEN WAITING FOR THEM TO USE HIS WORD AGAINST HIM, TO HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO GET THE THINGS THEY SO DESIRE, TO OBTAIN MANY THINGS FROM HIM FOR THEIR OWN SELF-SERVING USE. BASICALLY, IN THIS GODLESS THEOLOGY, THE INDIVIDUAL IS HIS OWN “LITTLE GOD” WHO DESIGNS AND ORDERS HIS OWN WORLD USING WORDS BY HIS OWN FAITH. SO HE’S IN CONTROL, NOT THE LORD. THIS EVIL THEOLOGY SUPPOSES THAT THE LORD, THE ONLY SAVIOR, HAS NO FURTHER SANCTIFYING PURPOSE FOR THE LIVES OF THOSE HE HAS SAVED FROM SIN AND HELL. NONSENSE. TITUS 2:11-14

But the Bible says:

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

The true follower of Christ does not live for his own glory but rather for God’s. He knows that he is no longer his own but rather bought with the price of the very blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Such a person who does things his own way instead of God’s is not right with God. You see, the LORD must be followed and obeyed on His clearly stated (biblical) terms and no other.

While we should desire to have an open prayer life – life of prayer – with the LORD, we must also understand that God is after more than just giving us all that we ask for and all that our sinful, self-serving hearts desire.

WE ARE TO OFFER EVERY “SUPPLICATION”TO THE LORD (PHILIPPIANS 4:6). A “SUPPLICATION” IS SIMPLY A HUMBLE REQUEST TO THE FATHER IN JESUS’ NAME (JOHN 16:23-24). WHILE “SUPPLICATION” IS IMPORTANT, SO ALSO IS COMMUNION – PRAYER COMMUNION. THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF PRAYER IN GOD’S WORD AND SEEN IN THE LIVES OF HIS PEOPLE THROUGHOUT HOLY SCRIPTURE. IT’S QUITE AMAZING HOW THAT A WHOLE INDUSTRY OPERATING WITHIN THE CHURCH WORLD ONLY EMPHASIZES ONE OF MANY ASPECTS OF PRAYER. WHY? WELL, IT’S TO THEIR GREEDY ADVANTAGE. IT’S TO THEIR SELF-SERVING PURPOSE TO GET YOU DEMANDING AND ASKING GOD IN PRAYER FOR EVERY LITTLE COVETOUS THING YOUR DEPRAVED HEART SO DESIRES. YOU SEE, THEY WANT YOU LIKING THEM SO THEY TELL YOU WHAT YOUR SINFUL NATURE WANTS TO HEAR SO THAT YOU WILL RECIPROCATE WITH GIVING/SUPPORTING THEIR MINISTRY ($). THESE GREEDY BEGUILERS WILL NEVER TELL YOU TO DIE DOOR NAIL DEAD – TO BE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST AND THEREFORE RAISED UP IN HIS BLESSED POWER TO GLORIFY HIM ALONE! WHY? –BECAUSE SUCH DOESN’T SELL! (PHILIPPIANS 3:18-19)

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8

Has Jesus changed? No. Impossible. Did Jesus do miracles while on earth? Yes.

Does God still do miracles? YES. Hebrews 13:8. He does miracles and gives prophecy but not fake stuff. The LORD’s works are real, tanglible. They can be proven and not just propped by false ministers (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). God’s miracles are authentic and bring glory to Him and not the mere men (1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Colossians 2:18-19). Lots of frauds pretending to raise the dead and prophesy and do miracles – Jesus foretold this very thing and told us that they’d be cast into hell (Matthew 7:21-23). These are Satan’s counterfeiters and yet, their evil in no way negates the miracle working power of our unchanging LORD Jesus today!

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23

God the Father answers prayer and does miracles in the name of Jesus and on His perfect merit alone! (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24) Anything added is of Satan in order to draw attention from and steal the glory from Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)

A relationship with the LORD is not all about us but rather about Him. It involves knowing, worshiping, and obeying Him and trusting in His wisdom. Since He loves us He will not answer the prayer we might pray that’s out of His will (unless one persists – then He may turn us over as He did when Israel cried out for a human king in rejection of Him 1 Samuel 8:6. See Give Us a King!. Faith will quicken us to prayer and to truly trust that God will bring to pass His perfect will. It is trusting that He can and will do what we CANNOT do (Mark 10:27).

Are You Following the Voices of Wolves instead of Christ?

IF I AM SO VERY WILLING TO ASK GOD FOR THE THINGS I THINK I NEED AND YET, AM NOT WALKING WITH HIM ACCORDING AS HE HAS PRESCRIBED, MIGHT HE FRUSTRATE MY LIFE IN ORDER TO GET ME ALIGNED WITH HIM? (HEBREWS 12:5-6) ISN’T HE THE POTTER AND WE HIS CLAY? (JEREMIAH 18:6). THE LAST TIME I CHECKED, HE’S IN CHARGE, NOT ME – OR YOU.

You see, today, most Christians (or people who think they are Christians) are living according to the voices of the day which are calling them to worship at the altar of self. Hint: There’s no cross (dying to self) in their message, hence they deny Christ. Weren’t we forewarned of these end-time wolves and their “damnable heresies”?

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

THE GULLIBLE, WHO ARE NOT IN GOD’S WORD DAILY, ARE EASILY MANIPULATED AND MISLED FOR THE SELF-SERVING PURPOSES OF THE “MANY FALSE PROPHETS” THAT OPERATE TODAY (MATTHEW 7:15). THE “CHRISTIAN” INDUSTRY OF SPEAKING AND WRITING IS A MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR ENTERPRISE WHEREIN THE “FALSE PROPHETS” AND THE “FALSE TEACHERS” OPERATE TODAY. THESE LARGE SUMS OF MONEY ARE BEING GENERATED AS THEY “MAKE MERCHANDISE” OF THOSE WHO LACK THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD. THEY ARE BEING EXPLOITED AND “DESTROYED” BY THESE MANY FALSE LEADERS.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

The prophet Isaiah warned:

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

Only those who refuse to have an independent, individual, personal daily walk with Christ will be deceived and ultimately damned ( 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). You see, so many today who have been saved “fall away” afterwards because they refuse to lay down their own lives in this sinful, fleeting world. They refuse to genuinely follow Jesus – HIS way (Luke 8:13; Galatians 5:4).

THE FACT THAT THESE MODERN WOLVES CAN SPEAK OF SUCCESS IN THIS EARTHLY LIFE, RELATIONSHIPS, CHURCH ATTENDANCE, GETTING MORE FAVOR AND FINANCES FOR SELF, ETC., AND NEVER TEACH THE “DAILY” CROSS JESUS TAUGHT SO OFTEN AS AN ESSENTIAL, IDENTIFIES THEM AS “ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST.” (LUKE 9:23-24; PHILIPPIANS 3:18-19)

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction (they’re going to hell), whose God is their belly (carnal, self-serving appetites), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18-19

YES THERE IS ABSOLUTE ANSWERED PRAYER, BREAKTHROUGH, MIRACLES, AND COMPLETE AND TOTAL VICTORY IN THE LORD – WHEN WE TRULY OBSERVE AND DO THINGS HIS WAY AND NOT OUR OWN AND NOT ANYONE ELSE’S WAY (JOHN 15:7). WE MUST LEARN THE LORD’S WAYS THROUGH DAILY PERSONAL STUDY OF HIS WORD AND WHEN WE DO WE WILL THEREFORE “HATE EVERY FALSE WAY.” (PSALMS 119:104; 128)

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

God be thanked that we can pray to Him with all confidence and access through our LORD Jesus Christ.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:14-15

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The Miracle Working Power of God Manifesting in Your Daily Life [podcast]

Death, Burial, Resurrection – You go down and God raises you up, daily. That’s the Gospel re-enacted in your daily life. There’s no other way to walk with, to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23-24). “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 We […]

What to do If You Sin

The Answer to this Question May Shock You “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12 SO, what sin is it that you committed that is greater than the cleansing power of Christ’s blood? Is it not idolatry of the worship kind to place anything above “the blood of His cross”? “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: … And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things […]

Can and Will God Use You? [podcast]

Does God Use You Because You Are Special in and of Yourself, Have Never Sinned Since Being Saved (haha), Or Have a Seminary Degree? Can God still use you? If so, why? How? First off, if you are reading these words, you are “desperately wicked” and not wonderful. Jesus is the “Wonderful” One! (Isaiah 9:6-7) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 Memorize Romans 7:18 today! “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalms 130:3 In a certain sense, the LORD uses us in spite of, not because of us!!!! “ALL […]

Abiding

The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]

“Hid with Christ in God”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.

“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]

What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean? Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). […]

THE ESSENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTOLOGY [podcast]

WHO do WE say that Jesus is? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), and He is asking us the exact questions today that He asked His disciples while on earth. “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” Matthew 16:13 “But whom say ye that I am?” Matthew 16:15 Jesus is asking each of us “What are others saying of Me and Who do you say that I am?” In other words, perhaps He’s asking us “In a world of many swirling ideas about Me, who do you say that […]

Abiding

“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]

One source notes:

“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Help Me Jesus!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

“in thy presence is fulness of joy”

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

"Blessed are the Poor In Spirit" [podcast]

Jesus’ longest recorded message to His people stands on the foundation of the very first words our Savior uttered in this sermon on the mount. The foundational truth of the entire sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is found in the very first words of our LORD when unveiling this elaborate, far-reaching, and profound message to His disciples of all ages. Here are His first words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Note, “poor in spirit.” Not poor financially or religiously. The two should be mutually exclusive. The Greek word translated into English as “poor” is PTOCHOS. It […]

The Book of Revelation Narrated [podcast]

Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which […]

Articles

Diminishing Returns or Divine Blessings? [podcast]

The Reason Your Bag has Holes in it [podcast]

Could our diminishing returns could be due to our refusal to put God first which would mean we are putting His work, His agenda, His stated will and mission – the Great Commission – first?

“The beginning of Haggai’s prophecy finds Israel returning to the land after 70 years under Babylonian oppression (God’s punishment for the sins of Israel’s leaders). Now, a new and younger generation of God’s people are working to rebuild God’s earthly dwelling place, the temple. Long before Haggai’s prophetic ministry, God had promised that when his own presence dwelled among his people, the life-giving power of God would flow from him into their land (Deut. 28:1-14, Haggai 1:1-4). So, in hopes of experiencing God’s promises after a long season of exile, the people begin to rebuild.

Unfortunately, the temple rebuilders quickly become distracted from the project at hand. They stop working on the temple to build their own houses (Hag. 1:1-4). Meeting their immediate needs takes priority over rebuilding God’s temple. But this priority doesn’t work out well for them in the end. Haggai points out that no matter how much they sow in their fields, the returned exiles are reaping less and less. Every day, their rations get thinner, and they feel just a little thirstier (Hag. 1:5-6). Haggai says their diminishing returns are a result of their failure to prioritize rebuilding the temple, the place of God’s presence (Hag. 1:10-11). But he also promises that if they recommit themselves to the temple project, all the blessings and life they hope for will return (Hag. 2:7-8, 18-19). This new generation listens to Haggai and starts making plans for the project’s next phase.”

The rebuilding of the temple in the days of Haggai the prophet is equivalent to the Great Commission work Christ sent us, His “ambassadors” to accomplish as we look for His soon return (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Who is it that gives men the “power to get wealth”? The LORD. Why does He do such? – “that he may establish his covenant.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

“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. 19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 8:17-20

Does God still keep His Word to bless those who put Him first with what He grants them the ability to bring in?

If a person chooses to repent of poor stewardship and conform to God’s Word, will the LORD not give that person grace to do the impossible? (Proverbs 3:9-10; Mark 10:27) Are you on your own with your finances? Or, are you dying to human reasoning and excuses and simply obeying the LORD? When we do simply obey Him, we can expect that He will undertake the cause and begin to do things that are miraculous. We see this throughout history, especially as recorded in Holy Writ. Remember the widow who had only a handful of food left to feed herself and her son? Remember who when she obeying the LORD that she was abundantly blessed? (1 Kings 17:10-16) The fact that some wolves have utilized this passage to garner gains for themselves, in no way negates the divine authority in and of this passage of truth. Will the LORD still bless? Has He changed or is our sin hindering His blessings? (Isaiah 59:1-2; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:9)

“Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.” Haggai 1:9

The people of God were experiencing diminishing returns due to their refusal to simply put God first in their lives, hearts, and therefore finances. The LORD blew on their finances and scattered them because they were not putting Him and therefore His work first – but rather their own lives and money were first. Repentance required (Revelation 2:4-5). Read Haggai 1. It’s a very revealing chapter.

The LORD’s Plan to Feed, Protect, and Bless His Saints and to Spread His Good News

It’s interesting and telling to compare the distribution of goods/resources/funds among the earliest believers and the way things are done today. Read Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35. Today, as was so often foretold, the merchandising wolves are living ‘high off the hog’ when the Bible clearly instructs leaders never to “greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.”(Deuteronomy 17:17)

Of course, the Bible teaches that those whom God has called out are to be provided for (1 Cor. 9:1-14; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) and yet, today we have lavish wolves flaunting their multi-million dollar homes in gated communities (insulated from the little guys/the poor). This has nothing to do with and blatantly contradicts the lifestyles of Jesus and His holy apostles. This makes you wonder if those who enable these wolves have even read the Gospels! A second grader knows this is wrong.

Most of us have funded wolves only later to see the light of their greed later. So, should we stop obeying God by giving to further His work? Is it time we understand the LORD’s balance in these things?

Does the Almighty have or need American money in Heaven? No.

The LORD has a plan and following that plan (instead of our own) will result in glorifying Him and seeing many blessed.

***The true disciple of Jesus is not looking for the next trinket to waste his money on, but rather is about His Father’s business of putting that money toward God’s eternal kingdom! (Matthew 6:19-24)

Some who are greedy in heart, serving the god of mammon, do not like biblical teachings on stewardship. They will lash out against the messenger, when those demons that control them are enraged. There are more than 2,500 verses on stewardship in God’s Word and over half of Jesus parables are on stewardship so anyone endeavoring to disclose/teach the full counsel of God cannot dodge that topic.

Many today who name Christ as their Savior are saying in their hearts: “I have more important things to fund than YOUR work LORD! After all, the things in my life, to make me feel more comfortable in this fleeting world, are very important. Jesus, please don’t bother me any more concerning funding YOUR work. I have vacations to go on. I have to get a bigger, nicer car so that I, I, I, look better to mere men. I HAVE to run out and see the newest movies, buy the latest fashions, subscribe to magazines from the world to help me me me be in the know, eat out 20 times monthly, put more money in the bank for MY security, get a bigger house to make myself feel better …”

Which World are You Rich In?

“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

Praise God for those who give to the work of Christ! It is regrettable though that many of those who see God’s work and receive of Him through it as they see those workers of the LORD doing HIS work, do not contribute and do not agree with God that HIS workers “ARE worthy”of financial reward so they can be sustained and furthered in doing HIS HIS HIS work. Many are saying with their inaction that Christ’s workers are NOT worthy of their hire. They are saying “LORD, I know You said that Your servants ARE due financial reward so they can keep doing YOUR work, but I am too busy to take a moment to help, I am too strapped financially, after all, I have the cable TV bill to pay, I have to pay my mortgage, my rent, for food, daily coffee, golf, and for many other essential things. I really don’t think that Your work is important. Winning souls to Your eternal kingdom for who You bled and rose again is not important to me. I am too busy being entrenched in and loving this present sinful world. So, Your kingdom, Your work, and Your people will have to wait till I have so much money that I can keep doing these important things that are important to ME in this life and also throw a token tip your way.”

When is the last time you read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18? Do you know what the LORD is teaching us in these important passages? How can we expect to be blessed of Him if we ignore His instructions?

It is clear that God will bless those who agree with Him – in heart, mind, and in action. We will find amazing, supernatural blessings in our lives if we will put Jesus “first” in our stewardship, in our finances (Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 3:10-11). Did He not promise to bless us if we put Him first which means putting His work as a top priority?

The “double honour” financial reward is due to called out Gospel workers and that’s the instruction of the One who has called out and set those workers apart to do (1 Timothy 5:17-18). That money should be there and that’s why God says that those who labor in His Word – learning and feeding His sheep – are to receive “double honour” so that they do not have to be interrupted in doing HIS work.

Jesus says that what we do with our monies is a direct reflection of who we truly love, worship, and serve – self or the Savior. “For where your treasure is THERE will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-24)

Who has God put in your life to feed you HIS Word? What does the Bible say to do to those who feed you God’s Word? (Galatians 6:6)

Is God calling you to get into agreement with His revealed mind? Is He calling you to count His work as a high priority in your life? Will He not open His windows of blessings upon your life? (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11) Will His kingdom blessings now be added to your life if you truly and practically put Him first? (Matthew 6:33) Will your barns not be “filled with plenty”?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:¹⁰So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

If you are upset, I am sorry. I sure hope this never has to be said again other than in the general teaching of the full-counsel of God which includes the important topic of stewardship.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: ⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. ¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) ¹¹Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Do you begin to realize what is at stake here? Do we begin to understand the implications of sinful omission? Do we begin to realize what great rewards we are forfeiting?

Aren’t the bank accounts that are connected to the work of the LORD worthy to be filled in order to supply for His work to be done?

Are you doing your part to fund those who are truly fulfilling a New Testament purpose?

Is the feeding of the LORD’s people important to you? Do unreached precious souls for whom Christ bled and rose again matter?

Jesus says “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17) Are you personally interested in Christ and His sheep? Are you concerned that His sheep will be fed (nourished) and that more souls will be won to Him before it’s too late? What work or labor in this fleeting, sinful world could possibly be more important than that of the LORD’s business? Are you prayer for His laborers and supporting the work of Jesus? (Matthew 9:35-38)

Do we fit into that last day’s prophetic category of those who have a mere “form of godliness” yet deny the power, the divine authority of God to reign in our daily lives? Are we “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” and are we those who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous …”? May the LORD rebuke and change us now! (2 Timothy 3:1-8)

God is able!

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