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"Provision is Established In Love !"
One of the most striking comments I ever heard regarding the Christian Faith was this: “people who serve all those other gods are rich and happy but Christians are always poor!”
I will Never forget those words ! They were spoken by a backsliden (although I doubt he was ever truly surrendered to Christ) PK, which is the acronym for “Preacher’s Kid”.
I remember it struck me and I remember it gave me an inner resolve that I was going to prove him wrong. I was going to let Jesus do WHATEVER He needed to do so that He could use me to showcase the Truth… His Truth…
““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.” •Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV
I had been saved (for real) only about a month or so at the time but having been brought up seeing miracles and having an internal supernatural knowing that wealth and riches are indeed the Father’s plan for us, I was determined to prove Jesus right.
Unfortunately though, to the un-spiritual eye, it does appear that sinners flourish while believers, well, don’t.
On the surface that may be so but exploration of the Scriptures reveal the Truth behind the illusion.
Since Jesus Himself is Truth (John 14:6) and He Himself IS the Word of God (John 1) , allow me to expound as we go on a freeing journey through the Bible.
Matthew offers us a synopsis of the workings and reasoning of the Father concerning material things. As such, I believe it’s a good place to start. Matthew chapter six verse thirty-three says:
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His Kingdom and His Righteousness [His way of doing and being right–the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” •Matthew 6:33 AMP
So, what does that mean exactly ?
If I may, I submit verses 30-33 to you in the Easy-to-Read-Version (ERV):
“If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think He will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful.
Surely He will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!
“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about.
Don’t worry, because your Father in Heaven knows that you need all these things.
What you should want most is God’s Kingdom and doing what He wants you to do. Then He will give you all these other things you need.” •Matthew 6:30-33 ERV
As believers, can we honestly say we’re seeking the Father and His modus operandi?
Are we consumed by Righteous, Holy, Consecrated Lifestyles ? Are we quick to forgive and to Love in action not just word ? Are we taking up our crosses and dying to our flesh ? Are we renewing our minds on the Word of God ? Are we genuinely praying for our enemies and actively pursuing the Presence of Almighty God, our Father ? Do we grumble and complain when we’re tested, when our faith is being put through the Fire ? Are we double minded, believing one minute but then turning right around and doubting the Father’s Goodness the other ? Are our words useful to the angelic hosts sent to minister to us who are heirs of Salvation or are our words jam-packed with fear, doubt and unbelief ? Are we casting down every thought that disobeys Christ or do we think on every and any thought that pops into our heads ?
You see, the answers to those questions reveal whether we’re allowing the Divine Training necessary to handle great wealth or whether we’re kicking against the goads.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way,
“FOR NO ONE CAN LAY ANY FOUNDATION OTHER THAN THE ONE WE ALREADY HAVE—JESUS CHRIST. ANYONE WHO BUILDS ON THAT FOUNDATION MAY USE A VARIETY OF MATERIALS—GOLD, SILVER, JEWELS, WOOD, HAY, OR STRAW. BUT ON THE JUDGMENT DAY, FIRE WILL REVEAL WHAT KIND OF WORK EACH BUILDER HAS DONE. THE FIRE WILL SHOW IF A PERSON’S WORK HAS ANY VALUE.”
•1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-13 NLT
What are the materials being used by YOU ?
The Father has ALREADY prepared His Rest for us and Jesus has ALREADY sacrificed His Life as an overpayment, ensuring that EVERYTHING is available to us without limitations NOW !
Then why isn’t everyone in Christ Living Abundantly ?
The answer is simple. Not everyone is willing to be made ready. You see we must each prosper inwardly before the Father makes it manifest outwardly. We must each be passing the tests of spiritual growth, of maturity in Godly character. As the Bible says, An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end (Proverbs 20:21 NLT)
In the Father’s estimation, substance is to enjoy but it’s also given so we can Bless others.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others •2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, Who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. •1 Timothy 6:17 NLT
There IS first a refiners fire before any believer can be trusted to enjoy, handle and distribute wealth. We are His Body… His Hands. He will give it to us if He can get it through us to others in need.
I imagine by now you’re at the edge of your seat in anticipation of what exactly is this refinement process. Don’t worry, I won’t keep your heart in any further suspense. *SMILE*
“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands. Yes, He humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors.
He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we Live by every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell.
Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.
“So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in His ways and fearing Him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills.
When you have eaten your fill, be sure to Praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.
For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, Who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that He led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the Rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.
He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’
Remember the Lord your God. He is the One Who gives you Power to be successful, in order to fulfill the Covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed.” •Deuteronomy 8:2-19 NLT
So let’s not be like the rich young ruler spoken of in Mark chapter ten, who chose to have his money be his god rather than fully surrendering to the Lord of Glory Himself, Jesus Christ. Towards the end of that chapter, Jesus explains that had he (or anyone else for that matter), given up relationships or finances or anything else for His sake and for the sake of the Kingdom, he would have gotten it back “IN THIS LIFE” 100 times more and in the world to come, Eternal Life.
You see the enemy of our souls lavishes riches on those in spiritual darkness, intending ONLY to steal, kill and destroy their marriages, their health, their reputations, their children’s lives etc. satan doesn’t care that they don’t yet have the character to carry the responsibility of wealth, in fact he encourages them to be selfish, to try this drug or the other, to sleep around and be an absentee parent or spouse who spends everything but time with their family and friends. Sin tastes oh so sweet that very first big bite but it gradually turns to gravel in your stomach. How many times have we seen the rich and famous, drug, party and overdose themselves to death ?! How many fall into such deep despair and depression that the take their own lives ?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the Free Gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of Grace to believers] is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” •Romans 6:23 AMP
As believers in Christ, we are remarkably privileged to belong to The Good Shepherd. He’s given His Life for and to us !
He’s the Ultimate Prize !
“AND WHAT DO YOU BENEFIT IF YOU GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD BUT LOSE YOUR OWN SOUL? IS ANYTHING WORTH MORE THAN YOUR SOUL?” •MARK 8:36-37 NLT
“WHEN YOU WERE SLAVES TO SIN, YOU WERE FREE FROM THE OBLIGATION TO DO RIGHT. AND WHAT WAS THE RESULT? YOU ARE NOW ASHAMED OF THE THINGS YOU USED TO DO, THINGS THAT END IN ETERNAL DOOM.
BUT NOW YOU ARE FREE FROM THE POWER OF SIN AND HAVE BECOME SLAVES OF GOD. NOW YOU DO THOSE THINGS THAT LEAD TO HOLINESS AND RESULT IN ETERNAL LIFE.
FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” •ROMANS 6:20-23 NLT
Wisdom denotes that we choose the Father’s way for His is the way to Truly Live, instead of merely existing.
“You will show me the Path of Life; In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” •Psalm 16:11 AMP
With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and Righteousness. •Proverbs 8:18 HCSB
As the Inheritance of Christ Jesus our Lord, let us CHOOSE LIFE !
Let’s show this dying world the Goodness of our Daddy God !
““Today I have given you the choice between Life and death, between Blessings and curses.
Now I call on Heaven and earth to witness the choice you make.
Oh, that you would choose Life, so that you and your descendants might Live!
You can make this choice by Loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your Life.
And if you Love and obey the Lord, you will Live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”” •Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
Twitter: @can_diMB
Instagram: https://t.co/2bHhG1Bqxi
Blog: candicemoethekingsdaughter.wordpress.com
Author: Candice Moe
Jesus' Love for me has changed my life from the inside out. I once was a very a insecure, broken, rebellious, hurt, misunderstood person but now I'm FULL of Joy, Peace, Faith, Hope, Love and Confidence because of Christ and I just have to share my journey and my walk so others can know it's available to ANYONE who so desires it... so YOU can know Jesus Absolutely Loves YOU !
🦋
WordPress.com
LoveJoyHopePeace=JESUS WordPress.com.
One of the most striking comments I ever heard regarding the Christian Faith was this: “people who serve all those other gods are rich and happy but Christians are always poor!”
I will Never forget those words ! They were spoken by a backsliden (although I doubt he was ever truly surrendered to Christ) PK, which is the acronym for “Preacher’s Kid”.
I remember it struck me and I remember it gave me an inner resolve that I was going to prove him wrong. I was going to let Jesus do WHATEVER He needed to do so that He could use me to showcase the Truth… His Truth…
““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.” •Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV
I had been saved (for real) only about a month or so at the time but having been brought up seeing miracles and having an internal supernatural knowing that wealth and riches are indeed the Father’s plan for us, I was determined to prove Jesus right.
Unfortunately though, to the un-spiritual eye, it does appear that sinners flourish while believers, well, don’t.
On the surface that may be so but exploration of the Scriptures reveal the Truth behind the illusion.
Since Jesus Himself is Truth (John 14:6) and He Himself IS the Word of God (John 1) , allow me to expound as we go on a freeing journey through the Bible.
Matthew offers us a synopsis of the workings and reasoning of the Father concerning material things. As such, I believe it’s a good place to start. Matthew chapter six verse thirty-three says:
“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His Kingdom and His Righteousness [His way of doing and being right–the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” •Matthew 6:33 AMP
So, what does that mean exactly ?
If I may, I submit verses 30-33 to you in the Easy-to-Read-Version (ERV):
“If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think He will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful.
Surely He will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!
“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about.
Don’t worry, because your Father in Heaven knows that you need all these things.
What you should want most is God’s Kingdom and doing what He wants you to do. Then He will give you all these other things you need.” •Matthew 6:30-33 ERV
As believers, can we honestly say we’re seeking the Father and His modus operandi?
Are we consumed by Righteous, Holy, Consecrated Lifestyles ? Are we quick to forgive and to Love in action not just word ? Are we taking up our crosses and dying to our flesh ? Are we renewing our minds on the Word of God ? Are we genuinely praying for our enemies and actively pursuing the Presence of Almighty God, our Father ? Do we grumble and complain when we’re tested, when our faith is being put through the Fire ? Are we double minded, believing one minute but then turning right around and doubting the Father’s Goodness the other ? Are our words useful to the angelic hosts sent to minister to us who are heirs of Salvation or are our words jam-packed with fear, doubt and unbelief ? Are we casting down every thought that disobeys Christ or do we think on every and any thought that pops into our heads ?
You see, the answers to those questions reveal whether we’re allowing the Divine Training necessary to handle great wealth or whether we’re kicking against the goads.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way,
“FOR NO ONE CAN LAY ANY FOUNDATION OTHER THAN THE ONE WE ALREADY HAVE—JESUS CHRIST. ANYONE WHO BUILDS ON THAT FOUNDATION MAY USE A VARIETY OF MATERIALS—GOLD, SILVER, JEWELS, WOOD, HAY, OR STRAW. BUT ON THE JUDGMENT DAY, FIRE WILL REVEAL WHAT KIND OF WORK EACH BUILDER HAS DONE. THE FIRE WILL SHOW IF A PERSON’S WORK HAS ANY VALUE.”
•1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-13 NLT
What are the materials being used by YOU ?
The Father has ALREADY prepared His Rest for us and Jesus has ALREADY sacrificed His Life as an overpayment, ensuring that EVERYTHING is available to us without limitations NOW !
Then why isn’t everyone in Christ Living Abundantly ?
The answer is simple. Not everyone is willing to be made ready. You see we must each prosper inwardly before the Father makes it manifest outwardly. We must each be passing the tests of spiritual growth, of maturity in Godly character. As the Bible says, An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end (Proverbs 20:21 NLT)
In the Father’s estimation, substance is to enjoy but it’s also given so we can Bless others.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others •2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, Who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. •1 Timothy 6:17 NLT
There IS first a refiners fire before any believer can be trusted to enjoy, handle and distribute wealth. We are His Body… His Hands. He will give it to us if He can get it through us to others in need.
I imagine by now you’re at the edge of your seat in anticipation of what exactly is this refinement process. Don’t worry, I won’t keep your heart in any further suspense. *SMILE*
“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey His commands. Yes, He humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors.
He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we Live by every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
For all these forty years your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell.
Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.
“So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in His ways and fearing Him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills.
When you have eaten your fill, be sure to Praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.
For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, Who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that He led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the Rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.
He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’
Remember the Lord your God. He is the One Who gives you Power to be successful, in order to fulfill the Covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed.” •Deuteronomy 8:2-19 NLT
So let’s not be like the rich young ruler spoken of in Mark chapter ten, who chose to have his money be his god rather than fully surrendering to the Lord of Glory Himself, Jesus Christ. Towards the end of that chapter, Jesus explains that had he (or anyone else for that matter), given up relationships or finances or anything else for His sake and for the sake of the Kingdom, he would have gotten it back “IN THIS LIFE” 100 times more and in the world to come, Eternal Life.
You see the enemy of our souls lavishes riches on those in spiritual darkness, intending ONLY to steal, kill and destroy their marriages, their health, their reputations, their children’s lives etc. satan doesn’t care that they don’t yet have the character to carry the responsibility of wealth, in fact he encourages them to be selfish, to try this drug or the other, to sleep around and be an absentee parent or spouse who spends everything but time with their family and friends. Sin tastes oh so sweet that very first big bite but it gradually turns to gravel in your stomach. How many times have we seen the rich and famous, drug, party and overdose themselves to death ?! How many fall into such deep despair and depression that the take their own lives ?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the Free Gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of Grace to believers] is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” •Romans 6:23 AMP
As believers in Christ, we are remarkably privileged to belong to The Good Shepherd. He’s given His Life for and to us !
He’s the Ultimate Prize !
“AND WHAT DO YOU BENEFIT IF YOU GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD BUT LOSE YOUR OWN SOUL? IS ANYTHING WORTH MORE THAN YOUR SOUL?” •MARK 8:36-37 NLT
“WHEN YOU WERE SLAVES TO SIN, YOU WERE FREE FROM THE OBLIGATION TO DO RIGHT. AND WHAT WAS THE RESULT? YOU ARE NOW ASHAMED OF THE THINGS YOU USED TO DO, THINGS THAT END IN ETERNAL DOOM.
BUT NOW YOU ARE FREE FROM THE POWER OF SIN AND HAVE BECOME SLAVES OF GOD. NOW YOU DO THOSE THINGS THAT LEAD TO HOLINESS AND RESULT IN ETERNAL LIFE.
FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” •ROMANS 6:20-23 NLT
Wisdom denotes that we choose the Father’s way for His is the way to Truly Live, instead of merely existing.
“You will show me the Path of Life; In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” •Psalm 16:11 AMP
With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and Righteousness. •Proverbs 8:18 HCSB
As the Inheritance of Christ Jesus our Lord, let us CHOOSE LIFE !
Let’s show this dying world the Goodness of our Daddy God !
““Today I have given you the choice between Life and death, between Blessings and curses.
Now I call on Heaven and earth to witness the choice you make.
Oh, that you would choose Life, so that you and your descendants might Live!
You can make this choice by Loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your Life.
And if you Love and obey the Lord, you will Live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”” •Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
Twitter: @can_diMB
Instagram: https://t.co/2bHhG1Bqxi
Blog: candicemoethekingsdaughter.wordpress.com
Author: Candice Moe
Jesus' Love for me has changed my life from the inside out. I once was a very a insecure, broken, rebellious, hurt, misunderstood person but now I'm FULL of Joy, Peace, Faith, Hope, Love and Confidence because of Christ and I just have to share my journey and my walk so others can know it's available to ANYONE who so desires it... so YOU can know Jesus Absolutely Loves YOU !
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LoveJoyHopePeace=JESUS WordPress.com.
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