Texts: Deuteronomy 8:17,18; Ruth 1:1-3; Galatians 3:13,14.
Memory Verse: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2
Inasmuch man was made in the image of the all-sufficient God, who has all things at His command in abundance: might, wisdom, wealth, riches, glory etc. The redeemed believers are therefore not expected to live and wallow in abject poverty all through their life. In Ruth 1:1-3, Elimelech and his family went through lack and extreme poverty as a result of famine that ravaged Israel. The deaths and sorrows that follow left Naomi totally depleted. For Naomi to have accepted this condition as her fate in life and died in it would have robbed her the experience of God’s full purpose and faithfulness! She hoped and sought for a change! At the end, great men like David and Solomon evolved out of her desperation to contend and overcome poverty. See Ruth 1:6,7. May you have the grace and courage to arise from poverty limitations and move on to a life of wealth and abundance in Jesus name.
Journey To Wellness And Wealth.
Genesis 12:1-3,12-14,26-29; Proverb 10:22; Job 36:11; Psalm 35:27. As a matter of fact, every man came into the world with a sense of need and dependency! Psalm 40:17. The ability to succeed in life is built into everyman by God. Genesis 1:28. Growth, knowledge, spiritual encounter and determination are necessities for empowerment. 1Corinthians 13:11. Ignorance, laziness and depravity as a result of human fall play major roles in human impoverishment. Proverbs 14:34. When a soul comes to Christ, all things are made new. 2Corinthians 5:17. The sin, the curse and the poverty are out of the way! Colossians 2:13-15. Faith, knowledge of truth and effort are weapons for liberation and dominion!
1. A small or poor beginning in life does not necessarily destine anyone to a life of poverty and penury. A change can be provoked at any point one realises and determined to take responsibility for a turnaround! Philippians 4:13. Job 14:14. The case of Jabez is an eye opener that positive change for better is a possibility through faith. 1Chronicles 4:10.
2. Poverty, lack and backwardness are not part of redemption plan, nor God’s perfect will for any believer. Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:32. Although, like Joseph and Job, persecution, satanic assault and human conspiracy can bring delay, God has ability to deliver and replace shame, poverty with riches and glory. 1Corinthians 10:13; Job 42:10-12.
3. Satan and human depravity by sin are the root cause of poverty and adversity. Job 2:8-22. Jesus came to give abundant life! This is attainable by everyone in Christ as joint heir of kingdom riches, inheritance and glory. Ephesians 1:7-12; Romans 8:16-18.
4. God has pleasure in the wellness and prosperity of his saints! Psalm 35:27. The righteousness of Christ in a believer is meant to provoke excellence, blessings, riches and glory. Isaiah 3:10. No one who truly works with God is left to beg for bread. The righteous is never forsaken. Psalm 37:25; Psalm 112:1-3.
5. Wealth and riches are answerable to vision, faith and prudent planning! You must see it possible, believe it and go after it, before you can have it. Genesis 30:28-43. Wealth does not constitute in gold and silver alone. It can be wealth in: Health and peace of mind, knowledge and wisdom, souls won for Christ, riches of grace, good works and character above reproach! Act 11:22-26; Proverb 22:4.
6. Idle dream, mere wishes and fantasy will lead to poverty and want. Proverbs 12:24; Ecclesiastes 10:18; Romans 12:11. Many believers today engage so much in prayer, but without definite purpose and organised plan! Prayer will not do what work will do! Prayer of Faith connects you with God for divine grace and guidance. It is diligence, skilful plan and work that deliver result. Ezra 7:10-14. Ezra preparedness and work on his dream brought him to a position of responsibility and honour with the King of Babylon.
7. God gives power to get riches and wealth. This is with intentions to bless others and meet needs through the beneficiary. Deuteronomy 8:17-18. Oppression of the poor, greediness and stinginess have no place in Christ. Proverbs 14:31. Also wealth obtained by crook and ungodly ways is abomination to the Lord. Such wealth shall dwindle and waste away. Proverb 13:11. The wealth of the righteous shall endure. Psalm 112:1-3.
***************************************************************************************************
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
IT PAYS TO SERVE JESUS
- It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart,
He'll always be with us, if we do our part
There's naught in this wide world can pleasure afford;
There's peace and contentment in serving the Lord.
I love Him far better than in days of yore
I'll serve Him more truly than ever before,
I'll do as He bids me, whatever the cost,
I'll be a true soldier, I'll die at my post. - And oft when I'm tempted to turn from the track,
I think of my Saviour, my mind wanders back
To the place where they nailed Him on Calvary's tree.
I heard a voice saying, "I suffered for thee." - A place I remember where I was set free,
'Twas where I found pardon, a heaven to me.
There Jesus spoke sweetly to my weary soul,
My sins were forgiven, He made my heart whole. - How rich is the blessing the world cannot give,
I'm satisfied fully for Jesus to live;
Though friends may forsake me and trial arise,
I am trusting Jesus, His love never dies. - There is no one like Jesus can cheer me today.
His love and His kindness can ne'er fade away,
In winter and summer, in sunshine and rain,
His love and affection are always the same. - Will you have this blessing that Jesus bestows,
A free full salvation from sin's bitter throes?
O come to the Saviour, to Calvary flee,
The fountain is opened, is flowing for thee.
Comments