Deep Roots

(Prov 12:3 NLT) Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts the stability (or lack thereof) of the wicked and the Godly. The Father, through Solomon, wants us to know that a wicked life, a life without Him, is never really a stable life. It may seem stable from time to time, it may seem like the ungodly are getting ahead, but in the long run, their wickedness will eventually catch up to them.

We all know people who cheat to get ahead. Some place a “white lie” on their resume, or fudge a little on their taxes, or overcharge clients to make a bigger profit, or… you get the point. Then there are those that are not subtle at all. They seek success by any means necessary and they don’t care how many people they have to step on to get it.

They disregard their family, disrespect coworkers, and kiss-up to leadership, all to seemingly get ahead. The problem is that although they might enjoy apparent success, whatever success they think they have will only be temporary, because they bought their success at the expense of their character. Those with flawed character will eventually be found out.

Real success maintains personal integrity on the road to achieve it. Later in Proverbs Solomon says, “There is a way that may seem right to a man. But in the end it leads to death” (14:12). These people may think they are on the right road, they may believe there are OK, but they have been deceived. Success without God is not true success.

Yesterday we learned about Joshua 1:8 and that is what I call “God’s formula for success.” The Bible actually calls it “Good success.” If there is good success, then there must bad success, and bad success is success that is obtained through wicked means. This success is deceptive and it will only be temporary. If you want to live a strong, stable, and secure life, seek success God’s way.

This leads us to the latter portion of the text where Solomon tells us that the Godly have deep roots. This is obviously a reference to a deep-rooted tree. Another translation spells it out, saying: “You will be as secure as a tree with deep roots.” One of the best pictures of this deep-rooted Godly success is found in the 1st Psalm. The psalmist describes what he calls, “The Blessed Man.” The Blessed Man is a man that seeks success God’s way. He does not heed the counsel of the ungodly. He does not spend quality time with persons of flawed character. But what he does is spend quality time in God’s Word. He meditates on the Word continually and the psalmist likens him to a tree that is planted by the rivers of water. This tree has a constant supply of what it needs to grow (God’s Word), therefore, it is full of green leaves, it brings forth lots of fruit in season, and whatever it seeks to do prospers!

This is the type of success that you and I want – it’s success God’s way. Godly success is not deceptive and it is not temporary. Although we don’t know for sure what type of tree the psalmist had in mind when he wrote this, many believe it was a reference to a palm tree. A palm tree that is planted by a water source is able to develop an exceptionally strong root system. Storms can come, winds can blow, and the tree will still stand. Some palm trees have even bent over to where the palms touch the ground, but because of the deep roots, they simply bounce back up again!

So what does this mean to you today? It means if you have not attained success by God's standards, you have not achieved true success. The wicked are never stable. Their wickedness will eventually catch up to them, but if you have Godly success, you will be able to stand the test of time. Come what may, you will bounce back, because you have deep roots!

Father, I know that it is Your desire that I live a strong, stable, and secure life in You. To ensure that I do, I will pursue success Your way. I am the Blessed Man. I do not heed the counsel of the ungodly. I do things Your way and I experience Your results. I do not spend quality time with persons of flawed character. I surround myself with people of like-precious-faith. I meditate on Your Word and I allow Your standard to be the ruler by which I judge every decision. I become like a tree planted by the rivers of water. I have deep roots and I am able to withstand any storm – by faith! I may bend, but I will not break! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Making Your Way Prosperous

(Prov 12:2 TNIV) Good people obtain favor from the LORD, but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts what God does for those who seek to walk in His way (the good) with what He does for those who do not (the wicked). To understand what makes the good people in our text fall into the “good” category, we can simply contrast them with what Solomon tells us about the wicked. Solomon is the clear that the wicked are in the practice of devising wicked schemes.

I believe it is safe to make the assumption then – even though Solomon is not explicitly clear on what makes the good people good – that, at a minimum, the good in the text are in the practice of devising good schemes (or plans). In other words, they spend their day seeking for ways to be a blessing to others. They know that they are in the earth to make a positive impact in the lives of others, so that they can bring glory to God. To that end, they meditate on ways to do good, the devise plans to do good, and they put action to those plans; becoming the light and salt the Father desires for them to be.

To further explain this point, let’s look at something the Father said to Joshua, as he prepared to lead the people into the Promised Land. Jehovah knew that Joshua and His people were going to face great opposition and He wanted to make sure that THEY DID all they were supposed to do, so that He would have NOT have a reason to withhold His blessing. This is what He said to Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth (they were to speak God’s Word and His blessing continually); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night (they were to think about the Promises of God non-stop, as they prepared for battle), that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein (not only were they to speak good and think good, but God is a God of action; He expected them to DO good as well): for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8 my comments added in parenthesis).

Take another look at the latter portion of Joshua 1:8. After Joshua and the people mastered their mouth (speaking the Word), their minds (thinking the Word), and their methods (doing the Word), it is clear that they would experience success; but to whom does God attribute the cause of the success? Jehovah said, “Thou shalt make.” In other words, we you speak, think, and do according to according to God’s will, then we will experience God’s best. If not, we won’t, but it will not be God’s fault. The onus is on us.

So what does Solomon tell us about those that devise wicked schemes? He tells us that God condemns them, but really, as we have learned, they bring the condemnation upon themselves. Hebrew word for “condemns” in this text is the word rasha. This word means: to condemn as guilty; to be causatively wrong. In other words, it means to be wrong because of one’s actions. Later in Proverbs Solomon said, “The curse does not come without a cause” (26:2).

So what does this mean? It means that the law of cause and effect will be in operation in your life today, as it is everyday. I am sure you have a laundry list of things you need to get done, but how you go about doing those things matters. Your words, thoughts, and actions matter to God. Seek to do things God’s way today, so that His favor can be upon your life. Favor can do more in a minute, than labor can do in a lifetime! So do things God’s way today. Give Jehovah a cause to bless you and you will experience what I call “Sweatless victory!”

Father, I declare, by faith, that I master my mouth. I line up my words with Your Word. I speak life and blessing, never death and cursing. I master my mind. I cause my thoughts to align with Your thoughts. I take captive every thought that is not pleasing to You. I also master my methods. Not only to I speak and think as You desire for me to, but I am a person of action. I put action behind my words and thoughts. I DO all that You desire for me to DO and therefore, I declare, that I make my way prosperous and I experience good success today. Favor me Father as I enter this day, by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Follow the Leader

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. - 1 Cor 11:1 NKJV

Who do you follow? Who do you look up to? We all have someone or several people in our lives whom we look to for guidance in one way or another. Are you that someone to a person in your life? To be a leader is a big responsibility. Paul, the writer of 1 Corinthians knew this. He knew that people imitated him and heeded his teachings. For this reason, Paul wanted to make one thing clear: that he should not be followed in word or in deed unless he was in accordance with what Jesus Christ would do or say.

I like this about Paul. He humbly recognized his faults (Romans 7:14-25) but still took great care to do the right thing and he wanted to make sure that first and foremost people were following Jesus. That is the essence of what Paul wanted. He wanted people to follow Jesus. I want to be like Paul. If what I say or do does not line up with what God says in His Word, than I don't want to be followed. Always test for yourself what I say, write or live, by the truth of God's word.

Following Jesus takes work. Following Jesus is more than going to church and getting an emotional high with hands raised while singing a favorite praise song. Yes, that is a part of worship, a part that I believe cannot fully take place without some relationship with God. However, true worship is more than an emotional response to an inspirational message or song designed by the local church or a speaker to evoke a reaction in the hearers. True worship is defined by how we lived our lives in the day to day grind. True worship is seeking God through the pages of the Bible even when we don't feel like it sometimes. True worship is reading a passage of scripture and applying it to our lives even though we don't like how it makes us feel. True worship is a life of surrender, following the true Leader, no matter the cost.

For further thought:

1) How is your walk with God? Would someone following you be following God as well?

2) How many times per week do you examine your life in light of what the Bible says? Following God means that we must know what He says to do. How can we know if we don't read His word?

3) Who are you following? Do you know for certain that what they do or preach aligns with God's ways? Once again, we must know Jesus Christ to know if others are also following Him. And how can we know this unless we dive into God's Word for ourselves?

My Message is About Him

The request came when I was twenty. "Can you address our church youth group?" We aren't talking citywide crusade here. Think more in terms of a dozen kids around a West Texas campfire. I was new to the faith, hence new to the power of the faith. I told my story, and, lo and behold, they listened! One even approached me afterward and said something like, "That moved me, Max." My chest lifted, and my feet shifted just a step in the direction of the spotlight.
God has been nudging me back ever since.
Some of you don't relate. The limelight never woos you. You and John the Baptist sing the same tune: "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30 NLT). God bless you. You might pray for the rest of us. We applause-aholics have done it all: dropped names, sung loudly, dressed up to look classy, dressed down to look cool, quoted authors we've never read, spouted Greek we've never studied. For the life of me, I believe Satan trains battalions of demons to whisper one question in our ears: "What are people thinking of you?"
A deadly query. What they think of us matters not. What they think of God matters all. God will not share his glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). Next time you need a nudge away from the spotlight, remember: You are simply one link in a chain, an unimportant link at that.
Remember the other messengers God has used?
A donkey to speak to Balaam (Numbers 22:28).
A staff-turned-snake to stir Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10).
He used stubborn oxen to make a point about reverence and a big fish to make a point about reluctant preachers (I Samuel 6:1-12; Jonah 1:1-17)
God doesn't need you and me to do his work. We are expedient messengers, ambassadors by his kindness, not by our cleverness.
It's not about us, and it angers him when we think it is.
We who are entrusted with the gospel dare not seek applause but best deflect applause. For our message is about Someone else.

by Max Lucado

Receiving Your Due, Here on the Earth

(Prov 11:31 NIV) If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

Thank you for your prayers.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon reminds us of a truth that many seem to overlook, and that is that we will all receive our due here on the earth. I know (and I hope that you know) that we will all be judged some day. We will all stand before God’s judgment and be judged based upon whether or not we received Jesus as Lord and then what we did with our lives. But eternal judgment is not the only judgment.

Judgment occurs all the time. Solomon reminds us that we (the righteous) will receive our due here on the earth. The Contemporary English Version (CEV) translates this portion, “Good people are rewarded here on this earth.” You can’t have reward without judgment. Our actions are constantly being judged. God created a system of laws and principles – sowing and reaping, cause and effect, and the free will of humans – that governs the earth.

So, not only WILL we be judged some day, but our actions are regularly judged and we are either rewarded or punished accordingly. Jesus did not come ONLY so that we could make it to heaven; He also came that we might enjoy abundant life NOW (see John 10:10). However, most of God’s promises are conditional. If we fulfill the condition, we receive the reward. If we don’t, we miss out. If you don’t like the harvest you are reaping, check the seed you are sowing. At the end of the day, we are where we are, because of the decisions we make. This means we cannot blame God and we should not blame others. This takes us to the latter portion of the text.

After reminding us that we will receive our due here in the earth, Solomon says, “How much more the ungodly and the sinner!” The CEV translates this portion, “All who are cruel and mean will surely be punished.” What does this tell us? It tells is that the system of sowing and reaping, of cause and effect, works for everyone.

Just like we are constantly being judged, they are as well. I believe Solomon wrote this as a reminder to us that we are NOT the judge. God will see to it that the ungodly and the sinner will receive their reward (or punishment). If anything, we should pray for them and ask God for mercy on their behalf, but we should concern ourselves will attempting to be judge and jury for God.

No matter what people do to you, your job is to forgive them and pray for them. God will see to it that they get there due, here in the earth. Don’t attempt to do God’s job. And remember, their poison can’t stop your purpose! No matter how much they come up against you, trust God to protect you from every unrighteous attack.

So what does this mean ? A few of things:
1. God will make sure that you receive your due here in the earth. He wants you to make it to heaven, but He wants you to enjoy the ride as well!

2. If you don’t like what is happening in your life, you must change what you are doing.

3. God will ensure that the ungodly and the sinner receive their reward or punishment. That is NOT your job. If you want to do anything for the ungodly, pray for them.

4. Trust God to shield you from every attack. No matter who comes up against you, believe God to be your shield and your fortress! If God is for you, who can be against you?

Father, I thank You for the reminder this morning that my life is a grand-sum-total of my decisions. I know that You want me to make it to heaven, but I also know that it is Your desire that I enjoy my life here in the earth.

Jesus came that I might have and enjoy overflowing and abundant life. I declare that I want the life You want me to have. I make the right decisions and I receive the right results. I know that the ungodly will receive their reward or punishment and I will not inject myself into the process. I will pray for them and commit them unto You. I know that their poison cannot stop my purpose, therefore I am not afraid of what man can do to me. I trust in You and I know that You are my everlasting fortress – protecting me from all harm! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Guidelines for this recession season

What will the Bible’s Book of Proverbs tell us in order to guide us through this recession? Since 2007 the U.S. lost 3.6 million jobs. Last month 600,000 jobs were lost. The stock market’s Dow Jones Industrial Average is down to its lowest in 6 years. If you think you lost money, billionaire Warren Buffet recently lost $11 billion!

Proverbs tell us guidelines for this recession season and also for a lifetime. In the Old Testament, wealth was measured by how many sheep or goats you had in your flock. That is why this advice about your wealth is worded this way, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations” (Prov. 27:23-24). In other words, know about your finances and wealth. And also remember that your wealth is only temporary. There are heavenly gifts that last forever.

So what got us into this recession? In a word: greed. And it was not only the greed of a few people but almost universal greed. The banks wanted more money so they granted shaky loans at sub prime rates. The CEO’s wanted bonuses that amounted to multi millions of dollars. Unqualified borrowers wanted too expensive homes that they could not normally afford. Business owners became addicted to big profit. Consumers wanted cheaper goods.

Back around World War II, we were in the industrial age. We manufactured all our own goods; clothes, steel, cars, etc. Because of our unmatched industrial might we became the wealthiest nation in the world. Our paper money back then was based on the gold standard. Because we manufactured almost all of our own goods we also exported everything to everybody around the world.

But we became addicted to profit. It became normal for athletes like baseball player Alex Rodriguez to receive a $126 million contract. But everybody still wanted more and so the work ethic thinned out and the entitlement mentality settled in. Eventually, businesses figured why pay Americans minimum wage here at over $5 when they can pay 25 cents a day elsewhere for the same or better production of goods? So American businesses moved their manufacturing to other countries like China.

Therefore, more and more American money began flowing out to other countries. Wal-Mart has 36,000 workers in China. U.S. increased goods but decreased their cash. And our goods depreciate. So foreign countries received tons of our cash while we received their depreciating goods.

So the United States is running out of money and does not have enough and therefore is simply printing money to try and make up the difference. We will eventually owe a trillion dollars. The national debt is huge.

The danger is that inflation will rise because of the excessive printing of money and the value of the dollar will sink. Because we have no money to buy as much goods from China, they have shut down 100,000 factories! So now China is buying up American banks and companies with all the money we have sent them over the years!

This is similar to what happened to Hawaii years ago when the Japanese bought up companies, hotels and real estate here. So even when we think we are buying American products we are sometimes actually sending the money to a foreign country because foreigners own that “American” company!

So what should we do? What is the wisest thing that Proverbs tells us to do?

GUIDELINES:

PAY OFF ALL CONSUMER DEBT.

Debt will kill you financially in a recession. You need all that money that you are throwing away in interest payments in order to survive these hard economic times. So “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another” (Rom. 13:8). Also, “Do not co-sign another person’s note or put up a guarantee for someone else’s loan. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you” (Prov. 22:26-27).

INVEST IN THE MOST CONSERVATIVE WAYS.

Put your money into money market funds or perhaps gold or conservative mutual funds. As the Bible says, “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone” (Prov. 23:4-5). Some of you may have the cash to invest in foreclosure properties and you can make money from those if you know how but for the most part be conservative.

LEARN TO BUDGET NOW!

Always remember, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds…” (Prov. 27:23). We need to learn to budget because we need to be good stewards of our earthly possessions before God will entrust us with his shower of heavenly blessings. Some budgeting tips are:

EAT AT HOME MORE.
NO FRIVOLOUS SPENDING!
SELL WHAT YOU DON’T NEED.


INCREASE YOUR EXCELLENCE AS A WORKER.

As the Bible says, “…we urge you, brethren, to excel still more” (1 Thess. 4:10).

TAKE LESS, PRODUCE MORE!


So Remember, “The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor …” (Prov. 12:26 KJV). This simply means that if you are a Christian than you should be an excellent worker and do an excellent job. While Christians always go to Heaven they can still be fired or laid off if they do not do excellence. We should increase our work ethic. One of the ways is to have initiative and not need constant supervision.

We need to follow these guidelines so that we will emerge stronger and better from this recession season. So how do you know that you are on the right track?

REARRANGE YOUR LIFE UNTIL YOU CAN HONOR GOD.

Accordingly, “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Prov. 3:9-10). When we cannot honor God with our tithe then that is a sign that we are on the wrong track. It means that something is out of balance and we may have let greed enter our lives. And greed is what started this recession. We should question ourselves. Are we eating out too much? Should we get a smaller house, buy less, earn more?

If we prepare with these Biblical guidelines, we will come through this recession season stronger, much better and honoring God.

The Bible gives us economic guidelines to see us through a recession. Know well the condition of your finances. Pay off all consumer debt. Invest in the most conservative ways. Learn to budget now. Eat at home more, eliminate frivolous spending and sell what you do not need. Increase your excellence as a worker by in part taking less and producing more. Make sure you rearrange your life so that you can honor God by continuing to tithe.

Things to ponder

Why should you know your finances?
Why should you pay off all consumer debt?
If you feel you have enough money, why should you budget?
What makes it difficult to eat at home more?
What did you buy frivolously and why?
What do you have that you do not need?
How can you be a more excellent worker?
How will you rearrange your life so that you can honor God more?

WAYS TO CONTROL THE TONGUE PART 2

Let's continue from yesterdays message

2. FIND A LIGHTNING ROD.

What’s this? Well, a lightning rod is a device to protect a building from lighting. It’s a metal rod that is placed on the highest part of a building. Its purpose is to protect the building from lightning by conducting the lightning to the ground. Therefore, if lightning strikes a building that does not have a lightning rod, lightning will go through the wires and fry all the electronic equipment in the building. However, if a building has a lightning rod, the lightning will seek the lightning rod. By doing so, the rod saves the building from harm.

As for us, a lightning rod is someone who loves Jesus, loves you, in that order. It is someone who is a friend. It is someone whom you have given permission to speak into your life. This is why it is absolutely crucial for each one of us to identify someone whom we give permission to speak in to our lives. It is to help control our tongues and it is a part of our growing up in Christ.

Above all, this person will speak into you life about your marriage, finances, attitude, moods, activities and your actions. Here is what the Bible says about this kind of friend, “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Pro. 18:24). Hence, when you find a friend who is a lightning rod in your life, hang on to them.

Again the Bible says we won’t have too many of these. For it says, “too many friends cometh to ruin. But there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother”. So identify this person in your life. And when you need someone to talk to, this person will already be in your life.

I have two friends who is a lightning rods in my life. They are both awesome women of God and both of them would never take sides. Nor would they bear a grudge or shoulder an offense along side with me. Whenever I am upset, they are always there to hear me out. Although I am upset, she would calm my spirit down She is indeed a friend who stuck closer than a brother (or a sister in this case)to me.

Moreover, if you’re married, your spouse may or may not be your lightning rod. As for me, my husband is not a lightning rod to me. Sorry baby but he loves me so much that if someone offends me, he’d get upset at that person. So to protect him, I share the victory side. In other words, I work it through, and then I’d share it with him.

The final and third way to control the tongue is,


3. LEARN TO CRY OUT TO GOD IN PRAYER.

I can not tell you how much this helps me daily in every area of my life.
David cried out in the backside of the desert.
Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet because he would go down the banks of the river and weep before God.
Joseph was in the midst of prison walls crying out to God.
Others such as Job and Samson also cried out to God. Even Jesus himself cried out to God in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Listen, sometimes, the only time you’ll be delivered is when you come to the point of crying out to God. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He delivered them out of the distresses” (Psm 107:6).


The following are scriptures of a mother crying out for her child and a blind beggar. Listen to their emotions
“A Canaanite woman from that region came out
and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed’” (Mat. 15:22). “When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47).

Listen, crying out does not mean complaining to God. Nor is it getting mad at God. Neither is it rehearsing your hurts before God. It is not grumbling as well. But in fact, it is finally surrendering your will to God.Don't you just love that you can do that to someone who love you unconditionally and will just allow you to cry out without judging you.

When you have come to that point of surrender, God takes over. You see, the Bible says, “When I am weak He is strong”. However, if I refuse to be weak I will never find Him strong. It’s a pivotal point in time when you say, I can’t do it anymore! This is when the window of heaven opens and where grace and strength of the divine Creator of the universe is released on your behalf!

How often we go about our lives thinking life is about us. Thinking, God exists for us. If you think this way then you’ll try to go through life on your own. And God will need to bring you to a precipice, a cliff or something where you’ll have no choice but to cry out to God. Then you’ll realize it’s the other way around. And then say, oh this movie is not about me after all. Aha!

It is written, “For God so loved the world that He gave His own begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16). Therefore, It’s all about Him. It’s all about what Jesus wants to do in this world, for people like us. Therefore, it is fitting for us to yield our lives to Him.

Thus, let us tame our tongues for our words will determine our relationships and our maturity. And yes, we can control our tongues by first, being silent. And secondly, to find or identify someone who is a lightning rod in our life. For women, let it be another female. and foe men let this be a male. Allow these lightning rods to speak into your life because they love Jesus and you, in that order.

And finally when things go from bad to worse and most importantly, cry out to God in prayer. Only then will your world come back into balance once again. And with it, the power of God is released in your behalf. He is the Creator and we are His people. All glory and honor are His! And we exist for Him!

Some Question to ponder


How have your words determined your relationships with your spouse, parents & children?

In what practical ways can you be silent before yelling at someone?

Who is the lightning rod in your life? Or, is there someone who could be?

When was the last time you cried out to God in prayer?

How will you be a better person & exist for God?

WAYS TO CONTROL THE TONGUE

Open your mouth and say aahhh! This is what the doctor says to us when he looks in our mouths. And he does this to get a general sense of our health. Did you know the Bible mentions the tongue?

It sure does! It says the way we use our tongues or the way we speak gives a general sense of our health. What? Well, because our tongues have the capability to break relationships. And, it can heal them as well. Therefore, a lot can be determined in the way we speak.

A lot of times, we see the problem in other people much sooner than we see it ourselves. Yet, we have problems as well. Take a look here at what the Bible says about our words.

“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:37).

In addition, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).

This tongue is an interesting part of the body. Although it is smaller than most parts of the body, did you know it requires taming? Yes, it does. And, there are three ways to control the tongue.

Basically, our words…

DETERMINES OUR RELATIONSHIPS.

“…the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire. The tongue…defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison”. (Jam. 3:5-6, 8). This tells us we can build relationships with words. And, destroy relationships with words.

In addition, our words also…

DETERMINES OUR MATURITY.

We can go to church for hundreds of years. Yet, if we are not able to control our tongues, our maturity is still in kindergarten. Why? Because our tongue determines our maturity. In other words, our tongue is a barometer.

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1Tim. 4:12). Here, God has placed the word “speech” with conduct, love faith and purity. Therefore, be an example to others by your speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.

I hear a pastor tell a story about taking a flight and an announcement came over the speaker while he was waiting for the seating assignment. The announcement stated that the plane for the flight was not there. And that they would need to be re-routed.

Immediately after this announcement a lady stood up quickly and went up to the ticket agent who was Hispanic. The lady was irate and she starting yelling at the ticket agent. She complained about how much money she paid for her ticket and demanded for the plane! As is, the ticket agent responded courteously with, we will re-route you if it’s alright.
Sheesh!!!!

Upset and relentless the lady exclaimed, can’t you see I’m having an anxiety attack! Again the ticket agent was really nice and says to her, do you want me to call 911? Frustrated at this, the lady continued complaining saying; you’re just not feeling anything for me are you? You don’t care, don’t you? And the ticket agent calmly responded with, I’m trying to get you the best connection I can.

Still upset, the lady cried out, you’re not hearing what I’m saying! I’m just feeling terrible! And the nice ticket agent replied if you’ll just settle down it’ll help me get a connection for you.

Yet again the lady demanded for an answer with, why are we late? And although the ticket agent was busy on the computer her response was, if you’ll just be quiet I can go ahead and finish your connection. At that point we were wondering when this lady was going to explode. And she did by yelling, you don’t even understand what I’m saying! And it’s because you don’t even understand English! After hearing this, the ticket agent simply says, I am Hispanic. But I understand you very clearly
Well, as it were this lady kept going on and on.

As you can see, our words do determine our maturity. Although Christians, we too can run into the same problems. It is during those in opportune moments when our emotions get a rise. And then our tongues have no control. Yet, if God is says our tongues and words determine our relationships and maturity, it is important for us to control our tongues,”Be quick to hear, slow to speak and be slow to anger. For the anger of man will not achieve the righteousness of God” (Jam. 1:19).

So how do we control our tongues? It’s real easy. There are three ways. The first is…

THREE WAYS TO CONTROL THE TONGUE

1. SILENCE.

Take a look at what scriptures tell us, “I said, ‘I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle’” (Psm. 39:1). In other words, be quiet.

However, please understand this silence is not moodiness. Nor is it a tantrum. Or marginalizing someone by giving them the silent treatment. It is simply silencing the angry tongue. And this is part of disciplining yourself. No one can do this for you but you.

So before you press enter to an angry email you just typed to someone, wait a day before you send it. Another form of silence would be simple as just taking a walk. Or, going to the bathroom and yelling in the toilet if need be. Please remember that our words will we be justified and by our words we will be condemned. Therefore, it is very important for us to control our tongues.

Here is a quick and simple illustration of what an untamed tongue can do. A man gets yelled at work by his boss. And at the end of the day he goes home and then yells at his wife. And this infection spreads throughout the family because now the wife yells at their son. The son then punches his sister. And the sister then kicks the dog. The dog then bites the cat. And, the cat bites the head off the doll. All in all, it’s a domino effect. So if you get yelled at by your boss, just go home and bite the head off the doll! By doing so, it’ll save everybody!

The second way to control the tongue is to…be continued tomorrow

Fathering for a Legacy

(Prov 13:22 AMP) "A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up."

With Father's Day in mind, I feel led to share a few thoughts with you from message that I preached last Father's Day. The message was entitled, "Fathering for a Legacy." Here are a few thoughts from the message:"Any male that is able-bodied can reproduce and create a child, but that does not mean that they are actively "Fathering."

Fathering is the act of being a father. It is more than just having the title; it requires energy and effort on the part of the Father.""When we look at the words of Solomon (Prov 13:22) we see that it is a good thing to leave a financial inheritance to our children; but the greatest inheritance you can leave for your children is an inheritance of Righteousness.

When you look at God and what he did in the Old Testament you quickly find out that God is a relational God that connects with us to impact our entire FAMILY - from GENERATION to GENERATION!"1. Father for Purpose, not just for Pleasure: In Genesis 17 the Lord instructed Abraham to circumcise every male child when he was eight days old. Jehovah sealed His covenant with Abraham through a shedding of blood (Gen 15). Now He required the shedding of blood to pass the covenant down from generation to generation. Notice that God did not instruct Abraham to cut the child's hand or chest. Jehovah chose to have Abraham cut the reproductive organ. This was a sign that the covenant would pass to his children's seed.

Every time a man (that was circumcised), came together with his wife, his seed passed through the blood (symbolically) of the covenant.

This also meant that part of the responsibility of the Father was to CUT his child on the 8th day. Was this painful? YES! Was this somewhat brutal back then - doing it with a stone? YES! But was this necessary? YES! A father that failed to CUT his son was a father that did not love him.

A Father must do more than just have children. He raises his children to become mature adults. It is a painful, costly, time consuming, life draining, "stay up all hours of the night" type of relationship. It is not always a joyful experience for the Father or the Son. The cost is everything a Father has within him. The benefit is a son who will honor his Father.2. Father for a Legacy, not a Monopoly: The last verse of the Old Testament (Malachi 4:6) tells us that God will "Turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers." This is a reminder for us - those of us who are New Testament believers - that our hearts should be towards our children.

We should seek to BE a blessing to them. Our life cannot be just about us anymore. A person who owns a monopoly is only out for themselves. As parents we must be givers, not just takers. The Greatest mark of a Leader is Development, not Dictatorship! Leadership is a servant relationship that leads to human development. Our focus must be to develop our children and to empower them to maximize their potential, in the earth, while they are living.

Father, I will take everything that You have poured into me and release that to my family. I will pray over them fervently and diligently. They will not have to start where I started. I want to see them do more and make a greater impact in Your Kingdom than I ever will. I want better for my children and I thank You for being a God that transfers Blessing to the second and third generation. My children and my children's children shall be blessed because of Your hand upon my life. Thank You Father, for teaching me what it means to be a Godly parent! In Jesus' Name! Amen!

Capturing Human Lives for God!

(Prov 11:30 KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

This morning we continue our series, I often quote this verse when teaching on soul winning (or evangelizing) and the latter part of the verse does emphasize evangelism, but before we get to the latter portion, let’s look at the first portion. Several places in the Bible God likens our lives to trees and the product of our lives to fruit.

For those that live righteously – that make a commitment to live life God’s way – Solomon tells us that our fruit will literally be a tree of life. The term “Tree of Life” is significant, because it is what Adam and Eve had access to, prior to the original sin. The Tree of Life gave Adam and Eve access to eternal life. When they lost access to the Garden of Eden, they lost access to the Tree of Life.

Jesus came to restore that access to us and it has been restored through His Blood. When we accept Jesus as Lord we are Born-Again by God’s Spirit, we become “the righteous,” and we inherit eternal life. This leads us to the latter portion of the text. If we truly believe we have eternal life in Christ, then we should want to share that Good News with those that don’t.

However, the world does not openly welcome the message of the Gospel. For us to lead them to Christ we must have the wisdom of God. In addition to the traditional methods of teaching, preaching, street witnessing, and door-to-door evangelism, the Body of Christ today is using the internet, social networking sites, podcasts, streaming content, updated music (like contemporary Christian, Christian rap, Christian rock), Television, radio, and any other means we can use to win souls for the Kingdom.

Solomon was right when he said, “He who wins souls is wise.” It takes God’s wisdom to reach some of the people that will simply not come through tradition means.

The Amplified Bible translation of this verse says, “The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men – he gathers and receives them for eternity].” I like that – capturing human lives for God! Paul was excellent at this. He traveled around making a difference in the lives of people; capturing human lives for God. In his first letter to the church at Corinth he gives us some insight into his attitude towards soul winning. He said, “I am free. I don't belong to anyone. But I make myself a slave to everyone. I do it to win as many as I can to Christ. To the Jews I became like a Jew. That was to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one who was under the law, even though I myself am not under the law. That was to win those under the law. To those who don't have the law I became like one who doesn't have the law. I am not free from God's law. I am under Christ's law. Now I can win those who don't have the law. To those who are weak I became weak. That was to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that in all possible ways I might save some” (1st Cor 9:19-22).

What an awesome attitude! He met people on their level. He spoke to them in ways that they could understand. He never condemned them for where they were, but rather led them to a better way. Paul was a master soul-winner and we can and should learn from him.

So what does this mean to you? A couple of things:

1. Every believer has a responsibility to share the Good News of the gospel. You don’t have to know a litany of scripture, just simply tell your story; give your testimony. If you don’t know what to say, ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). It takes His wisdom to win the lost.

2. Don’t’ speak against what you do not understand. If a church or a group of believers is using an untraditional method, don’t speak against them; they may be led of God. Remember, God is the ultimate innovator and He bestows wisdom upon His people lead the lost to Him.

Father, I thank You for giving me eternal life through Your Son, Jesus the Christ. I know the Joy of my Salvation, therefore I want to share that Joy with others. Give me the wisdom that I need to win souls for You. I want to make a difference for Your Kingdom. Also, I refuse to speak against what I do not understand. I celebrate with those that are using innovative methods for You. I will use the wisdom that I have, for the methods that I know, and I celebrate with those who are using creative ways for You! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

God is Cheering for You

If your God is Mighty enough to ignite the sun, could it be that He is mighty enough to light your path?
God is for you. Not "may be," not "has been," not "was," not "would be," but "God is!" He is for you. Today. At this hour. At this minute. As you read this sentence. No need to wait in line or come back tomorrow. He is with you. He could not be closer than he is at this second. His loyalty won't increase if you are better nor lessen if you are worse. He is for you.
God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that's God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that's God applauding your steps. Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He'll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He's picking you up. God is for you.
God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark. We know he has a tattoo, and we know what it says. "I have written your name on my hand," he declares (Isa. 49:16).
by Max Lucado

Living Breakthrough Minded

"For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness"
(II Samuel 22:29, AMP)

I’ve learned when things are difficult and don’t look like they are going our way, that’s when it’s the easiest to lose our joy, vision, and enthusiasm; to believe that things will never get any better. But during those challenging seasons in life, we have to learn to do just the opposite. Right in the midst of the adversity, that’s the time–more than ever–to expect a flood of His favor; a flood of healing, a flood of vindication, a flood of protection. Our attitude should be, “It may be dark, but I know the God of the breakthrough is about to turn things around!” “My child may be off course, but I know the God of the breakthrough is about to bring him back.” “Business may be slow, but I’m expecting the God of the breakthrough to release a flood of His favor, a flood of new clients, a flood of new sales, a flood of promotion.”

Remember, you are in prime position to see the light come bursting in. You’re in prime position for God to give you something to talk about. Keep living breakthrough–minded because He has victory in store for you today!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the victory that You have in store for me. I put my trust in You and choose to live breakthrough–minded. Help me to guard my words and guard my heart so I can stay positioned for everything You have in store for me. Amen.

Ministering to Your Family

(Prov 11:29 KJV) He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon gives us a proverb about managing our own home. I know the King James version seems a bit confusing, especially the part about inheriting the wind. Basically, what it means is that those who choose to stir up trouble in their own homes will eventually be left with nothing.

An empty wind will be their reward. The Good News Bible translation of this verse says, “Those who bring trouble on their families will have nothing at the end. Foolish people will always be servants to the wise.” The latter part of the verse is a reminder to us all that failing to apply Godly wisdom will keep us under those that do.

We all want to get ahead in life, but if we continue to make foolish decisions, the sad reality is that we will never get there. We are where we are today, because of the decisions we have made in the past. We will be where we will be tomorrow, because of the decisions we make today. The bottom-line is that our life is a grand-sum-total of our decisions. Make foolish decisions and you will always be a servant to those who choose wisely. Treat your family foolishly and you bring nothing but destruction upon yourself!

It is a sad commentary, but I know many Ministers of the Gospel that focus so much on being a blessing to others that they neglect their own families. I read a story about a preacher that is writing a book entitled, “How I allowed Ministry to Wreck my Marriage.” He was so focused on ministering to others that his marriage fell into disrepair. He wound up getting a divorce, but by the grace of God (and thankfully) he and his wife have remarried and he has a new found appreciation for the importance of his family.

What would I gain if I were a hero to others, but a zero at home? I often say, “My first ministry is to my family!” I am currently My family is my responsibility and if I neglect that responsibility I will be accountable to God.

The Bible is full of Godly instruction for managing one’s household. God’s Word instructs us to train up our children in the way that they should go (Prov 22:6), to never exasperate or trouble them, but to instruction them in the way of the Lord (Eph 6:4), recognizing that children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord (Psalm 127:3).

The Word also tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). It tells wives to willingly love and support their husbands (Eph 5:22). And I could go on and on. The message is clear: we are to sow seeds of harmony and not discord into our family, remembering that we will reap whatever we sow.

So what does this mean? It means that you should honor and respect your family. Recognize the blessing you have in your family and never mistreat those that the Lord has blessed you to be connected with.

Honor your spouse – build them up and never tear them down. Protect and instruct your children – lead them in the way that they should go and live a Godly example before them. Be a blessing to your family. Never neglect them for the pursuit of fortune, fame, or the recognition of others. Will it really matter if you climb the corporate ladder, only to find yourself all alone at the top?

When you walk in Godly counsel you can have success within and without the home! One without the other is NOT God’s best.

Father, I thank You for blessing me with my family. I declare, by faith, that I will never neglect my family. I will pray over my decisions and judge my decisions based upon Your Word, that way I know that I am making Godly decisions that will enable me to sow seeds of harmony and not discord. I want to experience the success You desire for me to have, but I don’t want to lose my family in the process. I will honor my family and I know that You will honor me. Success – within and without the home – that is Your best for me and that is what I pursue. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin






SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 17, 2009:

The race is not to the swift, but to the persistent. Do not give up when you face difficulties and discouragement comes. Fight through; you don't know how incredibly close you are to breakthrough. Keep moving, and keep pushing. Ask, and I will give you extraordinary wisdom at the moment you need it so that you are not hindered from achieving your goal. Take heart and re-establish yourself in strong faith, knowing that I am with you to show you the way, says the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

What are you Looking For?

(Prov 11:27 NLT) If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!

In this verse Solomon contrasts those who seek good with those who seek evil. The message is simple, clear, and yet profound - you will basically find what you are searching for. The person who seeks mischief, who is always on the lookout for ways to do wrong, will find all sorts of opportunities to get into trouble.

The same is true for those that are disposed to do good unto others. If you have it in your heart to be a blessing to others, you will always find opportunities through which you can be a blessing. Race, color, creed, gender, status, and etc. don't matter on this point. This is not a matter of position, but rather of disposition. If your heart is bent towards God you will seek God and run into Him all the time. However, if your heart is bent towards the enemy then you will run into trouble on every turn.

The New International Reader's Version of this text says, "Anyone who looks for what is good finds favor. But bad things happen to a person who plans to do evil." The issue here is one of expectation. Over the years I have observed that those that come to different meetings with an expectation of the manifestation of God often receive that manifestation, whereas those that come expecting nothing get exactly that. I always come expecting. Someone said, "If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time." The same can be said for those that aim for Godly things or ungodly things; they often hit their target.

Later in Proverbs Solomon said, "Criminals out looking for nothing but trouble won't have to wait long - they'll meet it coming and going!" (17:11 MSG). That is a clear picture of what happens when you seek the wrong things. On the positive side, let's look at something Paul said in his second letter to the church at Corinth. In that letter he said, "But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:11). Paul was teaching about developing in God. The illustration he used was powerful. He paints a picture of us, as Born-Again believers, standing unveiled before a mirror and beholding the glory of God in it. The more we focus on the glory of God, the more we are transformed into that image and likeness. It takes time, but the process takes us from level to level, from glory to glory. Whenever I teach from this verse I say, "You become what you behold!" The lesson is that you eventually become what you consistently give your attention to. If you focus on the things of God you will become Godly. If you focus on the things of the world you will become worldly. Your focus and expectation is the key.

So what does this mean? It means that what you become in life is mostly up to you at this point. Jehovah has already defeated satan through Jesus on Calvary. The Father has plans for you and He wants to operate in your life, but you must cooperate with Him.

He will NOT force you. You must give yourself over to the process of development. So stand before the mirror of God's glory, focus on the things of God, will your will to expect God's best and you will find that run into God's blessing on every turn. If you search for good you will find favor!

Father, I thank You for defeating satan through Your Son Jesus! I have been Born-Again into You. I am in Your Kingdom and Your Kingdom is in me! I give myself over to You and to the process of my development. I focus on Your glory and I declare, by faith, I become what I behold! I seek for Your good and I find Your favor. I seek for Your best and I consistently run into Your blessing. I enter this day with great expectations and I know that I will find exactly what I am looking for! My attitude will dictate my altitude! In Jesus' name. Amen!

(Prov 11:28 TNIV) Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

This morning we continue our series, Solomon gives us a very timely message this morning. The U.S. economy has taken a turn for the worse and it looks like it will be quite some time before we see a true turn-around. Many have been affected severely. Television shows are full of people testifying of how their lifelong savings have been depleted. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their jobs, their homes, and their credit rating. Some have even lost their hope.

The Good News Bible translation of this verse says: “Those who depend on their wealth will fall like the leaves of autumn, but the righteous will prosper like the leaves of summer.” If I had taught from this verse a few years ago it would have been received differently. When the economy is booming people have a false sense of security from the size of their savings. But when the economy takes a turn like it has, verses like this one seem prophetic. They remind us that there is nothing and no one as stable as God. Jehovah is the only constant in our ever-changing environment.

In the New Testament, when Jesus was teaching the parable of the Sower and the Seed (the seed being the Word of God), He explained how the different types of ground (that’s us) respond to the same Word that is preached. Jesus taught that thorny ground people hear the Word, but “The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things, choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19).

Without really getting into the message in the parable, what I want to bring out from what He said is that riches are deceitful. One of the definitions for deceitful includes the word “untrustworthy.” That’s really the message behind Solomon’s teaching. His point is a point made about trust.

Here you have a billionaire telling you not the trust in riches. He does cut any corners either. Solomon plainly says that those that trust in their riches will fall. They will fall like the leaves of the autumn. These are leave that were once green, full, and flourishing, but after a change of season, the leaves dried up, changed colors, and eventually fell. The contrast Solomon gives us the righteous – those who keep their trust solely in God.

So what does this mean? It means that you MUST keep your trust focused in the right direction (UP). God is not opposed to you doing well financially, to you having savings, to making investments, owning homes and land and etc. As a matter of fact, the Bible is full of scripture that supports the opposite. He wants you to prosper. He wants you to BE blessed, so that you can BE a blessing. The warning here is not about storing up wealth, it’s about trusting in it.

If your trust is in your wealth and not Jehovah, then you have put your money ahead of God and your wealth has become your god. Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Mat 6:24). You can either put your trust in God, honor Him with your finances – by doing what He has instructed us to do with our income – and you will see that He will bless you abundantly as you use money as your servant.

Or you can put your trust in your money and ignore God’s instruction and you will soon find you will not like that scenario. Money makes an excellent servant, but a poor master. In your life Jehovah must be LORD OF ALL or He is not LORD AT ALL!

Father, I declare, right now, by faith, that You are Lord of ALL in my life. My trust is completely in You. I thank You for giving me the wisdom to govern all that You allow to come through my hands. I will honor You with my life and that includes my finances. Lead me Father in every decision and I will use what You bless me with for Your glory. Money is my servant, not my master. You alone sit on the throne of my life and therefore, I believe I will long a strong, stable and secure life in You! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Love

John 15:12

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (KJV)

You are a covenant person because you walk in love, not because you go to church. You are a covenant person not because you can quote the scripture. You are a covenant person because you have made a decision to walk like Jesus, and walk in love with the brethren. Your brothers are Jesus' brothers; and that is who He cares about. And whatever He cares about, you care about. You therefore resolve that you will love like Jesus loved.

Jesus said to continue in His way of love, in His style of love. If you keep His commandment - that is, if you love one another, as he loved us - then you are His disciple. He didn't say just love, He said love like He loves.

He said love like Him. It takes the power of God to do that. If most people had the ability to manifest divine power like Jesus did, they would heal people and minister to them. Then when they turn on them like they turned on Jesus, they'd be ready to zap them to ashes. But that is not what Jesus did. He didn't render evil for evil. He rendered love for evil, and blessings for contrary words. He prayed for those who used Him despitefully. And because of it He had divine power and protection so that what they said and what they did had no affect on him.

That is what He wants you to do. When you walk in love, people may come against you, but they will not have any affect on you. When you walk in love you are kept in covenant and blessings are released on your behalf. So prepare yourself now to decide what you will do every time you come up against adversity. What is the love way to go? Well, that way is the protection way. That is the way that will turn out and cause you to win in the middle of the test and trial.

Scripture References: Matthew 5:44-48

Doing Business the Right Way

(Prov 11:26 KJV) He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.


In this verse Solomon continues to flow in the financial vein as he teaches us how we should conduct business. Solomon was an astute businessman and many secular books have been written from his principles. What he teaches us this morning is about morality in the marketplace.

I know that when you first read this verse from the King James Version it may be a bit confusing. The Amplified Bible adds some clarity, saying: “The people curse him who holds back grain [when the public needs it], but a blessing [from God and man] is upon the head of him who sells it.” The Contemporary English Version makes it even clearer, saying: “Charge too much for grain, and you will be cursed; sell it at a fair price, and you will be praised.”

This verse ties in with a movie I saw this weekend. I won’t give you the name of movie, so I won’t spoil it for those of you that have not seen it. In the movie an ex-Wall Street broker causes an incident that he knows will drive the stock market haywire. He watches as stock prices fall and he patiently waits for them to hit rock bottom. He then buys up all the stock that he can, waits for the market to correct itself, and makes an absorbent amount of money.

Even if you ignore the fact that the incident he caused was illegal, you still have to recognize the fact that his methods were immoral, conniving, and unethical. The Lord is not opposed to us making gains in business, but He is opposed to us making those gains the wrong way.

In Biblical times the big “Market” was not in stock, but rather in grain (or corn). There was a common practice among the unethical businessmen of the time to hoard as much grain as they could. They would store up the grain, in massive amounts, and wait for a famine. As the weather and ‘crops’ took a turn for the worse, and as the price of grain gradually increased, they would hold on to their grain. These men knew that the public needed their grain, but they waited until the situation reached a full-blown famine, before they would sell the grain they had conveniently stored up. And of course, they would then sell the grain and outlandish prices; making a fortune from the misfortune of others.

Solomon tells us that the people will curse those who do business this way, but I must tell you that in addition to the curse from the people, those that do business this way will also experience disfavor with God. And just like Solomon tells us that those who sell their grain at a fair price will be praised of men, they will also receive the favor of God.

So what does this mean to you? You may be thinking, “What does this have to do with me? All this talk of grain, how does it apply?” I believe it applies directly to our lives. You and I may not be dealing with grain, but the principles apply to every area of business. The Lord wants you to increase, He wants your business to prosper, He wants your business to be booming, even in the midst of this slow economy, but He will NEVER lead you to take advantage of others.

Today’s economy is a ‘famine’ for many and there are some unscrupulous businessmen taking advantage of it, making a fortune from the misfortune of others. Simply put, that is NOT God’s way. Be fair in business – do what is right, because it’s right – and you will experience the favor of both God and man! God wants you to get ahead, but He wants you to do it the right way.

Father, I thank You for teaching me Biblical Principles for Godly Success. I want success Your way. I do what is right in business and in everything else. I know You can bless me, and my business, to be a light in the midst of this dark time, but to do so, I must do things Your way. So I will walk upright before You and man. I do business in a way that is pleasing to You and I know that I will experience the gratitude of others and the Blessing of my heavenly Father! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Prov 11:25 NIV) A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

In this verse Solomon continues to teach about giving. It is unfortunate, but many believers don't want to discuss biblical finances or biblical giving at all. Those that ignore what the Bible has to say about money are missing out a great portion of scripture. Just like the Bible teaches about love, peace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and etc., the Bible has a great deal to say about the way believers should handle their finances. Giving is a big part of it. Solomon does not mince any words here.

He plainly tells us that a generous man will prosper. Heart felt and Spirit-led giving releases the Blessing to flow freely in your life. To illustrate the awesomeness of what happens when you allow God to use to give, let's take a look at something that Paul wrote in his second letter to the church in Corinth.

Remember, Paul was a traveling preacher and his primary support came from donations. Paul was ministering in Jerusalem and the believers in Corinth had promised to support the work that he was doing. Let's take a look at what he told them about their impending gift:"I really don't need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.

But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you... So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." For God is the One who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving-the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God... they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" (2nd Corinthians chapter 9).So what does this mean to you ? It means that when you allow God to use to give - from what He has already given you - then you open up the door to the Blessing for the giver and the receiver. The Gospel of the Kingdom must be preached to every nation and it requires financial support. When you allow God to use you to be a tool through which He can finance His Kingdom, He will bless you beyond measure.

Why? Because you are willing to be the channel through which He blesses others! Blessed TO BE a blessing - that was the Promise to Abraham!

Father, I acknowledge that fact that everything I have came from You. You provide seed for sowing and bread for eating. You not only allow me to have enough for me and my family (that's eating), but enough to sow into the lives of others and to support Your Kingdom. Thank You Father for increasing my resources and then producing a harvest on every seed sown. Others will glorify You because of the seed You enable and allow me to sow! I don't give grudgingly or in response to pressure. I am a prompt, obedient, willing and cheerful giver! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 12, 2009:
The mind is the devil's playground and battleground. Fight to stay focused and clear. Refuse to give any place for confusion or despair to manifest. Be strong and war against fear, condemnation, hopelessness, helplessness, and lies from the enemy. You are not a victim! Stand in faith that I will cause you to triumph in all things. Trust Me to bring you through every battle in victory. I am the Lord of the breakthrough, and I will cause you to overcome, says the Lord.
2 Samuel 5:20a So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water."

He Has Come to Guide You Out

What would it take to restore your hope?
What would you need to reenergize your journey?
Though the answers are abundant, three come quickly to mind.
The first would be a person. Not just any person. You don't need someone equally confused. You need someone who knows the way out.
And from him you need some vision. You need someone to lift your spirits. You need someone to look you in the face and say, "This isn't the end. Don't give up. There is a better place than this. And I'll lead you there."
And, perhaps most important, you need direction. If you have only a person but no renewed vision, all you have is company. If he has a vision but no direction, you have a dreamer for company. But if you have a person with direction--who can take you from this place to the right place--ah, then you have one who can restore your hope.
Or, to use David's words, "He restores my soul." Our Shepherd majors in restoring hope to the soul. Whether you are a lamb lost on a craggy ledge or a city slicker alone in a deep jungle, everything changes when your rescuer appears.
Your loneliness diminishes, because you have fellowship.
Your despair decreases, because you have vision.
Your confusion begins to lift, because you have direction.
Please note: You haven't left the jungle. The trees still eclipse the sky, and the thorns still cut the skin. Animals lurk and rodents scurry. The jungle is still a jungle. It hasn't changed, but you have. You have changed because you have hope. And you have hope because you have met someone who can lead you out.
Your Shepherd knows that you were not made for this place. He knows you are not equipped for this place. So he has come to guide you out.

by Max Lucado

Breakthrough

The mind is the devil's playground and battleground. Fight to stay focused and clear. Refuse to give any place for confusion or despair to manifest. Be strong and war against fear, condemnation, hopelessness, helplessness, and lies from the enemy. You are not a victim! Stand in faith that I will cause you to triumph in all things. Trust Me to bring you through every battle in victory. I am the Lord of the breakthrough, and I will cause you to overcome, says the Lord.

2 Samuel 5:20a So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, "The LORD has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water."

Enoch

Hebrews 11:5
(5) By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased GodNearly fifty times in the New Testament, walking is used as a metaphor to describe how we live our daily lives. These numerous references signify just how important this concept is to God. For instance, Paul exhorts us to make our walk a worthy one (Colossians 1:10), one accomplished by faith and not sight (II Corinthians 5:7).

Enoch walked with God for 300 years (

Genesis 5:22, 24). For three centuries, Enoch included God in every aspect of his life. In other words, wherever Enoch was, God was. In life, they were inseparable partners. We can please God as Enoch did by following his example.

How do we include God in every aspect of our lives as Enoch did in such an exemplary way? How do we ensure that God is wherever we are? Striving to

pray always accomplishes both. It is a major element in walking with God.

How do we compare to Enoch's example? Can God say of us what He says about Enoch, that He is a partner in every aspect of our lives? Rather than running from God as a

Laodicean would, Enoch wanted God to be present and involved in his life. He willingly and without fear subjected himself to God's minute evaluation and examination because of their intimate relationship developed through time and contact.

Enoch's walk with God is an example of a life lived with true dedication, and it can be the same for us. Praying always clearly demonstrates the true intent of the heart and our true dedication to God. The first Great Commandment is to "

love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:36-38). Because it is first, we will probably be evaluated on it most thoroughly. Praying always demonstrates our desire to comply with it.

Hebrews 11:5
The fact that Paul states Enoch walked with God suggests a relationship had been established between them. Enoch had thus already experienced what Abel's example teaches. Enoch's example takes us to the next logical step in a faithful person's movement toward glorification. In his arrangement of examples of faith, Paul is emphasizing, not chronological, but experiential order, that is, faith as experienced in practical life. In a true life of faith, walking with God follows justification.

"Walk" and "walking" are the Bible's most frequently used metaphors for two related concepts. Depending upon the translation, they are used almost three hundred times to indicate interaction with another and making progress toward a destination. Somewhat related but used to a lesser extent, "walk" or "walking" indicates the passage of time as a person continues in a chosen direction of life and lifestyle. For example:

»

Psalm 1:1: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly."

»

Proverbs 4:14: "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil."

»

Daniel 4:37: "And those who walk in pride He is able to abase."

»

Micah 6:8: "And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

»

Psalm 119:45: "And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts."

Scores of similar descriptions are scattered throughout the Bible. They provide a composite picture of the wide variety of the facets of the godly person's and the evil person's manners of life. Since Amos 3:3 shows that two cannot walk together unless they agree, a person walking with God illustrates that the two are in agreement. This does not mean the person is perfect, but it does imply God's acceptance of him at that stage of his life.

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- June 11, 2009:
Be a watchman! Stand on the rampart and pay attention to what I am showing you by My Spirit, says the Lord. As soon as you see, then take steps to obey My leading, and I will move you quickly into a spiritual flow that will cause you to accomplish My purposes. However, you must be aware that the enemy is creating havoc in your circumstances to steal your peace and activate your emotional responses. If he can get you to allow your soul to drive you, then you will miss the mark. I cannot lead if you do not follow. You must choose to allow Me to direct your steps.
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.