NOTE* - This page is part five of the series. In order to fully comprehend the magnificence of our Lord Jesus Christ and some of the ways that the God of wonder works, and how He walks with us through our trials, then it is recommended to start at the beginning of this series.
His spectacular ways are endless in which He works with His people, in fact, with all of His creation. His love and His faithfulness are unsearchable, steadfast and true. As well as I know Him, I must say that all my knowing can likely be measured to only the size of a fingernail. I have barely begun to discover His goodness, His wisdom, His patience, His understanding and His fullness. He is just too vast, too fathomless, incalculable, deep, limitless...well, adequate words fail me. He is beyond description in any language.
The series pans out like a book and is divided up to make for easier reading (and I am not quite finished it yet...at this point, there is a bit more coming). Countless numbers of people today prefer to read in short spurts, due to hectic and full schedules, and due to the many distractions that life in today's fast-paced world presents.
One reason behind the sharing of this testimonial is to provide just a glimpse into some of the wondrous ways in which God works. He is faithful and deals with each of us individually, according to His wisdom.
Since each one of us go through our own trials and tribulations, we need to strengthen and encourage one another to not give up, to indeed, endure to the end, that the living God is into the intricate details of every aspect of our walk. We learn from each other. May the reader glean from this writing, and come to either understand or be reminded that it is only through Jesus the Christ that we will endure to the end.
Prosperity Teaching - Spirit of Error
Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where
thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.
[Mat 6:19-21]
It is not my intention to delve into what has become known
as the prosperity teaching or gospel (typically
called Word of Faith), with pet
names given to the doctrine such as “blab
it and grab it”, “name it and claim
it” etc. No, there are plenty of
books and articles written on it, so again, I will not go into great depth
here.
Although it is an erroneous doctrine, countless Christians
believe it. A spirit of error is rampant throughout many, but certainly not all, churches. Therefore, the purpose and
reason behind the mention of the false teaching here has to do with the “coin in the soil” in part
four.
When the man of God prophesied and instructed me, he was careful to make clear to me the various ways in which our Creator prospers us. He took time to make sure I understood fully and that he was not misinterpreted. Indeed, he was successful...I understood his position.
It is without question that God sees the heart. [1Sam 16:7] He teaches us, trains us, then, He allows us to be tried, tested, proved. We continue to learn as long as we are in these earthen vessels, and speculatively I might add, likely learning throughout eternity, if our names are written in the book of life.
When the man of God prophesied and instructed me, he was careful to make clear to me the various ways in which our Creator prospers us. He took time to make sure I understood fully and that he was not misinterpreted. Indeed, he was successful...I understood his position.
It is without question that God sees the heart. [1Sam 16:7] He teaches us, trains us, then, He allows us to be tried, tested, proved. We continue to learn as long as we are in these earthen vessels, and speculatively I might add, likely learning throughout eternity, if our names are written in the book of life.
And whosoever was not
found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. [Rev 20:15]
And there shall in no wise enter into it (new
Jerusalem) anything that defiles
(unclean), neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which
are written in the Lamb’s book of
life.
[Rev 21:27]
The man of God made it very clear that it was NOT about money (don’t expect
a money tree, he said), but prosperity.
He did not say that receiving money was a negative thing, nor did he
suggest or even hint that expecting blessings from God was some form of evil or
false doctrine.
Since the brother in Christ was only briefly acquainted with me, I
ascertain that his chief concern was whether I understood the fullness
of what it means to prosper. To be sure
I comprehended his position correctly, he further elaborated by adding that
prosperity does not necessarily pertain only to material things, but rather
deemed it imperative that I understood there is prosperity of the soul, and more
importantly, of the spirit. Of course,
the latter more oft than not occurs through pruning, purging, refining,
deliverance, healing and so forth.
Because you say, I
am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not
that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel
you to buy of Me gold tried in the
fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed,
and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes with
eyesalve, that you may see.
As many as I love, I
rebuke and chasten (discipline, correct, prune, humble): be zealous therefore, and repent.
[Rev 3:17-19]
This next verse, as so many others, I have used umpteen
times over the years in various articles because the Lord led me to the
scripture one time in the midst of a fiery trial, or during one of the dark
nights of the soul. The verse is nestled in amongst the directions given to
Moses, regarding the holy war to be fought with the Midians.
Adhering to the counsel of Balaam (the diviner/prophet from Mesopotamia), the Midianites had sent
their most seductive women to ensnare the Israelites, to cause them to commit fornication
(adultery) and idolatry. These women would later be killed.
In regards to themselves (Israelites) and to the spoils of the war
(booty), the Lord commanded
purification of everything and everyone involved, to remove the stench of war,
as well as to cleanse them from defilement and impurities of any and all sins
committed through it all, including succumbing to temptations.
We too have been defiled, unclean and impure before we are
saved, not only due to the carnal, fallen nature we are born with, but also
from the sins that we have committed. When
we repent (confess our sin and turn away),
indeed, through Jesus Christ only, we are forgiven and God remembers our
repented sins no more. [Micah 7:19]
Once forgiven, we must be made clean and purified (spiritually). It is a process, and step by step, the Lord
leads us through it all, but we must work with Him. When God exposes anything not of Him in us,
we must humbly acknowledge His wise counsel, and not justify or excuse that
which we know displeases Him or is sin.
And yes, every single one of us has something (or perhaps many things) that we struggle with. It is absolutely a battle with our flesh
until the day we leave these bodies. We
learn to overcome.
How does this happen?
We are purified by the trials that flood (overwhelm) us, and by fiery trials (something too hot to handle,
a furnace (circumstance, situation)
we want out of). Some struggles are
short-lived before victory is secured.
But there are tougher struggles that can only be overcome through trials
and errors, fervent prayers, humility, sorrow and bitter tears.
Those of us who love Jesus will experience desperation to be
in God’s will, a need to obey Him, a desire to please Him, as well as a
conviction, a determination to overcome, persevere and endure to the end.
Hallelujah to the Lamb! His
longsuffering (patience),
understanding and pure love for us powerfully motivate us. Faith is a shield to all who trust in Him [2Sam 22:31].
Everything that may
abide the fire, you shall make it go through the fire,
and it shall be clean: nevertheless
it shall be purified with the water
of separation: and all that abides not the fire, you shall make go through the
water.
[Num 31:23]
Through Jesus, His Spirit and His Word, the living God, our
Saviour, clearly teaches us, if we are willing to study, hold fast to faith and
trust, pray, worship and walk obediently to His leading. I have failed Him more
times than I care to admit since I first began my walk with Him, but with the
help of the Holy Spirit, I repent and rise
up again.
We make mistakes along the way, every single one of us, no
matter how godly we may be. Read
carefully about those written about in the word of God. All the stories told to
us and the people who sinned were given to us as examples. God knows our battle and our propensity to
sin.
None of us are above error or the possibility to yield to a
certain temptation and thus fall into sin, not whilst we are in these earthen
vessels. We must listen to the Holy Spirit and obey His leading. We do well to keep a repentant heart, just as
our forerunners such as David and Peter et al did, who were also examples to us. We abide in Christ Jesus (Yeshua), clinging as grapes to the Vine.
The brother in Christ who instructed me to place the toonie (the Canadian two dollar coin) into the soil, did not know me at the time, so he made a point of letting me
know that it was not about any prosperity teaching as that which is widespread amongst many Christians today. I
understood, and Abba (heavenly
Father/Maker) knew this of me, for it was He who taught me through His Word,
by His Holy Spirit, and by experience, all of which kept me from being
deceived and staying in that spirit of error.
It was with childlike faith that I obeyed the instruction
given to me, no matter how ludicrous it sounded. I did not expect the Lord to move on hearts
to give me a vehicle. In fact, I did not
know what to expect, but if the Lord spoke through another to direct me, then,
I wanted to obey.
Trust in the Lord with
all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways,
acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes:
fear the Lord and depart from evil. [Prov
3:5-7]
I wish I could say that my obedience was always that instant
and sure, but again, I have failed at times.
One may be able to fool others, but we can never fool God. He is omniscient (all-knowing). The key is to grow and to put into practice what we
learn, to walk in love and to bear good fruit.
Trial and error, testing and suffering, all these things
help us to learn obedience. We must hold
fast to our faith (despite any violent
shaking, and yes, we will be shaken) obey God through Jesus because we love
Him [1Jn 2:3; 5:3], and we love Him because He first loved us. [1Jn 4:19]
Do not be alarmed or think it strange, my friends, when your
world and your very body, soul and spirit are shaken. Through it, all that is not of God will be
shaken loose. By this, we also learn
obedience by the things we suffer. Keep
your eyes on Jesus, no matter what. Yes, I full well know how difficult it is,
and we may fall, but we must rise up again, and when instructed
to by the Lord, rise up higher.
Whose voice then shook
the earth: but now He has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth
only, but also heaven. And this word,
Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of
things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
[Heb 12:26, 27]
Though He (Jesus/Yeshua) were a Son, yet learned He obedience
by the things which He suffered; [Heb 5:8]
God Still Does Give
Unusual Commands
Do you think that the Sovereign God would not instruct His
people to do unusual things that defy logic and are done at the risk of being considered
a religious zealot or fanatic, dangerously lurking upon the border of insanity?
Surely God’s people who obey such commands are (or were) considered to be suffering from some form of psychoses or
another, by the world’s standards, if they carry out doing those odd things in obedience to God,
trusting Him…and the world laughs.
But it is God who will have the final say and the last
laugh. We will see the fruit of our
faith and our faithfulness through trust and obedience and know the joy of such, which leads
to victory in and through Jesus the Messiah (Yeshua).
Bear with me whilst I share some examples. There are plenty throughout the Bible; I
chose but a few.
Ezekiel
What about Ezekiel, when God commanded the prophet to do
outlandish or peculiar things? How did
the godly man bear up? First of all, he had faith and trusted the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Lord knew the faithfulness of His servant. Even still, the Lord God must have surely strengthened
him to endure because certain actions on the part of Ezekiel were carried out
over a lengthy period of time.
Moreover, take you
unto yourself an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between you and the
city: and set your face against it, and it shall be besieged, and you shall lay
siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.
Lie also upon your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the
number of the days that you shall lie upon it you shall bear their
iniquities. For I have laid upon you the
years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shall you bear the iniquity of the
house of Israel. [Ezek 4:3 -5]
Understand that this was no easy thing for the prophet (or anyone else) to do. He lay upon his side for 390 days [vs 5] (a little over a year), which represented
the number of years Israel had sinned.
Have you ever felt that a certain trial or testing, or tribulation is
more than you can bear? I have.
More often than not, but not always, acting on the
instructions would involve the physical discomfort and suffering of the
physical body, not to mention the anguish of the soul and spirit. Yet, no sooner had Ezekiel obediently
fulfilled God’s command to lie on his left side for such a long time, God
instructed the prophet further. There is
brokenness involved and significant humility.
And when you have
accomplished them, lie again on your right
side, and you shall bear the iniquity
of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed you each day for a year. [vs
6]
Do you think that was hard to do, lying so long on either
side? As if that was not bad enough, the
Lord further instructed Ezekiel that he bind himself with bands (ropes or woven chains),
in order to prevent him from turning from side to side for relief. [vs 8] Logic alone suggests the suffering involved.
Ezekiel was also told what to eat (wheat, barley, lentils, millet and fitches (black cummin) and 20
shekels of meat [approximately half a
pound] per day. He was to drink about 5 litres (1.5 gal) of water per day. Then the prophet had to bake his barley cakes
with the human dung [vs
12]. This was to show Israel how they
were defiled and polluted with their abominations.
When he bore the burden of God’s commands and all was
accomplished, Ezekiel was further humiliated.
He was to take a sharp knife and cut off his hair and his beard, then
burn one-third in fire in the middle of the city (where all could see).
Another third he was to slice with a knife and toss it to the wind.
He was to take the remaining hair and bind them to his
robe, then take them and cast them into the fire. This was symbolic of the judgments that God
had ordained (decreed) over Israel
and Judah for their sins. So, for
approximately one year and three months, Ezekiel went through pain, suffering
and humiliation, which was the will of God.
However, it was not without purpose or reason. The Lord God was drawing His people to
repentance, but due to their hardheartedness, He foretold of His coming
judgments.
Isaiah
At the same time, the
Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from
off your loins, and put your shoe from your foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.
And the Lord said,
Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked
and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder against Egypt and against
Ethiopia;
[Is 20:2, 3]
Even though that kind of behaviour was not against any law
in those days, following such instructions would still turn the heads of the
people and get the tongues wagging. Obeying would require humility.
Even today, there are teachers and
theologians who cannot quite come to grips with Isaiah’s actions and who will
suggest that only certain parts of his body were exposed. Thus, they seemingly miss the gist (essence) of God’s message.
For those who might think that extraordinary instructions
were only given to the prophets of old, let’s look to the New Testament.
One time when Jesus and His apostles entered Capernaum, temple tax collectors asked Peter if his master (Jesus/Yeshua) paid tribute (taxes). When Peter made mention of the question to Jesus, a brief dialogue took place, but then Jesus instructed Peter to do an uncommon thing.
There are other examples in the Bible that one can search
out. In my reasoning, for someone to go fishing and look for money in the mouth of the first fish caught is no stranger than being
directed to place a coin in soil and wait to see how God will prosper, whether in
body, soul or spirit, or in other areas.
If we truly believe that God (Jesus) is still the same yesterday, today and forever, then we must
also believe that indeed, God can instruct His people today to do the unusual,
the extraordinary. If you are going
through a difficult, heart-wrenching and/or long period of suffering, hold fast
to your faith.
Trust God to see you through. He will not leave or forsake you. He still walks with us through the fiery
trials and the overwhelming times of suffering.
Yea, but what Satan intends for evil, God intends for good!
I had been told to keep the coin in the soil a week, a
month, as long as the Lord led me to keep it there. It still remains
in the soil. It has been approximately three weeks (at the time of this writing) that I have had the vehicle
that I was given, presented to me only two days after inserting the coin into
soil.
Yet, I must state that I was already well aware of a deeper meaning
to prosperity, that being a prospering of the body, soul and spirit. There is a cleansing and healing taking place
in me. At times, the work produces
tears and mixed emotions and jumbled feelings, which further cleanses and heals.
Obedience is the Work
of Faith and Trust
Within days after receiving the vehicle, two cheques
arrived, one from the BC Scrap-it program and the other, income tax
refund. The total was only $275. It was not
until afterwards that I realized that I was tested. Step by step, the Lord moved upon my heart
and I obeyed. The entire amount of $275
was distributed amongst different people, each given different amounts, as the
Holy Spirit instructed me.
Did I have plans for the money? Of course, just as anyone else would have,
but I know the Lord’s leading. If He
allows a testing in any area, it is ultimately for our good, but for His
glory. God knows what lies within our
heart, and what condition our heart is in, but we need to know. We can fool or
deceive ourselves if we are not careful. Trials reveal to us our strengths and
our weaknesses.
For any who ever heard or read my testimony, it is known how
the Lord taught me to not fear times of lack, and to obey Him despite outward
appearances. Now I must add here that
there are still times that things happen where it is extremely difficult for me
not to look at what is going down, and I have to war against (cast down) endless thoughts of doubts
that rely on logic and tempt me to fall into fear.
There are other times the Lord will command me to do
something that will cause suffering, which would be anything that causes my
flesh to resist, and the battle is on.
Yes, the Lord delivers us from many things, but there are also times
that He is teaching us to overcome, hence the warring between our flesh and our
spirit man.
Fear and unbelief will not only challenge, but fight against
our very faith and trust in God. I
cannot pretend. I am as the rest of my brethren…in a war with seemingly endless
battles.
As I gave away the money as directed privately by the Lord,
there was only a few dollars in my bank account and less on my person. Yet, my rent and bills were paid and there
was enough food for a week. The van had
nearly a full tank of gas when it was given to me.
Suffice it to say that as there is need, the Lord continues
to provide. He has not given me vast amounts of money at this time; however, God’s
ways and timing still astound me. Let us
not despise small (humble)
beginnings. The reality is that there
are millions who suffer with much less and yet remain grateful to God. We
learn to trust God, to wait on Him and to be grateful, without
complaint or murmur, for that which He provides and for the times that He
allows us to go without. Not all tests
are easy. In fact, most are difficult
and challenging.
The nucleus (core,
center) of the prosperity teaching is the “seed faith” principle
that teaches people to give money (typically
to a ministry), in order for God to produce a “harvest” to provide for a need, whether it be finances, employment,
healing, intervention in a relationship, salvation of others, or any other need
that one may have.
People are told that if they plant a seed of faith, they are
to expect a miracle because by faith, they gave money (seed) away. After giving, people are to claim their miracle (speak it
as though it were done). The
doctrine encourages giving out of necessity or need, to expect miraculous
results.
In other words, one “gives”
in order to “get”. That is the wrong motive and intent of the
heart. It is gross error. Yes, we are taught that we reap what we sow,
but that is far deeper than just about money.
We sow sinful deeds, we reap consequences.
For he that sows to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[Gal 6:8]
And are we Sovereign?
Are we God? Who is it that “commands” things into existence? ONLY
if and when God has made a personal promise (personal covenant) with an individual, backed by His word, and perhaps
even signs and wonders (if He so chooses) can we (and should we) stand on His Word and speak forth confidently, knowing we are in His will. Expect enemy attacks though, for the adversary has but one mission. He comes to steal, kill and destroy.
Or perhaps Jesus will grant unexpected confirmations spoken through others, then yes, speak forth His Word and stand your ground regarding His promise. Do not be surprised when the adversary targets you as prey and brings about temptations to lead you astray and into disobedience.
Or perhaps Jesus will grant unexpected confirmations spoken through others, then yes, speak forth His Word and stand your ground regarding His promise. Do not be surprised when the adversary targets you as prey and brings about temptations to lead you astray and into disobedience.
Just as in the Garden of Eden, Satan still speaks truth, but with a careful twisting of God's word, it becomes a lie. We have been warned of Satan's cleverness and craftiness. He is the father of lies, a murderer from the beginning. [Jn 8:44]
If Satan spoke straight lies, who would believe him? The fact is that he will use God's word (pure and absolute truth) and then take that which is written and slyly manipulate it in such a way as to conceal the lie, intended to deceive.
Unequivocally, I believe in standing on the Word of God and speaking forth God's promises. The Lord God is the Rock upon which we stand. But He (Jesus) answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. [Mat 4:4]
I believe in offering up to Jesus thanksgiving and praise, and in worshiping in Spirit and in truth, and in waiting (tough lesson) upon His timing and way. Everything must line up with God’s Word and His character. That is a teaching all in itself.
If Satan spoke straight lies, who would believe him? The fact is that he will use God's word (pure and absolute truth) and then take that which is written and slyly manipulate it in such a way as to conceal the lie, intended to deceive.
Unequivocally, I believe in standing on the Word of God and speaking forth God's promises. The Lord God is the Rock upon which we stand. But He (Jesus) answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. [Mat 4:4]
I believe in offering up to Jesus thanksgiving and praise, and in worshiping in Spirit and in truth, and in waiting (tough lesson) upon His timing and way. Everything must line up with God’s Word and His character. That is a teaching all in itself.
The serpent still presents himself in many forms today. Satan (adversary)
still takes the truth of God’s word and twists it just enough to produce the seeds of doubt regarding what God spoke (and what is written), or whether we even heard Him speak at all. Satan will take God’s word and insinuate that
it is a lie.
The very scriptures that teach us to gladly give the best we can, and that God will provide for us, are the very scriptures (amongst others) that the prosperity teachers use to convince people that their doctrine is true.
The very scriptures that teach us to gladly give the best we can, and that God will provide for us, are the very scriptures (amongst others) that the prosperity teachers use to convince people that their doctrine is true.
But this I say, He
which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which sows bountifully
shall reap also bountifully. Every man
according as he purposes in his heart,
so let him give, not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. [2 Cor 9:6, 7]
The prosperity doctrine is false and grossly misleading. The truth of God's word is given, but manipulated to suit a hidden agenda, which is typically to persuade believers to give to their ministry. I speak mostly of the originators of the prosperity teaching, for they are greedy shepherds that do fleece the flock.
Yes, we should give, and yes, we should support our spiritual shepherds, especially when they are godly (not perfect, as none of us are) people who have good fruit, walk in love, and teach the truth of God's word. But in all we do, we should allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, and not have people force or persuade us. This is a key factor in giving cheerfully and not grudgingly (like you have to).
What of those who live in impoverished countries and have no home and no money even for food and clothing? Are they accursed or in greater sin that those in wealthier countries? Absolutely not!
Yet there have been certain evangelists that go into impoverished countries preaching the prosperity gospel, when countless have walked miles, and some even days, just to hear God's word, or to be prayed over for salvation, healing and deliverance. Woe to the greedy shepherds!
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his own quarter. [Is 56:11]
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. [1 Pet 5:2]
Yes, we should give, and yes, we should support our spiritual shepherds, especially when they are godly (not perfect, as none of us are) people who have good fruit, walk in love, and teach the truth of God's word. But in all we do, we should allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, and not have people force or persuade us. This is a key factor in giving cheerfully and not grudgingly (like you have to).
What of those who live in impoverished countries and have no home and no money even for food and clothing? Are they accursed or in greater sin that those in wealthier countries? Absolutely not!
Yet there have been certain evangelists that go into impoverished countries preaching the prosperity gospel, when countless have walked miles, and some even days, just to hear God's word, or to be prayed over for salvation, healing and deliverance. Woe to the greedy shepherds!
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his own quarter. [Is 56:11]
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. [1 Pet 5:2]
Every person who has ever been born and lived long enough
has sinned (carnal nature) and has
fallen short of the glory of God. The
prosperity doctrine does not take such things into consideration. Jesus told us that there would always be the
poor amongst us, in John 12 verse 8.
Yes, we are to joyfully give as we are able to, or as led by
the Spirit of God. That being said, it
should be pointed out that there are many ways to give that do not involve
money. There are countries where our
brethren live, who do not have financial resources. They may not even have a home, yet they find
ways to give of themselves to glorify Jesus.
We who are able ought to help the widows and the orphans (pure religion), visit the sick and reach
out to those in prison. In today’s
world, we cannot be all things to all people. We each have a part to play and people
the Lord will lead us accordingly. God will put certain people on our heart, or bring one in need and their situation across our path, so that we will either to aid (help) that individual.
When we are unsure, the Holy Spirit will guide our steps and lead us to support a work, ministry, group or individual. We simply cannot be all things to all people. Only God can be. Praise to Jesus for all He accomplished on the cross, and in His death and resurrection.
It is between each one of us individually and the Lord, but none of us should be pressured by another to give, either by manipulation, coercion or deception.
When we are unsure, the Holy Spirit will guide our steps and lead us to support a work, ministry, group or individual. We simply cannot be all things to all people. Only God can be. Praise to Jesus for all He accomplished on the cross, and in His death and resurrection.
It is between each one of us individually and the Lord, but none of us should be pressured by another to give, either by manipulation, coercion or deception.
Follow the Spirit’s leading. Obedience is an action, but it goes hand in hand with faith and trust in God Almighty. It is the works of faith.
Nowhere in the Bible does it teach that if you give money, you will get a miracle. The meaning and context would have to be manipulated in order to reach such conclusions. Should we pay God for His intervention or to grant a miracle? Did anyone in Jesus’ day plant a financial seed in order to obtain a miracle by His hands? Something to consider…
Nowhere in the Bible does it teach that if you give money, you will get a miracle. The meaning and context would have to be manipulated in order to reach such conclusions. Should we pay God for His intervention or to grant a miracle? Did anyone in Jesus’ day plant a financial seed in order to obtain a miracle by His hands? Something to consider…
I would encourage each reader to check out what God does say
in the written word. Pray earnestly and
sincerely about it, if you are one who believes such a teaching. God, through Jesus, will reveal truth to you,
bringing everything into balance (key word) and give you the correct perspective.
It is imperative
these days to take things to the Lord because Jesus warned and foretold about
deception in the last days, the end times, where deception will be so strong
that if it were possible, even the elect would be deceived. [Mat 24:24] It IS possible! What were the very FIRST words out of Jesus' mouth, when His disciples asked what would be the signs of His return and the end of the world?
Take heed that no man deceive you. [Mat 24:4]
The very first words out of Jesus' mouth! Four more times in that particular talk with His disciples did Jesus mention deception. Yes, my friends, we are inundated with global deception these days, overwhelmingly so. Even the phrase "fake news" is a common buzzword in today's society. It has gotten that bad!
Satan will do all he can to lead God’s people astray, and all of us can be deceived if we do not cling to Jesus, praying and wait upon the leading of the Spirit of God. We cannot do it without Jesus, no, nor can we without each other.
Take heed that no man deceive you. [Mat 24:4]
The very first words out of Jesus' mouth! Four more times in that particular talk with His disciples did Jesus mention deception. Yes, my friends, we are inundated with global deception these days, overwhelmingly so. Even the phrase "fake news" is a common buzzword in today's society. It has gotten that bad!
Satan will do all he can to lead God’s people astray, and all of us can be deceived if we do not cling to Jesus, praying and wait upon the leading of the Spirit of God. We cannot do it without Jesus, no, nor can we without each other.
One Example of a
Lesson from God
I would like to share one personal example to show how I
came to stand in the position I take on this matter. When I was first searching to learn about
Jesus, the first church I attended was a Word of Faith church. It was where I first heard about the teaching
firsthand. Indeed, select scriptures
were used to enforce the validity of the teaching. There has always been a part
of me that believed in Jesus.
Little did I know then that even the devils believe and
tremble, not to mention that I was yet unsaved and knew little of the
Bible. However, the preacher’s presentation
was most convincing. At the time, I needed employment, but I also needed to
move because the apartment I was renting was not well-maintained and to remain
would have been unhealthy.
I had a habit of walking to ponder things, as I did not yet know
how to drive nor did I own a vehicle. Today I tend to go for long drives and find a place to sit and think,
weather permitting (but I still love walking too). On my walk, only
blocks from where I was living was a sign that caught my attention.
The owner of a small apartment building (10 apartments) was advertising for a couple
to be residential caretakers. A
one-bedroom apartment, plus a monthly salary was being offered. The man was to be responsible for maintenance
of the building and grounds; the woman would be responsible for cleaning
vacated apartments, painting etc.
Being young and naive, I was sure I could accomplish the
work of both. There was a temporary
caretaker on the premises, which is where one was to apply for the
position. No one answered the door or
phone, but that did not defer me from what I did next.
I had received the prosperity teaching without question,
listened to the steps to take and understood that faith required action. By faith, I “named” my miracle and “claimed”
the apartment and the position. I wrote
out a “notice to vacate”, which was
one month’s notice and handed it to building manager. He was surprised by the notice, but accepted
it.
I took the little money I had and placed all of it in an
envelope in the offering plate. It was my best seed. Then I thanked God for the
miracle He was about to give me. Whenever
I passed the apartment building, I would thank God for my new home and
job. It turned out that the person
taking applications did not live on the premises, but would come on certain
days to meet up with applicants.
Packing up my belongings began. I returned to the apartment building to apply
for the position, fully expecting to be hired. I lived in a rural community, a
small town where few were unemployed. When
the door opened, I flashed my best smile and informed the man that I had come
to apply for the position. He asked me
if my “husband” was with me.
I told him that I was single, to which he replied that a
couple was required to fill the position. My efforts to convince him that I
would be able to handle all of the work and provide solid references from past
employers, failed.
The man patiently explained that the male’s portion of the job would
entail heavy work, but also required electrical knowledge and experience if the
furnace, air conditioning, laundry equipment, broke down etc. I was up against a wall, as I had no such
training.
He apologized, but told me there was no sense in applying,
as the owner specifically wanted a couple. I thanked him and walked away. I
was in shock. What had gone wrong? I had done all the teaching says to do. My faith
was put into action by planting a seed (giving
to the church), handing in a notice to vacate, packing and confidently
setting out to fill out an application.
One mistake I made was putting more trust in my actions, than
in God, as though what I did would convince God that He must indeed grant my
miracle. Although I was turned down for
the job, I still had hope. Desperately, I
went to the manager of my building to ask him to cancel my notice to vacate,
but alas, it was too late. The apartment
had been rented and the new tenants were due to move into it in less than two
weeks, at the end of the month.
With no money and no place to go, the reality of my
situation hit me like a ton of bricks. Devastated, bewildered and completely undone, I placed a call to a friend that I had met at
the church to find out what I did wrong. She knew that I was greatly shaken and
told me to hold fast until she could send some elders to speak with me. Three men from the church arrived.
I cannot remember any of what was said, but I do know they
prayed and told me to trust God to provide.
Two days before I was to vacate the premises, my friend called. She was married and had three children. Her house was full, but she was willing to
allow me to stay on their couch and eat with them, if I was willing to do some
housework and babysitting in exchange until I could get back up on my
feet. I gladly accepted. Within six weeks, I managed to secure
employment and a new place to live.
I had learned a hard lesson. Some may say it was because I
was not saved, others may say that I lacked faith, but God allowed me to see
the error in the teaching. A hard lesson
indeed, but one lesson that stayed with me. The preacher of that church literally, physically, removed me from the church.
Reader's Digest version: I had done no wrong, but I went to the church (after services and once the congregation was gone. It was a 40-minute or so drive. I hitchhiked.) Only the pastor, youth pastor and a couple of elders were on the premises. I spoke with the youth pastor, alone inside the church sanctuary. He stood by the pulpit; I sat in the front row.
I went when I had been badly beaten by my then-boyfriend. The senior preacher came charging in out of nowhere. Without a word he grabbed my arm and swiftly headed with me to the exit. I was on my tippy-toes, trying to keep up - in shock.
He believed I was demon-possessed. When he escorted me roughly out the door, my glasses flew off. He slammed the door. It would be 13 years before I ever entered another church. But that is another story, another time.
I will end the topic here, but it is important that the reader fully understands my position on this false doctrine (teaching). We are not to “give” only to “get” what we need. Period! There are so many other errors within the doctrine, but as previously stated, there is plenty of material available in books, magazines and articles that are on the internet.
If the reader believes in this false doctrine, then I would urge you to
take what I wrote to the Lord, or find a godly preacher who stands on the truth of scripture, within context. Read God's written word, and by His
Spirit, God will answer a genuine prayer for truth.
For everyone that asks
receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be
opened. If a son shall ask bread of any
of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he
for a fish give him a serpent?
Or if he shall ask an
egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If
you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? [Lk
11:11]
The above scriptures were part of Jesus’ response when His
disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. We all need the Holy Spirit, for it is He that will lead us into all
truth. God will reveal to you whether a
teaching is true or not. He does not
want any of His people deceived.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [1Jn 4:1]
They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. [1Jn 4:5, 6]
for His glory
Bonita dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com
If led, please pray for the following countries. Brothers and sisters in Christ are scattered around the globe, hidden in every nation. They need our prayers, as do the unsaved.
Canada, particularly British Columbia
With 160 fires still burning, a provincial
state of emergency has been extended to August 18th until
further notice. (Update* - Prov. State of Emergency- will end on Friday, September 15, 2017. As of 9.16.17, 153 wildfires still burning with 11 evacuation orders and 23 evacuation alerts. 65,000 approximately have evacuated their homes. - BP)
Australia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, China, Columbia, Croatia, France, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea (many have relatives in trapped in North Korea, unable to leave)
Saudia Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Russia (Moscow), Trinidad, Turkey, Venezuela, UK (Ireland, Scotland, Britain), United States
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