Power is the ability to do or act. The capability to accomplish something. It is a great or marked ability to do or act by strength, might or force. Power is also having the legal ability or capacity or authority as in having the power of attorney. In physics, power is gauged in relation to time. It is work done or energy transferred per unit of time. In other words, the time taken to do work is based on the amount of power, might, force or energy exerted. It can also be described as momentum.
Power bows to power. So if one power is overcome by another it must submit itself to that greater power. For every action there is a reaction from an opposing force. This is true in the spirit as well. To enter into your inheritance you must demonstrate a power that is greater than the enemy’s. Pharaoh will not let the people go until the power demonstrated is much greater than his own. Thus the Bible says that God brought Israel out of Egypt with mighty acts of power. You need power to get your inheritance.
Deut 8:18 says that God gives us the power to get wealth. Wealth comes to you depending on the power that is on your side. I talk about wealth a lot. This is because I have understood that wealth is part of the end time agenda. The guy with the money controls issues. Being in a third world country, I hear politicians complaining about the dictates of the West. What do you expect when you are always holding out your begging bowl? There is a war that must be fought in the last days. The battle of Armageddon is a real war that will use military might. Wars are financed by money and it takes billions upon billions to train, equip and support any army. Moreso in a time of war. Ask the United States.
Whether you believe it or not, the enemy is gathering finances to support his end time agenda. He knows his time is short. Unlike us, the devil knows how to count his days and he knows they are coming to an end. He is therefore amassing great wealth to finance his own agenda. Christ also has an end time agenda. He is coming back for his bride and then he also will fight one last battle. Finances are also part of his end time agenda and until now, he has allowed the wicked to pile wealth up for such a time as this. What time is it? It is time for the wicked to hand over the wealth to the righteous. It is time now to plunder the treasuries of hell to finance the Kingdom. God’s will is that all mankind may be saved. Therefore the finances for the Christian end time agenda are to ensure that the great commission is fulfilled.
Now, I do not believe that I can walk over to some sinner and say “Hand over all your money in the Name of Jesus.” They would probably fall on the ground in laughter. What we have to understand is that for everything in the physical there is a spiritual control. So I approach it in the heavenlies and say “Hand over all the wealth you have been piling up in Jesus Name,” and then I follow the words of Samuel the prophet in 1 Sam 10:7
“…do whatever your hand finds to do for God is with you.”
The Power to get wealth is an anointing. It is an anointing that causes wealth creation to become easy. It is a power that the enemy can do nothing but bow down to. It is the anointing spoken of in Isaiah 45:1 – 2 This anointing causes God to:
“…subdue nations before you and loose the armor of kings, to open the double doors so that the gates will not be shut… make the crooked places straight… break in pieces the gates of bronze… cut the bars of iron.” (Italics mine)
That means that God will open the doors. He will make things easy for you. You will not have to do it for yourself for by strength shall no man prevail. The anointing of God upon your life shall go before you so that you can take back the wealth from the wicked.
Isaiah 45:3
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. That you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by name, Am the God of Israel.”
That is what you are going for. You are going for the hidden treasures of the enemy. Great wealth, stored in secret treasuries you know nothing about. But God, the All Knowing God, to whom all silver and gold belongs, knows where it is hidden and is sending YOU to get it back. But God is wonderful, he doesn’t just put you in armor and ask you to go after the dragon. No. He goes before you crashing the enemy, opening every door so that by the time you get there, the gates are wide open. He loosens the armor of kings that are opposed to you so that they have no protection. He causes NATIONS to be subdued before you, so that none can withstand you. Hey!! Jehovah straightens every crooked path, breaks down all barriers so that you have free access to the wealth of the wicked. Ah! Jehovah is God!!! Jehovah is God!!!
And when you come back triumphant, praising the name of the Lord your God, who has called you by name and empowered you to get wealth. Remember its purpose. Isaiah 45:4 “For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my elect…” Use it for the Kingdom. Bring ease to those in difficulty, set up businesses for those who need it, fight poverty with it and best of all, use it to win souls to the Kingdom of God.
Power, we pray for power. For this anointing to get wealth. This is the season when the wicked hand over their wealth to the righteous in accordance with your word in Ecc 2:26 that you give wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in your sight. But to the sinner you give the work of gathering and collecting that he may give to him who is good before God. They have been gathering and collecting and now we say it loud and clear “Hand over your wealth to the righteousness of God. Those that have been washed by the blood and testify that he is Lord of their lives in Jesus name. That they may use it to glorify the Lord their God. To build his body. A holy tabernacle for our Lord to dwell in.”
I prophesy to the dead bones, the dead businesses, dead finances, dead contracts, dead seeds, dead bank accounts, the empty coffers of the righteous, hear the voice of the Lord and live in Jesus Name. For thus says the Lord God Almighty I will cause my breath, my anointing to come upon you and you shall live. I prophesy to the wind. Come O’ wind of God, from the four corners of the earth. Enter these that they may live to glorify the Lord their God. I hear the sound of rattling in the treasuries of the enemy. The wealth of the Nations, getting ready to pour into your bosom. I hear the rattling of silver, gold, and oil. Hey!! I hear a mighty shaking in the realm of darkness. Be loosed you silver and gold. Be loosed you oil. Be loosed you treasures of the earth, treasures under the earth, treasures of the sea, treasures of the heavens, to come into the coffers of the righteous. The time for your release has come. The end of your groaning has arrived. For the sons of God are revealed in all their glory. The Spirit of the Living God is upon me to proclaim freedom to the captives. I command the coffers of hell to vomit up every treasure they hold in their bellies into the coffers of the living God in Jesus Holy Name. Hey!!! It is done. It is done in the name of Jesus. Get ready for unprecedented favor. Unprecedented victories. Unprecedented acceleration and momentum . Because of the power on your life get ready to create vast amounts of wealth in record time. What has taken others 10 years will take you 10 months in Jesus Name. Get ready for unprecedented power to get wealth. It shall be easy for you. Do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you. He will bless the work of your hands. Money shall locate you. It has been released from the coffers of hell and is even now making its way to you. Align yourself with God’s end time agenda and watch silver and gold rush to you. I announce that your day has changed. The anointing that makes wealth creation easy has come upon your life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
PLUNDERING THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF DARKNESS
The death of Christ at Calvary was a phenomenon that shook hell to its roots. The kingdom of darkness knew that finally all was lost. Everything that they had held on to after the fall was no longer theirs to hold, but God had made a legal way to take back what was rightfully his. This included his people (you and I) and his world. By the death of Christ on the cross, the earth and the whole UNIVERSE was taken back by God. Calvary was so much more than the saving of the souls of men. It put the world to rights again as God had created it.
Isaiah 53:5 says that the chastisement for our peace was upon him. Peace is the Hebrew word shalom meaning “Nothing missing, Nothing broken.” Your life should be filled with all the things that Christ died for you to have and this includes the wealth he created for us to enjoy freely. I was reading Genesis 2 and the Lord said to Adam and Eve in the garden, “of every tree in the garden you may freely eat…” God wants you to freely enjoy what he created for you. There was no lack in Eden. Whatever they had need of they just freely picked and enjoyed. It shall be your portion in this lifetime. Whatever you have need of, take and freely eat in Jesus name.
When the Lord sent Moses to Egypt to get his people he told him on three different occasions to ensure that the Israelites did not leave the Land without gold, silver and articles of clothing. 3 times the Lord said this as clearly as he could.
Exodus 3:21-22
“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
Exodus 11:2 – 3a
“Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold. And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians…”
Exodus 12: 35-36
“Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
God wants his children to plunder the wealth of the enemy because wealth is power. If we had all the money we needed to serve the Lord, to do his will, to serve humankind and lead many souls to Christ. How would this world be? Yet God says that is possible. Ask for the Silver. Ask for the Gold. Ask for articles of clothing and God will give you favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Your success will be extra ordinary in the sight of men.
Isaiah 53:5 says that the chastisement for our peace was upon him. Peace is the Hebrew word shalom meaning “Nothing missing, Nothing broken.” Your life should be filled with all the things that Christ died for you to have and this includes the wealth he created for us to enjoy freely. I was reading Genesis 2 and the Lord said to Adam and Eve in the garden, “of every tree in the garden you may freely eat…” God wants you to freely enjoy what he created for you. There was no lack in Eden. Whatever they had need of they just freely picked and enjoyed. It shall be your portion in this lifetime. Whatever you have need of, take and freely eat in Jesus name.
When the Lord sent Moses to Egypt to get his people he told him on three different occasions to ensure that the Israelites did not leave the Land without gold, silver and articles of clothing. 3 times the Lord said this as clearly as he could.
Exodus 3:21-22
“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
Exodus 11:2 – 3a
“Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold. And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians…”
Exodus 12: 35-36
“Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
God wants his children to plunder the wealth of the enemy because wealth is power. If we had all the money we needed to serve the Lord, to do his will, to serve humankind and lead many souls to Christ. How would this world be? Yet God says that is possible. Ask for the Silver. Ask for the Gold. Ask for articles of clothing and God will give you favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Your success will be extra ordinary in the sight of men.
WHEN KINGS GO OFF TO WAR
2 Samuel 11: 1
“…at the time when Kings go off to war…”
There is a season when we must go off to war. War is for many things, but in this season we are going to war to extend our territories. In this season, the devil must let go of everything that pertains to me. If it is bread for the children should we not be sitting at the table eating our fill? What are we doing under the table eating the scraps like Lazarus? We should be feasting at the table. Eating our fill of everything our Father has provided for us. I have determined to go to war in this season for my silver and my gold. If the Lord has made it for me, I shall surely have it and I refuse to be denied.
Everything that God made, including the devil, was made to praise him and to serve him. The devil was the chief worship leader until he thought he could be God. After war was made in heaven he was thrown out of his great position and he took a third of the angels of heaven with him. In that group of loonies were powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities who had taken his side against the Lord of Hosts. All these powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities were in charge of something including silver and gold. They continue to have great authority in the spiritual realm and maneuver things on behalf of the enemy.
When Christ died on Calvary there was a great disarmament in the heavenlies. These guys realized that it was not going to be business as usual. The stewards on the earth, mankind, now had a way to be restored to their great position of rulership and authority on the earth. Things were bad!! Colossians 1:12-23 talks about it. It says that because of Calvary, man was qualified to share in the inheritance of the Kingdom of light. We were to walk in the manifested Kingdom of God here on earth. Not only that, but verse 13 says that we were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of his son Jesus. The dominion of darkness is oppressive. It takes away your health, wealth, joy, family and so much more. We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and are now to live and walk in the Kingdom of light, in our spirit, soul, body and in everything that pertains to us.
You own the mansion. What are you doing relegated to the servants quarters while the devil is living in your mansion. What are you doing eating scraps under the table, while the devil sits at the head of your table and eats your food? What is this? You have been rescued from the dominion of darkness. Arise and go to war. Take back what is rightfully yours. Your health, wealth, children saved and sanctified, your marriage happy and full of love, it is all yours. Arise and take it back. It is the season to go to war. Vs 16 tells us that all things were created by Christ and for Christ so that in everything He has the supremacy. Is Christ visibly supreme in your life? Then you are walking victorious for the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ dwells in you. That means that the fullness of God dwells in you. Do you understand? Can you see? You have all power, all authority living in you. In the Name of Jesus, every power, principality, ruler, throne and authority that stands before you must step aside. Get up! It is the season for Kings to go to war. No one and nothing can withstand you. Fear is not your portion. Pursue and Conquer, we are taking back everything the devil has been holding on to.
“…at the time when Kings go off to war…”
There is a season when we must go off to war. War is for many things, but in this season we are going to war to extend our territories. In this season, the devil must let go of everything that pertains to me. If it is bread for the children should we not be sitting at the table eating our fill? What are we doing under the table eating the scraps like Lazarus? We should be feasting at the table. Eating our fill of everything our Father has provided for us. I have determined to go to war in this season for my silver and my gold. If the Lord has made it for me, I shall surely have it and I refuse to be denied.
Everything that God made, including the devil, was made to praise him and to serve him. The devil was the chief worship leader until he thought he could be God. After war was made in heaven he was thrown out of his great position and he took a third of the angels of heaven with him. In that group of loonies were powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities who had taken his side against the Lord of Hosts. All these powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities were in charge of something including silver and gold. They continue to have great authority in the spiritual realm and maneuver things on behalf of the enemy.
When Christ died on Calvary there was a great disarmament in the heavenlies. These guys realized that it was not going to be business as usual. The stewards on the earth, mankind, now had a way to be restored to their great position of rulership and authority on the earth. Things were bad!! Colossians 1:12-23 talks about it. It says that because of Calvary, man was qualified to share in the inheritance of the Kingdom of light. We were to walk in the manifested Kingdom of God here on earth. Not only that, but verse 13 says that we were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of his son Jesus. The dominion of darkness is oppressive. It takes away your health, wealth, joy, family and so much more. We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and are now to live and walk in the Kingdom of light, in our spirit, soul, body and in everything that pertains to us.
You own the mansion. What are you doing relegated to the servants quarters while the devil is living in your mansion. What are you doing eating scraps under the table, while the devil sits at the head of your table and eats your food? What is this? You have been rescued from the dominion of darkness. Arise and go to war. Take back what is rightfully yours. Your health, wealth, children saved and sanctified, your marriage happy and full of love, it is all yours. Arise and take it back. It is the season to go to war. Vs 16 tells us that all things were created by Christ and for Christ so that in everything He has the supremacy. Is Christ visibly supreme in your life? Then you are walking victorious for the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ dwells in you. That means that the fullness of God dwells in you. Do you understand? Can you see? You have all power, all authority living in you. In the Name of Jesus, every power, principality, ruler, throne and authority that stands before you must step aside. Get up! It is the season for Kings to go to war. No one and nothing can withstand you. Fear is not your portion. Pursue and Conquer, we are taking back everything the devil has been holding on to.
POSSESS BY WAR
The devil will never hand anything to you on a silver platter. Not unless you are Herod and you want the head of John the Baptist. That he can supply. But your good inheritance will have to be wrested from his hand. He is a thief and a liar and if he can find a way to cheat you off of what God has for you, he will do it and laugh at you. It is not your portion. Each one of us has a mandate or a word that God has spoken over our lives. Some are called to dominate the media industry, others business, others to be in the 5 fold ministry. Each one has a calling that they must fulfill. I put it to you that you will have to have a face to face confrontation with the enemy to make it to your place of destiny. You will have to possess by war.
When God told Israel to spy the land that he was giving them, they found that the land was delightful but there were giants there. Your land is not a vacant lot. It is occupied. The giants are there but he who is with you is greater than he that is with them. There is nothing to fear. In that day, the people focused on the giants and feared but Caleb and Joshua had a different testimony. They chose to focus on God and his ability and not in their own strength. As long as you look to your own strength you will faint in the day of adversity.
While the others were having a fit and throwing tantrums, Caleb silenced them in Numbers 13:30 and says “Let us go up at once and take possession for we are well able to overcome it.” No more delays people. Let us stop debating about the giants. Yes, they are there. Yes, of ourselves we have no strength. But if God is for us, who can stand before us?!! Ready yourselves for battle. Let us go and possess this exceedingly good land for we are well able. Your ability to possess the land is not based on you, it is based on God’s ability. Remember that all the fullness of God, including his might, power and authority reside in Christ and Christ dwells in you. You have within you all you need to take possession in your area of calling.
Caleb and Joshua reveal their source of strength and confidence in Numbers 14:7-9 “…if the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us… only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” If you are a born again believer walking in obedience then the Lord delights in you. He will bring you into this land and he will give it to you. What land have you been shut out of? Is it marriage? Children? Wealth? Health? What is missing in your life? Engage in battle. The Lord delights in you and he will surely give it to you. Do not be afraid of the giants standing in your way. Do not be afraid of the obstacles that seem insurmountable. God is the one who has the responsibility of bringing you into the land. He will give you step by step instructions on how to wage this way and if you listen and obey him you will be victorious.
As for the giants, they are bread for you. Bread is to be eaten. Devour the enemy. Do not give him a second of respite. Stay alert. Guard your loins with truth. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit and stand firm. This is your finest hour for victory. You will Possess by War in this season. Ride fearless against the enemy. Full speed ahead into the battle. The Banner over you is Victory. Jehovah Nissi goes ahead of you.
When God told Israel to spy the land that he was giving them, they found that the land was delightful but there were giants there. Your land is not a vacant lot. It is occupied. The giants are there but he who is with you is greater than he that is with them. There is nothing to fear. In that day, the people focused on the giants and feared but Caleb and Joshua had a different testimony. They chose to focus on God and his ability and not in their own strength. As long as you look to your own strength you will faint in the day of adversity.
While the others were having a fit and throwing tantrums, Caleb silenced them in Numbers 13:30 and says “Let us go up at once and take possession for we are well able to overcome it.” No more delays people. Let us stop debating about the giants. Yes, they are there. Yes, of ourselves we have no strength. But if God is for us, who can stand before us?!! Ready yourselves for battle. Let us go and possess this exceedingly good land for we are well able. Your ability to possess the land is not based on you, it is based on God’s ability. Remember that all the fullness of God, including his might, power and authority reside in Christ and Christ dwells in you. You have within you all you need to take possession in your area of calling.
Caleb and Joshua reveal their source of strength and confidence in Numbers 14:7-9 “…if the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us… only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” If you are a born again believer walking in obedience then the Lord delights in you. He will bring you into this land and he will give it to you. What land have you been shut out of? Is it marriage? Children? Wealth? Health? What is missing in your life? Engage in battle. The Lord delights in you and he will surely give it to you. Do not be afraid of the giants standing in your way. Do not be afraid of the obstacles that seem insurmountable. God is the one who has the responsibility of bringing you into the land. He will give you step by step instructions on how to wage this way and if you listen and obey him you will be victorious.
As for the giants, they are bread for you. Bread is to be eaten. Devour the enemy. Do not give him a second of respite. Stay alert. Guard your loins with truth. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit and stand firm. This is your finest hour for victory. You will Possess by War in this season. Ride fearless against the enemy. Full speed ahead into the battle. The Banner over you is Victory. Jehovah Nissi goes ahead of you.
NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER
When you know that your rock is with you and that he will not leave you or forsake you in your time of need, it becomes easier to go full speed ahead into battle. No weapon formed against you will prevail. They shall not prevail. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and fear will not enter your heart. Your enemies shall not route you for God has commanded victory for you from Zion. What a wonderful God we serve. In this season of war, I declare that victory is your portion. You will not retreat and you will not surrender to the enemy in Jesus name.
Ps 78: 7-11 talks about a time when Israel fled from their enemy and gives us insight of why they did it. It starts by encouraging the Israelites to tell the generations of the power and might of God.
“That they may set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot his works and his wonders that he had shown them.”
It is not your portion. If you are armed and ready for war, you shall not turn back in the day of battle. But shall go on to the fight and victory shall be yours. From this passage I am encouraged to do the following:
• First, I must set my heart aright. I must make up my mind that I am not retreating nor surrendering to the enemy. I am not turning back but will press on to victory in Jesus name.
• Second, I must set my hope in God. I must know and understand clearly that he is the bringer of victory. It is the Lord who will bring me into the land to possess it.
• Third, I must keep in mind the great victories God has won for his people in the past. I can read about them in his word and meditate on past victories he has won for me. This will be an encouragement to me in the process.
• Fourth, I must walk in obedience of every instruction that the Lord gives me. No rebellion or stubbornness in the army of the Lord. If I am willing and obedient I shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
• Fifth, my spirit must be faithful to the Lord. I must be determined to follow him to the end and if I die, I die.
Ps 78: 7-11 talks about a time when Israel fled from their enemy and gives us insight of why they did it. It starts by encouraging the Israelites to tell the generations of the power and might of God.
“That they may set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot his works and his wonders that he had shown them.”
It is not your portion. If you are armed and ready for war, you shall not turn back in the day of battle. But shall go on to the fight and victory shall be yours. From this passage I am encouraged to do the following:
• First, I must set my heart aright. I must make up my mind that I am not retreating nor surrendering to the enemy. I am not turning back but will press on to victory in Jesus name.
• Second, I must set my hope in God. I must know and understand clearly that he is the bringer of victory. It is the Lord who will bring me into the land to possess it.
• Third, I must keep in mind the great victories God has won for his people in the past. I can read about them in his word and meditate on past victories he has won for me. This will be an encouragement to me in the process.
• Fourth, I must walk in obedience of every instruction that the Lord gives me. No rebellion or stubbornness in the army of the Lord. If I am willing and obedient I shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
• Fifth, my spirit must be faithful to the Lord. I must be determined to follow him to the end and if I die, I die.
SOUND THE BATTLE CRY OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Deut 1:21
“Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.”
Deut 2:24-25,31,36b
“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, King of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle. This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you… I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land… there was not one city too strong for us, the Lord our God delivered all to us.”
Deut 3:2-3
“And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand; you shall do to him as you did to Sihon King of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon. So the Lord our God also delivered into our hands Og King of Bashan, with all his people, and we attacked him until he had no survivors remaining.”
Deut 3:22
“You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.”
Deut 4:37b-38
“… and He brought you out of Egypt with his Presence, with His mighty power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, TO BRING YOU IN, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day.”
“Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.”
Deut 2:24-25,31,36b
“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, King of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle. This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you… I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land… there was not one city too strong for us, the Lord our God delivered all to us.”
Deut 3:2-3
“And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand; you shall do to him as you did to Sihon King of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon. So the Lord our God also delivered into our hands Og King of Bashan, with all his people, and we attacked him until he had no survivors remaining.”
Deut 3:22
“You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.”
Deut 4:37b-38
“… and He brought you out of Egypt with his Presence, with His mighty power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, TO BRING YOU IN, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
MIRACULOUS HEALING IN THE SHOWER
Hey!! God has just done me well. For the last 2 months I have been having trouble with my jaw. It felt out of alignment and was making clicking sounds when I chewed until 3 weeks ago when it became worse. It became painful and I could not chew so I went to see the dentist. They did everything they could. They took an x-ray and saw nothing. Then they knocked on my teeth with a steel bar and they were fine so they couldn’t figure out what was up. He thought it was an infection and gave me antibiotics and pain pills for a week. The pain eased up and I felt better but as soon as my dose of meds was over I was back to square one.
This time I resolved to see a GP in the hopes of being referred to a specialist. That is exactly what happened. The specialist hit right at the gland and knew where my pain was. I thought to myself “This one has hit it head on. He must know what he is talking about.” I was put on more meds. Stronger antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pills and more pain meds. As long as I was on the meds I was doing good, but as soon as they were done I was back to square one. I was getting frustrated.
I went back to the doc on Wednesday and he was surprised that the meds had not done what they were supposed to. He of course put me on another regimen this time with a medicament that I would paint on to the site of the glad. It would numb it and I was able to chew and such. This morning after I had posted my blogs and prayed to God about my role as a kingdom financier I went to the shower. I was washing my face when suddenly it felt like someone grabbed my jaws and moved them roughly one way and then the other causing my teeth to grind loudly against each other. There was no pain and I just instantly knew that God had fixed it. My teeth felt aligned and I could clench them, something I have not been able to do for 2 months.
As I was giving God the glory for my healing he said to me “This is a sign to you that you have aligned yourself with heaven just as your jaw has been aligned.” I am so blessed. I am testifying to everyone that God has healed my jaw. What a mighty God we serve!!!
This time I resolved to see a GP in the hopes of being referred to a specialist. That is exactly what happened. The specialist hit right at the gland and knew where my pain was. I thought to myself “This one has hit it head on. He must know what he is talking about.” I was put on more meds. Stronger antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pills and more pain meds. As long as I was on the meds I was doing good, but as soon as they were done I was back to square one. I was getting frustrated.
I went back to the doc on Wednesday and he was surprised that the meds had not done what they were supposed to. He of course put me on another regimen this time with a medicament that I would paint on to the site of the glad. It would numb it and I was able to chew and such. This morning after I had posted my blogs and prayed to God about my role as a kingdom financier I went to the shower. I was washing my face when suddenly it felt like someone grabbed my jaws and moved them roughly one way and then the other causing my teeth to grind loudly against each other. There was no pain and I just instantly knew that God had fixed it. My teeth felt aligned and I could clench them, something I have not been able to do for 2 months.
As I was giving God the glory for my healing he said to me “This is a sign to you that you have aligned yourself with heaven just as your jaw has been aligned.” I am so blessed. I am testifying to everyone that God has healed my jaw. What a mighty God we serve!!!
BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS
Having been called to finance the Kingdom of God and mandated to plunder the treasuries of darkness with the help of Almighty God, bringing out the hidden riches in secret places that they may be used for their rightful purpose in Christ; this is a warning in season. There are treasures to be retrieved and used for the Kingdom of God but if I am not wise I will fall into the trap of covetousness. In Luke 12 vs 15 to 21 Jesus addresses the issue.
15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Your life is not about the things that you possess. When you die, to whom will they go? Solomon said in the book of Ecclesiastes that he had seen a great evil on the earth. A man, toiling all his life to amass great wealth, only to leave it to those who had no idea of the struggle he had endured and who consequently misused that wealth.
Notice in vs 16 that this man’s ground brought forth plentifully. What do you have that God has not given you? Your hard work would bear thorns and thistles were the Lord to leave you to your own devices. It is Jehovah who blesses the work of your hands so that they bring forth plentifully. If he has called you to finance his Kingdom, he will do so even more abundantly, but like in the wilderness, the Gold is to be used to worship him. You can’t therefore make a golden calf out of it by storing it in all manner of banks thinking that you can now relax and live large for the rest of your life.
The Lord calls this man foolish. Hoarding and coveting is foolish thinking!! Laying up treasures for yourself at the expense of your relationship with God is the height of futility. May you not fall into this trap of the enemy that has brought down many mighty men. Do the will of God with the money he puts into your hand that it may be well with you when your life is required of you and you stand before the judgment seat of God.
15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Your life is not about the things that you possess. When you die, to whom will they go? Solomon said in the book of Ecclesiastes that he had seen a great evil on the earth. A man, toiling all his life to amass great wealth, only to leave it to those who had no idea of the struggle he had endured and who consequently misused that wealth.
Notice in vs 16 that this man’s ground brought forth plentifully. What do you have that God has not given you? Your hard work would bear thorns and thistles were the Lord to leave you to your own devices. It is Jehovah who blesses the work of your hands so that they bring forth plentifully. If he has called you to finance his Kingdom, he will do so even more abundantly, but like in the wilderness, the Gold is to be used to worship him. You can’t therefore make a golden calf out of it by storing it in all manner of banks thinking that you can now relax and live large for the rest of your life.
The Lord calls this man foolish. Hoarding and coveting is foolish thinking!! Laying up treasures for yourself at the expense of your relationship with God is the height of futility. May you not fall into this trap of the enemy that has brought down many mighty men. Do the will of God with the money he puts into your hand that it may be well with you when your life is required of you and you stand before the judgment seat of God.
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
The sin of covetousness is rooted in worry and fear that you will not have enough for your own needs. I am in a place where God has demanded two thirds of my salary for the Kingdom. That is way ahead of what I had planned. I have been in a place where I was looking at God and thinking, “This God can’t be serious. How I’m I ever going to accomplish my goals with this kind of giving?” But once again the word of God has proven to be the anchor of my soul. Luke 12:22 - 34
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your treasure? That is where your heart is. As a Kingdom financier God calls you to a higher plane of saving. A plan that does not fail but yields its return in due season. In these times of unstable and failing economies, the Lord says to put your treasures where nothing can affect them. Where market crashes cannot reach them. Build your treasure first and foremost in heaven by giving.
This passage of scripture starts by saying that we ought not to worry about our own lives, what we shall eat, drink, wear or live among other things. Why, because our Father in heaven knows that we have need of these things and like any other Father, he wants to provide for his own. When you begin to think “What about me?” the sin of covetousness can easily creep in so that you begin to hoard for yourself that which God has put into your hand for distribution. Man is easily deceived because of labor. We tend to think to ourselves “I worked for it; therefore I deserve the lion’s share.” Not so with God. He says “I enabled your success, I gave you life, wisdom, a brain that works, good health, daylight in which to work, food in your belly and so much more. Therefore the lion’s share is mine.” Who can fault him? As a Kingdom financier 10% is the minimum giving standard, not the epitome of it.
God is a Father. All he wants is our trust even when we can’t figure out how it will work. Therefore we must not have any doubts in his ability to meet our needs. He knows that we have need of these things. All we need to do is make mention of them in prayer with thanksgiving and whole hearted trust. His peace will guard our hearts and minds and our needs will be met in time.
It says to seek first the Kingdom of God. First settle the things of the Kingdom. Do what he asks you to do. And all the things you need will be added to you as you go. God is not unjust, neither is he a wicked God. He is watching over his word to perform it in your life. Will you take him at his word? Will you give as he commands you to and trust without a doubtful mind that he will add to you all that you need and more? Jesus concludes this passage by telling his disciples to fear not. The good pleasure of our Father in heaven is to give us the Kingdom and within the Kingdom is all you will ever need to enjoy this life. Banish fear. Banish doubt. Banish mistrust. Abandon yourself to God with a reckless abandonment and watch Jehovah be Jireh to you in a whole new dimension. What a wonderful God we serve.
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your treasure? That is where your heart is. As a Kingdom financier God calls you to a higher plane of saving. A plan that does not fail but yields its return in due season. In these times of unstable and failing economies, the Lord says to put your treasures where nothing can affect them. Where market crashes cannot reach them. Build your treasure first and foremost in heaven by giving.
This passage of scripture starts by saying that we ought not to worry about our own lives, what we shall eat, drink, wear or live among other things. Why, because our Father in heaven knows that we have need of these things and like any other Father, he wants to provide for his own. When you begin to think “What about me?” the sin of covetousness can easily creep in so that you begin to hoard for yourself that which God has put into your hand for distribution. Man is easily deceived because of labor. We tend to think to ourselves “I worked for it; therefore I deserve the lion’s share.” Not so with God. He says “I enabled your success, I gave you life, wisdom, a brain that works, good health, daylight in which to work, food in your belly and so much more. Therefore the lion’s share is mine.” Who can fault him? As a Kingdom financier 10% is the minimum giving standard, not the epitome of it.
God is a Father. All he wants is our trust even when we can’t figure out how it will work. Therefore we must not have any doubts in his ability to meet our needs. He knows that we have need of these things. All we need to do is make mention of them in prayer with thanksgiving and whole hearted trust. His peace will guard our hearts and minds and our needs will be met in time.
It says to seek first the Kingdom of God. First settle the things of the Kingdom. Do what he asks you to do. And all the things you need will be added to you as you go. God is not unjust, neither is he a wicked God. He is watching over his word to perform it in your life. Will you take him at his word? Will you give as he commands you to and trust without a doubtful mind that he will add to you all that you need and more? Jesus concludes this passage by telling his disciples to fear not. The good pleasure of our Father in heaven is to give us the Kingdom and within the Kingdom is all you will ever need to enjoy this life. Banish fear. Banish doubt. Banish mistrust. Abandon yourself to God with a reckless abandonment and watch Jehovah be Jireh to you in a whole new dimension. What a wonderful God we serve.
HOW SHALL HE FIND YOU WHEN HE COMES?
For all you people in the marketplace take heed of the fact that God is a business man. He leaves you in charge of things as chief steward for a while, but he will always check the books of accounts and reconcile what he has put in your hand and what you have done with it. It’s just good business. You must therefore be faithful every day and have a faithfulness that endures. Luke 22:35 - 48
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 AND THAT SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD'S WILL, AND PREPARED NOT HIMSELF, NEITHER DID ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES.
48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
What a revealing passage of scripture. I believe that the Lord has a reward for every Kingdom financier he has appointed. He has put wealth in our hands and allocated us people to take care of and ministries to support. Two kinds of stewards are described in this passage:
The Good Steward
This guy is ever conscious that his Lord will return for an accounting of the books. He is diligent in making sure that those under his care receive their meet in season. He has guarded his loins with the belt of truth and has kept his light burning. When the Lord comes back, he opens the door for him immediately as he has nothing to hide.
The Bad Steward
This guy gets to a point where he thinks his Lord is taking too long to come back and as a result he slacks on his job. He does not give the people under his care their portion as he should and even beats them, making life very difficult for those in his charge. Instead of providing for others as he is mandated, he takes their portion to eat, drink and get drunk. When his Lord comes to check the books of account, he has nothing good to show. He forgot to seek first the Kingdom and sought his own comfort and pleasure first.
The Reward
The Lord of the Estate finally comes back and after reviewing the books decides to pass out reward and punishment. The good steward is sat at a table and the Lord himself meets his every need and serves him. Then he promotes him, making him ruler over all he has. If you are faithful with little you will be made ruler over much.
Then he reviews the books of the bad steward. He is not amused to find them in disarray and knowing what this guy has been doing, he ensures that he is beaten with many stripes. This guy has it worse than the guy who did not have a clue and messed up. He is severely punished because he knew what he should have done, but chose to walk in covetousness and disobedience. The worst part is that he is given his portion among the unbelievers!!! Disobedience and covetousness will lead to eternal damnation. Do not be deceived.
As a kingdom financier you have been appointed over the Lord’s finances. Which category do you fall under? Are you a good steward, giving out portions to those in need as required by the Lord, or have you fallen into the sin of the bad steward? Gird your loins with the truth of God’s word and keep your light burning. Pray with me:
Our Lord who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I repent of how I have handled my stewardship so far. Sometimes thinking that you will not require an accounting and letting what you have put in my hand go to my head. Forgive me. Cleanse away this sin and its consequences with the blood of Jesus Christ and show me how I can make things right. I choose to walk the way of the good steward. And when the time comes to audit the accounts I will be ready for you and for the reward you carry for me. Be blessed by how I live my life and walk out my stewardship. I love you Lord and vow to be faithful to you, with your help, all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 AND THAT SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD'S WILL, AND PREPARED NOT HIMSELF, NEITHER DID ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES.
48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
What a revealing passage of scripture. I believe that the Lord has a reward for every Kingdom financier he has appointed. He has put wealth in our hands and allocated us people to take care of and ministries to support. Two kinds of stewards are described in this passage:
The Good Steward
This guy is ever conscious that his Lord will return for an accounting of the books. He is diligent in making sure that those under his care receive their meet in season. He has guarded his loins with the belt of truth and has kept his light burning. When the Lord comes back, he opens the door for him immediately as he has nothing to hide.
The Bad Steward
This guy gets to a point where he thinks his Lord is taking too long to come back and as a result he slacks on his job. He does not give the people under his care their portion as he should and even beats them, making life very difficult for those in his charge. Instead of providing for others as he is mandated, he takes their portion to eat, drink and get drunk. When his Lord comes to check the books of account, he has nothing good to show. He forgot to seek first the Kingdom and sought his own comfort and pleasure first.
The Reward
The Lord of the Estate finally comes back and after reviewing the books decides to pass out reward and punishment. The good steward is sat at a table and the Lord himself meets his every need and serves him. Then he promotes him, making him ruler over all he has. If you are faithful with little you will be made ruler over much.
Then he reviews the books of the bad steward. He is not amused to find them in disarray and knowing what this guy has been doing, he ensures that he is beaten with many stripes. This guy has it worse than the guy who did not have a clue and messed up. He is severely punished because he knew what he should have done, but chose to walk in covetousness and disobedience. The worst part is that he is given his portion among the unbelievers!!! Disobedience and covetousness will lead to eternal damnation. Do not be deceived.
As a kingdom financier you have been appointed over the Lord’s finances. Which category do you fall under? Are you a good steward, giving out portions to those in need as required by the Lord, or have you fallen into the sin of the bad steward? Gird your loins with the truth of God’s word and keep your light burning. Pray with me:
Our Lord who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I repent of how I have handled my stewardship so far. Sometimes thinking that you will not require an accounting and letting what you have put in my hand go to my head. Forgive me. Cleanse away this sin and its consequences with the blood of Jesus Christ and show me how I can make things right. I choose to walk the way of the good steward. And when the time comes to audit the accounts I will be ready for you and for the reward you carry for me. Be blessed by how I live my life and walk out my stewardship. I love you Lord and vow to be faithful to you, with your help, all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
THE SIN OF COVETOUSNESS
According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COVETOUSNESS can be defined as follows:
kuv'-et-us-nes: Has a variety of shades of meaning determined largely by the nature of the particular word used, or the context, or both. Following are some of the uses:
(1) To gain dishonestly (batsa`), e.g. the King James Version Exodus 18:21 Ezekiel 33:31.
(2) The wish to have more than one possesses, inordinately, of course (pleonexia), e.g. Luke 12:15 1 Thessalonians 2:5.
(3) An inordinate love of money philarguros, the King James Version Luke 16:14 2 Timothy 3:2; philarguria, 1 Timothy 6:10; negative in Hebrews 13:5, the King James Version.
Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is "idolatry," while in 1 Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9, 10); lying (2 Kings 5:22-25); theft (Joshua 7:21); domestic trouble (Proverbs 15:27); murder (Ezekiel 22:12); indeed, it leads to "many foolish and hurtful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the promised land (Achan, Jos 7); and also in the early Christian church immediately after its founding (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5); hence, so many warnings against it. A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact that a very great part of the Jewish law-such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor, toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war-was introduced and intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.
Eerdmans maintains (Expos, July, 1909) that the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house" (Exodus 20:17), meant to the Israelite that he should not take anything of his neighbor's possessions that were momentarily unprotected by their owner. Compare Exodus 34:23. Thus, it refers to a category of acts that is not covered by the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal." It is an oriental habit of mind from of old that when anyone sees abandoned goods which he thinks desirable, there is not the least objection to taking them, and Exodus 20:17 b is probably an explanation of what is to be understood by "house" in Exodus 20:17 a.
Examples of covetousness: Achan (Joshua 7); Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
kuv'-et-us-nes: Has a variety of shades of meaning determined largely by the nature of the particular word used, or the context, or both. Following are some of the uses:
(1) To gain dishonestly (batsa`), e.g. the King James Version Exodus 18:21 Ezekiel 33:31.
(2) The wish to have more than one possesses, inordinately, of course (pleonexia), e.g. Luke 12:15 1 Thessalonians 2:5.
(3) An inordinate love of money philarguros, the King James Version Luke 16:14 2 Timothy 3:2; philarguria, 1 Timothy 6:10; negative in Hebrews 13:5, the King James Version.
Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is "idolatry," while in 1 Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9, 10); lying (2 Kings 5:22-25); theft (Joshua 7:21); domestic trouble (Proverbs 15:27); murder (Ezekiel 22:12); indeed, it leads to "many foolish and hurtful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the promised land (Achan, Jos 7); and also in the early Christian church immediately after its founding (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5); hence, so many warnings against it. A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact that a very great part of the Jewish law-such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor, toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war-was introduced and intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.
Eerdmans maintains (Expos, July, 1909) that the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house" (Exodus 20:17), meant to the Israelite that he should not take anything of his neighbor's possessions that were momentarily unprotected by their owner. Compare Exodus 34:23. Thus, it refers to a category of acts that is not covered by the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal." It is an oriental habit of mind from of old that when anyone sees abandoned goods which he thinks desirable, there is not the least objection to taking them, and Exodus 20:17 b is probably an explanation of what is to be understood by "house" in Exodus 20:17 a.
Examples of covetousness: Achan (Joshua 7); Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
ACHAN'S ERROR
Jesus in Luke 12:15 warns
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
When one is called to finance the Kingdom of God with a mandate to plunder the treasuries of the secret places of darkness, the number one thing that the devil will bring into your life is covetousness. An inordinate desire to possess and keep for yourself the wealth and possessions put in your hand by the Lord. In truth, you are a steward and the wealth God puts in your hand is to be used for other purposes. He is not unjust, he will ensure that you have all you need and more besides, but if he puts something in your hand for someone else, you will need to give it to the necessary party.
In Joshua 7 we read the story of Achan which is in truth the sin of covetousness. Everything they found in Jericho was to be offered to the Lord in total destruction, regardless of how good, beautiful or valuable it was. In verse 20 - 21 Achan gives his explanation:
“It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them…”
God had not allocated them to him as meat and by taking them for himself he exposed Israel to the enemy. Of note is God’s extremely angry reaction in all this. Vs 10 – 15
• Covetousness is sin and a violation of our covenant with God.
• Covetousness results in lies and theft.
• Covetousness leads to alienation from God and his protection.
• You will not be able to stand before the enemy but will run from the enemy in disgrace and shame.
• Covetousness makes you liable for destruction. You become a candidate for destruction.
If you have been involved in the sin of covetousness you must do the following:
• Repent and consecrate yourself before the Lord.
• Ask him to show you the thing that you have coveted and that has brought destruction.
• Remove the accursed thing from among you and do the needful, either give it to the rightful party or destroy it as the Spirit of the Lord leads.
Achan, after he was found with the accursed things was destroyed by fire. As long as the accursed thing remains with you, you will surely be destroyed along with it.
After the destruction of Achan and the accursed thing the Lord went on to encourage Joshua for battle and led him to a mighty victory where he had been easily beaten before. This is your portion as well. Pray this prayer with me.
Dear Lord Jesus, I approach the throne of grace with fear and trembling for I too like Achan have taken the accursed thing and it is surely in my midst. I stand before you an open book O’ God for nothing can be hidden from you. Forgive me Lord. Forgive me and cleanse me with the Blood of your son Jesus Christ. Let this sin not be counted against me oh Lord that I may escape destruction by the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Master, show me where I have sinned against you in covetousness and show me how to make it right. Remove the accursed thing from my midst oh Lord. Do it, that I may live O God to glorify and honor you all the days of my life. I am yours my Lord. I thank you for hearing my simple prayer and I know that you will begin to show me where I have sinned in covetousness. I promise to take action as you will require me to. I thank you and honor you oh Lord. Lead me to victory in you like you did Joshua and let your name be a praise in my life forever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Examples of covetousness: Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
When one is called to finance the Kingdom of God with a mandate to plunder the treasuries of the secret places of darkness, the number one thing that the devil will bring into your life is covetousness. An inordinate desire to possess and keep for yourself the wealth and possessions put in your hand by the Lord. In truth, you are a steward and the wealth God puts in your hand is to be used for other purposes. He is not unjust, he will ensure that you have all you need and more besides, but if he puts something in your hand for someone else, you will need to give it to the necessary party.
In Joshua 7 we read the story of Achan which is in truth the sin of covetousness. Everything they found in Jericho was to be offered to the Lord in total destruction, regardless of how good, beautiful or valuable it was. In verse 20 - 21 Achan gives his explanation:
“It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them…”
God had not allocated them to him as meat and by taking them for himself he exposed Israel to the enemy. Of note is God’s extremely angry reaction in all this. Vs 10 – 15
• Covetousness is sin and a violation of our covenant with God.
• Covetousness results in lies and theft.
• Covetousness leads to alienation from God and his protection.
• You will not be able to stand before the enemy but will run from the enemy in disgrace and shame.
• Covetousness makes you liable for destruction. You become a candidate for destruction.
If you have been involved in the sin of covetousness you must do the following:
• Repent and consecrate yourself before the Lord.
• Ask him to show you the thing that you have coveted and that has brought destruction.
• Remove the accursed thing from among you and do the needful, either give it to the rightful party or destroy it as the Spirit of the Lord leads.
Achan, after he was found with the accursed things was destroyed by fire. As long as the accursed thing remains with you, you will surely be destroyed along with it.
After the destruction of Achan and the accursed thing the Lord went on to encourage Joshua for battle and led him to a mighty victory where he had been easily beaten before. This is your portion as well. Pray this prayer with me.
Dear Lord Jesus, I approach the throne of grace with fear and trembling for I too like Achan have taken the accursed thing and it is surely in my midst. I stand before you an open book O’ God for nothing can be hidden from you. Forgive me Lord. Forgive me and cleanse me with the Blood of your son Jesus Christ. Let this sin not be counted against me oh Lord that I may escape destruction by the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Master, show me where I have sinned against you in covetousness and show me how to make it right. Remove the accursed thing from my midst oh Lord. Do it, that I may live O God to glorify and honor you all the days of my life. I am yours my Lord. I thank you for hearing my simple prayer and I know that you will begin to show me where I have sinned in covetousness. I promise to take action as you will require me to. I thank you and honor you oh Lord. Lead me to victory in you like you did Joshua and let your name be a praise in my life forever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Examples of covetousness: Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
BALAAM’S ERROR
Jude in vs 11 speaks of a certain type of person. He says “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.”
Peter refers to Balaam’s error in 2 Peter 2:15 saying “they have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey – a beast without speech – who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness”
The story of Balaam is told in the book of Numbers Chapter 22 – 24. It is the story of a man who had the ability to hear God clearly. He heard what the Lord said to him, that he was not to go with the men sent by Balak, but his heart was enticed by the promised reward and because he really wanted to go, the Lord allowed him to. Have you ever heard God say not to do something, but even though you are not doing the said thing, your heart is longing for the pay off? You’re thinking, “Man! If I had not given that seed I would still have money to spend on new clothes that I would like to have and even need”
I have learned that this kind of thinking is the seed of covetousness. Balaam went to meet with Balak because he hoped that somewhere along the way God would let him curse Israel and he would get the coveted reward. As in the story of Achan in Joshua 7, note how angry God is. The sin of covetousness vexes him violently!!! God was so angry with him that he sent an angel with drawn sword to destroy him. Any time you see an angel with drawn sword in the word it means that there is impending destruction. Ask David at the threshold of Arauna!!! The sin of covetousness immediately calls for the destruction of the person coveting.
In vs 32 – 33 the angel of the Lord tells Balaam “…I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me… I would certainly have killed you by now.”
The path of covetousness is a reckless one before the Lord. Jehovah himself will oppose you if you are a covetous person and death and destruction will be the only thing left in your wake instead of glory and honor. Pray with me:
Lord God, hitherto my path has been a reckless one before you. I have coveted much. Even the seed I have given to you. For that reason the seed has not produced for me and you have stood up to oppose me. Forgive this sin in my life Oh Lord. Cleanse me and make me whole before you once again. I see and recognize my sin Lord and backtrack to the place where I left the straightway and joined in Balaam’s error. Forgive me and order my steps in a way that is pleasing to you. Resurrect and bring to life every seed that has lain dormant because of my futile thinking and covetous thoughts. Let my seeds bring forth to the glory and honor of your name. No more will I give where you tell me to with a covetous heart and with wrong thoughts. Purify and cleanse me. Set me aright once more and I will praise you in the congregation of the righteous. Thank you for loving me enough to correct my erroneous ways. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Peter refers to Balaam’s error in 2 Peter 2:15 saying “they have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey – a beast without speech – who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness”
The story of Balaam is told in the book of Numbers Chapter 22 – 24. It is the story of a man who had the ability to hear God clearly. He heard what the Lord said to him, that he was not to go with the men sent by Balak, but his heart was enticed by the promised reward and because he really wanted to go, the Lord allowed him to. Have you ever heard God say not to do something, but even though you are not doing the said thing, your heart is longing for the pay off? You’re thinking, “Man! If I had not given that seed I would still have money to spend on new clothes that I would like to have and even need”
I have learned that this kind of thinking is the seed of covetousness. Balaam went to meet with Balak because he hoped that somewhere along the way God would let him curse Israel and he would get the coveted reward. As in the story of Achan in Joshua 7, note how angry God is. The sin of covetousness vexes him violently!!! God was so angry with him that he sent an angel with drawn sword to destroy him. Any time you see an angel with drawn sword in the word it means that there is impending destruction. Ask David at the threshold of Arauna!!! The sin of covetousness immediately calls for the destruction of the person coveting.
In vs 32 – 33 the angel of the Lord tells Balaam “…I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me… I would certainly have killed you by now.”
The path of covetousness is a reckless one before the Lord. Jehovah himself will oppose you if you are a covetous person and death and destruction will be the only thing left in your wake instead of glory and honor. Pray with me:
Lord God, hitherto my path has been a reckless one before you. I have coveted much. Even the seed I have given to you. For that reason the seed has not produced for me and you have stood up to oppose me. Forgive this sin in my life Oh Lord. Cleanse me and make me whole before you once again. I see and recognize my sin Lord and backtrack to the place where I left the straightway and joined in Balaam’s error. Forgive me and order my steps in a way that is pleasing to you. Resurrect and bring to life every seed that has lain dormant because of my futile thinking and covetous thoughts. Let my seeds bring forth to the glory and honor of your name. No more will I give where you tell me to with a covetous heart and with wrong thoughts. Purify and cleanse me. Set me aright once more and I will praise you in the congregation of the righteous. Thank you for loving me enough to correct my erroneous ways. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
SAUL’S ERROR
Saul was a handsome and tall man. He stood head and shoulders above all Israel, but covetousness reduced him to nothing in the eyes of the Lord his God who took his throne away from him and handed it to David a man after God’s own heart. David had much wealth because if you will do right as a steward of Kingdom finances, God will reward you. He is not unjust. How can the pipe carry water and not get wet?
Saul was sent on a mission by Jehovah God to totally destroy the Amalekites and all that they possessed. However, covetousness caused him to reject and disobey the word of the Living God. 1 Sam 15: 9 – 24 tells the story of what happened when Saul came home having led what he considered a successful attack on Amalek. “…But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs – everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak, they totally destroyed.”
That which they did not really care for they were willing to destroy. As a Kingdom financier God will often require you to give that which you love and would rather keep for yourself. If you choose to keep that thing for yourself, it will be to you an accursed thing that marks you for destruction. However, if you surrender it joyfully, God will bring it back to you good measure, pressed down and shaken together. He is not a wicked God who only wants to make you envious by passing wonderful things before your very eyes and through your hands to someone else. Your own is on its way and it is greater and better than that which you now hold in your hands. Pass it on to the person God commands and see the faithfulness of Jehovah in action.
Saul made his sin worse by refusing to acknowledge it. He said to Samuel in vs 20 “’But I did obey the Lord,’ Saul said. ‘I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their King. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.’”
Changing the given instructions to suit your better judgment is sin. Sometimes the Lord will give you an instruction to give in a place that you really think the money will not be much appreciated. You may think to yourself “Why sow into that ministry. I would rather give to the orphanage next door as they need the money more.” As a steward of what God has put in your hand, you are not the one in charge of what is to be done with the money. The owner, God, is in charge. Let him decide what is to be done. Saul considered the total destruction of the sheep and cattle a total waste and in following his better judgment instead of the proceeding word of the Lord he committed a grievous sin. So bad was it that Samuel told him the following in vs 22-23
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.”
Thinking that your judgment is better than God’s is the height of rebellion and arrogance. You are no different from a witchdoctor or sorcerer and an idolater. How grievous is the sin of covetousness. What a lie of the devil!!
Obedience is the Father’s joy. Consider him all wise. Consider him all knowing. Let your wisdom and judgments find no place in the light of his. Oh my Lord. Forgive us for the times we have thought ourselves wiser than you. Forgive us for the times we have thought that we know better than you. Wash the guilt of our sins far from us for we have become to you like sorcerers, witchdoctors and magicians. We have become like them who bow down to idols because of our arrogance and rebellion. Oh God forgive, and bring us back to the straight paths that we may be a blessing to you once more in Jesus name.
The consequences of this sin that was rooted in covetousness were that God rejected Saul for rejecting his word. There is great danger in rejecting the word and instruction of the Lord. Why risk being rejected by the Most High because of covetousness?
On seeing that God was going to take the throne from him, Saul makes a half hearted apology but God see’s through it and Samuel confirms the word of the Lord with a prophetic act that happened by mistake. Saul clutches Samuel’s robe and it tears in his hand. Samuel seals the word of the Lord in vs 28 – 29 “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors – to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.”
The throne was given to David son of Jesse and he was considered better than Saul because his heart panted after God and not things. However, David also fell into the sin of covetousness.
Saul was sent on a mission by Jehovah God to totally destroy the Amalekites and all that they possessed. However, covetousness caused him to reject and disobey the word of the Living God. 1 Sam 15: 9 – 24 tells the story of what happened when Saul came home having led what he considered a successful attack on Amalek. “…But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs – everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak, they totally destroyed.”
That which they did not really care for they were willing to destroy. As a Kingdom financier God will often require you to give that which you love and would rather keep for yourself. If you choose to keep that thing for yourself, it will be to you an accursed thing that marks you for destruction. However, if you surrender it joyfully, God will bring it back to you good measure, pressed down and shaken together. He is not a wicked God who only wants to make you envious by passing wonderful things before your very eyes and through your hands to someone else. Your own is on its way and it is greater and better than that which you now hold in your hands. Pass it on to the person God commands and see the faithfulness of Jehovah in action.
Saul made his sin worse by refusing to acknowledge it. He said to Samuel in vs 20 “’But I did obey the Lord,’ Saul said. ‘I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their King. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.’”
Changing the given instructions to suit your better judgment is sin. Sometimes the Lord will give you an instruction to give in a place that you really think the money will not be much appreciated. You may think to yourself “Why sow into that ministry. I would rather give to the orphanage next door as they need the money more.” As a steward of what God has put in your hand, you are not the one in charge of what is to be done with the money. The owner, God, is in charge. Let him decide what is to be done. Saul considered the total destruction of the sheep and cattle a total waste and in following his better judgment instead of the proceeding word of the Lord he committed a grievous sin. So bad was it that Samuel told him the following in vs 22-23
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.”
Thinking that your judgment is better than God’s is the height of rebellion and arrogance. You are no different from a witchdoctor or sorcerer and an idolater. How grievous is the sin of covetousness. What a lie of the devil!!
Obedience is the Father’s joy. Consider him all wise. Consider him all knowing. Let your wisdom and judgments find no place in the light of his. Oh my Lord. Forgive us for the times we have thought ourselves wiser than you. Forgive us for the times we have thought that we know better than you. Wash the guilt of our sins far from us for we have become to you like sorcerers, witchdoctors and magicians. We have become like them who bow down to idols because of our arrogance and rebellion. Oh God forgive, and bring us back to the straight paths that we may be a blessing to you once more in Jesus name.
The consequences of this sin that was rooted in covetousness were that God rejected Saul for rejecting his word. There is great danger in rejecting the word and instruction of the Lord. Why risk being rejected by the Most High because of covetousness?
On seeing that God was going to take the throne from him, Saul makes a half hearted apology but God see’s through it and Samuel confirms the word of the Lord with a prophetic act that happened by mistake. Saul clutches Samuel’s robe and it tears in his hand. Samuel seals the word of the Lord in vs 28 – 29 “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors – to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.”
The throne was given to David son of Jesse and he was considered better than Saul because his heart panted after God and not things. However, David also fell into the sin of covetousness.
DAVID’S ERROR
David coveted the wife of Uriah, an exceptionally beautiful woman named Bathsheba. The story is narrated in 2 Samuel 11 and 12. When he saw her, he sent out messengers to find out who she was and he was informed that she was married to Uriah the Hittite. The sin of covetousness is a sin that stares the word of God in the face and blatantly chooses to despise, reject and ignore it. If Israel knew anything, they knew the 10 commandments the last of which says among other things “…you shall not covet your neighbors wife…” Exodus 20:17. David looked this command in the face and made a conscious choice to despise, reject and ignore it.
So he goes on to sleep with her, she gets pregnant and now he has to cover up his sin. All his tactics do not work so he resolves to organize her husband’s death after which he marries Bathsheba, gives a great sigh of relief and concludes that all is well with the world. You can imagine his shock when the prophet Nathan looks him in the face and tells all in the presence of God and everyone in the throne room. Not only does he tell him off, he proceeds to speak destruction into his family by the sword and the defiling of his wives in public for a secret sin he hoped no one would find out about. And sure enough, his own son slept with his wives disgracing him in the face of all Israel.
Now when he is found out David responds completely contrary to Saul. Instead of concealing his sin and insisting on his own justification he immediately repents declaring openly that he has sinned before the Lord. See the love of the Lord for mankind. Nathan immediately replies “The Lord has taken away your sin” vs 13. It is the same with us today. As we declare our sin openly before the Lord, our sin is taken away from us. Washed away by the blood of the Lamb Jesus.
The next verse reveals more about what happens when we sin in covetousness. Nathan tells David that in sinning after this fashion, the enemies of the Lord have received an opportunity to show Jehohah utter contempt. The devil and his minions revel in this sin and utterly mock God because it is a sin that looks his word in the face and says "This is utter nonsense.” How horrible!! Yet Jehovah has exalted his word even above his Names. Because of this, his son with Bathsheba dies and though David fasts for his recovery seven days, weeping and repenting before God, the Lord proves his word true. He is a God who does not change his mind after the fashion of men.
However, because he is God, he finds a way to redeem the situation in the midst of the promises of doom and destruction. When Bathsheba conceives again and gives birth to Solomon, the Lord sends the prophet Nathan with a message to name him Jedidiah meaning loved of the Lord. This is God’s way of letting David and Bathsheba know that all is forgiven and when the time comes to select an heir to the throne, the Lord names Solomon King after his father David.
So he goes on to sleep with her, she gets pregnant and now he has to cover up his sin. All his tactics do not work so he resolves to organize her husband’s death after which he marries Bathsheba, gives a great sigh of relief and concludes that all is well with the world. You can imagine his shock when the prophet Nathan looks him in the face and tells all in the presence of God and everyone in the throne room. Not only does he tell him off, he proceeds to speak destruction into his family by the sword and the defiling of his wives in public for a secret sin he hoped no one would find out about. And sure enough, his own son slept with his wives disgracing him in the face of all Israel.
Now when he is found out David responds completely contrary to Saul. Instead of concealing his sin and insisting on his own justification he immediately repents declaring openly that he has sinned before the Lord. See the love of the Lord for mankind. Nathan immediately replies “The Lord has taken away your sin” vs 13. It is the same with us today. As we declare our sin openly before the Lord, our sin is taken away from us. Washed away by the blood of the Lamb Jesus.
The next verse reveals more about what happens when we sin in covetousness. Nathan tells David that in sinning after this fashion, the enemies of the Lord have received an opportunity to show Jehohah utter contempt. The devil and his minions revel in this sin and utterly mock God because it is a sin that looks his word in the face and says "This is utter nonsense.” How horrible!! Yet Jehovah has exalted his word even above his Names. Because of this, his son with Bathsheba dies and though David fasts for his recovery seven days, weeping and repenting before God, the Lord proves his word true. He is a God who does not change his mind after the fashion of men.
However, because he is God, he finds a way to redeem the situation in the midst of the promises of doom and destruction. When Bathsheba conceives again and gives birth to Solomon, the Lord sends the prophet Nathan with a message to name him Jedidiah meaning loved of the Lord. This is God’s way of letting David and Bathsheba know that all is forgiven and when the time comes to select an heir to the throne, the Lord names Solomon King after his father David.
WHAT THEN IS COVETOUSNESS AND WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE SAME?
If you are like me you have sinned in covetousness. This is a sin characterized by the following:
• Knowing what the Lord has commanded you to do, looking at his word directly and choosing not to do it therefore walking in disobedience to take to and for yourself what the Lord has not given you. Usually material wealth, but in the sin of David, using your power to take even wives, husbands or servants from other people Exodus 20:17 spells it out “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
The Consequences
• In the heavenlies the enemies of the Lord take great delight in this sin, mocking Jehovah and holding him in utter contempt.
• In response, the Lord stands to oppose you which makes you a candidate for destruction.
• You are unable to stand before your enemies because Jehovah God is not for you. You are defeated in life and routed by your enemies who triumph over you.
• That which God had planned for your reigning and ruling is taken from you just like the Kingdom was torn away from Saul.
What can you do, now that you find yourself guilty?
• You must repent of your sin and ask God to wash you clean with the blood of the Lamb Jesus that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. He is faithful and will take away your sin that you may live. It is my firm belief that the blood of Jesus will wash away even the consequences of sin and bring complete redemption from the sin committed, something that the blood of animals could never accomplish in David’s day.
• Invite God to take you back to the place where you went astray and to lead you in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.
• Ask God to come into the bad situations already created by your error and make lemonade out of the lemons like he did with David and Bathsheba. He is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and present us to himself without blemish or spot or wrinkle. He will do it for you.
• Ask him for another chance to prove yourself faithful. Trust must be earned, so walk the walk as he instructs and he will restore your Kingdom to you just like he did with David after Absalom’s rebellion.
How To Avoid The Sin Of Covetousness:
• Walk in humility. Consider God all wise. Even when you do not understand why he wants you to do things one way instead of the way that seems best to you. Count your wisdom as nothing before his and let him lead you utterly and completely.
• Walk in obedience. Obey him even when it does not make sense, even when it seems you have a better way of doing things. Cast your crown at his feet and let him lead you as you follow behind him obediently.
• Remember that he is faithful. He is not a wicked God, he will give you yours even as you walk uprightly before him. If he uses you to enrich others he will enrich you. If he uses you to bless other peoples marriages he will give you your own life companion. God is not unjust. Let that sink deep into your spirit. He will reward you for sure and great will be your joy.
• Keep your eyes on him and do not hold tightly to what he puts into your hand. Luke 12:29-32
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
• Knowing what the Lord has commanded you to do, looking at his word directly and choosing not to do it therefore walking in disobedience to take to and for yourself what the Lord has not given you. Usually material wealth, but in the sin of David, using your power to take even wives, husbands or servants from other people Exodus 20:17 spells it out “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
The Consequences
• In the heavenlies the enemies of the Lord take great delight in this sin, mocking Jehovah and holding him in utter contempt.
• In response, the Lord stands to oppose you which makes you a candidate for destruction.
• You are unable to stand before your enemies because Jehovah God is not for you. You are defeated in life and routed by your enemies who triumph over you.
• That which God had planned for your reigning and ruling is taken from you just like the Kingdom was torn away from Saul.
What can you do, now that you find yourself guilty?
• You must repent of your sin and ask God to wash you clean with the blood of the Lamb Jesus that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. He is faithful and will take away your sin that you may live. It is my firm belief that the blood of Jesus will wash away even the consequences of sin and bring complete redemption from the sin committed, something that the blood of animals could never accomplish in David’s day.
• Invite God to take you back to the place where you went astray and to lead you in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.
• Ask God to come into the bad situations already created by your error and make lemonade out of the lemons like he did with David and Bathsheba. He is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and present us to himself without blemish or spot or wrinkle. He will do it for you.
• Ask him for another chance to prove yourself faithful. Trust must be earned, so walk the walk as he instructs and he will restore your Kingdom to you just like he did with David after Absalom’s rebellion.
How To Avoid The Sin Of Covetousness:
• Walk in humility. Consider God all wise. Even when you do not understand why he wants you to do things one way instead of the way that seems best to you. Count your wisdom as nothing before his and let him lead you utterly and completely.
• Walk in obedience. Obey him even when it does not make sense, even when it seems you have a better way of doing things. Cast your crown at his feet and let him lead you as you follow behind him obediently.
• Remember that he is faithful. He is not a wicked God, he will give you yours even as you walk uprightly before him. If he uses you to enrich others he will enrich you. If he uses you to bless other peoples marriages he will give you your own life companion. God is not unjust. Let that sink deep into your spirit. He will reward you for sure and great will be your joy.
• Keep your eyes on him and do not hold tightly to what he puts into your hand. Luke 12:29-32
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Monday, October 12, 2009
THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT
Many times in life I have heard people in unfortunate circumstances say that it was the hand they were dealt that was messed up. In a way, that could be true but I dare say that God does not play games with our lives. We are not a gamble to God. Every hand dealt is a potential winner or a potential loser. It just depends on what you do with it. If you would be wise enough to hand your life over to God, you will discover that he is quite able to take the unfortunate circumstances of your life and turn them into a story that will astound many.
The other day my boss came into town and we had to go and see some potential clients together. In truth, I was a bit worried because I was not sure how we would be received or even if our costs would be competitive. I woke up in the middle of the night and my spirit was singing the following song:
“You are Alpha and Omega, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised x2
We give you all the glory, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised”
Then I realized that God was encouraging me. He was letting me know that he had dealt me this hand but he was going to make it a winning hand for me if I would only surrender it to him.
I was watching Joni Erickson on some show talking about the accident that paralyzed her from the neck down. What an aweful hand to be dealt!! Yet Joni is celebrated the world over because she gave the hand dealt to her back to God and he has caused her to triumph in the midst of it.
I am not sure who this post is for. I just know that the Spirit of God has a hand in my writing this. But however terrible you may consider the hand you have been dealt, give it to God. Every hand is a winner when given to him, but every hand can be a loser if mishandled. Let the author and the finisher of your life guide you and fulfill the purpose for which he created you. This one thing’s for sure, God never created any losers.
The other day my boss came into town and we had to go and see some potential clients together. In truth, I was a bit worried because I was not sure how we would be received or even if our costs would be competitive. I woke up in the middle of the night and my spirit was singing the following song:
“You are Alpha and Omega, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised x2
We give you all the glory, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised”
Then I realized that God was encouraging me. He was letting me know that he had dealt me this hand but he was going to make it a winning hand for me if I would only surrender it to him.
I was watching Joni Erickson on some show talking about the accident that paralyzed her from the neck down. What an aweful hand to be dealt!! Yet Joni is celebrated the world over because she gave the hand dealt to her back to God and he has caused her to triumph in the midst of it.
I am not sure who this post is for. I just know that the Spirit of God has a hand in my writing this. But however terrible you may consider the hand you have been dealt, give it to God. Every hand is a winner when given to him, but every hand can be a loser if mishandled. Let the author and the finisher of your life guide you and fulfill the purpose for which he created you. This one thing’s for sure, God never created any losers.
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