Sunday, January 13, 2013

Money, Money, Money, Money!

Happy Sunday!
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas preached, "Money, Money, Money, Money!" He used Deuteronomy 8:18 as his reference scripture, "If you start thinking to yourselves, “I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!”—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today. (Message Translation)

There are two things we usually don't hear or don't want to hear about at church: Money and Sex. But these are the tools that the enemy uses to make our lives difficult and steal our joy. The reference scripture reminds us that God gives us the power to get wealth. The Hebrew word for wealth is "Hon or Hun" pronounced "Hone" and it means sufficiency. Sufficiency is defined as an adequate amount or quality, as income. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." (New Living Translation)

If you want victory in regards to your money, there are four things you ought to do...

1) EARN it HONESTLY -Ephesians 4:28 says, "Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work." (Message Translation) Bishop encouraged us to WORK and to have a hustle. God has given us all creative ideas and talents. Not just to keep to ourselves, but to share with others. Just like the prophets asked the woman, "What do you have in your house?" God wants us to use the things he has placed inside us.

2) GIVE it GENEROUSLY - 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (New Living Translation)

3) SPEND it WISELY - The Federal Government doesn't trust the average worker, so they take their portion out of the paycheck first. God trust us and allows us to bring our Tithe into the storehouse. "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities." Luke 16:10 (New Living Translation)

4) INVEST it CAREFULLY - Ecclesiastes 5:14 says, "Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children." (New Living Translation) and Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, "But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead." (New Living Translation)

The 4 Pillars of Prosperity -

1) A Good Name - Proverbs 22:1 says, "A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank." (Message Translation)

2) Sound Knowledge - Proverbs 4:7 says, "Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! (Message Translation)

3) A Lifetime of Discipline - The Apostle Paul said, "But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (Amplified Version) and in the Message Translation it reads, "I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
4) Unique God Given Opportunity - Malachi 3:10-11 says, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease.Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (New Living Translation)

Love and prayers, Cynthia

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