Get Out of Debt

We live in an age of instant gratification. Our society thinks that there’s nothing wrong with about living beyond our means. Some of us are so deep in debt that we’ve given up the hope of ever getting out of it. Today, I have good news for you. God wants you to be free and clear of all debts.

According to creditcards.com, the average household with at least one credit card has nearly $15,950 in credit card debt. The average interest rate runs in the mid to high teens at any given time. That’s just credit card debt. Then there are retail shops, student loans, mortgages, and car payments. How then can we get out of debt? 

The first step of getting out of debt is a change of mindset. Unless we change our thinking, we will never change. The Bible says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 NIV). Today let’s discuss seven practical ways to get out of debt.

1. Make a decision. Unless we see ourselves getting out of debt, we never will. Whatever you focus on will grow. I speak from experience. Once you make the decision to get out of debt, you’ll be amazed by how many ways you can find to pay off your debt. Make a decision today!

2. Accept that it will take some time. None of us got into our debt overnight and we’re not going to get out of it in just a month. However, if we plan, prepare, and cut spending, we’ll be able to pay off our debt sooner than we thought possible. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

3. Start with the highest interest debts. Paying the minimum balance on your debt can often take up to 5-10 years and you end up paying three to five times the amount you borrowed originally. I’ve been paying a certain loan that should have taken 15 years to pay off. Recently, I started doing what I’m telling you. I’m making sacrifice and paying five times more towards my principal rather than the minimum payment prescribed. Now I can pay off that debt in less than two years!

4. Change your spending habits. The marketing people will always tell you how you “deserve” it. Not only that, why wait? Have it “now.” The advertisements will entice you with a “one day only sale.” Don’t fall for these traps. Your house is loaded with stuff you couldn’t live without and now just collects dust over the years. Be honest with yourself and resist the urge to spend on whatever your little eyes see. Let me say something hard with a smile on my face. Out of control spending is an addiction just like drugs and alcohol. Unless you get rid of it, it will get rid of you. Get some help and be secure in God – not the stuff you have. Smile!

5. Learn to manage your money. God wants to make you the ruler over much but not until you’ve learnt to be a good steward over what He has already given you. Nineteen percent of Americans spend more than they earn. As your income increases and sudden money comes into your hand, don’t buy more stuff and increase your living standards. The secret to living a financially balanced life is to live on 70% of your income. Right off the top put 10-20% in savings and investments (after you’ve paid off your liquid debts). Give at least 10% to God’s work. Consult a financial advisor.

6. Practical ways to save money. Refinance your house with a lower interest rate and 15 years loan or less. Re-evaluate your car, health, life insurance, and service plans. Eat out less and eat more healthy food at home. Get rid of brand name coffee, soda, sugar, cigarettes, and liquor. Carry only your debit card. Use cash whenever possible. Buy when the price is half the cost and not when the advertisers or your impulse tells you to. Cut down spending on big-ticket items, vacations, or entertainment until you’ve paid off your liquid debts. Be generous and develop a habit of giving (doesn’t have to be big) for we reap what we sow. Give to bless Israel and God will bless you.

7. Pray for supernatural debt cancellation. Many people in debt feel guilty about asking God for helping them get out of debt. Like all our indiscretions, nothing catches God by surprise. God’s grace is not performance based. It doesn’t matter how you got into your debt – Jesus can get you out! Believe God for supernatural intervention. One of my friends had a $1.3 million debt canceled because they did their part and dared to believe God for the impossible. God wants to help you come out of debt. Do your best and let God do the rest. Friend, there is help and there is hope. Starting today, let’s make it a priority to come out of debt. I’m praying for you!

“Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law” (Romans 13:8 NLT).

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You Have Abundant Supply

Often the enemy wants to remind us of what we don’t have, especially in our finances. Today, I want to remind you that in Christ, you have more than enough. But first, you have to say it and then you’ll see it. You cannot have a poor mouth and have a rich life. Wake up every day and say, “I’m blessed and highly favored.” This is how faith works!

God has hidden treasures that you do not know of. You have been responsible to pay your bills. You’ve been generous. You’ve helped others. You have planted your seeds in famine. He’s putting you in other people’s heart right now. Sales are going to go through and commission checks are coming to you. Expect a raise at your work. Strangers will want to be good to you and your children. You will inherit a fortune.

Did you know Jesus recognized and blessed people who served Him and supported His ministry? That’s you! “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and villages, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities – Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Heord’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance” (Luke 8:1-3 NKJV).

These people helped God’s work on earth. You’ve done the same for your fellowmen, Build International Ministries, your church, friends and family. Today, I want to remind you that you’re the head and not the tail. You’re above lack and mediocrity. God has plenty in store to help you pay your bills and plenty leftover to impact the nations. Shake off the dust of condemnation and critical voices within. God looks at you with favor and approves of you. He remembers your sacrifices and the seeds you’ve planted in tears. Today, His face is turned toward you and His Hands are outstretched toward you. Will you receive His provision? He’s still Jehovah Jireh – the Lord our Provider. You don’t have to know how but rest assured He knows what you need and how to get it to you. Now give Him a shout of praise like you believe in His promises. God will not fail you my friend. Remember, you’re too blessed to be stressed. I’m praying for you.

“Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, "The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant" (Psalm 35:27 NAS).

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Look Beyond Your Circumstances

When we are faced with difficulties, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the situations in our lives. Problems, trials, and temptations come to everyone. True champions are those who learn to look beyond their circumstances and who hope in God’s interventions.

Anyone can complain but you are better than that! When we face problems with a winning attitude, we will see everything from a different perspective. The bigger the problem, the bigger the victory! The Bible says that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. That means, when you’re living a God-pleasing life, everything will turnout for your good. What looks like a setback is actually a setup to propel you to the next level.

If you received a negative report from your doctor, don’t just look at it and say this is my lot. The people in medical science are doing everything that can to get you well. But there are times when the problem is beyond the doctor’s abilities. You have to make up your mind and say, “I know I will overcome this sickness; this too shall pass. I’m not moved by what I see; I’m going to live by what I know.” When you look beyond your circumstances and put your faith in His Word instead of your fate, God will honor you.

Recently I was ministering in Laos. While it is a beautiful country, it is one of the five communist countries still remaining in the world. Pastor Khamphone has suffered much persecution in the hands of the communists but God has always been faithful to Him. Once, he needed $40,000 to complete the roof of his church. He had no way of coming up with such astronomical amount. So he prayed. One day Pastor Khamphone received a phone call from a stranger. He went to pray for this businessman who was in dire straits. After prayer pastor Khamphone came home not expecting anything. The next day the Laotian businessmen sent a bag full of money. When they counted, it was exactly the $40,000 they needed to complete their church roof! In your times of difficulty, remember that God has ways that we do not know about. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Today Pastor Khamphone leads 700 churches! King David said, “Those who hope in the Lord will not be ashamed” (Psalm 25:3).

You may be going through a fierce financial battle. Don’t throw up your hands and say, “This is not working. There’s no way I can pay my bills on time. I will spend rest of my life paying off my mortgage.” These may be your financial affairs but don’t underestimate God’s intervention. Once, Jesus was faced with tax collectors. Jesus didn’t have a bank account or a secret stash of cash hidden somewhere. He ordered Peter to go fishing. Odd as it was, Peter obeyed and the very first fish he caught had a gold coin in its mouth to pay for their taxes. What’s my point? When you’re in a financial crisis, go fishing. Seriously, Jesus created the world’s wealth yet He taught us to trust in God’s provision in times of our needs.

Friend, don’t be a rollercoaster Christian – up when you have some good news and down when you don’t see anything happening. I’m not making light of your grave situation but I am asking you to cast all your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you. He loves you too much to let you suffer. You may have even brought this situation upon yourself but don’t you dare make excuses for your bad brakes breaks. Our God is slow to anger and full of compassion. He’s a merciful God. Plead mercy! Trust in Him and learn an expensive lesson. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick” (Mark 2:17 NIV).

Let me speak a blessing over your life. You will overcome every obstacle standing in your way. You will live and not die and proclaim the works of the Lord. You will come out of your financial challenges better off than ever before. You will lend and not borrow. You will meet the person of your dreams. You will go on that mission trip. Your business will thrive again. Your children will serve God. You will live the happy, healthy, and abundant life Jesus died for. Instead of considering your circumstance, consider your God. I am ministering in India but I’m praying for you today!

Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God” (John 11:40 NIV)?

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Strength for the Day of Adversity

There are times when we all go through hell on earth. It is human to be confused, cynical and doubtful. We feel unloved and distant from God. Our confidence runs low and our expectations shattered.

Unlike popular belief and religious inclination, God is not mad at you. Instead, He is madly in love with you. He knows our deepest, darkest thoughts. He has witnessed our every failure and heartache. Today, if you are in a spot of bother, I want to give you four A’s to help you out of your pit.

#1. You are accepted. That means God’s love reaches you no matter where you are. There is no VIP sinner that God cannot rescue. He accepts you just the way you are but He loves you too much to leave you the way you are. Nothing we do can earn God’s favor. We just have to embrace God’s grace. You are accepted – just the way you are!

#2. You are approved. Sometimes we try too hard to impress God. It is in our nature to try to “earn” our salvation. But like the credit card companies, Jesus has already pre-qualified us. It should be our utmost concern wanting to please God with our lives. However, some people have what I call “approval addiction.” Today, I’m telling you that you don’t need to strive anymore. As a child of God, you belong to the family. There’s nothing wrong with you. You are approved by the Almighty God. You don’t have to impress people nor compare yourself with anyone else. Just like Jesus, God is saying to you, “This is my son/daughter, whom I love; with him/her I am well pleased!” You are approved by the Creator of the universe.

#3. You are anointed. This means God has given you special favor and power to go through a hard thing in an easy way. When you are anointed you can do amazing feat! This is what happened to Samson. God had anointed Him to deliver the Israelites. Once, he was in a precarious position with his enemies. A thousand Philistines had ambushed to kill him. But the Spirit of Lord came upon Samson. He found a jawbone of a donkey lying on the ground and with it, he killed a thousand Philistines! Friend, the Spirit of the Lord is with you. You too are anointed to handle a tough situation.

Today, you may be a single mom and the odds are against you. Let me remind you - you're anointed to raise that angel God has given you. If the job hasn't come through yet; it will. God has anointed you to endure this period of dry season. If your business is struggling, God has anointed you to persevere. Your business will thrive again. If your loved one is acting up, you must know - God is drawing him closer even now. If you are struggling in your marriage, the anointing will rekindle your love again. If you are buried in a mountain of debt, do what you can and God's anointing will decimate the rest! If you are battling an addiction, do not let people label you - a drug-addict or an alcoholic. No. You are a child of the Most High! See and declare yourself as one. The anointing will break every yoke (bondage).

#4. You are appointed. We are appointed to worship God. In the midnight hour, Paul and Silas were in prison. But they began to pray and sing praises to God. It was so powerful that it created an earthquake and it led Paul and Silas to be free again. I tell you, when you praise God in your midnight hour, miracles will take place. As long as we stay focused on our own misery, we will never rise to the level of victory God intended for us to have. Another great way to get out of our troubles is to help someone else. We’re appointed to help others (Acts 1:8). When we reach out to push people up we elevate our own position. Let us do what we can to help others win. Friend, God is not only with you, He is FOR YOU! Remember, you are accepted. You are approved. You are anointed and you are appointed.

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP).

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God’s Plan for Your Life

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is important that we know God’s will for our lives. Many people are uncertain about God’s love for them and what He wants them to do with their lives. I have Good News for you. God’s wants to give you a hope and a future that you could have never comprehend.

Today we will discuss God’s thoughts on five areas of our lives. If we can grasp the concepts of these pillars, we will excel and exceed in every area of our lives.

Get cozy with God. If you want to gather honey, don’t kick the beehive. Our vertical life on earth will only be as fruitful as our horizontal life with God in heaven. When we do our best to honor God with what we know and what we have, we invite God’s unprecedented blessings upon our lives. When we hold on to things that displeases our Maker, we delay our own promotion. God is poised to take you to the next level but you must deal with what’s He’s showing you. If we take time to connect with God in the morning (or any other routine time suitable for you) then God will bring us people to connect with all day long. Put God first and you’ll do a roaring trade in life.

Invest in your family. Our relationship with our family is an indicator of our relationship with our God. When we love, cherish and value the family God has given us, we’re watering our own garden. Often we’re readily available to help others. Don’t advance your career at the expense of your family. Wise King Solomon lamented, “They made me keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.” Spend time with your family. Love and serve your spouse. Speak positive words of encouragement and affirmation over them. Give them something to live up to. People are not mind readers – compliment them frequently. Forgive quickly and add honor to each other. Kids spell love T-I-M-E. Don’t just give your best to your company and bring your leftover to your family. Live a balanced life. At the end of your days you will not ask for another day at the office but your loved ones to be with you. Your family is the greatest treasure you have. Invest now, reap later.

Make new friends. It’s comfortable to be friends with people you know. If your friends look all the same, eat the same food, speak the same language and listen to the same type of music, you’re living a very shallow life. Enlarge your circle of friends. Meet new people. Network, go to church, and celebrate with others. Be in the marketplace. Be visible. Communicate. The more you’re investing in others the more God will open doors for you. Make new friends but remember it’s better to have a few good and Godly influences than to drown with the ungodly. Seek out positive, life-giving, lifter-uppers who will cry with you when you’re down and dance with you when you’re up.

Master your money. Money isn’t everything in life but it touches everything important you want in life. If we’re going to be unruly and undisciplined about money, we won’t go very far in life. Our material society has elevated money to be a deity. Never set making money as your goal or let money be a motivator. Instead of wanting money, seek to bless others. The Kingdom of God works in reverse – the more you give the more you’ll receive. Beginning of this year, decide how much you want to give away and then watch God channeling funds through you like never before. Become a conduit. The only thing going to heaven is people; invest in them. Pay your bills ahead of time. Chip away at your debt; you’ll overcome. Believe God for explosive financial blessings from unknown sources. Make God your Source!

Get active. Your body is not only where you live but it is where God lives. When we honor God with our body by doing proper exercise, sleeping enough hours and paying attention to what we eat and drink, we will reap the benefits thereof. Health is wealth. What you do now with your body is how good you’ll look, feel and enjoy in the years to come.

Let me leave you with God’s promise for your life. “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20 The Message).

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How to Manage Your Money

I have several friends who come to me for advice on their money. God’s Word has a lot to talk about money. How we manage our money will determine how much or how little we’ll have of it.

There’re so many voices that want your attention regarding money. If you’re not careful, you can lose a lot by everything “experts” say. Like everything else, the best money advice comes from the Scriptures.

Be diligent at your work. It’s shocking how few people take their work seriously! Many don’t even show up to work. Since the fall of Adam, it is our task on earth to work. The good news is when we work, God has promised to bless the work of our hands. Hard working people will never have to beg for bread.

Be a person of excellence. I go to a certain service counter every month. The clerk’s body language tells me she doesn’t want to be there. It’s a mess when she folds my papers and staples it. I always have to un-staple and make it look decent before I file it. The Bibles teaches, whatever we do, we have to do it unto the Lord and give our best at it.

Have discipline. Pay your bills ahead of time. When paying your bills, take care of your “big potatoes” first. That’s your mortgage/rent, car payment, insurance, tithe, food, and savings and so on. When you put a few large potatoes in an empty jar, it will fit perfectly fine. Later you can pour a lot of rice into the pot and they too will fit around the big potatoes. In the same way, when we take care of our big expenses first, all the small expenses fit in.

Pay off credit card debt. Credit cards are a trap. If we’re not disciplined, we can lose cash fast. Most credit card companies charge 10-25% in interest. You may have a small or a large debt. Don’t be overwhelmed. Start paying more than the minimum every month. Stop using your card for further purchase. Cut it up if you can’t resist temptation. You’ll be amazed what miracle you’ll create for yourself if you simply start paying off your debt.

Save what you save. When you’ve paid off your credit card, student or a car loan or a mortgage, stash away the same cash in a savings or retirement account. When you begin to save, you’ll create energy and free yourself from living month to month. When you have a cushion to fall back on, you’ll have less stress and produce more.

Never act in fear. A friend of mine listened to an “expert,” motivated by fear, bought his book and few weeks later lost 25% of his life’s savings! Just because you see them on TV, listen to them on the radio or read their books doesn’t mean God wants you to take their advice. The best advice you can ever receive is to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow the peace of God in your own heart.

Don’t go for quick gain. When money starts to come easy; be on guard. Hard earned, honest living is still the best way to get rich. Of course, you want to be smart with your money but watch out for a quick buck. If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is! Be conservative. Build your wealth over a period of time.

Diversify. You’ve all heard, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” When we diversify our investment, we’re reducing our chances to lose it all. Don’t invest money in too many high risk portfolios at once. Invest in stocks, bonds and companies you know about. Don’t be naïve. Educate yourself. Only you are responsible for your own money.

Give it away. All rich and famous people have one thing in common – they all give away a lot of money. Obviously there’s a tax-benefit to giving but most rich people give because they have a heart for the less fortunate. The Bible says, when we help the poor, we lend unto the Lord. Cast your bread upon many waters and they’ll come back to you. (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Friend, money is not the root of all evil – the love of money is! Work hard so you can give more away. Follow God and money will follow you. God knows your needs and how to get it to you. Today God is saying, “Be faithful in little things and I’ll make you ruler over much!” What are you going to do?

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches” (Luke 16:11 ESV)?

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A Shift is Coming

None of us like to be last. We all want to be the first to be served and the first to cross the line to victory. However, you may be stuck in the back today. Don’t worry. A shift is coming!

The other day I was talking to a friend and she said, “Sandy, when I hear other people, it feels like everybody is taking me over. Everyone is getting ahead. They go on nice vacations and live in fancy houses. What about me? When will I get to enjoy life?” I told her, what I’m telling you. Hold on. A shift is coming! When we live life that is pleasing to God, He will fulfill His promises. The key is to wait patiently with a good attitude, doing the best you can, expecting God’s blessings to overtake you. Our God is a Rewarder. He will never take you through a hard situation and not bless you for it. Things may not look so bright right now. Don’t worry. A shift is coming!

Yesterday, I was at a grocery store. I had forgotten that it was the weekend and the whole city will be there. I don’t enjoy shopping, much less stand in long lines. I was disappointed but I was able to keep a good attitude. I saw a man trying to maneuver his cart to the back of my long line. He had only a few items in his cart so I asked him if he’d like to get in front of me. He was very grateful and got in. We’re still 10-15 away from the counter. Thirty seconds later a clerk came up to him and said, “Would you like to come to the front sir?” He was ecstatic! The man who should have been in the back of the line was now checking out in the front and I was second in line! What happened? A shift had taken place. I wanted God to get the glory. While he was paying, I said, “Brother, you have the favor of God in your life.”

Friend, you may have spent all your life paddling in the back row. You may have not had a good break since your business started. Your health may not have been up to par. Some of you my friends are struggling in your relationships. You don’t see how you’ll make ends meet. The bills come faster than you can earn. I have good news for you. A shift is coming. God is breathing in your direction. You’ll be able to send your child to school of your choice. You’ll be able to pay off your debt in a much shorter time. He will move people around in your favor. The sickness will suddenly leave you perplexing even the doctors. A shift is coming! Are you ready to receive God’s unmerited favor today?

I’ve been going to the nations to preach the Gospel for the last twenty seven years. I’m living my dream representing you on the mission fields. God’s favor, your support and our team are winning thousands to Christ every month. As much as I love ministering in various nations, I don’t enjoy the long 12-16 flights to get there. In my last trip I was flying out of London, when the captain put a smile on my face saying, “We’re going to arrive early because of the tailwind.” Same distance, arrive early! Friend, God is bringing some tailwind in your life today. Yesterday it was struggle but this week, victory awaits you. What looked like it’d take years to accomplish, you’ll achieve in the fraction of the time. Your health will spring forth. You’ll have all your bills paid and have plenty leftover to help others.

Friend, the wind may be blowing against you but don’t quit. The tide of the battle is turning. God allows the hardest battles to the strongest people like you. God is shifting things around. Jesus Himself is praying for you. The very thing that was against you will propel you to the next level. Like the stranger in the grocery store, God will bring you from the back to the front. Like the tailwind in my flight, He will cause you arrive earlier than you thought. Don’t just look at your natural circumstances. Jesus said, “The last shall be the first.” He will bring you from the back to the front. Rejoice. A shift is coming!

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” (Isaiah 49:4 The Message).

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Life and Money

I have never met anyone who doesn’t want more money. If we’re to live in a civilized society, money drives our lives, our career and even our churches. Money isn’t everything in life but it touches everything important in life.

Years ago, I was offended when I heard that Jesus talked more about money than He talked about love. I said to myself, “There is no way it can be true.” As I did my own research, I found out that Jesus talked about money more than heaven and hell combined. Eleven of the thirty nine parables he told concerns about finances.

Christians worldwide have a very poor outlook on money. Either they do not understand the Biblical view of money or they have not been taught right. It’s amazing to me how people root out their families, leave jobs, churches, friends and family in the hopes of making just a little more money! There’s nothing wrong having financial goals but when we allow money to dictate our lives, we’re out of balance.

How can we as Christians have a balanced view of money in our lives? Let me share five principles that might help you.

Provide for your family. One of our main jobs as men is to provide for our families. If you’re a woman, your hard task is to keep the economy strong! While none of us should be spending our lives in the pursuit of making more money, we are responsible to provide for our own. One way you can be sure of have more money than you need is to live the passion God has put in your heart. Don’t just settle for a monthly paycheck; make God the source of your financial provision. He is still our “Jehovah Jiri” – the Lord our Provider.

Pay your bills before time. It’s astounding how as a nation we’re drowning in trillion of dollars in debt. We’re quick to point our fingers at Washington but a nation’s debt is a combination of individual debts. If we want to live a healthy financial life, we’ve got to be disciplined and pay our bills before it’s due. If you can’t afford, don’t buy it. Plan, save and wait and you’ll have more than you’ll need.

Be content. You don’t need more stuff. Let’s say this together. “I don’t need more stuff.” What we need is more heart and less stuff. When we’re driven by eternal values, we will realize that we cannot take anything with us. The only things going to heaven is souls. Invest in people and your money disease will be healed. Apostle Paul taught Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Make some sacrifices today so you can have a better future tomorrow.

Give and save. If our goal is to consume every income upon ourselves, we’re thinking too small. I challenge you to give 80% away! Money is like seed. The more you plant the more you will have. Unlike taxes, God only asked for 10% in return. We don’t pay our tithe; we return what belongs to God. Invest in God’s work and you’ll flourish financially. Make sure to include Israel in your giving. God said, “Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed.” Another thing we can do to prosper is to save. Joseph put away 20% of the harvest in good times to pay for the lean times and saved a nation. You too can create a financial miracle by saving 10%-20% off the top of your every income.

Expect more from God. Billions of dollars are sitting unclaimed by people who don’t know that they have an inheritance. God has 101 ways to meet your every need. I have a friend whose debt of over $100,000 was forgiven by the IRS! If you have the right vision for your money to reach the world, God will make you ruler over much.

Money my friend, is a neutral instrument. You can use it for God-things or spend it upon yourself. It’s not more money we need but a better attitude towards it. God wants to give you more. God sees your faithfulness and He is poised to pour out His financial blessing upon your life. Make. Save. Give. I’m praying for your financial breakthrough.

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met” (Matthew 6:33 The Message).

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Unusual Financial Blessings Are Yours

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need more money. Money is not everything but money touches everything important in life. Religion has taught us money is evil but that is not how God looks at money. In God’s eyes, money is one the least things in life. Money is neutral. It can be used for good or it can ruin people’s lives.

I believe Christians are the most qualified for handling large sums of money. Knowing that we cannot take it with us, we have an eternal perspective. The Bible says, “Money is the answer for everything” (Ecclesiastes 10:19 NIV). Let’s think about it. You can be a super Christian but without money, you will starve to death. You can be a praying Christian but nobody will give you a free place to live. I’ve been doing missions work for the last 27 years and it always takes money to help people.

What am I saying? If you have more money you can help more people! If you want to have money you have to be “money minded.” Not what you can get but how you can give! The law of attraction suggests that whatever we think about is what we’ll bring about. If we have a mindset of abundance, we will attract more wealth to give away and have plenty left over for ourselves.

Sanju is from India. In the early nineties, he had just been saved from drugs and alcohol in one of our conferences. We brought him to our headquarters in Hong Kong for training. Living by faith was a new concept for Sanju. He was making lots of money in the world but he left all that to serve God by faith. Very soon Sanju found out that it was expensive to live in a big city of Hong Kong. We wanted him to learn how to live by faith so we gave very little money in his hands. Mostly out of desperation, Sanju began to pray to God for his needs. An amazing phenomenon started to happen. Whenever Sanju went out for errands, he would find money along the footpath. First, it was small amounts. But then his faith began to grow. Once he found a whole wallet on the road. If I remember right, there was almost $20,000 in the wallet! Being an honest man, he took it to the police. The cops called the owner using the ID card in the wallet. The owner was so grateful that he gave a large sum of money to Sanju as a reward. Today Sanju is preaching to tens of thousands all over India. His family is more prosperous than most missionaries I know. Our God is an awesome Provider!

Friend, if you’re going through a financial difficulty, don’t look at how little you have. Instead, consider how big your God is. He placed diamonds, gold and precious stones under the ground. You’re more valuable than all the gold in the world! The Bible says, “The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:11 NLT).

Once, Jesus had to pay taxes to the government. He looked at Peter and instructed him to go fishing in the sea! As Jesus had predicted, inside the first fish Peter caught was money to pay their taxes! In the natural, this is an unbelievable. But remember, nothing is impossible for our God. Do not worry about your bills, what to eat and how to provide for your family. Trust in God’s ability to take care of you.

God didn’t put you here to live in lack. Our problem is we’re thinking too small. Ask God to give you wealth so that you can feed and take care of ten, twenty, or a hundred families. Don’t make your job, stocks or business as the source of your income. Make God the source of your living. Live to give. When you give, there will be always more than what you’d need. I challenge you to have more faith for your finances. Let us know how we can pray for you. When you surrender your life to God, He will surrender His wealth to you. Stay calm. Don’t panic. Talk to God! Talk to people. God knows what you need and how to get it to you. If Sanju can find money in the busy streets of Hong Kong and Peter can find money in the mouth of the fish, there’s nothing that God cannot do to provide for you. Thank Him in advance and sow where you want to go! I declare unusual financial blessings to come into your hands. If you believe it, you’ll receive it.

“You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV).

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How to Overcome Temptation

Every one of us is tempted in one way or other. None of us are fool-proof to temptation. It is not a sin to be tempted. However, how we respond to temptation makes all the difference in the world.

Great people have been tempted, passed the test and went on to do great things. Great people have been tempted, made the wrong choice and diminished their future. When we are tempted, it is a test of our character that will determine if we belong to the big league. When we learn to handle temptation the right way, God will give us more authority and influence in our lives.

The story of the whole human race started with a temptation. When Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, we entered into a curse. But when Jesus defeated the serpent in the desert, we entered into the blessings of God. There are some big areas of temptations that we’re all aware of but today we’ll ponder at some less sinister issues that trips us every day.

Anger is a great area of temptation in many lives. You may not believe this but I used to have a terrible anger problem. I was a passive aggressive person. I didn’t get angry very easily but when I did, I went for the kill. I didn’t get up in the morning wanting to be mad at someone. I just didn’t know how to read the signs and how to walk away from conflicting situations. Over the years, I’ve done extensive research and learnt that anger is a fruit of insecurity. If you’re prone to anger, deal with your insecurity. Ask God to give you the wisdom to pull away when a potentially explosive situation is in the making. Anger is an emotion best kept under control.

Another dangerous area is temptation is our thought life. Our thoughts are private but they’re not hidden from God. We sin with our thoughts that are keeping us from going up higher. We become what we continually think about. If we do not pass the tests in our thought life, we will not amount to much. The Bible teaches us to pull down strongholds of wrong thinking. The more positive thoughts you process in your mind the less temptation you’ll have to deal with. Poverty minded thinking will keep us poor. A false humility will keep us sick. And a mediocre thinking will stifle the plans God has for us. One of the best ways to overcome wrong thinking is to fill our minds with the Word of God. Human brain is capable of thinking only one thought at a time. If you meditate on the righteous, wholesome and peaceful thoughts, evil will have no place in your mind.

A great area of temptation is self-control. Benjamin Franklin said, “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.” Whether be it our tongue, over spending or over eating, we all need self-control. An undisciplined life is like a great city without protective walls. One of the areas we often fall is our inability to keep our mouth shut. We like to speak our minds because it feels good to our flesh. When we let our guards down and say everything we feel, we’re walking on dangerous grounds. When we pronounce mean, ugly words in anger we are committing murder. While physical death kills us once, mean words can “kill” a person time and over for many years. Self-control in our eating and spending habits, dealing with our children patiently, honoring God with our thought life is a great way overcome temptation.

One of the keys to overcoming temptation is to avoid it. It is better to be prayed up and gets reinforcement before you enter into temptation. This is where most people miss it. They try to run from the ice-cream after they bring home a gallon of it. We pray only after we get into a heated debate. God will hear us any time but a better strategy is to pray first so that we don’t enter into temptation in the first place. Friend, no matter what areas of life you are tempted in, you’re not alone. There’s hope for all of us. If we admit our faults, God is faithful and just to forgive us and give us the strength to overcome. Be strong, stay prayed up. You can overcome any temptation in your life. In case you haven’t heard it lately, I’m praying for you!

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

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Don’t Stop at the Brick Walls

How many times in life we have run into a brick wall and given up? It may be a sickness, a failed marriage or a downturn in business. Other times it’s going after a dream job or a dream person. If you don’t know what brick walls are for you’ll never climb one to find the blessings on the other side.

Unlike popular belief, brick walls are there not to stop us but to launch us into our destiny. When we go after our dreams and desires, you can be sure to come across some brick walls. If everything is coming to you easy-peasy, you’re dreaming too small. Our goals and visions should be so great that only God can bring it to pass. Along the way, the brick walls are there for you to conquer and collect your rewards on the other side!

In the early eighties I wanted to meet a very prominent man. I was living and ministering in Nepal - the land of the Mt. Everest. It was the only Hindu Kingdom in the world at that time and it was against the law to be a Christian. Plenty of pastors and leaders were in prison at any given time. The only man who had the right connections to get them out was “Chaldai” (big brother Charles). I remember, waiting to meet him at his headquarters for hours. His gatekeepers would often send me away. I was young but I was persistent. I kept after him for months. Finally, I was able to meet him and he has been a monumental blessing to our family since then. Years later when I asked him why it took him so long to meet this darling of the world, he replied, “I wanted to see how hungry you were about the things of God!”

I believe this is the ultimate question in life. How hungry are you? Life is designed to come across brick walls. God didn’t place obstacles to defeat you but they’re there to propel you. Without Goliath, David would still be a shepherd boy today. You have amazing ability in you to push through any limits! When your desire is taller than the brick walls in your life, you will conquer sickness, joblessness, loneliness, injustice, debt or any other mountain. The scripture says that God will satisfy the longing desires of our soul (Psalm 107:9). Don’t throw up your hands and say, “I’ve had enough of this. It doesn’t work. I give up!” Instead of looking at it as a stumbling block, find a way to scale the wall and obtain your treasures on the other side.

I heard a story about a young man who lived on a farm in the Midwest. He was a hardworking young man but depression era had left him with little choice for a job. He was attracted to the big city and he pictured himself working for a large department store. In fact, he had a certain store in the east where he really wanted to work. They young man sent out a letter asking for a job at this company. There was no response. He sent another letter and another letter – still no reply. This continued for month after month. Eventually after three hundred letters and no reply, he decided to put his pennies together and buy himself a train ticket to travel east. When he reached the big city, lights, crowds and indifferences of city life perplexed him. However, he found himself in the great company he wanted to work for. When he got to the HR, the hiring officer pointed at the stacks of letters he had received from this young man. Confused the young man replied, “Sir, why didn’t you respond to any of my letter?” With a wry smile the officer said, “We knew, you’d come.” This young man was hungry. He scaled his brick mountain and went on to become regional manager with a great success.

Today, let me ask you a question? How hungry are you? What is your brick wall? How badly you want your business to succeed? How desperately (in a positive way) do you want that large account? How eager are you for that new job? Do you really you’re your health back? How far are you willing to go to meet that dream person? Do you look at your mountain of debt and shrink back or are you motivated to overcome every obstacle? Here’s the key. No matter what battle you’re facing today, it is temporary. Brick walls are there to propel you not to hold you back. God did not promise us fair weather all through our lives but He has promised to be with us in our storms. You’re born to fight through life. You’ve got what it takes. Brick walls are not going to stop you. I believe and declare that you you’ll scale every wall and found every treasure that belong to you. This week – go after it. Brick walls are there to propel you!

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

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