Giving God Our First

Sermons on tithes and offerings are nothing new, especially if you have been a Christian for a while. During this time of the year, you may also hear about the “First Fruits Offering.” While you can never out-give God, it is good to know why we give when we give.

So what is a First Fruit Offering? It is a Biblical offering that comes from the first produce of harvest. This offering was given to the priest. In modern times, believers are encouraged to bring an additional offering to God’s work.

Consider these Bible verses on First Fruit Offering:

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your increase” (Proverbs 3:9).

“Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow” (Proverbs 3:9–10 NKJV).

“When you come into the land which I gave you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest” (Leviticus 23:9-10).

“For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches” (Romans 11:16 NKJV).

Clearly, this offering is a Bible principle and encourages us to give our first income to God.

If we limit the offering to financial giving, we are taking a shallow approach to a powerful Biblical principle. God does not need your money in order to recognize your love for Him. His promise to bless us does not depend on our giving. In that case, most of us will default because we have all missed opportunities to give. Giving to God is not a duty or an obligation. We give because we love. You can give without loving someone but you cannot love without giving! Before you consider a First Fruit Offering, ask yourself why? Are you giving out of guilt, obligation, or duty? Are you giving in order to receive? The true motivation to give should be because of our love for God. We give because we are grateful for what we have received.

Give God your first in all things! Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). God wants our hearts and not just money. Here are three ways how and where you can give:

1. Give God the first of your time. Time is the only commodity you cannot grow, buy, or multiply. When we honor God with the first hours of our day, we are really saying, “Lord, I’m grateful for the time you’ve given me. Thank you for letting me see another day! Today I’ll trade in my time for a paycheck, love my family, and enjoy life.” I strongly encourage you honor God in this manner. I guarantee you that the rest of your day will be more productive as a result.

2. Give God your firstborn. We often plan and pray for our children’s education and success. That is a good thing but did you know the Scripture says, “Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me” (Exodus 13:2). When was the last time you prayed and dedicated your children to the Lord? Encourage your children to serve and honor God. It is the best thing they can do with their lives. Show them by being an example. More is caught than taught!

3. Make God your priority. The secret to having an abundant life filled with God’s love, peace, and joy is to make Him your priority. God told Abraham, “Walk [habitually] before me” (Genesis 17:1). We, too, can do this through the daily habits of giving thanks, praise and worship, prayer, Bible reading, and spending time with God. You can do this in your bed, on the sofa, in the closet, while driving to work, at the gym, while out on a walk, or even while grocery shopping. Spending time with God can take place anywhere and everywhere. When we make God the priority, we begin to prosper in our body, mind, soul, and finances.

Make it your goal to have a deep, intimate relationship with God. When you decide to serve God with your whole heart and make Him the priority, your soul will prosper and your joy will increase. If you look to other people for answers and validation, you may be disappointed. Everything falls into place when we live to please God. When you mess up (and we all do!), do not feel discouraged or let it hold you back. Confess your sins to God, make a U-turn, and keep running towards Him. God is not keeping track of your wrongs. God doesn’t need your possessions; He wants your heart. As we live to please God, He promises to bless our lives and make us prosper.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2 ESV).

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Giving God Our First

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce” (Proverbs 3:9 NLT).

I’ve never met anyone who is intentionally planning to fail in life, yet we all know many who are dissatisfied with the status quo that they face year after year. One thing is clear, influential people live an intentional life.

God’s Word is life’s compass. It gives us the instructions to achieve all God has planned for us. One such success recipe is the first-fruit principle.

Most preachers, churches, and ministers like to use this time of the year to remind their constituents about following the first-fruit principle in their financial giving. That is good but this success-principle is much more than giving financially. Today, let me share three different categories of giving God your first.

1. Give God your time. How we spend our first five minutes, first hour of the day, or the first week sets the precedence for the rest of the hour, day, and month. Often, we do not have a long spiritual conversation with God, especially if you have a family or a job.

So what does it mean to give God our first time? Like everything else, Jesus is our model. The Bible makes references of Jesus getting up early in the morning or staying up late at night to connect with God. Personally, I like to connect with God throughout the day – when I’m driving, taking a walk, or having a dedicated time in the morning to worship and acknowledge God’s goodness in my life. Whatever your preference is, the key is to connect with God on a regular basis — throughout the day if you can. Here’s the key. Whatever part of your life you involve God with will prosper.

2. Share your talent. Not everything of value has to be monetary. In fact, serving God with your gift can be a huge boost to others. Often we’re encouraged to use our spare time to serve God. Today I’m challenging you to use your talent to serve God first and watch how He’ll bless the rest of our time.

We can certainly serve God in our churches but don’t be limited to an organization or a church building. I have a friend who facilitates young families coming out of debt and staying fiscally fit. Another friend who is an industrialist meets with me regularly on the top of his business hours to give me advice and counsel on developing our international ministry. You can certainly serve as a volunteer in the business chamber, church, or with your favorite charity. One word of caution! Don’t get burnt out. If you’re always made to feel that you’re not doing enough, or unappreciated for sharing your talent, it’s probably healthy for you to find another place to serve.

3. Give God your treasure. God doesn’t need our money. However, what we do with our money reveals a lot about our heart. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matthew 6:21). We live in such a material society that money often becomes the driving force in our lives. Even churches and mission organizations spend a bulk of their time and efforts trying to get people to give more. I believe that if we focus on ministering to people, the money we need will take care of itself.

Most Christians are coerced into giving 10% of their income to church. It will benefit us all if we teach people to be generous rather than to nag them. How radical it will be to give away 20, 30, or even 80% of your income! Oh the miracles you’ll see if only you commit yourself to be generous! Give where there are fruits. Share your treasure with the poor and widows for that is the pure religion. Give joyfully and not out of obligation. Give where there is accountability.

By the way, you don’t need to give God anything to be blessed. God has already blessed you. You don’t need another person to stand in for you. Jesus did that! You are blessed because you belong to His family. This year, give God the best of your time, talent, and treasure and watch your life going to another level you’ve never dreamed before.

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God Will Provide for Your Financial Needs

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

Worry is a universal problem; especially, during the holiday season. There’s nothing wrong with having passing thoughts or concerns but when worry dominates our mind, we’re missing out on God’s best for the present.

Arturo Toscanini was an Italian conductor. He was one of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 19th and of the 20th century; renowned for his intensity, his perfectionism, his ear for orchestral detail and sonority, and his photographic memory.

Once, shortly before a major concert in front of a packed audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini's orchestra approached the great conductor with an expression of complete terror on his face. "Maestro," the musician fretted, "my instrument is not working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. Whatever will I do? We are to begin in a few moments." 

 

Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. "My friend," the maestro replied, "do not worry about it. The note E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening."

How many times have we done the same?

Erma Bombeck said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”

Worry keeps us busy but doesn’t solve any problems. The measure of our ability to enjoy life greatly depends on our aptitude to deal with worry. If you’re prone to worrying, you can get over it simply by training and channeling our focus to do what we can with what we have.

A recent survey by Readers Digest from 16 countries around the world showed money, family, health, and the state of the world as top concerns in 16 different countries around the world.

Money tops the worry list because it applies to us daily. Money is not the most important thing in life but it touches everything important in our lives. It is an age-old problem that has plagued mankind. Listen to what Jesus said about our daily needs:

“So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT).  

While the promise is clear that God will take care of us, too many of us worry about our finances more than we ought to. Don’t just look at what you have but what God has reserved for you. Your paycheck is not your source. Don’t put your trust in your bank balance, stocks, or investments. Saving and living frugally are Godly principles but don’t put your faith in them. Make God your Source and you’ll never have to fret about money again.

With every bill, there’s a provision attached to it!

Once the tax-collectors came to Peter to collect what was owed. They didn’t have the money. Jesus told Peter, “Go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours" (Matthew 17:38 NIV). Friend, God knows what you need and how to get it to you. You’re insured!

Corrie ten Boom, who suffered inhumanely in a German concentration camp said, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

 

I wonder how different our lives would be if we stopped worrying about things we cannot control and started focusing on the things we can. Let today be the beginning of a worry-free life. God has you in the palm of His Hands. You’re a hand-picked child of the Most High and a privileged member of His family. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will provide. I pray and declare that you’ll have more than enough and plenty left over to bless the world.

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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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Making Plans for a Successful Year

I’ve never met anyone who planned to fail. Yet, thousands of people are dissatisfied with their lives because they don’t have any set goals. If we’re not making plans to succeed then by default, we’re planning to fail.

Millions of people made New Year’s resolution this year but unfortunately, most have already fumbled. Statistics show that 75% of people maintain their resolutions, through the first week. Six months later, only 46% continue on with their goals. By the end of the year, a staggering 90% of people never make it. If this is you, I have some good news.

Today, let me introduce you to another approach of making plans to succeed. I call it PGP or Personal Growth Plan. Each year, I set goals in the five categories of life that impact me the most. Under each heading, I write down 3-5 specific goals. PGP works because it makes room to fail but allows the grace to get up and go again. Let me share these that might help you also.

1. God. Our success on earth is directly correlated to our connection with heaven. If we build our lives in the firm foundation of our God, we will have the Midas touch in everything we do. If we want to succeed in life, we can’t afford to not spend time with our Maker. Make plans to read the Bible every day. Pray and worship throughout the day. Talk to someone about Jesus at work. Attend church and get involved serving people. Go on a mission trip. Let’s plan to encounter God more deeply and intimately. Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you!

2. Family. Every family has some defunct but your family is the only people God Himself handpicked for you! Our families sacrifice the most, yet often, they’re the ones who are most neglected. At the end of your life, you’re not going to ask for another day at the office or brag on your corporate achievement; you would want to be surrounded by the family you love. Set aside dedicated time to spend with your spouse. Go on a date with your kids and grandkids. Plan a weekend getaway. Play games together. Have fun and be intentional about making memories. Don’t shortchange your family. Invest in them.

3. Relationships. We’re created to live in community. The quality of our life will depend on the relationships we build. Learn to take genuine interest in people. Find a way to meet new people. Be loyal to your old friends. At work, invest in your boss and co-workers. Be hospitable. Invite your friends and neighbors to dinner. Call people just to check on them. Pray with people. The best relationships are a two-way street. What you put in is what you’re going to get out of it.

4. Finances. Our financial affairs reflect where our hearts are. The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NIV). Don’t follow money; instead, follow God and money will follow you. We’re selfish by nature. One of the best ways to cure greed and selfishness is to have a generous heart. This year try these simple steps for financial fitness. Work to make money > Give > Save > Invest. Use a budget and percentage to dictate where your money should go. If you really want to hit a home run with your finances, support Israel.

5. Health. We’ve all heard the saying, “Health is wealth.” It is! No matter whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds or fighting a serious health issue, you are in control of more than you think. Take simple steps to boost your health. Eat a balanced diet. Drink more water. Cut down on carbs, sugar, and sodas. Exercise regularly. Sleep at least 6-8 hours a day. Our God is still the Healer – this is your year to reclaim your health!

Friend, our God is a progressive God. What you’ve experienced in the past is going to pale compared to the success God has reserved for you this year. Get your hopes up, take corresponding action, and thank God for a bumper crop year. 2015 will be a wow year! God will give you something to talk about. He has already pronounced His blessing over you. Will you believe and act on it? I’m praying for you and yours!

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:1 NLT).

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Permit Yourself to Prosper

Most people want to prosper. Money is an international symbol of exchange used to buy our daily necessities, lifestyle, and luxury. Money is a neutral object. It’s neither good nor evil but because of our skewed view of money, few seldom prosper.

Many people do not prosper because they have a mental block. They refer to money as “filthy lucre.” Others subconsciously think poverty is a virtue. I was one of them. Later, I learned that you cannot have what you condemn. In all my spirituality, without resources, I couldn’t help myself or others.

Today, I want us to take off the barriers that limit our prosperity. God wants you to live in peace. His will for you is abundance, expansion, running over. But don’t just stop there. That’s where most people fail the test. When we hoard for ourselves without giving out, we become the Dead Sea where no living creatures can survive. Unless we change our mindset about money, we’ll never have enough of it.

So how do we get money and more of it? One of the obvious ways to amass wealth is through hard work. Most people complain that they are under compensated. This may be true but when we work as unto to Lord, instead of our boss, business, or corporation, God becomes our Employer. He will make it up to you. Do your best at where you are right now but don’t settle there. If you need a job, don’t expect to just barely get by. Pray and believe God for abundant supply.

God wants you to be rich! There, I said it. Let that sink deep down in your spirit. God doesn’t want you to be hungry, lacking, and without. Our God has an abundant supply. He paves the streets of heaven with gold. He flung the stars into the universe. He decorated the cosmos with galaxies and milky ways. He is a big thinker. God doesn’t just want you have enough for yourself. Prosperity without purpose is pointless. He wants to give you riches so that you can reach out to help others. Why don’t you think big for your prosperity?

Li Ka-shing’s family fled China in 1940. They settled in Hong Kong but his father died of tuberculosis when Li was only fifteen years old. It forced him to quit school and work to support his family. First he sold plastics and later, he exported plastic flowers to the United States. By 1950, Li was able to start his own company. At first they manufactured plastics, later they moved to real estate, banking, cell phones, and myriads of other business ventures. Today, Li Ka-shing is not only Asia’s richest man with a net worth of $31 billion but he gives away millions of dollars to Israeli startup companies and charities around the world.

Li Ka-shing has a vision to acquire wealth; Christians must have one as well. Although we brag about our rich God, we’re seldom encouraged to be rich. We reason money has led a lot of people astray but water has drowned many also. It’s not material possessions that harm us but material things that possess us. It is love of money to the exclusion of everything else that destroys us. Let us put aside our superstitious ideas so that we can gain wealth to bless the world.

Prosperity is a state of consciousness and subject to interpretation. To a blind man, sight is his wealth. A dying man’s wealth is the extension of his life. If you have a family, you’re wealthy. If you can think, talk, and create, you’re wealthy.

The Bible says, “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT). Friend, God is not against you to becoming rich. Health is of God. Wealth is of God. Success is of God. Let us think, work hard, and ask God to prosper us so that we can become a blessing to many. I pray and proclaim financial prosperity over your life. Remember, there’s no glory in poverty; permit yourself to prosper. 

“Make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery” (Deuteronomy 8:14 MSG).

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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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Mastering Your Money

Money is a big priority in our lives. Many talented people wasted their lives because they never learnt to manage their money. We do not always need more money.  If we learn to manage what God gives us, then we will become kings in life.

The other day I was talking to a young friend who is getting started in his financial business. He is a very hard working and honest man. As we were visiting, I casually shared my simple money views with him. I guess he was encouraged because he said, “Can you write those points for me?” I’m no Dave Ramsey, or Warren Buffett but today I will share with you what I have learnt about money.

First, don’t make money making your goal. The famous Zig Ziglar once said, “If you help enough people get what they want, you will always get what you want.” Money is a bi-product. There is nothing wrong in going after your dream job or wanting a profit from the business but if money is our main motivation, we’re running a poor business. When we follow God and maximize our gifts and the talent He has given us, money will follow. Seek God’s face more than you seek His hands.

Second, honor God by giving back. Be generous! The church has dwarfed people of faith by nagging members for 10% of their income. I say this with all due respect but this is not scriptural. There is nothing wrong with supporting our local churches, but church is people. We should be more concerned about building people than building buildings. In the New Testament, Jesus upheld the tithe but He didn’t stop there. He taught us to surrender ALL to God because it’s all His in the first place! God doesn’t want your money, He wants your life! This is what the church did in the Book of Acts and what a revolution they started! When we help the poor, the widows, and the persecuted, we’re advancing God’s Kingdom and accumulating treasure, both in heaven and here on earth. We should give according to what measure we want to get back. I challenge you to consider giving 80% of your income away. You may be tilting your head at me but try it and see what God does for you!

Third, pay yourself. Putting resources away for retirement, inheritance for the family, and investing are principles straight from the Scriptures. When we’re brainwashed to give everything away or never take a step of faith to bless others, then we have a skewed view of money. God instructed Joseph to save 20% for the famine to come. Joseph obeyed and the whole country was saved. Could it be, saving is God’s way for us also? God’s principle will still work if we only heed to His ways.

Fourth, pay your bills before they’re due. You would be amazed by how many people don’t pay bills on time. Remember, the pain of a bad habit can cost you much. Bank auto pay is a great way to pay our bills. Normally I have two days in a month when I pay my bills. I write the big bills first like giving a percentage to God, the mortgage, and so on. To eliminate late fees, I normally allow seven working days for the payments to process.

Fifth, owe nothing to anybody. With 15%-29% interests, credit cards are daytime robbery. The Bible says, “The borrower will be slave to the lender.” Once I foolishly put $10,000 on my credit card to pay a conference bill for a number of people. It took me three years and thousands of dollars in interest to pay it off. Now I carry a negative balance on that card. Here’s my advice. Have no more than two major credit cards. Apply for the ones that give you miles or rewards for using their card. Stay away from retail store credit cards. Unless you know you’re able to pay the FULL AMOUNT back at the end of each month, do not buy on credit. Carry only one card in your wallet for emergencies and leave the rest at home – especially the ones you’re tempted to use the most. Be smart. Exploit the system, don’t be a victim of it!

Last but not the least, if you’ve messed it up in the past, ask God for mercy. Change your habits and ask God for a financial miracle. My friend’s $100,000+ debt was canceled by the IRS! I pray for financial miracles every day and God answers my prayers. My friend, ask God for favor, be generous, show some character, learn to live within your means and you’ll experience a financial tsunami you’ve never imagined before. 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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Four Keys to Abundant Life

As we come to the end of this year, it’s time to reflect what has happened and more importantly, why it has happened. While we can never go back to our past, we can take measures to ensure that our future looks bright.

Many people I know have thrown in their towel and are ready to move into the next year. However, the way we end something is how we enter into another. If it was a year to forget, we should consider why things went wrong. We shouldn’t feel guilty but make adjustments. Insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result.

Jesus said, “The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but I have come so that you may have abundant life” (John 10:10). Let me share with you four keys that will produce abundant life.

1. Decide. Everything we are, everything we have is because of the decisions we made in the past. You’ve heard the expression, “What were you thinking?” Truth is, most of the time we’re not thinking when we made the dumb decisions. If we’re going to enjoy life, it is imperative that we learn to make good decisions. There are five major areas we have to make wise decisions - God, family, relationships, money and health. When you’re dealing with any of this, take extra time to hear God and do what His Word says. Take counsel. Wise decisions will produce wide harvest.

2. Be Diligent. I’ve met many people with wish-bone but only a few have any backbone. Unlike popular myth, God wants us all to do well in life. He gave us able body, mind and strength to think, pray, connect, work and do what we can. When we do our due diligence, God will play His part. I heard of a young man who wanted to work for a department store in the east. He wrote over 300 letters applying for a job. Not one replies! Finally he got all his savings together and bought a train ticket to New York. Upon arrival, he was spellbound! When he got to the building, the interviewer pointed to a stack of letters they had received from this young man. Baffled, the young man said, “Why didn’t you reply to my letters?” The interviewer said, “We knew you’d come!” Needless to say, the young man got hired and spent the rest of his life building a great company and making tremendous contribution. How diligent are you about doing the things God placed in your heart?

3. Declare. What we say demonstrate what we believe. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of heart, man speaks.” When we say thing that are contrary to God’s Word, we’re sabotaging our own future. It may feel good at the time but it will rob us. You can’t have a poor mouth and a rich life. You can’t always talk sickness and have health. You can’t talk lack and have abundance. You can’t talk defeat and expect victory. The Bible says, “Death and life is in the POWER of your tongue.” Notice we exert power over lives by the words we speak. God created the heavens and the earth by declaring His Word. We too can create our world by speaking positive, uplifting, kind, life-giving words about ourselves and of others. Faith works both ways of what we speak. You can speak faith for abundant or a defeated life. Change your words and it will change your world!

4. Be Determined. Our culture and society have conditioned us to give up anything that is hard or not fun. Always remember this, when you want something really bad, there will be oppositions. The enemy will fight you the hardest when you’re about to reap your harvest. You gotta be determined to outlast the enemy! If you have a big struggle, you have a big victory coming. Paul didn’t pray for all the problems to go away but he prayed that they will have strength to go through the difficult things. If you haven’t figured this out it, life’s a fight. You can fight to win or lose by default. I suggest you be determined and fight till the end because Jesus and I are praying for you!

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP).

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