Prosperity Part2 2p2 - 012326
Prosperity Part2 2p2 - 012326
The Secret to Spiritual Prosperity is the word of God, the Word of God is no less
than getting a map through which all journeys of life are successfully negotiated.
The Word of God helps to stabilize your life and fortify your faith in God. Now,
prayerfully meditating on and applying God's principles in your daily life brings a
provision from above and guidance along life's lane. As one delves deeper into
the Word of God, an understanding of His promise coupled with increased trust in
that promise allows faith to prosper in every area of your life.
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts that must be stewarded faithfully. Every
believer has a set of enabling grace to edify the church and give glory to God in
teaching, encouraging, serving, and leading. The exercise of those gifts will not
only promote the spiritual health of an individual but will also build a dynamic
fellowship of believers in righteousness and in practical love. As all members
accept the call to grow, both personally and corporately, we will thereby
contribute to the cause of a thriving body of Christ.
The essence of living in the fullness of God's plan for life consists of embracing His
promise of abundant life. The principle of abundance is one that forms part of the
main message in the majority of the scriptures in the Gospel. Therefore, when
Jesus declared, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly" (John 10:10, KJV), He declared a divine intention—a restoration
of what was lost through the fall of man. The abundant life doesn't speak of
material wealth or physical well-being but is one that speaks to the entire
spiritual, emotional, and relational fullness of life.
The heart of abundant living has to do with a relationship: our relationship with
Christ. Out of Him comes an ever-fresh supply of grace and mercy that gives rise
to peace, joy, and fulfillment. Have you ever stopped to think about the difference
between God's life promise and the promise of the world? The world only offers
short-term fulfillments, and in the long run, that leaves us quite empty and
looking for more. But aligning ourselves with the purpose of God puts us into the
supply unlimited.
The abundance of life with God calls us to walk in the newness that renews
perspectives. The implications of such truth begin first and foremost with the
realization that all the things the world esteems are merely externals. The Gospel
of John opens to a contrasting difference between the thief and the Good
Shepherd: whereas the thief would steal and kill, the Good Shepherd feeds and
protects; He makes us lie down in green pastures, He leads us beside still waters,
He restores our souls, gives refuge to the worn, and a home to the castaway.
Living under God's design means that the mentality of abundance must take root
and replace one of scarcity. Scarcity births fear, worry, and anxiety about the
future. On the contrary, faith in God's provision compels us to cultivate an
atmosphere of thanksgiving and praise. When God instructed the Israelites to
remember their deliverance from Egypt, He was reinforcing their identity as His
chosen people destined for greatness. Our identity as heirs and children of God
carries with it the assurance that He shall supply all our needs according to His
riches in glory by Christ Jesus Philippians 4:19. That is very strong in establishing
the fact that God is concerned about and committed to our well-being and
flourishing in all life's dimensions.
Now, what does it look like practically to find and live out a plan for abundant
living? It means surrender-the surrender of all of our worldly ambitions and
desires to God. So as this surrender is occurring, the focus shifts from what we
can do to what God can do through us if we let Him. Then the walk of faith boldly
takes us down a path, though blurry, knowing He has a good future awaiting us-
brimming with hope.
Also, coming into our inheritance requires an engagement in the Word of God
with much diligence. This is the way in which His nature and the deep purposes
regarding humankind are revealed. Studying and pondering God's Word is what
equips our faith to take us above situations and receive the abundant life that
awaits us. Through constant communion in prayer with God is how we come into
divine wisdom and insight.
As we go through life, when we happen upon the precepts of God's Word, we find
ourselves acting out and making decisions based on this abundant life. We are
called not just to live for ourselves but to be a conduit of blessings to others. This
is also the positive influence we can make in the world, drawing other people to
the life-changing message of Christ, as we overflow with God's love, peace, and
joy.
It's not just a generic biblical principle, but a personal invitation into the reality of
walking out God's promises for us as we actively participate in worship, prayer,
and service. To live an abundant life means it should be characterized by
thankfulness, generosity, and grace. As we learn to live with a sense of God's
abundant provision, we are also a vessel of hope and light to people around us,
thus fulfilling the Great Commission given to every believer.
Essentially, in this book you’ll get to discover God's plan for abundant living. You’ll
get to discover that living in abundance requires the involvement of an engaged
heart ready to seek God and set on transformation. Therefore, as a relationship
with Him is pursued, the door to a truly enriched, empowered life opens,
reflecting His glory and grace within every aspect of one's being.
Chapter 6
At root, generosity is really a principle that goes beyond just the issue of giving
finances and involves a spirit of giving that reaches out to include one's material
resources, time, care, and kindness toward other people. From the Christian
perspective of life, generosity is not optional; it is actually something considered a
mandate from heaven. Real obedience to God’s word involves appropriating
generosity into one's life as a lifestyle-one emulating Jesus Christ. Most of those
living lifestyles of generosity find themselves in a state of blessing-not really
because of the things they give, but more because of the posture of their heart-a
posture set in concert with the overflow of God's Grace.
The biblical foundation for generosity is profoundly established in the fact that all
we possess is derived from God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above” James 1:17 reminds believers that our resources are not solely our own
but fall under the stewardship of divine grace. This understanding compels one to
see giving as an act of worship and gratitude rather than as an obligatory task.
When individuals grasp the significance of stewardship, we’ll begin to appreciate
that our participation in generosity positions us favorably not only in the eyes of
the Lord but also within the tapestry of our community.
Generosity, in the context of socio-economic relations, is a catalyst to prosperity.
This, as a principle, applies both spiritually and practically. Spiritually, a generous
heart invites blessing flow. The moment one commences to give out one's
resources—be it financial or otherwise—we see the fullness of life promised by
God in relation to His grant of treasures. In this regard, the principle of sowing
and reaping is fundamentally cardinal; “He which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully” 2 Corinthians 9:6. This scriptural saying points again at the fact
that generosity is essentially a sign of faith in God's ability to provide for one's
needs, hence, in a manner of speaking, prepare the ground upon which one can
receive the blessings coming from heaven.
But generosity is transformational-it changes the life of the one receiving and
refashions the heart of the giver. The discipline of giving creates feelings of
empathy and insight; it opens one's eyes to another's struggle and develops a
heart patterned after Christ's compassion. This exchange ripples beyond single
acts into an infectious cycle of abundance where, in consequence, everybody
benefits because of the spirit of giving. While giving, one finds an inner
transformation, chiseled into the likeness of Christ's character, attracting others
to God's love through the tangible expression of Christ's love in our lives.
All true prosperity flows from sacrificial giving. Wealth may be accumulated, but
real enrichment in life flows from having shared one's substance for the extension
of the Kingdom. Understanding and embracing this principle can redefine
prosperity for us in today's complex world and provide a life that is truly full of
meaning, joy, and satisfaction in Christ.
The deep mystery of giving embodies a spiritual law as real as the physical laws
governing the universe. To give, in the biblical sense, is not just a matter of letting
go of possessions or resources, but it flows from a heart that is disposed toward
benevolence and charity, anchored in the heavenly example of generosity. The
most fundamental pattern of giving is the love that God has toward man, put in so
few words yet in such a well-known verse: "For God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but
have everlasting life" John 3:16. That foundational act of love sent ripples through
time, forging a divine template which instructs us as to the very nature of giving
and receiving.
It is important to realize that giving is coupled with the law of reciprocity: what
one gives forth invariably returns. This law functions both spiritually and
materially, positing that when we extend kindness, support, or financial
resources, these benevolent acts are recognized and rewarded, usually in ways far
greater than our original contributions. The gratitude of the recipient transforms
the act of receiving into a sacred responsibility, ultimately reflecting back upon
the giver either through gratitude or reciprocal giving.
This heavenly economy, with its laws of spiritual giving, calls the believer into a
covenantal relationship with God, predicated on the premise that every act of
kindness or generosity will one day pay dividends from heaven. In giving,
believers unlock promises of blessing: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good
measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give
into your bosom" (Luke 6:38 KJV). This verse summarizes the heavenly
mathematics of giving: every act of selflessness initiates a return higher than the
measure given.
Moreover, the cadences of this spiritual law extend into various forms of giving:
be it financial offerings, time given to service, or even emotional support—each
act possessing unique significance, tailor-made to effect change in the giver's life
and in the larger community. For instance, when one gives financially, it may be in
tithes, offerings, or alms—all being avenues through which God channels His
blessings. Buildings are erected, lives are transformed, and communities uplifted
—fed by the generous hearts of people.
But for the successful operation of these spiritual laws, the believer has to
proceed with the right heart motive. The state of the heart is most important, and
it has to vibrate with love, sincerity, and undivided loyalty to God's principles. 1
Corinthians 13:3 says, "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and
though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me
nothing." The core of giving does not lie in the act itself but is born out of a
genuine desire to bless others and glorify God.
Spiritual laws call for sensitivity as to the time and manner of our offerings. Eager,
spontaneous giving reveals a heart that is fully yielded to God's purposes. It is
important to learn how to give at the right time, such as during times of need or
under the promptings of divine inspiration. This was ideally depicted in the united
acts of generosity by the early church, where all believers contributed as each was
led, creating a means of mutual support and community enrichment.
A Believer who understands and embraces these spiritual laws of giving and
receiving will find their walk with Christ deepened, creating an enabling
environment for personal growth and the flourishing of the church community as
a whole. The cycle is sacred; it's transformative; it's the economy of heaven—an
endless flow of blessings that works to uplift and enrich all involved. Whether
giving or receiving, it all aims to bring glory to God—the giver of the gift of every
good.
The spirit of poverty is not just about money; it's a mindset that will restrict our
expectations of God's abundance and create a cycle of lack. Generous giving is a
powerful weapon against this spirit. It opens doors to blessings and sets in motion
a dynamic that propels toward prosperity, not just materially but spiritually and
emotionally.
First of all, we must realize that giving is not a matter of letting go of something
that belongs to us but a deep act of faith in the provision of God. The Scriptures
give this truth in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, teaching that "he which soweth sparingly
shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully." Our attitude towards giving and generosity has a direct effect on
what we experience. The potential of God is the invitation to trust in Him, who is
able to bless us more than all our asking or thinking.
Is it any wonder, then, that generous people often exude joy and confidence? This
is not just emotional; rather, it's based on the spiritual rewards from generosity.
For the more one gives, the more room is created in their heart for blessing upon
blessing, oftentimes leading to a far greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in
life. The veil over an insatiable desire is taken off through generosity; in its stead,
an endless peace settles, which is passable before any worldly gain. The more we
bless others, the more we realize that we, too, are being blessed in return,
creating a glorious cycle of divine generosity.
Giving also has critical communal benefits: as believers bind together in shared
destiny, generous giving fosters unity and growth. It is through such means that
the mission of the church gets propelled forward, as outreach and ministry
endeavors far beyond individual capacities can now be done. In so doing, the
church becomes a catalyst for change in society, bearing the potential to address
poverty, education, and health issues at the heart of communities. Not only is the
Great Commission fulfilled, but such corporate activity incarnates the very love of
Christ in practical ways.
Yet, generous giving must be done with discernment and wisdom. Not every kind
of giving accomplishes what is intended; hence, we need a heart aligned with
God's will. Stewardship principles require that when giving, do so purposefully
and in a focused manner, ensuring that resources are serving the work in the
Kingdom. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude while giving is also important. This
attitude not only reveals a heart filled with thanks but also enlarges the act of
giving as a privilege rather than a burden.
In traveling through the Christian life, breaking the spirit of poverty will require us
to make a radical change in how we look at and handle resources. With the
mindset of abundance, in faith and by generous giving, the shadows of want can
be dispelled, and a life overflowing with rich fulfillment in the Spirit takes over.
Generous giving testifies to the great truth that God indeed can take what we give
up and multiply it to overflow into our lives and the lives of others in a world so
often defined by scarcity.
The journey of generosity begins with each of us. Deep reflection on our giving
practices can help us step into this life unencumbered by material constraints and
to be defined by the limitless abundance found in Christ Jesus. This call to give
generously is one in which, as we respond, we will find ourselves not only
breaking free from the chains that bind through the spirit of poverty but also
stepping into a deeper realization of the reciprocal nature of God's blessing.
In summary;
- Wealth may be accumulated, but real enrichment in life flows from having
shared one's substance for the extension of the Kingdom.
- It is important to learn how to give at the right time, such as during times of
need or under the promptings of divine inspiration.
- The spirit of poverty is not just about money; it's a mindset that will restrict
our expectations of God's abundance and create a cycle of lack.
Chapter 7
It is very essential for any believer desiring to enjoy prosperity in all spheres of life
to undergo the renewing of the mind. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed
to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This statement
not only commands believers not to take up the pattern and values of this world
but stresses such an assurance in transformation through a renewed mind. It is a
renewal that, instead of being an interior act, is a spiritual renewal, submitting
one's ways and thoughts to God's better plans.
Additionally, the renewing of the mind allows for a better comprehension of one's
identity in Christ. As individuals realize their worth and value as children of God,
the confidence that results can propel them into their God-ordained destiny. This
understanding is the foundation of spiritual and personal achievement. As an
individual grows in their knowledge of their position as it relates to God, the
obstacles that once seemed impossible to move become stepping stones to the
fulfillment of divine destiny.
Renewal of the mind and changed thinking is a process. It takes doggedness and
willingness to change. The more the usage of the mind, like a muscle, it grows
stronger. Early failures, therefore, should not discourage Christians but urge us on
in order to continue to reach the objective of a renewed mind. As the thinking is
transformed over a series of time, the resultant attitudes and behaviors flowing
out of the way one thinks will likewise be transformed.
As you renew your mind, remember one thing-your thoughts do create your
reality. If your thoughts are close to God's promises, then you shall see prosperity
being manifested in your life: spiritual, financial, emotional, and relational. It is an
intentional process-again, the proof of determination-to live differently, to think
differently, based on firm confidence that God is capable of doing exceedingly
abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Irrefutably, one of the greatest wars Christians experience in the Christian life is
not external but internal. It is in the mind that negative thoughts and limiting
beliefs tend to imprison us and retard our movement into life. These could be
self-imposed barriers at so many different levels: low self-esteem, fear of failure,
or some general feelings of dearness that inhibit us from embracing the richness
of God's promises. Here we will focus on how to break free from such limiting
beliefs to stand a better chance of living the life of abundance Jesus promised.
God has enabled us for great potential, and yet how many times do we fall into
the lies that tell us we're not enough or that we can't? Sometimes these negative
ways of thinking become rooted, founded upon things of our past-in societal
conditionings or even well-meaning, misguiding voices. As Christians, we're
instructed to renew our minds. It is not an event but rather a process in life that
takes deliberateness and diligence.
This is also a mental refreshing process that requires the incorporation of positive
affirmations from Scripture. Affirmations spoken from the Word of God have the
ability to transform how we think concerning ourselves and our capabilities. For
example, to affirm that one is able to do all things through Christ who strengthens
him or her, as noted in Philippians 4:13, enables one to approach challenges with
a new mindset of power and guidance. This helps reverse the filter through which
we have been looking at our circumstance so that faith can be at the fore rather
than fear. In these small moments of faith, big psychologically, we really begin to
rewrite and rescript our thought processes and snap the bonds of limiting beliefs.
Lastly, practice gratitude on a regular basis. Pondering God's gifts to us gets our
minds going in a healthy direction. Gratitude is a powerfully potent antidote to
the poisonous thinking that commonly underlies negative states of mind. As we
sit and reflect on what we are thankful for, we begin to shift our focus away from
imagined limitations and towards the abundance of God's grace and provision in
our lives.
Changing negative mindsets, after all, and triumphing over certain limiting beliefs
are never easy, but once faith and intention in God's power take place, the way
opens up toward change and renewal. As we claim His promises and enwrap
ourselves in positivity and affirmation, so, too, may we begin to unravel the
patterns which have long incapacitated us.
It is an inner faith journey of tuning one's mind to the promises of God and truth
that reshapes one's terrain. To do so, it means to deliberately take up the Word of
God and saturate one's mind with His love, grace, and strong promises. When
negativity, doubt, and despair assail one from every direction, it is anchoring in
the unshakeable scriptural truth that provides a certain anchor.
The Scriptures are full of emphasis on the thought life: as can be seen, for
instance, in Philippians 4:8, which charges us as believers to think on whatever
things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Such thoughts,
assiduously nurses, strengthen the spirit against the raging storms of life. Each
promise of the Lord becomes one of His guiding stars, lighting the way brightly
along and assuring of His steadfast devotion to the welfare of His own.
Filling our lives of thought with the truth of God provides the transformation of
mindsets into peace that passes human understanding. If adversity enters into
our lives, it is so easy for our minds to wander to anxiety and fear. But with
purposeful reminders of God's promises, there can be a supernatural change in
our thinking. The fact that God walks with us in His promises, "I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee" Hebrews 13:5, provides assurance of His presence and
faithfulness during trials.
In summary;
- It is very essential for any believer desiring to enjoy prosperity in all spheres
of life to undergo the renewing of the mind.
- The mind resembles good topsoil in which seeds of potential are planted.
- Taking our worries, fears, and negative thoughts to God opens up one's
mind to the possibility of God's intervention.
References
- https://www.groupsixty.com/ideas-blog/2021/1/27/the-enemy-within-
how-to-overcome-self-limiting-beliefs
- https://www.curtlandry.com/heres-how-to-break-free-from-the-poverty-
spirit-in-yeshuas-name/