Here we come to the 5th step in life’s true way to prosper. Financial well-being in today’s society has become one of the most challenging area or issue which some of us still struggle to overcome and harness it in our every day lives. I’m sure we have heard many successes in other people’s lives of how their financial situation was handled, and indeed their lives were changed.
But I often wonder how many of us turn to the biblical principles which can lead us to experience life’s true way to prosper financially.
I recently found that money is frequently mentioned several times in God’s Word. So I got to thinking since money is mentioned so much in God’s Word, than this must be very important to God to give us the guidelines to follow.
How many of us would actually take this approach to see their financial situation being turned around by applying biblical principles? I don’t know about anyone else but I do know I would be among the first pupil to take action and apply these biblical principles to change my financial situation around for the good.
So with that said, let us continue on and find out what these biblical principles are and how to apply them to our financial well-being.
All the information will be taken from the New King James Version out of the New Spirit Filled Life Bible. I will also be using the Kingdom Dynamic feature in title Money Management in reference to the scriptures which will be used as well.
The first scripture I was directed to; was Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” This one verse shows us we must first choose either to serve money (mammon), or God we cannot serve both of them. Referring to the Kingdom Dynamic for this scripture explains how money can actually be a temptation to anyone who serves money as their master. So to choose to serve God fully means to have money issues under control. Money is just our tool to be used according to God’s word not something to be enslaved, which is what the word “serve” means here in this verse.
Now let us go to the next level in financial well-being. So after making a firm commitment to choose to serve God, then our next level takes us to Proverbs 27: 23-27. Starting with verse 23, it says, be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds; 24, for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. Verse 25, when the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, 26, the lambs will provide your clothing and the goats the price of a field; 27, you shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household, and the nourishment of you maidservants. Now I know we don’t live in a time where we all have herd of lambs and goats in our back yard. But let me show you the 5 timeless principles of money management that Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth recorded here in scriptures and explained in the Kingdom Dynamic. 1) Accounting (v.23) “Know the state of your flocks” refers to diligence in record keeping. In modern times, this means keeping track of what we own, owe, earn, and spend. 2) Planning (Proverbs 21:5). Planning how we will spend money is essential to good stewardship. Planned spending brings satisfaction, but “impulse buying” can have devastating consequences. 3) Saving (Proverbs 21:20). The idea of “treasure” in the house of the wise implies that resources have been saved and will be available when we need them. 4) Contentment (Proverbs 15:16). We are deceived if we think having more riches or pleasure will make us happy. Scripture encourages us to enjoy what we have now without desiring to get more. (See Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5.) 5) Giving (Proverbs 3:9, 10). Honoring God with the first of our income and resources establishes His reign in our lives and begins a divine cycle of blessing.
Wow! I think this is awesome coming from the man known for all wisdom and wealth in his time and it still applies to us today even in the state of our economy right now.
So let me recap here, first we make up our minds to serve God no matter what. Then we apply the 5 timeless principles Solomon mentioned in Proverbs, they are; 1) Accounting, 2) planning, 3) saving, 4) contentment and 5) giving. Now I notice the first 3 principles most of us would say they we have been applying these for quite a number of years and that’s good. However, there are 5 principles to follow, not 3. Some of us might have to adjust our thinking in order to apply all 5 principles to achieve financial well-being. Well, let us look at it this way, by choosing to serve God I’m certain each one of us will indeed be more able to reach this level than any other way. This will allow us to experience our life’s true way to prosper in all areas of our lives.
Feel free to leave any comments or questions on any 5 of these essential steps to life’s true way to prosper.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Social Friendships
Social Friendships is the 4th area in experiencing life’s true way to prosper. We may think that this is only talking about friends we may know and family members or just a few people we met briefly. However, it involves much more than what we may think or say about this topic. I also find that there are other words related to this phrase which makes it more amazing and dynamic to have it a part of our daily lives.
Let me briefly bring to mind about the early Christian Church and Jesus’ followers. In the gospels we find many areas where Jesus from the beginning was with many of His followers even socializing with the sinners. So Jesus is still our first example of how we develop friendships with a variety of people that we come in contact, this is called Social Friendships.
Then we look at the early Church in Acts 2: 42, which says, “and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers.” As I have mentioned above there are other words related to Social Friendships. Here in this verse shows us how the early Christians "fellowshipped" with other people, shared God’s word, breaking of bread and prayers. Another word to associated with fellowship is the word Unity. Fellowship and Unity both go hand in hand in making new friends to socially grow healthy. So now that we know that this is not a new thing, God’s word shows us how vitally important it was back then as it is today to grow healthy in our social friendships circle by the examples of Jesus and the early Christians.
Now in today society we see a lot of what is called social networking, I believe, this is one of the newest ways to make new friends in a health way on the internet. However, we must not forget to continue to have physical bond with others in our community and in the society as well.
I truly believe many people today realize how important there social friendships are in their lives. But how important is our social friendships to include the one main person? Are we all including Jesus who is our main and vital source in every social part of our lives? I believe He is the one who really makes our social lifestyle dynamic. Since He is our light and life source, why not?
I would like to touch on the word Unity and how it relates to fellowship and social friendships. Unity in our social friendships which includes the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, together, gives our fellowship with other believers the power we need in our social lifestyle. Surely, we have heard it said that there is power in unity. This is absolutely true; when we get around other believers to fellowship it is awesome.
So in conclusion, to experience life’s true way to prosper with your social friendships circle, just remember to take Jesus and the power with you while socializing and fellowshipping with others and I’m certain your lifestyle will be fulfilling.
I would like to hear your comments and questions about this topic if you would like to share.
Let me briefly bring to mind about the early Christian Church and Jesus’ followers. In the gospels we find many areas where Jesus from the beginning was with many of His followers even socializing with the sinners. So Jesus is still our first example of how we develop friendships with a variety of people that we come in contact, this is called Social Friendships.
Then we look at the early Church in Acts 2: 42, which says, “and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers.” As I have mentioned above there are other words related to Social Friendships. Here in this verse shows us how the early Christians "fellowshipped" with other people, shared God’s word, breaking of bread and prayers. Another word to associated with fellowship is the word Unity. Fellowship and Unity both go hand in hand in making new friends to socially grow healthy. So now that we know that this is not a new thing, God’s word shows us how vitally important it was back then as it is today to grow healthy in our social friendships circle by the examples of Jesus and the early Christians.
Now in today society we see a lot of what is called social networking, I believe, this is one of the newest ways to make new friends in a health way on the internet. However, we must not forget to continue to have physical bond with others in our community and in the society as well.
I truly believe many people today realize how important there social friendships are in their lives. But how important is our social friendships to include the one main person? Are we all including Jesus who is our main and vital source in every social part of our lives? I believe He is the one who really makes our social lifestyle dynamic. Since He is our light and life source, why not?
I would like to touch on the word Unity and how it relates to fellowship and social friendships. Unity in our social friendships which includes the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, together, gives our fellowship with other believers the power we need in our social lifestyle. Surely, we have heard it said that there is power in unity. This is absolutely true; when we get around other believers to fellowship it is awesome.
So in conclusion, to experience life’s true way to prosper with your social friendships circle, just remember to take Jesus and the power with you while socializing and fellowshipping with others and I’m certain your lifestyle will be fulfilling.
I would like to hear your comments and questions about this topic if you would like to share.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Mental Soundness
Here is another part to life's true way to prosper. Mental soundness is actually having a sound mind. A sound mind means to have discipline thought patterns. This is accomplished each time we stand in faith on God's Word in 2 Timothy 1:7. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This verse clearly says what God does not give us, as to what He will give us instead.
The definition for a sound mind is mentioned in Strong's #4995: a combination of sos, "safe and phren, "the mind"; hence, safe-thinking. The word denotes good judgement, disciplined thought patterns, and the ability to understand and make right decisions. It includes the qualities of self-control and self-discipline.
So this brings to mind one or two more verses on whose mind we need in order to have a sound mind. In Philippians 2:5 states, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." And the next verse, 1 Corinthians 2:16b,"but we have the mind of Christ." These verses should encourage us as believers in Jesus Christ, that we can have the same sound mind that Jesus had. By reading, studying and applying Jesus' example of humility and obedience to the father's will instead of our own will. when we apply the characteristics of Jesus Christ to our mind thought patterns,we can experience a dynamic and true way to prosper in having a sound mind.
The definition for a sound mind is mentioned in Strong's #4995: a combination of sos, "safe and phren, "the mind"; hence, safe-thinking. The word denotes good judgement, disciplined thought patterns, and the ability to understand and make right decisions. It includes the qualities of self-control and self-discipline.
So this brings to mind one or two more verses on whose mind we need in order to have a sound mind. In Philippians 2:5 states, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." And the next verse, 1 Corinthians 2:16b,"but we have the mind of Christ." These verses should encourage us as believers in Jesus Christ, that we can have the same sound mind that Jesus had. By reading, studying and applying Jesus' example of humility and obedience to the father's will instead of our own will. when we apply the characteristics of Jesus Christ to our mind thought patterns,we can experience a dynamic and true way to prosper in having a sound mind.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Physical Well-being
Physical well-being is also included in life's true way to prosper. Like third John 2 says, "I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
I believe physical well-being involves caring for our hearts, bones, and bodies. Many scriptures reveal how we can have a healthy heart. First we need to acknowledge that God knows our hearts better than we do ourselves. In Acts 15:8a, says," So God, who knows the heart, acknowledges them." This knowledge should make us aware of our hearts condition. In Psalms 69:32b, says, "And you who seek God, your hearts shall live." And in Matthew 5: 8 says, " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." So by receiving God's Word in our hearts, we can truly have a healthy heart. God's Word says we can also have healthy bones. Scriptures like, Proverbs 16:24 tells us how pleasant words can be health to our bones. Also Proverbs 3: 7,8, and Proverbs 4: 20-22, explains by departing from evil, fear the Lord, give attention to God's Word and keeping them in our hearts will bring strength to our bones, life, and health to our flesh, which is our bodies.
Of course, there are other scriptures that requires us to do some exercises. And this is something I have personally tried and it works. Praise and worship songs are a form of exercises. When the soul is moved by these songs, the heart rejoices, bones are strengthen, and the body is dancing before the Lord, this is what we were all created for. Make praise and worship apart of your prosperous living with a healthy dose of God's Word.
I believe physical well-being involves caring for our hearts, bones, and bodies. Many scriptures reveal how we can have a healthy heart. First we need to acknowledge that God knows our hearts better than we do ourselves. In Acts 15:8a, says," So God, who knows the heart, acknowledges them." This knowledge should make us aware of our hearts condition. In Psalms 69:32b, says, "And you who seek God, your hearts shall live." And in Matthew 5: 8 says, " Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." So by receiving God's Word in our hearts, we can truly have a healthy heart. God's Word says we can also have healthy bones. Scriptures like, Proverbs 16:24 tells us how pleasant words can be health to our bones. Also Proverbs 3: 7,8, and Proverbs 4: 20-22, explains by departing from evil, fear the Lord, give attention to God's Word and keeping them in our hearts will bring strength to our bones, life, and health to our flesh, which is our bodies.
Of course, there are other scriptures that requires us to do some exercises. And this is something I have personally tried and it works. Praise and worship songs are a form of exercises. When the soul is moved by these songs, the heart rejoices, bones are strengthen, and the body is dancing before the Lord, this is what we were all created for. Make praise and worship apart of your prosperous living with a healthy dose of God's Word.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Spiritual Fullness
One of life's true way to prosper is Spiritual Fullness. What does it actually mean to posses
Spiritual Fullness?
One thing we know is this lifestyle is obviously speaking of the spiritual aspect, it means we first need a spiritual foundation. Our Spiritual foundation is built upon and rooted in, flow from, and are authenticated by the Word of God. Jesus settled this in His own description of the priority of the scriptures to our life, affirming, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."(Matt. 4:4) The rise of all truly durable power-works of the Holy Spirit begin here with vital habits in reading, obeying, feeding upon, studying, and making life-application of the Bible.
This growth rises within the redemptive life potential to humankind by one means alone-the Blood of the Covenant. The grounds for the release of all salvation's dimensions of promise in Christ are because of the cross where the price of eternal life and kingdom hope was paid.
Every believer should understand the history of God's redemptive requirement of the blood, why Jesus had to die as He did, and how an immeasurable dynamic of Spiritual power has been unleashed in the invisible realm through " the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 12:10,11).
Central to Jesus' teaching, preaching, and ministry was His introducing and explaining all truth as it related to the Kingdom of God. Relating all life to the realities of God's reign over and rule in the affairs of life, Jesus pointed the way for each of His redeemed to discover kingdom principles by which God's power may flow in their daily life.
Among these principles, none precedes the priority of Praise and Worship as a lifestyle, as an ongoing pattern of humility before God's throne, and as a key to realizing the dynamic power of God's visiting presence.
So we see that The Word of God, The Blood of the Covenant, The Kingdom of God, and The Pathway of Praise and Worship gives us a solid Spiritual foundation, which are essentials to a lifestyle of Spiritual fullness.
However, we need to continue to build upon this Spiritual foundation by being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is He who enables us to accept Christ as our personal Savior, assures us of salvation, enables us to live the victorious life, understanding the Bible, pray according to God's will, and share Christ with others.
Of course, there is one other essential part in experiencing Spiritual fullness. Each believer needs to have the Love of God. By having the Love of God present in our lives we are more willing to want to experience Spiritual fullness all the way to the end.
Spiritual Fullness?
One thing we know is this lifestyle is obviously speaking of the spiritual aspect, it means we first need a spiritual foundation. Our Spiritual foundation is built upon and rooted in, flow from, and are authenticated by the Word of God. Jesus settled this in His own description of the priority of the scriptures to our life, affirming, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."(Matt. 4:4) The rise of all truly durable power-works of the Holy Spirit begin here with vital habits in reading, obeying, feeding upon, studying, and making life-application of the Bible.
This growth rises within the redemptive life potential to humankind by one means alone-the Blood of the Covenant. The grounds for the release of all salvation's dimensions of promise in Christ are because of the cross where the price of eternal life and kingdom hope was paid.
Every believer should understand the history of God's redemptive requirement of the blood, why Jesus had to die as He did, and how an immeasurable dynamic of Spiritual power has been unleashed in the invisible realm through " the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 12:10,11).
Central to Jesus' teaching, preaching, and ministry was His introducing and explaining all truth as it related to the Kingdom of God. Relating all life to the realities of God's reign over and rule in the affairs of life, Jesus pointed the way for each of His redeemed to discover kingdom principles by which God's power may flow in their daily life.
Among these principles, none precedes the priority of Praise and Worship as a lifestyle, as an ongoing pattern of humility before God's throne, and as a key to realizing the dynamic power of God's visiting presence.
So we see that The Word of God, The Blood of the Covenant, The Kingdom of God, and The Pathway of Praise and Worship gives us a solid Spiritual foundation, which are essentials to a lifestyle of Spiritual fullness.
However, we need to continue to build upon this Spiritual foundation by being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is He who enables us to accept Christ as our personal Savior, assures us of salvation, enables us to live the victorious life, understanding the Bible, pray according to God's will, and share Christ with others.
Of course, there is one other essential part in experiencing Spiritual fullness. Each believer needs to have the Love of God. By having the Love of God present in our lives we are more willing to want to experience Spiritual fullness all the way to the end.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
True Prosperous Living
Is there really a true way to prosper in life? To answer this question, yes I believe there is a true way to prosper.
When we look at the word, prosper, the first thing that comes to our minds is being financially successful. I believe there is many ways to prosper financially, but can we all say that we have found the true way to prosper, which was intended for us from the beginning of life on Earth.
I had found that the word, prosper, doesn't mean just to achieve success financially, it also means, to be right, proper, correct, and to be correctly aligned with certain requirements.
I can a sure you that my resource from where this definition came from, is indeed correct.
Have a question, what is your main source or sources that you feel that has help you to prosper in your own life?
Because when we get plugged into the right source, that's when our life begins to have more of a purpose to prosper in a true way at the end.
Did you know that prosperity is more than money. It is a lifestyle that includes spiritual fullness, physical well-being, mental soundness, social friendship, and financial well-being. Prosperity is possessing and stewarding wisely all that God gives to you. Prosperity results from God's grace and our faithfulness to follow biblical principles. A prosperous person is one who is wealthy in all things that eternally matter.
I welcome any comments you may have regarding a prosperous living.
Thank you.
by Diane
When we look at the word, prosper, the first thing that comes to our minds is being financially successful. I believe there is many ways to prosper financially, but can we all say that we have found the true way to prosper, which was intended for us from the beginning of life on Earth.
I had found that the word, prosper, doesn't mean just to achieve success financially, it also means, to be right, proper, correct, and to be correctly aligned with certain requirements.
I can a sure you that my resource from where this definition came from, is indeed correct.
Have a question, what is your main source or sources that you feel that has help you to prosper in your own life?
Because when we get plugged into the right source, that's when our life begins to have more of a purpose to prosper in a true way at the end.
Did you know that prosperity is more than money. It is a lifestyle that includes spiritual fullness, physical well-being, mental soundness, social friendship, and financial well-being. Prosperity is possessing and stewarding wisely all that God gives to you. Prosperity results from God's grace and our faithfulness to follow biblical principles. A prosperous person is one who is wealthy in all things that eternally matter.
I welcome any comments you may have regarding a prosperous living.
Thank you.
by Diane
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