For some time I have been concerned about the economic state of our country. God has spoken some things to me that have caused me alarm, particularly about the coming famine. And yet God continues to say, I will sustain you. I am concerning beause I know that there are things that can subvert the revealed will of God.
This morning as I was meditating, God reminded me of three scriptures.
1. Consider your ways. Haggai 1:7 A way is a manner of life, a lifestyle, a tendency to do things in a certain pattern... In this Scripture the children of Isreal were not honoring God as they should. He said they were living in paneled houses while His house lie in waste. So their way was to consider themselves first. God told the people because of your ways you gather in much but it amounts to little. You put your money in pockets with holes. This sounds like a way that leads to financial ruin.
It is the will of God that we honor Him in the way that He prescribes. Is not the first commandment, thou shalt have no other God's besides Me.? I am not as much concerned with whether you are tithing and giving offerings as much as what you think about God. Is He first in your life?
Recently God spoke to me and said, Master the first fruits principle. In the Bible we are taught to Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all your increase, so shall your barns be filled with plenty and your presses shall burst forth with new wine. This is the way to prosperity. Prosperity is the result of obedience. It's not just giving the money, it's giving God His money first.
But I am sure that God was instructing me to honor him not just with my money, but with my time and my body so that my entire life reflects my love and devotion to Him.
2. There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs We know that we are in difficult times and for some people survival is the name of the game. But let us not succumb to the ways of the world that says, "as long as I don't get caught."... "I have to make it the best way that I can." "It's not stealing because they have more than they need." "It wasn't my fault that they gave me more money than I deserved," "Everybody else is doing it and getting away with it," etc. The Bible teaches that the wicked borrow and don't pay it back.
These are just a few of the doorways to your finances. (And if God is bringing thoughts to your mind right now then that is an indication of your need to repent) If you yield to these temptations, you will find that your bottom line is smaller, not bigger. The enemy is subtle. You may not feel the brunt of your decision until you are in financial ruin. Consider all those people who thought they were getting over on the mortgage companies. They thought the company was "stupid" for letting them have the home. Some were even presumptuous enough to think that God was blessing them! Now many are in the streets. Why? Because of greed. Because they didn't stop to consider. The Bible says that the blessings of the Lord. they maketh rich and addeth no sorrow.
A good rule of thumb is 'Don't push past the uneasy feeling about a decision." The more you do this the easier it will be until your conscience is seered and you are past feeling.
3. If I be a Father, where is My honor? Malachi 1:8 Honor is defined as special treatment because of a title or position. In this scripture God rebukes the people because they were instructed to give God the best that they had and yet they were offering animals that were lame and sick. What we offer to the Lord is an indication of how we feel about Him. I say again, this is not about money, it is about honor.
As we move forward into 2009 I hope you will take some time to consider your ways. Ask yourself some hard questions: Am I doing anything that will prevent God from blessing me? Do I need to repent for poor decisions in the past? Is God honored in all my financial decisions? Be honest with yourself and don't make excuses. God promises if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Many have suffered immeasurably because they were too proud to admit that they were wrong. I believe God's mercy has given us time to get it right.
Then Consider God's ways: God loves us and wants the best for us. Our family has a personal promise to be sustained. God has a reputation for being faithful to those who walk in obedience to Him. Let's not forfeit the blessing.
I believe God is saying the same thing to us that He said to the Children of Israel during their Babylonian captivity: I know the thoughts that I think concerning you, saith the Lord. Thoughts of good and not of evil, to bring you to an end with a hope. Jerimiah 29:11
SUGGESTED PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are God and You know what is best for me. Thank You for Your warnings and Your promises. Search me Oh Lord and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in thy way everlasting. Help me to admit my errors as you reveal them and make the corrections necessary so that I can live in the prosperity that you intended. In the name of Jesus, Amen
I know that God would not have me to share this unless someone needed it. If you have considered your ways and God has not shown you any need for adjustment, take some time to thank Him for His promise to us and be on the look out for the snares of the enemy. Preserve your financial integrity and continue to walk in the blessings of God.
The LORD be magnified,
By Prophetess Celestine Forrest in Philadelphia, Pa
Posted By: The SISTAHS Ministry
Thursday, February 19th 2009 at 11:51AM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
