The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated 2 by your life of holy beauty. 3 What matters is not your outer appearance — the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes —  4 but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 5 The holy women of old were beautiful before God that way, and were good, loyal wives to their husbands. 6 Sarah, for instance, taking care of Abraham, would address him as “my dear husband.” You’ll be true daughters of Sarah if you do the same, unanxious and unintimidated.  1 Peter 3:1-6 Message Bible

Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes; 4 But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them]. 6 It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].  1 Peter 3:3-6 AMP

The Greek word “adorning” is “kosmos” – meaning: fashion; ornament; decoration. The outward adorning mentioned here is referring to clothing, jewelry and hair-styles. Some people have used these scriptures to ban jewelry and make-up for women, but then they should also ban clothing because Peter mentions clothing as well. This is not what Peter is saying at all. He is not condemning these things, but he is talking about the difference between outward attractiveness and inner attractiveness and which is most important. Many people go to extremes in dress and decoration. Being dressed nicely is not sinful or unbecoming to a Christian; however, extravagance is discouraged in both Peter and Paul’s letters to the Church. God does not want us to display arrogance or haughtiness in our outward appearance or our inward appearance. Many people pay way too much attention to the outer man and the appearance, when it is the inner man that is most important!

God does not want us to be obsessed with outward appearance – neither does He want us to neglect ourselves – being clean and neat and well groomed are important. You have to understand that more important than these, are your attitude and your spirit. True beauty starts within. No amount of clothing, make-up or jewelry can cover or beautify a mean-spirited, selfish, self-centered woman. Men may be initially attracted to an outward appearance, but what they treasure in a wife – for life – is a sweet and gracious spirit. You will win your husband over – not by your dress or outward appearance, but by your Christ-like spirit!

Peter refers to Sarah as a role-model. Sarah was Abraham’s wife and they were very wealthy people. You can be sure that Sarah had some nice clothes and jewelry and that she wore these things. When their servant went to find a wife for Isaac – Rebekah – he brought with him a great deal of jewelry, which he gave to her as a gift from Isaac and his family. God is not against nice clothing or jewelry – what Peter is saying here is that the outward decorations cannot cover or make up for a lack of godly character. The things that make a woman truly beautiful are the things that come from within – from the heart.

While looking to attract a great husband, many women make the mistake of presenting only a pretty appearance, when it is the qualities of a godly life that a good man is attracted to. A good husband wants a wife that is going to be faithful and committed to him. A good man is looking for a pretty, yet modest woman, who has strength of character, dignity, confidence and self-respect. If you think that men are so shallow that all they want is a pretty woman, then you are going to attract only shallow men. If you cultivate godly character and you allow that to shine through whatever you wear, then you will attract a man of character and integrity.

There is nothing more beautiful than a woman of godly character, who walks in modesty, kindness and gentleness:

Proverbs 31:10 AMP – A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
Proverbs 31:26 AMP – She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
Proverbs 31:30 AMP – Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

No matter how pretty a woman is on the outside, it soon fades away completely when she is mean and nasty on the inside:

Proverbs 21:9 AMP – It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop [on the flat oriental roof, exposed to all kinds of weather] than in a house shared with a nagging, quarrelsome, and faultfinding woman.
Proverbs 21:19 AMP – It is better to dwell in a desert land than with a contentious woman and with vexation.
Proverbs 27:15 AMP – A continual dripping on a day of violent showers and a contentious woman are alike.
Proverbs 19:13-14 AMP – A self-confident and foolish son is the [multiplied] calamity of his father, and the contentions of a wife are like a continual dripping [of water through a chink in the roof]. House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord.

 

By me kings reign and rulers decree justice.  Proverbs 8:15 AMP

God holds all men accountable for their choices and actions. Those in leadership are held to an even higher standard. We should expect our leaders to demonstrate the following characteristics, and if they don’t, we should hold them accountable.

Leaders should be trustworthy 

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers.  Exodus 18:21 AMP

A leader should be trustworthy — honest, faithful, dependable and reliable. The people should be able to safely put their confidence in their leaders.

Furthermore, he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside [the church], lest he become involved in slander and incur reproach and fall into the devil’s trap.  1 Timothy 3:7 AMP

A leader should have a good reputation inside and outside the church. He should personally submit himself to God’s word in every area of his life. He should avoid the very appearance of evil.

Leaders look out for the people’s best interests 

And Moses said to the Lord, 16 Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation 17 Who shall go out and come in before them, leading them out and bringing them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.  Numbers 27:15-17 AMP

As I live, says the Lord God, surely because My sheep became a prey, and My sheep became food for every beast of the field because there was no shepherd — neither did My shepherds search for My sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves and fed not My sheep. Ezekiel 34:8 AMP

A leader’s responsibility is to look out for the best interests of ALL the people. He should never think that the people are there merely to serve him and his interests, but he should give himself to serve the people and put their interests ahead of his own. Many leaders have become dictators out of selfish ambitions. A leader should not play favorites either. Some leaders take from some to give to others — this is not biblical and it is a system doomed to fail.

Leaders should represent God in their decisions 

He appointed judges throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 And said to the judges, Be careful what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord, and He is with you in the matter of judgment. 7 So now let the reverence and fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking of bribes.  2 Chronicles 19:5-7 AMP

Leaders should remember that they are accountable to God and they should govern humbly and in the fear of God, looking to Him and His word for wisdom and guidance.

Leaders should receive advice 

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.  Proverbs 11:14 AMP

An arrogant leader is a bad leader. A good leader has wise counselors and is not too proud to admit that they don’t know everything or that they were wrong about anything. A good leader is willing to change to be better.

Leaders must serve others 

And Jesus called them to Him and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men hold them in subjection [tyrannizing over them]. 26 Not so shall it be among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 And whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave — 28 Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [the price paid to set them free].  Matthew 20:25-28 AMP

A good leader serves the people and does what is good for them. A bad leader serves himself, by giving the people what they want, even if it’s not good for them. A dictator dominates the people and does only what is good for him.

Leaders should sacrifice for others 

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. 12 But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock]. 13 Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them].  John 10:11-13 AMP

Leadership requires many sacrifices and you should not seek a leadership position unless you have counted the cost. A bad leader will sacrifice the people and their interests to further his own.

Leaders should be obeyed

Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment. 2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]. 3 For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. 4 For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer.  Romans 13:1-4 AMP

God gives us leaders so that there can be order and peace in the nations. These leaders in turn must lead in a good and honorable way.

Leaders give an account to God for their actions 

Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].  Hebrews 13:17 AMP

 

2. Grace cannot set aside the failure of saved men to meet the conditions of salvation. Grace won’t cover disobedience.

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.  1 John 1:7-10 NKJV

When we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, He washes away all our sin and makes us a new creation in Him. Because Jesus put sin to death in His body on the cross and now has the keys of death, hell and the grave, sin has no more power over us. We are translated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Now we walk in the light. He did not bring us into the light to send us back to the darkness. We must deal with the sin in our lives through repentance. If we repent, He will forgive us and wash the sin away. If we say we have no sin, when we know we do, we are calling God a liar. We cannot continue to sin, without repentance and still expect God’s grace to cover our sin. God is not mocked – whatever a man sows – that, and that only, will he reap. You cannot sow seeds of sin and reap a harvest of righteousness.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.  13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  Romans 8:1-13 NKJV

Jesus saved us to walk and live in the Spirit; to conduct ourselves according to the Spirit.

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.  James 5:19-20 NKJV

This passage is talking about bringing correction to a believer to save his soul from death. You cannot play around with sin and think that heaven is guaranteed no matter what. You must have a healthy respect for God and His law and choose to please God and walk in obedience. One sin may not condemn you to hell, but continuing on in sin is a path that leads to death.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

Those who practice the works of the flesh will NOT inherit the kingdom of God!

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight — 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.  Colossians 1:21-23 NKJV

Jesus wants to present you to the Father holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight. This is only possible if you continue – grounded and steadfast – in the faith.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.  Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV

As you received Jesus, keep walking in Him. He gave you a new heart so that you could serve Him, holy and blameless. Don’t let the devil lie to you that you can go back to sinning after your sins have been forgiven. You have a new life in Jesus – make the choice to live a godly life, to serve Him, and to not push the boundaries of His grace toward you.

SEVEN COMMANDS FOR CHRISTIANS

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:6-9 NKJV

Since Jesus is coming back soon, that should strongly motivate us to live for Him.

1. Gird up the loins of your mind:

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus  Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 NKJV

Gird up the loins of your mind: strengthen or put protection around your mind; brace up; take courage. You have the mind of Christ!

2.  Be sober:

Be sober: Greek: nepho: to live soberly and righteously. Be watchful, mentally alert, disciplined and/or focused. Don’t just muddle through your    life. Deliberately live for God every day.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live  soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

3. Hope to the end for the fullness of grace and salvation that are to be brought at the coming of Christ:

Rest your hope fully on the grace of God, which is being progressively revealed unto you as you grow in His Word.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do  not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:24-25 NKJV

4. Do not pattern your new life after your former life of sin:

As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance.  1 Peter1:14 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the  prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the  lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Ephesians 2:1-3  NKJV

You are a new creature and you must live a new life.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of  God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV

5. Be holy in all your manner of life:

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NKJV

You are to pattern your life after God in all things.

6. Pass the remaining time of your journey here in the fear of God:

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay  here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition  from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before  the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and  gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:17-21 NKJV

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is  faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may  be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV

Don’t put any confidence in yourself or your abilities – they will fail you. Do put all your confidence in your Father – He will never fail you. Even  when temptation comes, He has a plan to deliver and protect you, if you will trust and obey Him.

7. See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure  heart. 1 Peter 1:22 NKJV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all will know that  you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35 NKJV

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for  his friends. John 15:12-13 NKJV

God has shown His love for you through Jesus Christ. Love one another sincerely and earnestly, with no ulterior motives.

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

 

Faith must be released in word through your mouth.

 

If you’re not satisfied with what you have then check on what is coming out of your mouth.  All that you have, and all that you are now, is the result of what you have believed and said in the past.

 

Proverbs 6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

 

It doesn’t take the devil’s efforts to interfere with things in your life when you take the initiative to snare yourself with your own words.

 

Don’t ever talk failure or defeat!  Don’t ever acknowledge, for one moment, that God’s ability or power cannot put you over the top.  If you’re talking failure and defeat with your lips, you’re declaring that God cannot and has not put you over.

 

1 John 4:4  “…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

 

You can’t side with the majority when they are opposed to the Word of God – the plan of faith and God’s will.  

 

Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!

 

Caleb didn’t deny the existence of the giants but he said that they were well able to overcome them.

 

Numbers 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

 

Doubt and fear is rebellion against the Lord!  Rebellion is as witchcraft. The giants were bread for Israel!  Bread is a staple of life. You need it to survive. You grow by eating it!

 

Faith ALWAYS has a good report!

 

I believe what the Word says whether things seem like it’s the way the Bible says or not.

 

If mountains / obstacles are not enough of an issue to God to mention to you, before you get to them, then they should not be an issue to you when you encounter them.

 

Throughout history people following God’s plan have faced challenges. None of these challenges have changed God or altered His Word.

 

A mountain cannot defeat anyone.  What defeats people is fear!

 

You were created to be an Overcomer!  

 

Satan’s lie, processed by fear, will come to pass!  God’s promise (TRUTH), processed by faith, will come to pass!

 

Exodus 14:8-15  

 

Moses faced the Red Sea on one side, and the Egyptian army on the other, but God’s plan hadn’t changed – “Go Forward!”

 

Don’t become paralyzed by fear and overcome with doubt!

 

Hebrews 3:12-19; 4:9-11

 

Unbelief in God’s promise causes you to stay and die in the wilderness.  Get out of the “wilderness experience” by total trust and obedience to God!  Enter into the rest today!

Foundation scriptures:

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Matthew 25:14-30 KJV

 

1. We need to recognize that we are stewards:
2. Nothing that we have originates with us. It all comes from the Lord.
3. Psalms 24:1 KJV – “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
4. James 1:17-18 KJV – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
5. Matthew 5:45 KJV – “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

 

2. Seek first the Kingdom:
3. Matthew 6:19-34
4. Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
5. Take no thought for what you will eat, drink, or wear.
6. The gentiles seek after these things – your Father knows you need them and He will take care of them.

 

3. Where your treasure is, your heart will be also:
4. Put God’s Kingdom first with your treasure.
5. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Verses 19-21)
6. You can’t serve God AND mammon.
7. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Verse 24)

 

4. Our vision for members of the River at Tampa Bay:
5. That the Lord would bless you, increase you, and multiply you.
6. Psalms 115:13-16 KJV – “He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.”
7. Almighty God – El Shaddai – more than enough.
8. Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.

 

5. That the Lord would raise up 100 millionaires to fund the end-time harvest:
6. If you were blessed with $10 million – could you give the Lord anywhere from $1 to $3 million?
7. It is time for God’s blessings and prosperity to come to His people, who love His kingdom.
8. Business – entrepreneurs.
9. Companies – inventions – goods and services.

 

6. It is time:

a. We pray for supernatural wisdom in your life, and supernatural increase and breakthroughs, in Jesus’ mighty name.

1. Grace can save the world.

Genesis 6:8 AMP – But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV – For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

2. Grace can give one all good things.

Psalms 84:11 NKJV – For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.

3. Grace can bring men to repentance.

Zechariah 12:10 AMP – And I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace or unmerited favor and supplication. And they shall look [earnestly] upon Me Whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him as one who is in bitterness for his firstborn.

4. Grace can impart great blessings.

Acts 4:33 AMP – And with great strength and ability and power the apostles delivered their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace (loving-kindness and favor and goodwill) rested richly upon them all.

5. Grace can bring salvation.

Titus 2:11-12 AMP – For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. 12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world.

Ephesians 2:4-10 NKJV – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

6. Grace can impart faith.

Acts 18:27 NKJV – And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.

7. Grace can justify.

Romans 3:24-25 NKJV – Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.

Titus 3:7 NKJV – That having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8. Grace can overcome sin.

Romans 5:20 NKJV – Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

9. Grace can reign in life if permitted.

Romans 5:21 NKJV – So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

10. Grace can make one God’s elect.

Romans 11:5-6 NKJV – Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

11. Grace can give boldness.

Romans 15:15 NKJV – Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God.

12. Grace can make the unclean, clean.

1 Corinthians 10:29-31 KJV – Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

13. Grace can give power.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NKJV – But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…Psalms 33:12a

The nation who honors God as their God – God of that nation – is a blessed and happy nation. Conversely, the nation who will not recognize God and who dishonors Him is a nation who has a curse on it and its people. People tend to blame the leadership of their nation for all the problems of their nation – and indeed the leadership is responsible before God – but it is the people who choose the leadership! If the people are submitted to God, they will choose leadership who honor God. However, if they are rebellious against God and they elect those who are just like them, then all the people will suffer.

When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but when the ruler is a man of discernment, understanding, and knowledge, its stability will long continue. Proverbs 28:2 AMP

When the people sin against God their nation will be very unstable. We can see that in all the nations of the world. Every one of them is being rocked to the foundations. There are wars and rumors of wars, there is economic collapse, immorality is the order of the day, people openly worship their pagan gods, the family has broken down, children are abused and neglected, covetousness and greed are tolerated and even encouraged, crime is rampant, slavery is increasing, peoples’ safety is threatened, and – worst of all – the Church is lukewarm and compromised and even ice cold in some instances. However, when the people repent and turn to God, they will not tolerate an evil ruler, but they will install a wise and godly leader who honors God – then he will bring peace and stability to the entire nation.

When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. Proverbs 29:2 AMP

When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall see the fall of the wicked. Proverbs 29:16 AMP

The only way to change a nation is to have a revival in the Church that leads to a Great Awakening in the nation. 1 Peter 4:17 says, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” If the Church is not fully submitted to God and His Word, then how can they expect the world to do what is right?

The Church spends too much time telling the world what they should be doing, instead of doing it themselves. We must lead by example. Many Christians think that they will win the favor of the sinners if they compromise, but it never works out that way. The sinners despise compromised Christians. Sure, they’ll encourage a Christian to sin, but they will secretly despise his weakness in their hearts. Christians compromise for two reasons – either to avoid persecution or to win the world’s favor – but they will accomplish neither. It would be better to be on fire for God and persecuted, than compromise and lose your credibility.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” The responsibility of leadership has been put onto the Church – the Body of Christ – who are to be completely submitted to the will of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The reason that the Christians are not in leadership is because they’ve believed the devil’s lie that they are to allow the worldly to rule. However, this is contrary to the Word of God. God says that when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh, but when the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice!

Notice that it says that things go well when the uncompromisingly righteous rule. Notice that it doesn’t say the compromising, sometimes righteous person will be a great leader – it says that the uncompromised person is what the nation needs. One of the most difficult jobs in the world is to be a godly leader. It seems as if all hell is let loose on you, but you can’t afford to give in or give up. If you stand strong on your godly principles and if you do right, you can expect God to come through for you and to promote you.

By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. Proverbs 29:4 NIV

Covetousness will destroy an individual, a family, a business, a church and a nation! When someone makes decisions based on the money, when someone can be bribed, they are already under the sway of the enemy and it’s only a matter of time before the whole thing collapses and is destroyed. 1 Timothy 6:10 says that, “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days. Proverbs 28:15-16 AMP

A ruler who hates covetousness and refuses to be bought seems to be a rare commodity these days. Way too many of those in leadership allow themselves to be bought by the highest bidder. Their job is to be fair to ALL the people and not to show special favor to those who line their pockets. Once you accept a bribe, you lose your freedom and your independence; you no longer have any autonomy. You can no longer judge fairly or impartially and the people are the ones who will suffer. God will judge all those who take bribes and who allow evil men to prosper and oppress the poor and the weak – those who cannot defend themselves.

It’s time for the Church to submit to God and resist the devil. It’s time for the Church to take responsibility to lead in the nation! That is the only way to bring back the blessing of God to the nation.

The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously. Proverbs 29:14 AMP

Abraham brought the tithe to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God:

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. Genesis 14:18-20 NKJV

The word “tithe” literally means “a tenth”. Abraham brought his tithe to God through Melchizedek long before the Law was instituted. Through the ages, paying tithes is not a matter of Law, but a matter of FAITH and COVENANT!

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. Hebrews 7:1-10 NKJV

Jesus is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek:

Where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:20 NKJV

Abraham brought tithes to God through Melchizedek – a type and shadow of Jesus, our High Priest. When we bring our tithe in faith and obedience, we are bringing it – not to man – but to Jesus, Himself.

Jacob considered the tithe a just return for all of God’s blessings:

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. 22 And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Genesis 28:20-22 NKJV

Before the Law was given, Jacob promised God that he would give Him a tenth of all that with which God would bless him. The order is this: first we receive the blessing of God, and then we give back to Him the tenth that is due Him of ALL He has given to us.

The Tithe belongs (is holy) to the Lord:

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:30 NKJV

And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord. Leviticus 27:32 NKJV

If the tithe belongs to God, then we have no business keeping it one day longer than we ought. If you have any respect for God and His word, then the moment your harvest (income) comes in, you will set it aside to bring to the Lord the very next time you go to church. When the Israelites brought the tithe to the temple, they were to speak a confession over it – that it was truly the tithe of their income and that it had been handled, according to God’s word, like a holy thing.

Tithe on ALL that God has given you:

You shall surely tithe all the yield of your seed produced by your field each year. Deuteronomy 14:22 AMP

Then there will be the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. There you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, and all your choice offerings which you vow to the Lord. Deuteronomy 12:11 NKJV

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10 NKJV

Since tithe means tenth – we are to bring the whole tenth of our income to God. We don’t tithe off of our leftovers, but off of the top. God knows when we bring Him the tithe or if we bring Him less. He is the source of our blessing and the one to whom we are accountable. Why would we even want to cheat God, when we know that we will be the only ones cheated (of a blessing). We bring our whole tithe because we love and honor our Father God and because we are both grateful for all He has provided and expectant for all that He will do to provide for and bless us in the future.

See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Feel and handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have. Luke 24:39 AMP

14. Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them (Luke 24:36; John 20:19). They thought it was a spirit (Luke 24:37), but Jesus assured them that it was not a spirit. It was His own body – the same one that had been with them for years (Luke 24:39-43).

15. It was necessary for Christ to be crucified and to rise from the dead (Luke 24:46). The same body that was crucified was raised from the dead.

Luke 24:46 AMP – And said to them, Thus it is written that the Christ (the Messiah) should suffer and on the third day rise from (among) the dead

16. Jesus – His body, not just His spirit – was taken up into heaven (Luke 24:50-51). He lifted His (physical) hands. If He was not merely a spirit, as He had said (Luke 24:37-43), then it was His body that went up.

Luke 24:50-51 AMP – Then He conducted them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up His hands, He invoked a blessing on them. 51 And it occurred that while He was blessing them, He parted from them and was taken up into heaven.

17. They thought that someone took the Lord out of the sepulcher, because they did not yet know the Scripture, that He must rise from the dead (John 20:2; 9).

John 20:2 AMP – So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus [tenderly] loved, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him!

John 20:8-9 AMP – Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, went in too; and he saw and was convinced and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know (understand) the statement of Scripture that He must rise again from the dead.

His “missing” body made no less than twelve appearances to hundreds of witnesses (John 21:14).

John 21:14 AMP – This was now the third time that Jesus revealed Himself (appeared, was manifest) to the disciples after He had risen from the dead.

It was not taken away. It was resurrected and is alive today at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 12:2).

Hebrews 1:3 AMP – He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high

Hebrews 12:2 NKJV – Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

18. Thomas said: Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe. Eight days later, Thomas had the opportunity, proving His body was literally resurrected (John 20:25-29; Luke 24:37-43).

John 20:25-29 NKJV – The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

19. In all previous resurrections the bodies were made alive again, not the souls. Elijah raised from the dead the son of the widow from Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24). Elisha raised from the dead the son of the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:18-37). A dead man was resurrected when his body was placed in Elisha’s tomb and touched his bones (2 Kings 13:21). Jesus raised Lazarus bodily from the dead (John 11:1-44).

To argue that Christ’s body is the only one never to be resurrected is extreme rebellion, for so many scriptures say it was raised (Acts 2:31; Acts 4:33; Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 3:21; etc.).

Acts 2:31 NKJV – He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

Acts 4:33 NKJV – And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Romans 1:3-4 NKJV – Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

20. Jesus will bear the wounds in His body in eternity.

Zechariah 13:6 NKJV – And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’

21. He was buried and He arose again (1 Cor. 15:1-58). In this passage it is clear that anyone who does not believe in the physical resurrection of Christ will be lost.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NKJV – For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:20 NKJV – But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.