Shalom,
We looked at God's will for our prosperity in previous posts. If you've meditated on those verses, then you are ready to learn more about God's financial plan! It's an unfailing plan! The first place we will look is in Leviticus:
Lev 27:30 (KJV)
30 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 unto the Lord.
The word "tithe" is the Hebrew word, ma`aser, which means: a tenth or a tenth part. Or we could say 10%. The word "holy" is the Hebrew word, qodesh, which means consecrated, dedicated, separated. It actually means something that is set apart from the world and set apart unto God.
This is how God Himself looks at the tithe, or the first 10% of our income, which actually all comes from Him in the first place! Remember from a previous post that we saw that all of the silver, gold and even the cattle on a 1000 hills all belong to God! In fact, the entire earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof:
1 Cor 10:26 (AMP)
26 For the [whole] earth is the Lord's and everything that is in it.
God Himself owns it all, allows us to be blessed with some of it and only requires that we return 10% of that to Him. He then turns around and uses it to provide for OUR spiritual growth with it! It's an amazing and fool proof plan that we will look at further in our next post. In the meantime, meditate on these verses until you are convinced that the tithe belongs to God. Then you will be in position to learn HOW to properly present your tithe and how to stand on the promises that belong to the tither!
Shalom in Him!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Shalom,
We've been looking at God's economic system and His plan for financial prosperity. Remember that "prosperity" means: the condition of being successful or thriving. That's according to Merriam-Webster online dictionary. We like to say: being in control (as opposed to being under the control of someone else)! We see in this verse that God Himself wants us to prosper:
3 John 2 (KJV)
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
The Amplified Bible says this:
3 John 2 (AMP)
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.
It is God's perfect will that we be in control and doing well in every area of our lives. That doesn't mean "rolling in dough" and it doesn't rule it out, either! Don't let anyone keep you from finding out all that God has for you in His Word. And then, when you find it out, don't let anyone or anything keep you from having it and living in it! God is very pleased when His people, who are called by his Name, represent Him well in this lifetime!
We'll look at more of God's Word concerning our finances in the next post. In the meantime, meditate on this verse and allow the Holy Spirit to cause it to become very real to you! Then you'll be ready for the next step!
Shalom in Him!
We've been looking at God's economic system and His plan for financial prosperity. Remember that "prosperity" means: the condition of being successful or thriving. That's according to Merriam-Webster online dictionary. We like to say: being in control (as opposed to being under the control of someone else)! We see in this verse that God Himself wants us to prosper:
3 John 2 (KJV)
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
The Amplified Bible says this:
3 John 2 (AMP)
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.
It is God's perfect will that we be in control and doing well in every area of our lives. That doesn't mean "rolling in dough" and it doesn't rule it out, either! Don't let anyone keep you from finding out all that God has for you in His Word. And then, when you find it out, don't let anyone or anything keep you from having it and living in it! God is very pleased when His people, who are called by his Name, represent Him well in this lifetime!
We'll look at more of God's Word concerning our finances in the next post. In the meantime, meditate on this verse and allow the Holy Spirit to cause it to become very real to you! Then you'll be ready for the next step!
Shalom in Him!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Shalom,
We're going to look at God's plan for financial prosperity in the next few posts. As believers, we should never be moved by what the economy of our nation looks like, or the economy of the world. God's economy operates on a much higher level! We'll start here:
Matt 6:25-30 (AMP)
25 Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? [Ps 39:5-7.]
28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.
29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [1 Kings 10:4-7.]
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Our Heavenly Father does NOT want us worrying like the rest of the world does about all of these things! He wants our faith, trust and confidence to be in HIM! When we do things His way, than we can have confidence that we will have His results! That's what I want! So what are some of His ways? Let's look at this:
Luke 6:38 (KJV)
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Giving is God's nature. Remember that: "God so loved that he gave..."! When we give, we look like Him! Just as important as the giving, though, is the attitude we have when we give:
2 Cor 9:6-7 (AMP)
6 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.
7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].
That's the attitude we need to have! We give because our Father LOVES giving! We give so that blessings will come to someone! Giving takes our minds off of our own situation and allows God to move!
We'll look more at this in the next post. In the meantime, develop a giving attitude. God will be pleased and you will realize what a blessing it is to meet someone's need! Glory to God!
Shalom in Him!
We're going to look at God's plan for financial prosperity in the next few posts. As believers, we should never be moved by what the economy of our nation looks like, or the economy of the world. God's economy operates on a much higher level! We'll start here:
Matt 6:25-30 (AMP)
25 Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? [Ps 39:5-7.]
28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.
29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [1 Kings 10:4-7.]
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Our Heavenly Father does NOT want us worrying like the rest of the world does about all of these things! He wants our faith, trust and confidence to be in HIM! When we do things His way, than we can have confidence that we will have His results! That's what I want! So what are some of His ways? Let's look at this:
Luke 6:38 (KJV)
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Giving is God's nature. Remember that: "God so loved that he gave..."! When we give, we look like Him! Just as important as the giving, though, is the attitude we have when we give:
2 Cor 9:6-7 (AMP)
6 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.
7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].
That's the attitude we need to have! We give because our Father LOVES giving! We give so that blessings will come to someone! Giving takes our minds off of our own situation and allows God to move!
We'll look more at this in the next post. In the meantime, develop a giving attitude. God will be pleased and you will realize what a blessing it is to meet someone's need! Glory to God!
Shalom in Him!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Shalom,
I want to encourage you as a believer in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, not to be moved by the present state of the U.S. economy. God's economy is far different and is based on more real worth! After all, He OWNS it all! Just look here:
Ps 50:10 (KJV)
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Hag 2:8 (KJV)
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
He owns it all and he has hidden in His Word the way for us to have every need met and more than enough to help meet the needs of others! In the next few posts we will go over some of these things. In the meantime remember this:
Ps 37:25 (KJV)
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
The word "forsaken" used here is the Hebrew word, `azab, which means: to leave, to neglect or to leave destitute. What a wonderful promise! And the word, "righteous" is the Hebrew Word, tsaddiyq, which means: justified and vindicated by God! When you received Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, you were MADE righteous! You now have the right to these promises of God for YOUR life! So encourage yourself in the Lord and His Word! He has great plans for you!
Shalom in Him!
I want to encourage you as a believer in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, not to be moved by the present state of the U.S. economy. God's economy is far different and is based on more real worth! After all, He OWNS it all! Just look here:
Ps 50:10 (KJV)
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Hag 2:8 (KJV)
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
He owns it all and he has hidden in His Word the way for us to have every need met and more than enough to help meet the needs of others! In the next few posts we will go over some of these things. In the meantime remember this:
Ps 37:25 (KJV)
25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
The word "forsaken" used here is the Hebrew word, `azab, which means: to leave, to neglect or to leave destitute. What a wonderful promise! And the word, "righteous" is the Hebrew Word, tsaddiyq, which means: justified and vindicated by God! When you received Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour, you were MADE righteous! You now have the right to these promises of God for YOUR life! So encourage yourself in the Lord and His Word! He has great plans for you!
Shalom in Him!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Shalom,
The Scriptures I want to share with you today are from the Book of Psalms. The Psalms (Hebrew : TeHillim=Praises) are a living testimony of God's people as a nation (Israel) and as individuals. They reflect the hardships and struggles of life, and how the people conquered despair through faith in the living God. We find a reference to that concerning David:
1 Sam 30:6 (KJV)
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
I believe that David used the Psalms to remind himself of the faithfulness of God to His people and His promises. Today we want to look at :
Ps 103:1-5 (KJV)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Amplified Bible gives a clearer picture of these verses:
Psalm 103[A Psalm] of David.
1 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!2Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--3Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,4Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;5Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
He IS the God who has done all of these things for you! As you study and meditate on the Word of God, you will begin to realize all that the Lord has provided for you. When that becomes REAL to you, you won't be able to stop the praises from flowing!
Have a great, blessed day filled with praises of thanksgiving for Who He is and for all He's done!
Shalom in Him!
The Scriptures I want to share with you today are from the Book of Psalms. The Psalms (Hebrew : TeHillim=Praises) are a living testimony of God's people as a nation (Israel) and as individuals. They reflect the hardships and struggles of life, and how the people conquered despair through faith in the living God. We find a reference to that concerning David:
1 Sam 30:6 (KJV)
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
I believe that David used the Psalms to remind himself of the faithfulness of God to His people and His promises. Today we want to look at :
Ps 103:1-5 (KJV)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Amplified Bible gives a clearer picture of these verses:
Psalm 103[A Psalm] of David.
1 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!2Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--3Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,4Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;5Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
He IS the God who has done all of these things for you! As you study and meditate on the Word of God, you will begin to realize all that the Lord has provided for you. When that becomes REAL to you, you won't be able to stop the praises from flowing!
Have a great, blessed day filled with praises of thanksgiving for Who He is and for all He's done!
Shalom in Him!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Shalom,
It's hard to believe that I began this blog almost 1 1/2 years ago! My Pastor advised me to bring back some of the previous posts so I am going to be doing that in the coming days. Here is a repost of the very first one on this Truth blog:
Shalom!
By way of explanation, I want to share with you something that a precious sister in the Lord posted on her blog a few months ago:
The meaning of the word "Shalom"By David Silver
The Hebrew word SHALOM is understood around the world to mean peace. But peace is only one small part of the meaning of the word SHALOM. Here in Israel, even though we don't have much in the way of peace, we use the word SHALOM on a daily basis. We use it to greet people with, and we use it to bid farewell to people. However, SHALOM means much more than peace, hello or goodbye.
Strong's Concordance 7965 - Hebrew Shalom ..... A word study in the New King James version for SHALOM says: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.
Shalom comes from the root verb Shalam meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.
Sar SHALOM (Prince of Peace) is one of the descriptive names the Bible uses to indicate the ministry and personality of the Messiah: Isaiah 9:6 - The Son of God is completely perfect in all things.
So in essence, when you speak out the word SHALOM - you are not only proclaiming peace, but all the above meanings of the word over that person - that's a mighty blessing!!!
Remember what the word of God says - "there is life or death in the power of the tongue".
We recently heard someone on a Christian TV program say: "No wonder the Jewish people are so blessed, because every time they say Shalom to one another, they are also allowing the full meaning (see above) of SHALOM to be pronounced over them. He humorously proceeded to say that this greeting word would be much more beneficial to the American people if they greeted each other with SHALOM instead of their usual "Hi" or "Howdy" greeting. As Josie and I adapted to life in Israel, we adapted to the SHALOM habit over the "Hi" habit....As Messianic Jews, we are called to bless you and we take that very seriously, by praying for you and by greeting you with SHALOM. Therefore, from now on, when we or someone says SHALOM to you, you should receive it as a tremendous blessing. And bless them back with a hearty SHALOM!
Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His face upon you and give you SHALOM. In the name of SAR SHALOM - the Prince of Peace.
(The above was borrowed from OUT of ZION Ministries.)
So say Shalom to everyone you want to bless today! You will really be a blessing to them!
Shalom in Him!
It's hard to believe that I began this blog almost 1 1/2 years ago! My Pastor advised me to bring back some of the previous posts so I am going to be doing that in the coming days. Here is a repost of the very first one on this Truth blog:
Shalom!
By way of explanation, I want to share with you something that a precious sister in the Lord posted on her blog a few months ago:
The meaning of the word "Shalom"By David Silver
The Hebrew word SHALOM is understood around the world to mean peace. But peace is only one small part of the meaning of the word SHALOM. Here in Israel, even though we don't have much in the way of peace, we use the word SHALOM on a daily basis. We use it to greet people with, and we use it to bid farewell to people. However, SHALOM means much more than peace, hello or goodbye.
Strong's Concordance 7965 - Hebrew Shalom ..... A word study in the New King James version for SHALOM says: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.
Shalom comes from the root verb Shalam meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.
Sar SHALOM (Prince of Peace) is one of the descriptive names the Bible uses to indicate the ministry and personality of the Messiah: Isaiah 9:6 - The Son of God is completely perfect in all things.
So in essence, when you speak out the word SHALOM - you are not only proclaiming peace, but all the above meanings of the word over that person - that's a mighty blessing!!!
Remember what the word of God says - "there is life or death in the power of the tongue".
We recently heard someone on a Christian TV program say: "No wonder the Jewish people are so blessed, because every time they say Shalom to one another, they are also allowing the full meaning (see above) of SHALOM to be pronounced over them. He humorously proceeded to say that this greeting word would be much more beneficial to the American people if they greeted each other with SHALOM instead of their usual "Hi" or "Howdy" greeting. As Josie and I adapted to life in Israel, we adapted to the SHALOM habit over the "Hi" habit....As Messianic Jews, we are called to bless you and we take that very seriously, by praying for you and by greeting you with SHALOM. Therefore, from now on, when we or someone says SHALOM to you, you should receive it as a tremendous blessing. And bless them back with a hearty SHALOM!
Numbers 6:24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His face upon you and give you SHALOM. In the name of SAR SHALOM - the Prince of Peace.
(The above was borrowed from OUT of ZION Ministries.)
So say Shalom to everyone you want to bless today! You will really be a blessing to them!
Shalom in Him!
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