2 knoweldge areas to help you bear fruit in your Christian life
Jesus attested to the fact that bearing fruit is an essential part of our lives, and when we do not bear fruit it is not reflective of the nature of God, or how our lives should be as children of light. In Matthew 5:16 NIV he said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
How to bear fruit in your relationship with God
In your life, God wants to help you produce results and continue to bear fruit. He wants to show you more about your life than you probably dream of now and for your future. One such way is through his speaking to you and through tangible results that He helps you to produce in your life.
The Biblical financial principles that are hidden in Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
The Word of God is filled with wisdom guiding us on the various aspects of life, which include finances. One thing is for sure, you can never be wealthy off a paycheck alone. This is why God gives us these amazing kingdom principles from the book of Ecclesiastes, that can help individuals achieve prosperity. In this post, we will explore these financial principles in the bible that are hidden in Ecclesiastes 11:1-6. Biblical financial principles for wealth and abundanceFinancial Principle 1: SavingFinancial Principle 2: InvestingFinancial Principle 3: UpskillingFinancial Principle 4: Leaving a legacyFinancial Principle 5: Taking risksFinancial Principle 6: Trusting in GodFinancial Principle 7: Working hard Financial Principle 1: Saving ‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:1. This bible verse teaches us the power of saving. Whilst bread is made for eating, similarly with money, sometimes sacrifices can be made to store it up for it to be available for later use. In this century, with many people in some developed countries plagued with debt, this may seem like an insourmantble endevour. However, getting into debt is slavery, as the bible says in Proverbs 22:7. Financial Principle 2: Investing ‘Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:2. The economies of this world are unpredictable. However, it is wise to invest in multiple sources of income so that you have a fallback in times of crisis. Yes, having multiple sources of income is a biblical principle of wealth, not just a trend. When we understand and apply our God-given gifts in the areas of finances, we are setting ourselves up for wealth and abundance as the bible explains in Proverbs 18.21 A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. Take the parable of the talents for example. Their master went on a journey and entrusts his property to his servants. He gives five talents to one servant, two talents to another, and one talent to a third, each according to their ability. Upon the master’s return, the servants who received five and two talents have doubled their amounts through trading and are rewarded. The servant who received one talent, however, buried it out of fear and returned only what he was given. The master rebukes this servant for his laziness and takes away the one talent, giving it to the servant who has ten. This is the same expectation that God has for us even with our gifts. There was a reward for each of those who invested and got double for their investment. A great place to start is undersatnding time-tested biblical principles of investing. Financial Principle 3: Upskilling ‘If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth’ Ecclesiastes 11:3a. Seek to become a person of value in whatever pursuit you endeavor in. That way when you offer that value and solutions to people`s problems, your income will increase. Many unbelievers understand this. When you strive for mastery in an area of passion and gifting, the value you have built is sought after, and highly priced. Financial Principle 4: Leaving a legacy ‘And if the tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:3b Wealth acquired through get-rich schemes will soon fade. Instead, a man who seeks to leave a legacy living out god’s purpose for His life will prosper. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,” as stated in Proverbs 13:22. This verse emphasizes the virtue of providing and planning for future generations, ensuring that one’s legacy benefits not just their immediate offspring but also generations to come. With this instruction in mind, one can start to build systems and business that are bigger themselves. Implementing God sized ideas, that are backed up by the Holy Spirit. Financial Principle 5: Taking risks ‘He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:4 This is a very interesting financial principle that very few people really action on. As you may have observed, no man ever made substantial progress or great exploits by staying in their comfort zone. If you want to make great strides in life, you have to take risks. Every great man I have known that ever lived has taken a risk, one way or the other. Financial Principle 6: Trusting in God ‘As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:5 This verse highlights the mystery and incomprehensibility of God’s works and the natural processes He orchestrates, emphasizing human limitations in understanding the intricacies of life. Whilst this is a rare but simple principle, that many do not seem to understand, trusting God in your financial decisions can make or break you. At the core of trusting God is an understanding of the limitations of man. The Bible tells us to ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. Our own understanding can be skewed, corrupt, and lead to death Proverbs 14:12. Financial Principle 7: Working hard ‘In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. ‘ Ecclesiastes 11:6 Whilst this verse encourages continuous effort and productivity throughout the day, it is also very symbolic. The terms “morning” and “evening” symbolize different times and opportunities in life, suggesting that one should take advantage of every moment to work towards their God-given vision. Again, verse 6 highlights the uncertainty of outcomes and seasons and acknowledges how unpredictable the outcome of
14 bible verses about finances (that can help triple your income)
If God did not want his children to succeed, prosper or be wealthy, why would He give men bible verses about finances, money, and prosperity in His word? Many believers try and shy away from issues to do with money, with their reasoning based on 1 Timothy 6:10. Just like most scripture has been misinterpreted, this verse talks about the ‘love’ of money, and not money itself as the root of all evil. The Bible tells us that the children of this world are wiser Luke 16:8. How come this is so when having Jesus Christ on your side is the greatest advantage known to men? This is because they understand biblical laws and systems and apply them better than the children of light. This is why many in the world prosper, yet people in the church and believers struggle. Laws are not exempt from whom they can benefit. If they are applied correctly, anyone can benefit from them. The Bible contains many teachings about money and finances. From the principles of stewardship and generosity to the dangers of greed and materialism, the Bible offers a wealth of guidance for those seeking to manage their finances wisely. In this post, we will explore 11 Bible verses about finances that can help you triple your income. There are key elements that account for financial breakthroughs and success that the world teaches but have been adopted from the bible. Bible verses about finances when understood and actioned on can bring great success for believers. Here are some bible verses about finances and money that you too can start applying today. Bible verses about finances and moneyHonor the Lord with your wealthBring the full tithe into the storehouseWealth gained hastily will dwindleThe borrower is slave to the lenderA faithful man will abound with blessingsTrust in the Lord with all your heartFor the love of money is a root of all kinds of evilsGive, and it will be given to youWhoever brings blessing will be enrichedHe who loves money will not be satisfied with moneyMy God will supply every need of yoursBe fruitful, and multiplyA man’s gift makes room for himMind your own business and work with your hands Honor the Lord with your wealth In Proverbs 3:9-10, we read, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” This verse teaches us that we should give the first and best of what we have to God. When we honor God with our finances, He blesses us with even more. This verse has been misconstrued making people believe God wants to leave one broke. That is clearly not the case. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Tithing is a powerful way to honor God with our finances and to trust in His provision. When we give generously, God promises to bless us in return. Tithing has more to do with obedience rather than money itself. There are many debates about whether a Christian should tithe as there isn’t much mention of tithing in the New Testament. However, the Bible does tell us that God has exalted His word above His name, and tithing is the security our money needs that no economic crash can destroy. Wealth gained hastily will dwindle Proverbs 13:11 tells us, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” With more and more get-rich-quick schemes and more content on how to make money online fast, it is a great temptation to want to ride the wave. True wealth is built over time through diligence and hard work. If we try to get rich quick, we are likely to lose what we have gained just as quickly. Wealth is built off biblical principles, and those who understand those principles are able to rebuild their wealth even after losing it. The borrower is slave to the lender Proverbs 22:7 warns us, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 reminds us of the dangers of debt. Debt will enslave you. Good debt is Satan’s way of encouraging you to borrow. If you want to be prosperous God’s way, you do things God’s way, and that is living a debt free life. When we owe money to others, we are no longer in control of our finances. Instead, we become slaves to our lenders. This verse echoes the scripture in Romans which says ‘Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. ‘ Romans 13:8 This is what is expected of believers. A faithful man will abound with blessings Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” This verse reminds us that we should be patient and faithful in our financial pursuits. When we seek wealth at any cost, we are likely to experience negative consequences. Everything we do has consequences. It is important that we understand that becoming wealthy is not just a result of witty ideas and hard work. Relationships, and faithful stewardship of what we have helps grow our wealth Trust in the Lord with all your heart Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” We are reminded here to trust in God’s wisdom and guidance when it comes to our finances. When we acknowledge God in all our ways, He directs
Living a life of triumph in Christ
Whenever you think about triumph in life, this is something that only happens after one has overcome something that opposes progress in life. After Adam and Eve sinned against God and were banished from the garden of Eden, life became difficult for mankind, Genesis 3:1-6. It became so difficult that God chose to send us a saviour through Jesus Christ, to restore our once close relationship with God. And this he intended to do for all mankind to be saved from the tragedies of life. This was not the only thing that happened to us as a gift from God. After Jesus came and died for our sins and resurrected. He conquered the grave so that we would also conquer in life. God never intended for our lives to be difficult, but that we could begin to enjoy a relationship with Him and in Him, starting here on earth. Despite the fall of mankind, Jesus overcame the cross, and we overcame with Him and this is why in this life we can overcome all things because the one who lives in us also did. “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15 NIV The word of God assures us that the Christian life is a triumphant life. Even when you don’t see it or when it does not always look like it in certain situations and circumstances, your life in Christ is a triumphal procession. 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV states it emphatically; “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” What does triumph in life mean for God’s children? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines triumph as: 1. a victory or conquest by or as if by military force, 2. a notable success the party was a triumph, and 3. The joy or exultation of victory or success Therefore when the word says, always and in every place it means all the time and in all situations. In physical places, geographical places, social places, emotional places, and even the spiritual realms we triumph in Christ. We do not pray as though we need to triumph, but we should hold a conscious effort that it is one of the benefits of being in Christ. Problems gravitate towards their solution. You wield the solution over challenges in life that will come from many places. However, there are three different sources where challenges can come from: 1. The world. 2. Our flesh.3. The devil. Challenges can come from the world because we are in this world as Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Despite the troubles of the world, we are encouraged to take heart because He overcame this world for us. in light of this we triumph always and in every place. In another place in the bible, we are assured of overwhelming victory because of Jesus Christ in our lives. “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:37-38 Our flesh can be a hindrance to us allowing the Holy Spirit to flow in and through us easily such that we may experience the greatness of God’s power as we do our God-given assignments. It can stop us from sharing the word of God, the fragrance of His Knowledge, which is stated in 2 Corinthians 2:14. This is the reason why the word of God teaches us how to fast, in order that we may put the flesh under subjection. 1 Corinthians 9:27. Challenges from the flesh will not work if we believe and hold thought to the victory we have obtained through Christ, and that we continue to obtain each and every day. We are told to have no confidence in the flesh Philippians 3:1-4 NIV but to always know that by the spirit that is how we continue to obtain victory each day. The flesh was crucified on the cross with Jesus, and now, For in him we live, and move, and have our being… Acts 17:28. Thank God the devil is defeated, because a major part of the challenges in this world came through his temptations on Eve in the garden of Eden, to go against the ways of God. We should never be afraid of the devil. He is defeated. Jesus told us to cast out devils and to resist him and he will flea from us. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:17-18 We have the authority to do this because Jesus Christ gave us the authority that He had from heaven and left it with us so that our life would be a continuous life of triumph, read Matthew 28. The next time you pray, fast, declare God’s word against circumstances, understand that being in Christ gives us victory over the devil and his schemes also. God Bless Further study: What truly happened at the fall of man? Book to read: The Power Of The Word Of God: His word prospers delivers, heals, and blesses.
Money is Spiritual
Never declare that what you have is small or not enough. Money is spiritual; it’s not that coin or note in your pocket, wallet or bank account.
Biblical giving: Your best insurance against any economic crisis
Biblical giving is a principle that never fails. The word of God is replete with teachings on the power of giving. And you can’t go wrong when you are a faithful giver. Not only in church, but rather in the kingdom of God. That is to say in life! If you are one reading this you could actually take this seriously for the rest of your life, because this is something I’ve only shared with a few people before. I remember a time when I started supporting the poor. It was through an invite by Pastor “Tony” Campolo in church. Some of you would know who this is. For those who don’t. Anthony “Tony” Campolo is an American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker, and former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. He is a great speaker, and renowned minister of the word of God. Very entertaining or should I say charismatic preacher too! I had attended a church service at Riverview church in Perth Western Australia and during his sermon, he exhorted us to give part of our income for the sake of supporting 1 child in need in some poverty-stricken area in the world. This was to be done through the charity organization World Vision. It was only AUD$48 per child per month at the time, and frankly, I could afford it. My income was quite enough back then to be able to support a child so I jumped in for the opportunity and from that point I gave consistently to World Vision in support of a child in hunger-struck areas. I was still a student at university back in those days, and a student at the things of God. I believe the year was 2013. A bad mistake A few years down the line towards the end of 2015, I was contemplating cutting off some expenses and going lean on my budgets and one of those would be this faithful act of giving that I had been led to be a part of. Little did I know that I had literally opened an insurance account with God when I started giving so faithfully, especially giving to the poor. So I contemplated cutting it off, but I had no justifiable reason, why I was cutting it off, as I was still working, had income and I was simply thinking of holding back. Of course, there are times in life when seasons, can change and budgets or rather financial plans need to change. So that was one of those seasons for me. But as I continued to brood over the idea of stopping it, I remember hearing a strong voice from the Lord one morning after I had just woke up saying, “don’t cut it off, partner with them”. This was counterintuitive, so I only allowed the voice to last for the moment, safe to say I ended up cutting it off. This was a bad idea because by this act I cut off God’s divine insurance over my life. And fast forward from that time, things went downwards, and so did other decisions I made thereafter, it was like an avalanche of mistakes. Finances became fairly tight. But that’s because I had not realised what I had done at the time nor did I know it to be divine insurance back then until a later revelation from God. To me, it was simply a change of financial plans. I shared this long story to say, never stop giving. When you give you have opened divine insurance over your life. This insurance protects you from a lot of things that you will encounter when an economy goes bad, when people get retrenched at work, or when some bad luck suddenly wants to knock at your neighbor’s door and is coming to yours too Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 says, “Give a portion to seven and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.” What biblical giving can do for you! Success in the kingdom of God is predictable. When you apply the principles of faithful giving (or as some call it, partnership), you will be protected from the plans of the devil. Your giving will fight on your behalf. This is a spiritual concept that I cannot explain fully to your mind until you experience it yourself. The word of God explains it in Psalm 112: 9-10 KJV. It says: “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth forever; his horn shall be exalted with honor. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.” The text talks about a faithful giver. When you are a faithful giver, you’ll outlast the evil attacks that try to come against your finances. They will not succeed at all. But when you cut it off you’ll be susceptible to them. On the other hand, God not only uses your insurance account to protect you but also to bless you. He will begin to build certain areas of your life supernaturally. He will build and protect what he has blessed you with, as you give faithfully in partnership with what God cares about. So many people are criticizing, prosperity in God, and also attacking churches that invite people to give in to their ministry for the sake of the gospel. Don’t be among those who criticize giving, or divine prosperity, but understand the principle, and don’t give out of emotion, but understanding. This stuff is real! How to set up a divine insurance So what do you do to start setting up a divine insurance account if you haven’t done this before, or if you have cut it off like I did before. Pay your tithe, 10% of your income Support the poor, maybe through a church mission or charity with a consistent amount each month, and Work hard with your mind and hands. Do these faithfully, and watch what
Use your creative abilities
The number one secret to a prosperous life lies in your creative abilities. When God created you and formed you He had one goal in mind, that you would be fruitful and multiply, you would replenish the earth and take dominion over your surroundings Genesis 1:26.
Wait on God for your divine promotion
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
The Christian life and intimacy with the Holy Spirit
The Christian life is a life lived with the help of the Holy Spirit. Christianity means to have Jesus Christ in you. The Christian life is the new life of the human being who has been born again, through the power of the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
