EXTENDING THE KINGDOM

In recent years, there has been much teaching about finances that was self-centered and

resulted in people being more concerned about getting their own selfish desires met than

about doing the work of God. Some believers spend more time working to build up their

bank accounts, enjoying the pleasures of this world, and acquiring material possessions

than they do in extending the Kingdom of God.

Instead of setting their affections on things above (Colossians 3:2) and laying up

treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), some believers are busy accumulating the wealth of

this world for their own selfish purposes. They are not satisfied with having their needs

met, nor are they content with what they have. They are constantly seeking more wealth

and material possessions. Jesus warned His disciples:

...Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness-the immoderate desire

for wealth, the greedy longing to have more; for a man's life does not consist and

is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance, or that which is over and

above his needs. (Luke 12:15, AMP)

Many believers have put confidence in their bank accounts, paychecks, and financial

investments instead of depending on God. Jesus warned those in Laodicea who were

trusting in worldly riches:

... because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My

mouth! For you say, I am rich, I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in

need of nothing; and do not realize and understand that you are wretched,

pitiable, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:16-17, AMP)

Because of so much errant teaching concerning finances, many have lost sight of God's

purpose for prospering them. God does not prosper you so that you can consume it upon

the lusts of your flesh and heap up treasures here on earth. No way! Believers who are

doing this will someday have to give account before God! God is a God of purpose and

He has a specific reason in pouring out financial blessings upon you. That purpose is to

finance your divine destiny for the purpose of extending God's Kingdom.

When God entered into a covenant with Israel to prosper them above the nations of the

earth, He had a divine purpose. He wanted the world to see His supernatural blessing

upon His people and recognize that their God was the one true and living God. He

financed their mission to the world, as He will do for you also.

As the seed of Abraham, you have not only inherited the same promises which belong to

Israel, but you have a covenant with God that has been established on even better

promises: "But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of

which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises"

(Hebrews 8:6, NIV).

PRAYER:

My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.