When we speak of divine provision, it is not to advocate a "name it claim it" mentality,
where one seeks material blessings for selfish purposes. We are seeking divine provision
in order to free us to extend the Gospel to the nations of the world and accomplish our
God-given purposes.
God's provisions are not for the purpose of luxury, but are designated to meet our basic
needs so that we can be freed financially and spiritually to be part of God's end-time,
harvest-time cycle. The word "luxury" comes from a Latin word that means "excessive".
It refers to having an abundance of money, time, and possessions which one uses
selfishly.
It is important to understand, however, that in some nations certain things are necessary
that might be viewed as luxuries in other nations. For example, in Los Angeles,
California, a car is considered necessary for a pastor to fulfill his duties. The city is huge
and in order to visit his congregation, the many rest homes, hospitals, etc., he needs
transportation. In a small village in India where one can walk everywhere, a car might
be viewed as a luxury. More finances are needed to build a church edifice in America
than what is needed to construct a simple building in a rural village in India.
This means you cannot judge the standards of living in another nation as wrong or right.
A person's needs and living standards vary from nation to nation. It is a matter of heart
motive. Why do you have what you have? Why are you seeking to obtain what you
think you need? Is it to further the extension of the Gospel or to fulfill your own selfish
desires?
It is not a sin to be rich. Prosperity is not a dirty word. Prosperity means "to succeed or
experience success". The Apostle John declared, "Beloved, I wish above all things that
thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 1-2).
Wealth itself is not wrong. It is the love of money that is wrong and what you do with
the finances you are given that is important. Your money represents your time, talents,
abilities, and hard work. Money is not evil in itself and can either be a blessing or curse
in your life.
If you use finances wisely and are liberal in giving to God and the needy, then you will
be blessed. If you love your money so much that you hoard it for selfish reasons and
refuse to give to the work of the Lord, then it becomes a curse.
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.