Introduction
========= REASON #17 - MANY DO NOT PURSUE A HARVEST, BCOZ THEY HAVE NOT YET TASTED THE PAIN OF POVERTY
Poverty is a Tormentor.
Poverty is Wrenching, Tormenting, Devastating and Heartbreaking.
Poverty is the climate where the SEEDS of Suicide grow and flourish. It strips a person of his self-confidence ans sense of worth. It blurs the visions of his dreams and goals. FOCUS is broken.
Poverty is where the Weeds of Anger and Cynicism grow the quickest. I cannot think of anything good about poverty.
Yet, many have not learned 2 despise the chains of bankruptcy and poverty.
Poverty is not a friend w/whom 2 negotiate.
Poverty is an enemy 2b destroyed.
Poverty is captivity. It is slavery. U must recognize that financial captivity is unnatural. U must develop a hatred 2 smash the chains that hold u back from financial abundance.
Isaiah says it so well: "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall b4 as white as Snow, Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If u are Willing And Obedient, U shall 'EAT' the Good of the Land; But... IF u refuse and rebel, U shall be devoured by the sword"; For the MOUTH of the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 1:18-20).
Note: Until we 'admit' when we have done a wrong, the 'eating' of the Good cannot begin, and it is stopped, like a wrong detour going the opposite/wrong way, turn around again and go back 2 the place where u were going right, and the 'eating' will once again resume in your life of goodness. God loves all His children, and a parents' love is always good 4 the child.
U may never taste the financial success u deserve until u C the tragedy of loss, bankruptcy and poverty. I have walked the streets of Calcutta, India, and watched children w/fingers inside of food cans trying 2 find some moist soup or something left in a can so they can survive. I have watched wagons roll thru the streets of Calcutta picking up the dead bodies of people who died along the sidewalks at night. Yes, I have watched them burn those bodies and people weeping and crying ... bcoz of poverty.
Poverty stops us from building more great churches, uncommon television ministries, and radio evangelism. It stops a missionary from having enough 2 start another 10,000 churches 4 God.
Poverty is a spirit. It happens inside u b4 it happens around u. Men deteriorate inwardly b4 their business deteriorates.
Jesus knew an enemy existed. "The thief cometh not, but 4 2 Steal, and 2 Kill, and 2 Destroy: I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more Abundantly" (John 10:10).
Poverty produces fear. Fear of failure. Fear that others will not respect us and treat us properly.
Poverty produces insecurity and suspicion toward every other person around u.
How do I know that poverty is a "spirit?" It crushes and destroys the spirit of man that should be alive, vibrant and victorious. Poverty makes u want 2 quit instead of succeed.
The spirit of poverty will make u critical of those who are trying 2 set u free from it.
I will never 4get the service in Houston, Texas, as long as I live. When I finished teaching, I shared 4 a few moments about 'aiming' your SEED like an arrow. An anointing came upon me in a powerful and unusual way. I asked the people 2 prepare a special SEED 2 plant into the work of God.
Suddenly, like a volcano, a man sitting on the 2nd row jumped 2 his feet yelling. He rushed 2 the aisle and raced 2 the back of the church shouting. Just as he reached the front door of the church 2 leave, I called out 2 him 2 stop. I asked him 2 state clearly what was bothering him.
He was almost crying w/a mixture of rage, shame and question. "What do u tell your 13 year old daughter when she asks u for a dollar and u do not even have enough 2 give 2 her?" he shouted. "I have been out of work 4 two years. I have no money. When my teenage daughter asked 4 an offering 2 give a few moments ago, I had nothing!"
"That is the reason I am teaching these Principles 2 u, my precious brother. " I explained gently. My heart went out 2 him.
Oh, poverty is a Cruel Task Master.
Poverty will make u doubt every GOOD thing about yourself.
Poverty will make u question the Truth about God, your True Source and Provider. It will make u hate every minister who teaches on prosperity. This is one of the proofs that poverty is a spirit-it reacts teh strongest 2 the person who can cast it out.
Poverty is not merely a financial circumstance in your life. Poverty is a spiritual condition of your heart and soul.
Poverty destroys normality. U draw unwise and ridiculous conclusions. U make wrong decisions. Poverty generally multiplies 2 those who are poor. It takes an incredible impact and revelation 2 destroy the spirit of poverty in your life.
Let me explain. My teaching on the supernatural provision of God should have excited my brother. He should have leaped on his feet w/joy! He should have cried out, "Yes! I despise poverty. Thank u 4 coming 2 set me free."
This did not happen. He was angry. He was ashamed. The message was intimidating 2 him. Why? The spirit of poverty had its claws so deeply imbedded into him, he needed a supernatural experience w/a divine Deliverer, the Holy Spirit.
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; bcoz the Lord hath anointed me 2 preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me 2 bind up the brokenhearted, 2 proclaim liberty [freedom] 2 the captives, and the opening of the prison 2 them that are bound" (Isaiah 61:1).
Jesus is our Deliverer. "If the Son there4 shall make u free, ye shall b4 free indeed" (John 8:36).
I looked w/great compassion at my poor broken brother. "Come back here, my brother." He did not really want 2 go back 2 his seat, but the anointing was so strong on me, he had 2 obey.
"My brother, this is the very reason that we are sowing SEED today--2 break the spirit of poverty on the body of Christ and people who have been broken and bruised."
Normally, I would have carried the offering back 2 our offices in Dallas where it would be deposited in the ministry account. Then, we would purchase television and radio air time, pay our employees, and purchase books and so forth w/the finances. But, an unusual anointing covered me like a magnificent mantle. I announced 2 the entire church a new Instruction.
"I want 2 sow this entire offering into my brother and his family who have been w/o a job for 2 years. This SEED will grow 4 every person who plants it. Bcoz the Bible says, 'He that hath pity upon the poor Lendeth 2 the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again' " (Proverbs 19:17). The people clapped their hands w/Joy. The man was embarrassed at first. I reassured him that this was the leading of the Holy Spirit. God was using this offering 2 remind him of His deep love and commitment 2 him and his family.
His poverty had birthed fear. Fear makes u hoard. Hoarding is the opposite of giving. So hoarding cuts off any connection the Supply. The death cycle of the poor never seems 2 stop.
It takes an anointing, an uncommon anointing, 4 a financial blessing. "And it shall come 2 pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed bcoz of the anointing" (Isaiah 10:27).
The anointing on a servant of God can break the back of poverty in a person's life. Since God is the Provider, the Multiplier and the Source of Supply, He wants His people 2b financially prosperous. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons He warns us 2 keep our hands off His leaders. "Saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (Psalms 105:15).
A businessman wished 2 enter into a small debate over the issue. I was visiting his home. He was anti-prosperity, anti-preachers, and anti-everything.
I interrogated him lightly. His father had given him his money from his business. He father owned his home. He was the son of a wealthy man. He had little appreciation 4 the toil, labor and time involved in generating a financial successful life.
He was a parasite who had never faced poverty as an enemy. That is why he was not pursuing a harvest. He was living off of others instead.
Many years ago, 1000s of hippies thru-out our colleges sneered at money, achievement and productivity. Where did they find the time and energy 2 criticize? Their parents were paying their college bills, sending them checks 4 spending money, and making their car payments. They were not tasting the pain of poverty.
When u stare woodenly at a stack of bills that is impossible 2 pay, only then will gratitude and thankfulness begin 2 flow in your life 4 the super natural harvest.
When your children are sick and finances prevent u from purchasing adequate care, u will taste the pain of poverty.
When u watch movers take the furniture out of your house and load it in a truck 2 go back 2 the store where it was purchased, u will taste the pain of poverty.
When u are threatened w/a lawsuit, and have not a cent in your account 2 defend yourself, u will understand the pain of poverty.
When u look thru your dresser drawers 2 find coins 2 buy a loaf of bread bcoz u have been our of work 3 months, u will understand the pain of poverty.
When u truly understand the sorrow poverty and the tragedy of lack, your faith will begin 2 focus on the Laws of Provision, the Financial Harvest God Guaranteed.
Thousands have not yet hit the bottom. Someone keeps cushioning their fall. A mother slips some money 2 her lazy son. A father, guilty 4 not spending more time w/his son, buys him a new car. Consequently, they never really taste t he emptiness of poverty.
That is one of the reasons some will never walk in a supernatural supply. Their needs are never really big enough 2 force them 2 pursue a harvest.
Let's pray:
"Father, do not let me have 2 taste the pain of poverty b4 I appreciate Your blessing. I need Your Anointing 2 break the spirit of poverty in my life. You are my Deliverer and I celebrate the Promise of Plenty You have made 2 me. In Jesus sweet Name. Amen."
========= REASON #17 - MANY DO NOT PURSUE A HARVEST, BCOZ THEY HAVE NOT YET TASTED THE PAIN OF POVERTY
Poverty is a Tormentor.
Poverty is Wrenching, Tormenting, Devastating and Heartbreaking.
Poverty is the climate where the SEEDS of Suicide grow and flourish. It strips a person of his self-confidence ans sense of worth. It blurs the visions of his dreams and goals. FOCUS is broken.
Poverty is where the Weeds of Anger and Cynicism grow the quickest. I cannot think of anything good about poverty.
Yet, many have not learned 2 despise the chains of bankruptcy and poverty.
Poverty is not a friend w/whom 2 negotiate.
Poverty is an enemy 2b destroyed.
Poverty is captivity. It is slavery. U must recognize that financial captivity is unnatural. U must develop a hatred 2 smash the chains that hold u back from financial abundance.
Isaiah says it so well: "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall b4 as white as Snow, Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If u are Willing And Obedient, U shall 'EAT' the Good of the Land; But... IF u refuse and rebel, U shall be devoured by the sword"; For the MOUTH of the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 1:18-20).
Note: Until we 'admit' when we have done a wrong, the 'eating' of the Good cannot begin, and it is stopped, like a wrong detour going the opposite/wrong way, turn around again and go back 2 the place where u were going right, and the 'eating' will once again resume in your life of goodness. God loves all His children, and a parents' love is always good 4 the child.
U may never taste the financial success u deserve until u C the tragedy of loss, bankruptcy and poverty. I have walked the streets of Calcutta, India, and watched children w/fingers inside of food cans trying 2 find some moist soup or something left in a can so they can survive. I have watched wagons roll thru the streets of Calcutta picking up the dead bodies of people who died along the sidewalks at night. Yes, I have watched them burn those bodies and people weeping and crying ... bcoz of poverty.
Poverty stops us from building more great churches, uncommon television ministries, and radio evangelism. It stops a missionary from having enough 2 start another 10,000 churches 4 God.
Poverty is a spirit. It happens inside u b4 it happens around u. Men deteriorate inwardly b4 their business deteriorates.
Jesus knew an enemy existed. "The thief cometh not, but 4 2 Steal, and 2 Kill, and 2 Destroy: I am come that they might have LIFE, and that they might have it more Abundantly" (John 10:10).
Poverty produces fear. Fear of failure. Fear that others will not respect us and treat us properly.
Poverty produces insecurity and suspicion toward every other person around u.
How do I know that poverty is a "spirit?" It crushes and destroys the spirit of man that should be alive, vibrant and victorious. Poverty makes u want 2 quit instead of succeed.
The spirit of poverty will make u critical of those who are trying 2 set u free from it.
I will never 4get the service in Houston, Texas, as long as I live. When I finished teaching, I shared 4 a few moments about 'aiming' your SEED like an arrow. An anointing came upon me in a powerful and unusual way. I asked the people 2 prepare a special SEED 2 plant into the work of God.
Suddenly, like a volcano, a man sitting on the 2nd row jumped 2 his feet yelling. He rushed 2 the aisle and raced 2 the back of the church shouting. Just as he reached the front door of the church 2 leave, I called out 2 him 2 stop. I asked him 2 state clearly what was bothering him.
He was almost crying w/a mixture of rage, shame and question. "What do u tell your 13 year old daughter when she asks u for a dollar and u do not even have enough 2 give 2 her?" he shouted. "I have been out of work 4 two years. I have no money. When my teenage daughter asked 4 an offering 2 give a few moments ago, I had nothing!"
"That is the reason I am teaching these Principles 2 u, my precious brother. " I explained gently. My heart went out 2 him.
Oh, poverty is a Cruel Task Master.
Poverty will make u doubt every GOOD thing about yourself.
Poverty will make u question the Truth about God, your True Source and Provider. It will make u hate every minister who teaches on prosperity. This is one of the proofs that poverty is a spirit-it reacts teh strongest 2 the person who can cast it out.
Poverty is not merely a financial circumstance in your life. Poverty is a spiritual condition of your heart and soul.
Poverty destroys normality. U draw unwise and ridiculous conclusions. U make wrong decisions. Poverty generally multiplies 2 those who are poor. It takes an incredible impact and revelation 2 destroy the spirit of poverty in your life.
Let me explain. My teaching on the supernatural provision of God should have excited my brother. He should have leaped on his feet w/joy! He should have cried out, "Yes! I despise poverty. Thank u 4 coming 2 set me free."
This did not happen. He was angry. He was ashamed. The message was intimidating 2 him. Why? The spirit of poverty had its claws so deeply imbedded into him, he needed a supernatural experience w/a divine Deliverer, the Holy Spirit.
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; bcoz the Lord hath anointed me 2 preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me 2 bind up the brokenhearted, 2 proclaim liberty [freedom] 2 the captives, and the opening of the prison 2 them that are bound" (Isaiah 61:1).
Jesus is our Deliverer. "If the Son there4 shall make u free, ye shall b4 free indeed" (John 8:36).
I looked w/great compassion at my poor broken brother. "Come back here, my brother." He did not really want 2 go back 2 his seat, but the anointing was so strong on me, he had 2 obey.
"My brother, this is the very reason that we are sowing SEED today--2 break the spirit of poverty on the body of Christ and people who have been broken and bruised."
Normally, I would have carried the offering back 2 our offices in Dallas where it would be deposited in the ministry account. Then, we would purchase television and radio air time, pay our employees, and purchase books and so forth w/the finances. But, an unusual anointing covered me like a magnificent mantle. I announced 2 the entire church a new Instruction.
"I want 2 sow this entire offering into my brother and his family who have been w/o a job for 2 years. This SEED will grow 4 every person who plants it. Bcoz the Bible says, 'He that hath pity upon the poor Lendeth 2 the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again' " (Proverbs 19:17). The people clapped their hands w/Joy. The man was embarrassed at first. I reassured him that this was the leading of the Holy Spirit. God was using this offering 2 remind him of His deep love and commitment 2 him and his family.
His poverty had birthed fear. Fear makes u hoard. Hoarding is the opposite of giving. So hoarding cuts off any connection the Supply. The death cycle of the poor never seems 2 stop.
It takes an anointing, an uncommon anointing, 4 a financial blessing. "And it shall come 2 pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed bcoz of the anointing" (Isaiah 10:27).
The anointing on a servant of God can break the back of poverty in a person's life. Since God is the Provider, the Multiplier and the Source of Supply, He wants His people 2b financially prosperous. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons He warns us 2 keep our hands off His leaders. "Saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" (Psalms 105:15).
A businessman wished 2 enter into a small debate over the issue. I was visiting his home. He was anti-prosperity, anti-preachers, and anti-everything.
I interrogated him lightly. His father had given him his money from his business. He father owned his home. He was the son of a wealthy man. He had little appreciation 4 the toil, labor and time involved in generating a financial successful life.
He was a parasite who had never faced poverty as an enemy. That is why he was not pursuing a harvest. He was living off of others instead.
Many years ago, 1000s of hippies thru-out our colleges sneered at money, achievement and productivity. Where did they find the time and energy 2 criticize? Their parents were paying their college bills, sending them checks 4 spending money, and making their car payments. They were not tasting the pain of poverty.
When u stare woodenly at a stack of bills that is impossible 2 pay, only then will gratitude and thankfulness begin 2 flow in your life 4 the super natural harvest.
When your children are sick and finances prevent u from purchasing adequate care, u will taste the pain of poverty.
When u watch movers take the furniture out of your house and load it in a truck 2 go back 2 the store where it was purchased, u will taste the pain of poverty.
When u are threatened w/a lawsuit, and have not a cent in your account 2 defend yourself, u will understand the pain of poverty.
When u look thru your dresser drawers 2 find coins 2 buy a loaf of bread bcoz u have been our of work 3 months, u will understand the pain of poverty.
When u truly understand the sorrow poverty and the tragedy of lack, your faith will begin 2 focus on the Laws of Provision, the Financial Harvest God Guaranteed.
Thousands have not yet hit the bottom. Someone keeps cushioning their fall. A mother slips some money 2 her lazy son. A father, guilty 4 not spending more time w/his son, buys him a new car. Consequently, they never really taste t he emptiness of poverty.
That is one of the reasons some will never walk in a supernatural supply. Their needs are never really big enough 2 force them 2 pursue a harvest.
Let's pray:
"Father, do not let me have 2 taste the pain of poverty b4 I appreciate Your blessing. I need Your Anointing 2 break the spirit of poverty in my life. You are my Deliverer and I celebrate the Promise of Plenty You have made 2 me. In Jesus sweet Name. Amen."
