Introduction
========= REASON #21- MILLIONS REFUSE 2 OBEY THE VERY BASIC AND SIMPLE LAWS OF GOD.
Disobedience produces losses.
The Scriptures warn. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured w/the sword: 4 the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" (Isaiah 1:19-20).
U can argue about it.
U can rebel against it.
U can complain about it. But, u cannot read the Scriptures w/o understanding clearly that obedience produces the river of Blessing while disobedience brings famine and desolation.
"Oh, I know some wealthy people who do not serve God at all. They do not attend church, and they do not read the Scriptures. So, why are they prospering?" Good question. And, quite easy 2 answer, too.
They are probably obeying the basic principles of prosperity established in Scripture.
Let's look at some of these principles and laws that are established quite clearly in Scripture. God said, "And it shall come 2 pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the Voice of the LORD thy God, observe and 2 do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of he Earth: and all these Blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the Voice of the LORD thy God" (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
1. The Principle of Work. God only promised 2 bless the work of your hands. "The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure, the Heaven 2 give the rain unto thy land in his Season, and bless all the work of thine hand" (Deuteronomy 28:12). It is not an option. It is not merely a good 'idea' 2 work every day. The Apostle Paul wrote that those who refuse 2b productive should be denied food. "For even when we were w/u, this we commanded u, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" (II Thessalonians 3:10).
Those who refuse 2 work are called disorderly and busybodies in other people's business. "For we hear that there are some which walk among u disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies" (II Thessalonians 3:11).
U must withdraw and withhold any friendship and time of fellowship w/those rebellious toward working. "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company w/him, that he may be ashamed" (II Thessalonians 3:14). Note that man. In other words, draw attention 2 that man. Everyone should mark the lazy person.
"But, I lost my good job. I am waiting 4 one better 2 come along," one girl complained.
The principle of work simply reveals the need 2b productive. Joseph was productive. He was not in the perfect place, the prison, when he received his promotion. But, he produced and solved problems wherever God placed him. As I told a young man working 4 me one day, "Son, u may not enjoy what u are doing here in this ministry right now. But, if u do not become productive and complete the instructions I am already giving u, the next Season will not be a step up. God will make u run the same lap over and over and over again until u learn this principle."
2. The Principle of Diligence. Diligence means speedy attention an assigned task. "He becometh poor that dealeth w/a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (Proverbs 10:4). Laziness is one of the many reasons people do not experience financial harvest. "He that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Proverbs 10:5b).
Diligent people become supervisors and leaders. "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule" (Proverbs 12:24).
The diligent will always have plenty. "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat" (Proverbs 13:4).
Those who are diligent become creative in discovering new ways 2 solve problems. "The thoughts of the diligent tend only 2 plenteousness..." (Proverbs 21:5).
Leaders pursue the company and presence of diligent workers. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand b4 kings" (Proverbs 22:29).
The diligent continuously evaluate the results of their efforts. "Be thou diligent 2 know the state of thy flocks, and look well 2 thy herds" (Proverbs 27:23).
Find the problem closest 2 u and solve it. [Like helping a friend] Ask others how 2 bear the burdens they are presently bearing. Listen carefully 2 things that bring strife 2 your boss. Solve them.
> Review your master list of tasks and complete them one by one every single day.
> Labor 4 completions instead of allowing a project 2 run on and on. Procrastination is a killer of TIME.
> Pursue correction from the one who signs your paycheck.
> Accept rebuke w/thankfullness instead of retaliation and resentment.
> Flourish where u are presently working and the news will travel.
3. The Principle of Wisdom. When u increase wisdom, u will increase your wealth. "Counsel is MINE, and sound Wisdom.. riches and honour are w/ME; yea, durable riches and righteousness.. that I may cause those that love Me 2 Inherit substance; and I will fill their treasurres" (Proverbs 8:14-21).
U must become good at what u do.
Study, attend seminars and be mentored. "Wise men lay up Knowledge" (Proverbs 10:14).
Rich people are usually knowledgeable people. "Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom.. length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour" (Proverbs 3:13,16). They may not know everything about everything.. but they are skilled and develop in at least one topic of thir chosen pursuit. U must find the Gifts and Skills already planted within u.
Here is the SECRET: What u LOVE is a clue 2 the Wisdom u contain. If u love computers, that is a clue that u will have special wisdom in that area. If u have a love 4 children, u will have wisdom toward children.
> When u find what u love, u will find your wisdom.
> When u find your wisdom, u will be paid 2 solve problems with it.
4. The Principle of Waiting. Nobody wants 2 wait 4 anything. Sam Walton, the late billionaire, once said that he never invested in a company 4 where it would be within 18 months. He examined carefully 2C where the company would arrive within 10 years or longer. Some Japanese businessmen have 100-year goals. A friend of mine once told me that if my father had put $100 a month in a special money market account, I would have been a multimillionaire on my 20th birthday.
"Then , why isn't everyone a millionaire if $100 a month put aside for 20 years could create such wealth?" I asked. "Nobody wants 2 wait 20 years 2 spend their $100, " was his reply.
What is the proof that people will not wait? When they receive a raise on their job, they immediately make a purchase 2 obligate that raise. Instead of living within the boundaries of their lower budget and placing the money in a special investment, they make a purchase that produces a pleasure instead of a future.
5. The Principle of Mentorship. U must be teachable. U must have a mentor. Your mentor must be someone qualified 2 impart Knowledge 4 your life in the arena of Finances. U can have a spiritual mentor who is marvelous in prayer and yet unlearned in Finances. U can have someone who wants 2 teach u their opinions, but who does not have any Financial success 2 substantiate and support their teaching.
Who are u pursuing? What are the last 3 Financial questions u have asked? To whom did u ask these questions? What have u done about their answers? What investment opportunities are u ignoring? Pursuing? Considering?
Recently, I felt impressed 2 get involve in a small financial opportunity. It would require hardly any time. But, I had faith in the head of the company. I shared it w/several close 2 me. I even offered help make the investment. Some embraced it immediately. Why? They trusted their instincts, my judgment, and the plan presented. Others never even showed up 4 the 2nd meeting. Yet, they will complain in the coming years of their life how their financial life has been stressful, difficult and almost intolerable. But, they totally refused my mentorship regarding their finances.
"But, I have asked everyone 2 help me learn how handle my finances," wailed one young lady. "What do u want them 2 teach u?" I asked. So, I took 2 or 3 hours and carefully walked her thru her checkbook. I emphasized the importance of maintaining balance awareness.. knowing at all times how much money is in your account. I emphasized 2 her the importance of keeping a small amount of cash w/her at all times. She did neither. If u refuse 2 follow the 1st two instructions of a mentor, do u qualify 4 a repeat visit?
"How many have been 2 a certified financial planner within the last 3 years?" I asked a large audience one day. Three hands went up.
> Everyone wants a miracle instead of mentorship.
> Quality mentorship is often the biggest miracle u need.
Nobody can force u pursue Knowledge. Usually, it takes a tragedy produce a desire 4 mentorship.
6. The Principle of Integrity. Integrity is simply doing what u say u will do 4 someone. Integrity is being what u tell everybody u are. Integrity is truthfulness.
"If u will give me $40, I will process these 4 pieces of excess baggage thru the airlines," said a skycap 2 me one day when I was at the airport. The excess was going cost me over $200. He wanted a generous tip 2 do it. I always tip generously, but God had been dealing w/me strongly about integrity, honestly, and doing everything the right way. U C, if nobody on earth is watching, the Boss of the Universe is always still watching.. "For the eyes of the LORD run 2 and fro thru-out the whole earth, show Himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him" (II Chronicles 16:9).
"Why don't we just do the right thing?" I counted. "Sir, it will cost u over $200," he was exasperated w/me. "I know. But, I would rather pay the excess now and feel my conscious at peace than 2 simply give u a large tip and save the excess baggage fee."
Thousands pad their expense account every week. Some add tips on their expense report that really did not exist or take place. Many will take extra time off 4 lunch and have someone use the punch-out clock 4 them. Many employees have taken pencils, pens, legal pads, notebooks and other supplies home 2 their children and family.
God sees it all. The Principle of Integrity will stand when every excuse falls apart.
Quality is a part of integrity. Show me any person who does poor work, and I will show u a person w/o integrity. If u do a sloppy job of painting the house 4 somebody, put a used part in an automobile engine and charge 4 a new one u will eventually lose your business. Customers talk. Truth emerges. Integrity will stand the test of time, criticism and even mistakes.
Those who will lie will steal also.
U C, lying is simply theft of the truth. Truth is so important. It is the only ingredient that enables us make quality decisions. So, if someone withholds from u important truths, they have stolen from u the only ingredient u can have 2 make a good decision. If someone lies 2 u, lock your cabinets, your doors and keep them away from your life. Even if they are relatives. The laws of God are too important 2 ignore.
Thousands will never walk the path 2 plenty bcoz they have totally disregarded the integrity and infallibility of the Holy Scriptures and the Basic Principles of Prosperity.
========= REASON #21- MILLIONS REFUSE 2 OBEY THE VERY BASIC AND SIMPLE LAWS OF GOD.
The Scriptures warn. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel ye shall be devoured w/the sword: 4 the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" (Isaiah 1:19-20).
U can argue about it.
U can rebel against it.
U can complain about it. But, u cannot read the Scriptures w/o understanding clearly that obedience produces the river of Blessing while disobedience brings famine and desolation.
"Oh, I know some wealthy people who do not serve God at all. They do not attend church, and they do not read the Scriptures. So, why are they prospering?" Good question. And, quite easy 2 answer, too.
They are probably obeying the basic principles of prosperity established in Scripture.
Let's look at some of these principles and laws that are established quite clearly in Scripture. God said, "And it shall come 2 pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the Voice of the LORD thy God, observe and 2 do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of he Earth: and all these Blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the Voice of the LORD thy God" (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
1. The Principle of Work. God only promised 2 bless the work of your hands. "The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure, the Heaven 2 give the rain unto thy land in his Season, and bless all the work of thine hand" (Deuteronomy 28:12). It is not an option. It is not merely a good 'idea' 2 work every day. The Apostle Paul wrote that those who refuse 2b productive should be denied food. "For even when we were w/u, this we commanded u, that if any would not work, neither should he eat" (II Thessalonians 3:10).
Those who refuse 2 work are called disorderly and busybodies in other people's business. "For we hear that there are some which walk among u disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies" (II Thessalonians 3:11).
U must withdraw and withhold any friendship and time of fellowship w/those rebellious toward working. "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company w/him, that he may be ashamed" (II Thessalonians 3:14). Note that man. In other words, draw attention 2 that man. Everyone should mark the lazy person.
"But, I lost my good job. I am waiting 4 one better 2 come along," one girl complained.
The principle of work simply reveals the need 2b productive. Joseph was productive. He was not in the perfect place, the prison, when he received his promotion. But, he produced and solved problems wherever God placed him. As I told a young man working 4 me one day, "Son, u may not enjoy what u are doing here in this ministry right now. But, if u do not become productive and complete the instructions I am already giving u, the next Season will not be a step up. God will make u run the same lap over and over and over again until u learn this principle."
2. The Principle of Diligence. Diligence means speedy attention an assigned task. "He becometh poor that dealeth w/a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (Proverbs 10:4). Laziness is one of the many reasons people do not experience financial harvest. "He that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Proverbs 10:5b).
Diligent people become supervisors and leaders. "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule" (Proverbs 12:24).
The diligent will always have plenty. "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat" (Proverbs 13:4).
Those who are diligent become creative in discovering new ways 2 solve problems. "The thoughts of the diligent tend only 2 plenteousness..." (Proverbs 21:5).
Leaders pursue the company and presence of diligent workers. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand b4 kings" (Proverbs 22:29).
The diligent continuously evaluate the results of their efforts. "Be thou diligent 2 know the state of thy flocks, and look well 2 thy herds" (Proverbs 27:23).
Find the problem closest 2 u and solve it. [Like helping a friend] Ask others how 2 bear the burdens they are presently bearing. Listen carefully 2 things that bring strife 2 your boss. Solve them.
> Review your master list of tasks and complete them one by one every single day.
> Labor 4 completions instead of allowing a project 2 run on and on. Procrastination is a killer of TIME.
> Pursue correction from the one who signs your paycheck.
> Accept rebuke w/thankfullness instead of retaliation and resentment.
> Flourish where u are presently working and the news will travel.
3. The Principle of Wisdom. When u increase wisdom, u will increase your wealth. "Counsel is MINE, and sound Wisdom.. riches and honour are w/ME; yea, durable riches and righteousness.. that I may cause those that love Me 2 Inherit substance; and I will fill their treasurres" (Proverbs 8:14-21).
U must become good at what u do.
Study, attend seminars and be mentored. "Wise men lay up Knowledge" (Proverbs 10:14).
Rich people are usually knowledgeable people. "Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom.. length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour" (Proverbs 3:13,16). They may not know everything about everything.. but they are skilled and develop in at least one topic of thir chosen pursuit. U must find the Gifts and Skills already planted within u.
Here is the SECRET: What u LOVE is a clue 2 the Wisdom u contain. If u love computers, that is a clue that u will have special wisdom in that area. If u have a love 4 children, u will have wisdom toward children.
> When u find what u love, u will find your wisdom.
> When u find your wisdom, u will be paid 2 solve problems with it.
4. The Principle of Waiting. Nobody wants 2 wait 4 anything. Sam Walton, the late billionaire, once said that he never invested in a company 4 where it would be within 18 months. He examined carefully 2C where the company would arrive within 10 years or longer. Some Japanese businessmen have 100-year goals. A friend of mine once told me that if my father had put $100 a month in a special money market account, I would have been a multimillionaire on my 20th birthday.
"Then , why isn't everyone a millionaire if $100 a month put aside for 20 years could create such wealth?" I asked. "Nobody wants 2 wait 20 years 2 spend their $100, " was his reply.
What is the proof that people will not wait? When they receive a raise on their job, they immediately make a purchase 2 obligate that raise. Instead of living within the boundaries of their lower budget and placing the money in a special investment, they make a purchase that produces a pleasure instead of a future.
5. The Principle of Mentorship. U must be teachable. U must have a mentor. Your mentor must be someone qualified 2 impart Knowledge 4 your life in the arena of Finances. U can have a spiritual mentor who is marvelous in prayer and yet unlearned in Finances. U can have someone who wants 2 teach u their opinions, but who does not have any Financial success 2 substantiate and support their teaching.
Who are u pursuing? What are the last 3 Financial questions u have asked? To whom did u ask these questions? What have u done about their answers? What investment opportunities are u ignoring? Pursuing? Considering?
Recently, I felt impressed 2 get involve in a small financial opportunity. It would require hardly any time. But, I had faith in the head of the company. I shared it w/several close 2 me. I even offered help make the investment. Some embraced it immediately. Why? They trusted their instincts, my judgment, and the plan presented. Others never even showed up 4 the 2nd meeting. Yet, they will complain in the coming years of their life how their financial life has been stressful, difficult and almost intolerable. But, they totally refused my mentorship regarding their finances.
"But, I have asked everyone 2 help me learn how handle my finances," wailed one young lady. "What do u want them 2 teach u?" I asked. So, I took 2 or 3 hours and carefully walked her thru her checkbook. I emphasized the importance of maintaining balance awareness.. knowing at all times how much money is in your account. I emphasized 2 her the importance of keeping a small amount of cash w/her at all times. She did neither. If u refuse 2 follow the 1st two instructions of a mentor, do u qualify 4 a repeat visit?
"How many have been 2 a certified financial planner within the last 3 years?" I asked a large audience one day. Three hands went up.
> Everyone wants a miracle instead of mentorship.
> Quality mentorship is often the biggest miracle u need.
Nobody can force u pursue Knowledge. Usually, it takes a tragedy produce a desire 4 mentorship.
6. The Principle of Integrity. Integrity is simply doing what u say u will do 4 someone. Integrity is being what u tell everybody u are. Integrity is truthfulness.
"If u will give me $40, I will process these 4 pieces of excess baggage thru the airlines," said a skycap 2 me one day when I was at the airport. The excess was going cost me over $200. He wanted a generous tip 2 do it. I always tip generously, but God had been dealing w/me strongly about integrity, honestly, and doing everything the right way. U C, if nobody on earth is watching, the Boss of the Universe is always still watching.. "For the eyes of the LORD run 2 and fro thru-out the whole earth, show Himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him" (II Chronicles 16:9).
"Why don't we just do the right thing?" I counted. "Sir, it will cost u over $200," he was exasperated w/me. "I know. But, I would rather pay the excess now and feel my conscious at peace than 2 simply give u a large tip and save the excess baggage fee."
Thousands pad their expense account every week. Some add tips on their expense report that really did not exist or take place. Many will take extra time off 4 lunch and have someone use the punch-out clock 4 them. Many employees have taken pencils, pens, legal pads, notebooks and other supplies home 2 their children and family.
God sees it all. The Principle of Integrity will stand when every excuse falls apart.
Quality is a part of integrity. Show me any person who does poor work, and I will show u a person w/o integrity. If u do a sloppy job of painting the house 4 somebody, put a used part in an automobile engine and charge 4 a new one u will eventually lose your business. Customers talk. Truth emerges. Integrity will stand the test of time, criticism and even mistakes.
Those who will lie will steal also.
U C, lying is simply theft of the truth. Truth is so important. It is the only ingredient that enables us make quality decisions. So, if someone withholds from u important truths, they have stolen from u the only ingredient u can have 2 make a good decision. If someone lies 2 u, lock your cabinets, your doors and keep them away from your life. Even if they are relatives. The laws of God are too important 2 ignore.
Thousands will never walk the path 2 plenty bcoz they have totally disregarded the integrity and infallibility of the Holy Scriptures and the Basic Principles of Prosperity.
