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Friday, September 23, 2011

24 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========   ~Ecclesiastes 11:6 ~ "In the morning sow thy SEED, and in the evening withhold not thine hand:  4 thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

CarlaDyck Photos 
REASON #24-  SOME REFUSE 2 SOW 'CONSISTENTLY.'

     When u sow continuously, your harvest will become continuous.
     When  u sow inconsistently, your harvest will become erratic.  Many years ago I talked 2 a young couple after service.  They were distraught.  Discouraged.  Blaming God 4 everything that happened in their life.  When I approached the subject of Tithing and Sowing, they both jumped in w/indignation
     "We have tried tat already.  It did not work 4 us."
     It is a dangerous thing 2 call God a liar.
     It shows a lack of the fear of God.
     It reveals pride and arrogance.  When u deliberately tell others that u have obeyed the Scriptures, and God's Word did not work 4 u, it is a dangerous and fearful thing.
     "I would like 2 C your check stubs sometime," I countered.  "I would like 2 C the 'consistency' of your Tithing.  This is very important.  If u have Tithed and Sowed SEED continuously 4 several months, thru several SEASONS, this needs 2b validated.  Bcoz the God I serve is not a liar.  He said He would open the Windows of Heaven upon u.  So, if u have missed any weeks of Tithing, your  harvest will become 'erratic and unpredictable.'"
     They stuttered around.  Then, they admitted that they had only "tried Tithing" a few times.  It was not the routine and pattern of their lifestyle.
     Tithing is not an experiment 2b  explored.
     Tithing is a lifestyle of obedience.
     Observe  the SEASONS.  They are predictable.  Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn create such regularity that we build our lives on the Laws of this Earth.
     I sat in a remarkable seminar many years ago in Madrid, Spain.  The scientist was explaining the distance and complications involved in landing a rocket on the Moon.  He stated that landing a rocket on the Moon required such precision that it was the equivalent of a man shooting a mosquito 6 miles away w/a rifle.  Someone asked how would it be possible 2 do such a thing?
     "Laws.  This entire Universe has Specific Laws that can be discovered when u cooperate w/the Laws of the Universe.  U can predict exactly where a rocket can be sent," he explained.
     The ancient writer made it so clear,  "To everything there is A SEASON, and a TIME 2 every purpose under the Heaven:  A TIME 2b born, and a TIME 2 die;  a TIME 2 plant, and a TIME 2 pluck up that which is planted ... A TIME 2 get, and a TIME 2 lose;  a TIME 2 keep, and a TIME 2 cast away...  (Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).
     U must learn the power of rhythm, routine and consistency.  It is important 2 establish this in your Sowing and Reaping.  Acknowledge that your life is an endless and continuous Cycle of Sowing and Reaping, giving and Receiving.   Work w/it.  do not work against it.  Nature has a PATTERN.  U can oppose it, hate it and despise it.  But, the only way 2 reap the Benefits and Rewards is 2 observe and 2 cooperate w/it.
     Create a personal schedule 4 Sowing SEEDS into God's work.  The Apostle Paul understood this principle.  "Now concerning the collection 4 the saints, as I have given order  the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.  Upon the first day of the week let every one of u lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (I Cornithians 16:1-2).
     Reaping does not follow sowing.  WAITING follows sowing.
     You sow.
     You wait.
     You reap.
     So, 4 u 2 experience a continuous incoming harvest, there must be a continuous sowing of SEED 2 accommodate the SEASONS of WAITING. As long as Earth exists, Seasons will exist.  "While the Earth remaineth, SEED TIME and Harvest, the cold and heat, and Summer and Winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).
     Now, there are various reasons people refuse 2 sow consistently.
     Their faith and confidence in God wavers.  When they listen 2 a man of God w/a specific anointing, they become responsive.  As they sit under that anointing, faith comes alive within them.  They get excited.  Their faith is vibrant.  Their confidence in God is renewed.  Faith requires Action.  It is almost impossible 2 sit under a man of God who unlocks the flow of faith and not plant a SEED. In fact, it is a dangerous and tragic condition if u ever come  the place where u can sit under that kind of anointing and close your heart 2 it.  So, it is only natural 2 become responsive 2 the call of faith within u.  some sneer at this.  They have contempt and belittle this.
     They call it "emotional giving."  I do not understand them.  If God puts faith in your heart 2 plant as SEED, it is His nature rising up strong within u.
     That desire 2 give cannot be satanic.
     That desire 2 give cannot be human.
     That desire 2 give is the nature of God Himself.
     Some, a few days after they have been in the presence of God and His anointing, enter into conversion w/those who lack faith.  Critics.  Scorners.  The fearful.
     "U were crazy 2 give an offering 2 that preacher.  Do u not realize he will just buy a nice car and fancy clothes w/your Tithe and Offering?" snears the ungodly family of the faith-filled believer.
     This kind of statement can poison your mind.  Your heart becomes confused.  Spiritual frustration sets in.  U will leave the Arena of Faith and enter into the sewage of human debate.
     It is the quickest way 2 lose your harvest.  U C, your harvest requires Faith, not merely a SEED.
     Your SEED is what u sow.
     Your FAITH is why it multiplies.
     God responds 2 your SEED bcoz it is wrapped w/Faith.  he wants 2b believed.  He responds 2 faith anywhere He finds it.  Even a sinner will get a miracle when he believes!  This happened continuously in the Kathryn Kuhlman meetings.  I have watched people get miracle after miracle.  She would ask, "Are u a Christian?"
     "No," came the hesitant replies.
     Why would God heal a sinner?  FAITH.  "Faith was reckoned 2 Abraham 4 righteousness." (Romans 4:9b).  "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thine heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:" (Romans 10:8).
     So, do not expect an unsaved, rebellious and ungodly loved one 2b excited when u plant a SEED into the work of God.  They do not even appreciate Calvary yet.  Jesus is unimportant 2 them.  They sneer at the Scriptures.  They are entangled in the tentacles of hell, like an octopus.  They can purchase their liquor, cigarettes and gamble in the Casinos.  But, when they find out their widowed mother gave money 2 a preacher, their fury will erupt like a volcano.
     Refuse their intimidation and scorn.
     The opinions of your friends will influence u.  It matters.  This is normal.  However, do not expect someone unresponsive 2 the Holy Spirit and rebellious toward the Principles of the Word of God 2 understand your sowing SEEDS 2 spread the glorious gospel.
     DOUBT is not the only reason many refuse 2 sow w/regularity.  I have known of many people who get angry at a preacher and hold their Tithe back.
    "When my pastor does something 2 upset me, I simply stop paying my Tithe, " one lady said w/fervor and anger.  "God understand!"
     You better know He understands.  He understands your scorn, ingratitude and immaturity.  U have not hurt your pastor when u withhold your Tithe.  U have not stopped the militant and victorious march of the church toward victory by withholding your Tithe.
     You have destroyed the supply line 4 your own family.  
     You have created SEASONS of DEVASTATION in your FUTURE.  U have played the part of a fool.  Satan fed u a lie.  He baited the hook and like an ignorant fish, u fell 4 it.
     Some stop sowing bcoz they want 2 use the money 4 something special they want 2 purchase.  They intend 2 pay it back.  The car payment comes due.  They see a refrigerator they want 2 buy.   So, they talk themselves into using the Tithe that week 4 a personal use.  It is the quickest way 2 financial suicide.
     You cannot afford 2 touch what belongs 2 God.
     You cannot afford 2 keep what belongs 2 God.
     It is a lie from satan designed 2 maneuver u 2 a place of financial wipeout and devastation.  Satan hates u.  He despises u.  He despises the flow of blessing in your life.  That is why He was so angry about the blessings of Job.
     Anything God loves is something satan hates.
     Anything God blesses is something satan curses.
     Others do not sow w/regularity simply bcoz they wait until they 'feel' like it.  If I only gave when I felt it, I probably would not give very often.  U C, my own needs often overwhelm me.  When I look at a stack of TV and Radio bills, I can easily lose the "feeling" 2 go bless the work of God.  In fact, I just saw an estimate 2 repair my roof this week.  My house has been leaking 4 several weeks, and I have been 2 busy 2 get it repaired.  (Or, maybe I just do not want 2 pay 4 it!)  At any rate, as I look at the incredible cost of a new roof on my flat topped house, I lose every feeling and desire 2 write a check 4 the work of God!!  It is the last thing I "feel" like doing."  U cannot afford 2 sow only as u are feeling it.
     You must focus on regularity.  "In the morning sow thy SEED, and in the evening withhold not thine hand:  4 thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good" (Ecclesiastes 11:6).  Learn 2 sow into many ministries, not just one.  "Give generously, 4 your gifts will return 2 u later.  Divide your gifts among many, 4 in the days ahead u yourself may need much help" (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 Living Bible).
     I like the King James version of this, too.  "Cast thy bread upon the waters:  4 thou shalt find it after many days.  Give a portion to 7, and also to 8; 4 thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the Earth" (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2).
     Some do not sow w/regularity bcoz they live in continuous crisis.   When crisis comes, they quit giving.  When blessing occurs, then they sow.  If u sow according 2 your circumstances only, u will sow inconsistently.  "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
     Millions will stay in poverty bcoz they refuse 2 enter the miracle of CONSISTENT sowing.

TGIF - Using Others

Today's Prayer
Dear God, Opportunities abound. Please help me 2 discern when an opportunity is something that You have placed b4 me and when it is something that would be contrary 2 Your will. Stir my conscience and bring questions, examples,and Scripture 2 my mind that will guide me in this process. Help me 2 consider biblical values; ethics; the gifts, skills, and abilities You have given me; my family and other commitments; and anything else they may open my eyes 2 the truth. Encourage me 2 grasp the opportunities You give and 2 turn from the opportunities that I should not touch. Thank You, God, 4 Your hands of guidance and Your arms of Love. In Jesus' name, amen.

Using Others
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
09-19-2011

"So in everything, do 2 others what u would have them do 2 u, 4 this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12).


Have u ever heard the term, "Money talks?" This old cliché has some truth 2 it. How we handle money speaks very loudly about our values, especially among those in the marketplace.


One of the common business practices today is to extend payment on invoices 2 use that time 2 extend a company's cash flow. The bigger companies can often insist upon even longer times 4 payment. And bcoz this practice is so prevalent it allows a business that honors their vendors w/on-time payments 2 stand out from the crowd.


This delayed payment policy violates a basic biblical principle. "Give everyone what u owe him: If u owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Rom 13:6-7).       One of your greatest opportunities 2 show u are different is in the practical matters of being faithful 2 your obligations. True servant-hood is revealed when we have the best interest of others in mind. This means not always seeking 2 negotiate the lowest price 4 services, but the price that is fair and still honors the vendor 4 his service or product. "For in the same way u judge others, u will be judged, and w/the measure u use, it will be measured 2 u" (Matt 7:2).


Use money 2 demonstrate your respect of others by paying others in a timely manner.


Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

23 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========   ~ Mark 4:3-8 ~  "Hearken; behold, there went out a sower  sow: and it came  pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.  And some fell on stony ground where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprung up, bcoz it had no depth of earth: but when the sun was up, it was scorched: bcoz it had no root, it withered away.   Some fell among thorns, the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded not fruit.  And others fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some 30, some 60, and  some 100."

REASON #23- SOME DO NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD SOIL AND BAD SOIL.


The quality of the soil affects the SEED
     That is why Jesus never invested time in debating w/Pharisees.  He was the Son of God.  He knew it.  It was their responsibility 2 discern it.  He knew they were "fools and blind" (Matthew 23:17).
     Yet, He took time 2 go home w/the tax collector, Zacchaeus.  U C, He discerned soil worthy of His attention and time.
     Two thieves were crucified beside Christ.  One received mercy.  One did not.  Why?  The thief who believed in the Divinity of Jesus reached out.   Jesus responded.  Both thieves had needs.  Both needed the miracle of salvation.    But, Jesus took the time 2 respond 2  the one who reached out--the good soil.
     Jesus taught the importance of observing the quality of the soil "Hearken; behold, there went out a sower 2 sow:  And it came 2 pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.  And some fell on stony ground where it ad not much earth; and immediately it sprung up, bcoz it had no depth of earth:  But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and bcoz it had no root, it withered away.  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
     And others fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some 30, and some 60, and some an 100" (Mark 4:3-8).
     Refuse 2 sow SEED into a non-giver.  My treasured friend, Mack Timberlake, taught me this.   Suppose u have a  son-in-law that needs financial help.  What do u do?  Do u hand him money?  Or, do u provide him an opportunity 2 earn it?  There is a great difference.  A lady approached me one night after a meeting and discussed her plight w/me.  Her son-in-law and daughter had been staying w/her 4 several weeks.
     "I feel so sorry 4 them.  They are out of jobs.  They need money.  They are really going thru a great financial trial at this time," she said tearfully.   "So, what does he do everyday at your home?"  "Well, they usually sleep in until 10:00 or so.  Then, they watch TV.  They are waiting 4 doors  open," she explained.
     "Does your daughter prepare your food while u are at work every day?" I asked.  "Oh no, She does not like 2 cook!"  "Does your son-in-law wash your dishes, clean your house, or has he waxed your car, mowed the grass while u are  gone 2 work these days?" 
     "Well, he is kind of depressed right now.  He really does not feel like working.  And, I hate 2 ask him anyway," was her reply.
     I showed her in the Scripture the commandments that Paul wrote  the church at Thessalonica.  "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).  He  called those who did not work 'disorderly' (II Thessalonians 3:11).  
     The Apostle Paul instructed us 2 avoid having any fellowship w/those who refuse 2b productive.  "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).
     Now, a lazy person is not necessarily your enemy.  But, his unproductivity is 2b noted, confronted, addressed and penalized (II Thessalonians 3:15).
     That is  unproductive soil.
     Refuse 2 sow SEED into a church that is against financial blessing.  Why would I support any ministry that is in direct rebellion 2 the Laws of provision according 2 Scripture?
     Refuse 2 sow SEED into someone who refuses 2 work when doors open.  "Well, Mike, I am out of work."  Well, u might want 2 define that little differently, since God has only promised 2 'bless all the work of thine hand" (Deuteronomy 28:12).  U C, u can find work.  Anybody can find some kind of work.  It may not pay $40 an hour at first.  It may not be the easiest thing u have ever done.  But, work is everywhere u look in life.
     Refuse 2 sow SEED in someone who is unteachable.  "I really need help.  We cannot pay our bills.  Can u help us at this time?" one of my relatives asked me rather boldly one day.
     "Let's sit down.  I want 2 review your finances w/u," I replied.  "Give me a list of what u owe.  Show me what u are doing 2 earn money.  I am going 2 give u some advice, and if u will follow this advice, I will consider investing in u."
     He did not have the time.  Think about it!  He did not have enough desire 2 prosper 2 even provide me a list of his bills and enter into a counseling session w/me.  He was unqualified 2 receive any SEED.  That is bad soil"Poverty and shame shall be 2 him that refuseth instruction:  but the that regardeth reproof shall be honoured" (Proverbs 13:18).
     Look 4 good soil continually.  Now, there are many people near u that are good soil.  Hundreds  of ministries deserve your best SEED sowing.  Look around u.  Evaluate.  Observe those who are productive around u.  Boaz did this when he saw Ruth, he instructed servants 2 make it easier 4 her 2 secure a harvest, "handfuls on purpose."
     I love 2 sow SEED in young ministers.  U C, they are emptying their lives into the gospel.  Some have left good jobs and promise of fortune 2 help broken lives become healed.  They do not have the rewards of momentum.  Great  reputations have not yet been established.  I believe this produces great fruit.
     I love 2 send money 2 ministers who are spreading this gospel of provision and prosperity.  I know their warfare.  They are despised by the world, misunderstood by the church, and fought by those who do not understand t he message of prosperity.  So, I want 2 provide them SEED 2 keep this message of supernatural harvest accessible 2 the hurting.
     I love  sow SEED in proven ministries.  They have fought a good fight.  They have kept the faith.  They have endured.  Endurance should be honored.
     "Mike, every time I plant a SEED in your ministry something happens in my ministry." a minister explained recently.  Well, I really appreciated his statement, but I felt a little embarrassed.  He continued.  "Mike, there really is a difference when I sow SEED in good soil.  It seems that my harvest comes quickly, w/great excellence, and I feel at peace about my SEED sowing."
     Sow SEED into those who have helped u.
     Sow SEED into those who have given u wise counsel and correction.
     Sow SEED into the lives of those who have stayed loyal and faithful.
     Sow SEED into those who are willing 2 labor, toil and empty their life our 4 the cause of the gospel.  "And let us not be weary in well doing: 4 in due Season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).
     Many are not carefully choosing the soil where they sow their SEED.  That is one of the reasons they will never reap the 100-fold return God would like 4 them 2 experience.
     Let us pray:
     "Father, where should I be sowing?  Reveal the soil that will produce.  Show me... I will not waste my SEED on unproductive soil.  In Jesus Name.  Amen."