20 of 31 Reasons People Do Not ReceiveTheir Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========    REASON #20-  SOME REFUSE 2 WAIT LONG ENOUGH 4 THEIR HARVEST.

     TIME is the hidden and mysterious  INGREDIENT in an uncommon harvest.
     U C, PATIENCES is a SEED too.  "The LORD is good unto them that wait 4 Him, 2 the soul that seeketh Him" (Lamentations 3:25).
     Your waiting reveals TRUST.  "It is good that man should both hope and quietly wait 4 the salvation of the LORD" (Lamentations 3:26).
     Your waiting may be painful.  But, it is the SEASON between Sowing and Reaping.  That is why the Bible calls it ... Seedtime, andddddddddd [the waiting time] harvest.  TIME is the seasons between the SEED and the Harvest.  "Weeping may endure 4 a night, but Joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
     Some of u have lost your harvest bcoz of the pain of waiting.  Waiting is burdensome.  It breeds agitation, a critical spirit and can leave u frustrated.
     [Here is how harvest is lost]... While waiting, Words of Doubt and Unbelief are spoken.  This often 'aborts' the cycle of blessing.   Unthankfulness brings a curse not a reward.  Ingratitude does not inspire God 2 hasten the harvest.
      It stops the harvest.
     U must be willing 2 Trust God thru the Seasons of waiting.   He has promised a change.
     Your anger does not intimidate God.
     Your schedule does not obligate God.
     He is God.  He will decide when u deserve and qualify 4 the harvest.  "For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Ways, saith the LORD.  For as the Heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My Ways Higher than your ways, and My Thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
     He has already promised your harvest in due season.  "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from Heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the Earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud that it may give SEED 2 the Sower, and Bread 2 the Eater: so shall My Word be that goeth forth out of MY Mouth:  it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the Thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11). 
     Get excited about your harvest.  "For ye shall go out w/Joy, and be led forth w/Peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth b4 u into singing,  and all the Trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Isaiah 55:12).
      God will replace  EVERY financial disaster w/a financial miracle.  "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:  and it shall be 2 the LORD 4 a name,  4 an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off" (Isaiah 55:13).
     U must refuse 2 permit words of discouragement in your MOUTH.  "Fear thou not;  4 I AM w/thee:  be not dismayed;  4 I AM thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea,  I will help thee;  yea, I will uphold thee w/the right hand of MY Righteousness" (Isaiah 41:10).
      Those who oppose and battle against your progress, will be confronted by God Himself.  "Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded:  they shall be as nothing; and they that strive w/thee shall perish" (Isaiah 41:11).
     Your enemies shall not succeed against u.  "Thou shalt seek them, and shall not find them, even them that contendeth w/thee:  they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee,  Fear not:  I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:12-13).
     The Holy Spirit is involved against your enemy.  "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him" (Isaiah 59:19).
     Every scheme, strategy and trap against u shall ultimately fail if u will be PATIENT IN WAITING.  "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper: AND every TONGUE that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  This is the Heritage of the Servants of the LORD, and their Righteousness is of ME, saith the LORD" (Isaiah 54:17).
     Keep your eyes upon the REWARDS that will follow your Waiting.  Men fight 4 a reason-- 2 gain something they want.  When David faced Goliath, he was fully aware of the benefits offered 2 the person who could defeat Goliath.  He would have the hand of the king's daughter.  He would not have 2 pay taxes.  So, armed w/the inner picture of his success and its rewards, he ran 2 Goliath 2 conquer him.
     Jesus went 2 Calvary, fully aware of the Resurrection--  "for the Joy that was set b4 Him".
     Keep Focused.  The spoils of war are worth the battle and the tormenting SEASON called WAITING.
       Refuse 2 sin w/your Mouth.  Your enemy reacts w your words.  If u feed on Mr DOUBT and MISS UNBELIEF, it will energize and motivate him 2 rise up against u.
      NEVER speak words that encourage your enemy.  Your enemy will believe anything u are telling him.  If u feed FAITH words into his ear, he will be demoralized, disappointed and discouraged.  If u talk like a 'victim',  he will be encouraged 2 attack u again and again and again.  "DEATH and LIFE are in the Power of the TONGUE: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:21).
     Your 'WORDS' of Faith will always influence the heart of God.  "For by 'thy words' thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).
     While u are waiting create a climate of Gratitude and Thanksgiving.  "In everything give Thanks:  4 this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning u" (I Thessalonians 5:18).
     Continuously pray in the Spirit thru-out the day.  "Pray without ceasing"  (I Thessalonians 5:17).  "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost [Spirit]" (Jude 20). 
     Avoid the temptation 2 create a backup plan.  "Neither give place 2 the devil" (Ephesians 4:27).
     When one of the great explorers came 2 America, he burned the ships behind him and his soldiers.  It made escape impossible.  It made exploration a necessity and requirement.  His men could not go back.  U cannot plan your success and failure at the same time.  Your success will require your total FOCUS and attention.
     Make no plans 2 go backwards.
     Fuel, energize and strengthen the picture of your Future.  This develops your faith.  Discuss w/ everyone the miracle that is en route 2 u.  Work on your expectation.   Obedience is always rewarded.  Everything God has promised u will come 2 pass.  "All these blessings shall come on thee, and over take thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the Voice of the LORD thy God" (Deuteronomy 28:2).  Your life lived holy produces results.  "No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalms 84:11).
     U are not fighting your battle alone.  "I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries" (Exodus 23:22).
     Refuse 2 give anyone access 2 yourself who is not in agreement w/the Word of God.  When satan wants 2 destroy u, he sends A PERSON into your life.  "Be not deceived:  evil communications corrupt good manners" (I Corinthians 15:33).
     Avoid broken FOCUS.  When the wrong people talk 2 u, u make the wrong decisions.
     When u make a mistake, consider yourself that much closer 2 your harvest.  "The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down" (Psalms 145:14).  Do not be 2 hard on yourself.  The rewards of change are coming.  PATIENCE works.  Overcoming involves more than one battle.  It is the man who refuses 2 quit that wins.  Always.
     Never consider quitting.  Never.  Get up and try again.  And again.  And, again.  Hell fears a fighter.  "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  4 when he is tried, he shall receive the crown, which the Lord hath promised them 2 that love Him" (James 1:12).
     My greatest blessings have come after my longest waiting.
     Several years ago, I was preaching 4 Rod Parsley, a friend of mine, in Columbus, Ohio.  At the end of the service, the Holy Spirit spoke 2 me 2 receive an offering 4 the pastor instead of my own ministry.  Well, I desperately needed a miracle.  I needed finances badly 4 a special project  I was facing.  So, any SEED I planted would  be a Crisis SEED.  (Remember that a Crisis SEED increases in its influence w/God.)  It is possible that a small SEED sown during a crisis produces a greater harvest than a generous SEED during good times.
     So, I agreed 2 give the offering in its entirety 2 the pastor.  Then, the Holy Spirit  made an unusual suggestion.  I really did not feel that it was a command but rather an 'invitation' 2 an investment.  I had just received a royalty check for $8,500.  (Actually, it was everything that I had 2 my name.)  I do not recall any money in my savings account other than this check I had in my briefcase.
    "How would u like 2 explore and experiment what I could do  w/your $8,500?" the Holy Spirit spoke.
     It brought a moment of torment and torture.  Then, I just quietly spoke in my spirit back 2 Him, "That is alright.  I really appreciate this wonderful $8,500!  It is enough harvest 4 me."
     He spoke the second time.  Oh, how thankful I am for the 2nd chances He gives 2 us 2 try again, reach again, and plant again.
     "How would u like 2 explore and experiment w/what I could do w/your $8,500?"
     Something in me took a careful evaluation.  What could I really do with $8,500?  It certainly was not enough 2 pay my house off.  What could I do?  Buy a small car, or put a down payment on a rent house, or fly 2 Europe and vacation 4 a month?  I decided 2 believe His Word.
     That decision changed my lifetime income 4ever.
     Six weeks later, God gave me an IDEA that brought me hundreds of thousands of dollars in return.  In fact, every 90 days I receive a royalty check 4 that idea.
     Now, here is the powerful principle about waiting that u must grasp.
     It was over 2 years after I sowed the $8,500 that I received my first nickel of profit from that idea.  I went thru several battles and difficulties.  I thought the idea would never get off the ground.  But, it did.  My willingness 2 wait thru EIGHT SEASONS of harvest was worth every single HOUR of WAITING.
     Some want 2 plant on Sunday morning in church and reap Monday morning on their job.  That is not even logical, Scriptural, or promised by God.  "But he that endureth 2 the end shall be saved"  (Matthew 10:22).
     Keep feeding your faith during the painful Season of Waiting.  "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).
     Your SEASONS of WAITNG are not seasons of inactivity.  Much is going on.  Angels are positioning 2 minister.  Demons are being confronted.  Strategies are being developed.  God is moving people into your life just like a Boaz was moved into the life of Ruth.  Never believe that a season of waiting is a season of doing nothing.  The opposite is true.
     Seasons of waiting are the busiest seasons ever in the Spirit world.
     Remind yourself that Joy still flows in the heat of battle.  "And u became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, w/Joy of the Holy Ghost" (I Thessalonians 1:6).
     Do not permit your Ship of Financial Harvest 2b dashed on the Rock of Impatience.  Thousands have not received their financial harvest bcoz they got in a hurry, unwilling 2 trust the Lord of the Harvest 4 His timing.  "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up w/wings as eagles;  they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). 
     Let's pray:
     "Father, You do all things well.  You understand the SEASONS.  Give me the ability 2 wait.  Your timing is perfect.  Your schedule is better than mine.  I will Trust You, wait on You, and You will reward me abundantly.  In Jesus Name. Amen"

19 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========    REASON #19- MANY REFUSE 2 SOW DURING TIMES OF CRISIS

     Crisis creates fear.
     It happened 2 me several years ago.  Through a parade of tragedies, personal and in my ministry, I suddenly faced bankruptcy.  I owed many times more than what I owned.  I did not know what 2 do.  I prayed, fasted, and used every business principle I knew.  The wall refused 2 budge.  It was like a mountain of debt that nothing could shake.
     I became intimidated.  I felt like a failure.  Other ministers were flourishing and were building huge buildings.  I could not even pay my CPA $1,500 2 get a financial statement 2 present 2 the bank for a loan!  I met w/a successful businessmen who offered 2 loan me $250,000 ... if I would pay them $50,000 immediately.  (I did not have $5,000 cash 2 my name!)
     During those times, satan really appeared overpowering.  Sometimes it is hard 2 truly believe that your pain will ever pass.
     I could not think straight.  I would sit numbly in various meetings around the table of negotiation. My mind was in shock.  My heart lost its fight.  I could not budge the wall of debt.  (Sometimes, during the battle of life, u will be tempted 2 withdraw, become timid and passive.)  U C, satan is a bully.  Bullies delight in shy, timid peace makers.
     It is important that u develop a fighting spirit.  Very important.  "Resist the devil, and he will flee from u" (James 4:7b).
     U must run toward your Goliath.  David did.  But, he did not come in his own strength against his enemy.  He came "in the Name of the LORD."
     Crisis is the place of miracles.  It is not the place 2 shrink back, quit and hoard your sowing.  I was so tempted 2 stop giving.  I felt that the ministry needed 2 'keep the tithe 4 itself."  Crisis distorts every picture of prosperity.
     Why is crisis time an important Season 2 sow?
     (1)  Your sowing will birth expectation and hope.
     (2)  Expectation is the only 'magnet' that attracts the miracle provision God promised.  "Without faith, it is impossible 2 please Him:  4 he that cometh 2 God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
     (3)  If u refuse 2 sow, u have just destroyed your own ability 2 expect a miracle.  A farmer can only expect a harvest after he has planted SEED.


      >  So, your sowing is what births your expectation.
     >  Your expectation is the current that brings the one 100-fold return Jesus promised.


     (4)  Nothing is going 2 change 4 u financially UNTIL u can unleash expectation within u.
     (5)  Your crisis actually magnifies the size of your SEED in the eyes of God.  Your SEED will increase in its influence w/God... bcoz of your crisis situation.  Jesus was watching the offering one day.  He "beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:  and many that were rich cast in much.  And there came a certain poor widow, she threw in 2 mites, which make a farthing."
     This contained a powerful insight.  He shared w/His disciples.  "This poor widow  hath cast more in than all they which hath cast into the treasury:  For all they did cast in of their abundance;  but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living" (Mark 12:41-44).  She did not have very much money.  She was poor.  But, her financial crisis enlarged her SEED in the eyes of God.  She gave more than everyone else, in His opinion, bcoz of her crisis.
     That is why it is important 2 plant SEED when your back is against the wall, and u have very little.  Your SEED will carry more weight, influence and potential 4 increase than a much larger SEED will have later when u are doing quite well.
     Thousands hoard during crisis.
     It is the most unwise thing they could ever do.
     If u will sow during times of famine, your SEED will move the Heavens and open the windows.  God will pour out a blessing u can hardly contain.

18 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========    ~ Leviticus 27:30 ~  "And all the Tithe of the land, whether of the SEED of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S:  it is holy unto the LORD."

REASON #18 - MILLIONS STEAL THE TITHE, THE HOLY PORTION GOD  RESERVED 4 HIMSELF.

     When u keep the Tithe, u commit theft.
     When u  take something that belongs 2 another, u are a thief.  Thieves will not enter Heaven.  "But lay up 4 yourselves treasure(s) in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:" (Matthew 6:20).
     Tithe  means "Tenth."  The great patriarch, and wonderful example, Abraham, gave 10 percent of is income back as proof and evidence that he honored God as his Provider and was blessed incredibly 4 it.  "And Abraham was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis    
raceytay                                                                     13:2).
     Isaac, his son, continued 2 reap from the life of obedience.  "Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year a 100-fold: and the LORD blessed him.  And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:  For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants and: and the Philistines envied him" (Genesis 26:12-14).
     It happened 4 the children of Abraham.  "And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I AM the God of Abraham thy father:   fear not ,  4 I AM w/thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy SEED 4 my servant Abraham's sake" (Genesis 26:24).
     The Tithe is holy unto the Lord.  "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S:  it is holy unto the LORD" (Leviticus 27:30).
     Your Tithe is the golden gate 2 Financial Supply.  "Bring ye all the tithe(s) into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine House, and Prove ME now herewith, saith the LORD of Hosts, if I  will not open u the Windows of Heaven and pour u out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough 2 receive it" (Malachi 3:10).
     The arrogant will not tithe.  U C, there are THREE kinds of atheists: (1) those who believe that God does not even exist;  (2) those who believe they are capable of doing anything God could do; and (3) those who consider themselves as god in their own life.  A non-tither's position is like the atheist--they keep the tithe.  They feel that they are their own god in their own life.  It is the ultimate proof of arrogance and pride.
     Honor the Tithe.  Tithing is the Biblical practice of returning 10 percent of your income back 2 God after u have earned it.  In the Old Testament, Abraham and others tithed.  In the New Testament, even the Pharisees, the hypocitical religious crowd, remembered 2 tithe.  "This ought 2 have done..."

     "And concerning  the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the 10th shall be holy unto the LORD" (Leviticus 27:32).

     Tithing can break the financial curse on your life and family.  U C, those who rob God of the tithe AND offerings that belong 2 Him are living under a curse.

     Oh, my friend, u can change this.  U can be the member of your family that 'breaks the curse."  Your SEED is the Proof of your faith.  It is the proof that u have conquered greed.  Obviously, God always penalized a thief.  But, He always promotes and prospers the tither and those who sow SEED.  "Will a man rob God?  Yet ye have robbed ME.  But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?  In tithes AND offerings.  Ye are cursed w/a curse:  4 ye have robbed ME, even this whole nation" (Malachi 3:8).

     Tithe consistently.  Each tithe is an act of faith, a SEED of obedience that creates momentum.  When u tithe consistently, u will create a consistent harvest.  Establish a rhythm.  Stay in obedience long enough 2 taste the rewards of momentum.

     There are 4 basic Seasons each year.  Regularity and routine are very important forces in our lives, especially in a SEED-faith lifestyle.  Work w/the Law of Sowing and Reaping [even the World says: What goes around, comes around or what u sow, u will reap].  Do not become erratic and unpredictable.  Nature itself has a PATTERN, a rhythm and routine.  When u honor it, the benefits will far outweigh any cost and risk involved.  "While the Earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest , and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8;22).

     Tithing is the proof u have conquered greed.  Satan steals.  man hoards.  God GIVES.  Your giving is the only proof that God lives within u.  It is the only evidence that the nature of God is flourishing inside your heart.  Whether it is money, mercy or love, giving is the only real evidence of Love.  "For God so Loved the World that He GAVE..." (John 3:16).

     When u tithe, u create a memory in the mind of God 4ever.  He beholds His nature in u.

     "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7).  Fear torments.  It makes u hoard instead of release.  U become afraid that u can never replace the money that u are "giving 2 God."  The truth?  The tithe is already His.  He permits u the privilege of returning it 2 Him as proof of your confidence in Him.

     Tithing is the proof that u believe the Word of God 2 u.  The Word of God is a collection of INSTRUCTIONS.  God wants so much 2b believed.  He promised that those who would tithe and bring offerings 2 Him would C a financial harvest as a result.  "But he shall receive a 100-fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world 2 come Eternal Life" (Mark 10:30).

     The Old Testament confirms it.  "Honour the LORD w/thy substance, and w/the firstfruits of all thine increase:  So shall thy barns be filled w/plenty, and thy presses shall burst out w/new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10).

     When u write out a check 4 10 percent of your income each week and give it back 2 God, it documents your faith 2 God.  It is proof of your confidence.  U really do believe that His Word works.  U have fully embraced the wonderful truth that "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither a son of man, that he should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it ?  or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19).

     Yet, millions attend church every Sunday and walk out w/the holy tithe still in their pockets.  Sometimes, they will drop a few dollars in its place in the offering as a substitution.

     Picture something w/me 4 a few moments.  Suppose a businessman flew home from a business transaction.  His son meets him at the airport.  The father excited, puts his arm around his son and says, "I really love u son.  I'm so proud of u.  Here is a $10 bill 2 buy yourself a little present.  I just made $100 extra that I had not planned on in this business deal."
     "Thanks, dad!"

     "Well, son, go ahead and take several more of these $10 bills. Actually, u can have 9 of these $10 bills  4 yourself.  I will just keep one w/me 4 some change,"  the father remarks, good naturedly.

     Think further w/me.  Both go home.  The son goes into his bedroom  sleep that night.  The father takes everything out of his pockets, leaving the tenth $10 bill inside the dresser drawer.  He goes  sleep.

     during the night, the son cannot sleep.  He turns and tosses.  He is thankful for the nine $10 bills ($90) that his father gave him.  But, something inside him that he cannot explain makes him keep thinking about that $10 bill in his father's dresser drawer.  What if the son sneaked up in the middle of the night, opened the dresser drawer and took and stole the tenth $10 bill?  What are your feelings about that?  I imagine u would be incensed and infuriated.  U would exclaim w/anger, "That son is an idiot, a fool and a thief.  he was so unthankful 4 the $90 that his father gave him, he stole the tenth."

    Yet... this happens every single Sunday on Earth.  Somehow, our ingratitude and unthankfulness begins 2 choke out every word of praise that should be flowing from our lips.  Instead of gratitude and thankfulness 4 our health, our energy, favor, and friendships--the last $10 bill is stolen.. from the hand of the very ONE who gave the other $90 to us.

     Another scenario.  Just suppose that I told u that the son left a $1 bill in its place in his father's drawer--thinking his father would not notice the difference between a $1 bill and the $10 bill.  Maybe, he feels that his father would not notice the missing zero!

     This would be a substitution.

     He steals the $10 by replacing it w/a $1 bill.

     Yes, u are angry again.  yet, this too happens in every church in America every single Sunday morning.  Thousands substitute a small offering in place of the tithe.  Do we think God is that stupid?

     I held 6 seminars for 6 consecutive Friday evenings in Austin, Texas.  The young man who shined my shoes in the Austin airport was so impressive.  I loved him, his little wife and child.  One day, he spoke 2 me.  "Mike, I love my pastor.  The music in our church is just fantastic.  However, there is one thing that I despise and makes me so angry every Sunday.  Every time I attend my church, my pastor wants 2 talk about offerings.  It seems 2 me that is all he talks about.. tithe and offerings, tithe and offerings, tithe and offerings."

     "Has anyone ever explained the Tithe 2 u?" I asked.

      He could not remember having anyone explain it 2 him.  So, I proceeded 2 explain that everything we have came from God.

     God established a system that would destroy the possibility of greed, The Tithe.  God is not poor.  Angels are not on ration.  Mansions in Heaven are not half finished.  God said that everything already belonged 2 Him anyway.  But, He established a system that would permit man 2 destroy his greatest enemy of prosperity, greed.  It was simple.  Bring 10 percent back 2 God, and He promised 2 bless u again and again 4 such obedience.

     Then, I explained that God guaranteed a curse on anyone who stole the holy part (Malachi 3:9-11).  The words of Jesus were also explained carefully.  When Peter felt that he had lost everything in order 2 follow after Jesus, Jesus reminded him of a wonderful result... the one 100-fold return Principle (Mark 10:28-30).

     My young shoe shine friend was ecstatic.  He had never understood the Law of the Hundredfold Return.

     It is not a mystery.  It happens everyday everywhere around us.  A farmer once told me about the Law of Return in a kernel or corn.  "Mike, one kernel or corn can produce a cornstalk.  Each cornstalk produces 4 corncobs.  Some have counted as high as 700 kernels of corn on a single corncob, meaning that one kernel of corn can produce 2,800 more kernels of corn on those 4 different corncobs combined.  So, a 100-fold return is not at all a miracle.  It is normal fact of the life in the Law of Return."

     The young man agreed 2 do something I asked.  "I want u 2 tithe every Sunday morning at your church."   The Bible says, "Upon the first day of the week let every one lay by him in store, as God has prospered him" (I Corinthians 16:2).

     I continued.  "Tithe habitually, w/o interruption, for 4 Seasons, the next 12 months.  U C, if u have been sowing SEED of Nothing, u have already scheduled 'Seasons of Nothing' in your Future.  A SEED reproduces itself.  So, if u have been bringing nothing 2 God, u have been scheduling Seasons-of-Nothing in your Future.  Give God a chance 2 cycle u thru the Seasons of Nothing until u can begin 2 C a harvest in your life,"  I explained.  He agreed.

   God did it quicker than I ever imagined.  In less than 30 days, he stood in a small prayer breakfast I held at the Hilton Hotel in Austin, Texas, shouting, "It works!"

     His tip money 4 the first seven days after his commitment 2 tithe was over $800.  He had never experienced this kind of income in his life.  Today, someone told me he had started a small chain of shoe shine places, and people are working 4 him!

     Millions will never taste the financial harvest that is within their reach bcoz they have stolen the holy Tithe and kept it 4 themselves.  The ultimate act of arrogance.

17 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

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."

16 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========    REASON #16 - MANY HAVE NEVER BEEN TAUGHT 2  SOW W/AN EXPECTATION OF A RETURN.

     You can only do what u know.
     Thousands have been taught that it is wrong 2 expect something in return when u give 2 God.
     They feel that this is proof of greed.
     "When I give 2 God, I expect nothing in return!" is the prideful claim of many who have been trapped by tragic and erroneous teaching.
     Do u expect a salary from your boss at the end of a work week?  Of course, u do.  Is this greed?  Hardly.
     Did u expect forgiveness when u confessed your sins 2 Christ?  Of course, u did.  Is this greed?  Hardly.
     Stripping EXPECTATION from your SEED is theft of the ONLY PLEASURE GOD KNOWS.
     Remember,  Remember,  His greatest pleasure is 2b BELIEVED.  His greatest pain is 2b DOUBTED.  "Without Faith, it is impossible 2 please Him.  Why? Bcoz Faith is having CONFIDENCE IN GOD.  For He that cometh 2 God must BELIEVE that He is, and that He is a REWARDER ... that He is a rewarder... of them [anyone] who diligently seeks Him" (Hebrews 11:6).  
    Motive means your reason 4 doing something.
     When someone is on trial accused of murder, prosecutors try 2 find the possible motive or reason why he should have been motivated 2 do such a horrible thing.
     He expected u 2b motivated by supply, the promise of provision.  "Give, and it shall be given unto u, Good Measure, Pressed Down, and Shaken Together, and Running Over, shall men give into your bosom" (Luke 6:38).  (This is much more than a principle of mercy and forgiveness.  This is a PRINCIPLE in Supply.)
     He offers overflow as a reason u should sow SEED!  SEEDS of forgiveness or whatever u need.
     "Honour the LORD w/thy substance, and w/the firstfruits of all thine increase:  So shall thy barns be filled w/plenty, and thy presses shall burst out w/new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10). Notice that God PAINTS the picture of overflowing barns 2 motivate us (give us a reason) 4 honoring Him.
      He promised benefits 2 those who might be fearful about tithing.  "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine House, and prove ME now herewith, saith the LORD of Hosts, if I will not open u the windows of Heaven, and pour u out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough 2 receive it" (Malachi 3:10).
     Read Deuteronomy 28?1-14.  Here in the Scripture God creates a list of specific blessings that will occur if u obey Him.  Why does He give us these Portraits of Prosperity?  To inspire u and give u a reason 2 obey.
     Peter needed this kind of encouragement just like u and I do today.  He felt such emptiness as he related 2 Christ that he and others had 'given up everything."
     Jesus promised him one 100-fold return.  "Then Peter began 2 say unto Him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto u,  There is NO man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, 4 My sake, and the Gospel's,  But he shall receive an 100-fold [NOW in this time here on earth], houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, w/Persecutions; and in the World 2 come Eternal Life" (Mark 10:28-30). 
     Many people think this is evil 2 sow 4 a harvest.  THAT IS THE REASON 2 SOW!
     Giving is the CURE 4 greed, not hoarding.  When u sow 2 get a harvest, u have just mastered greed.  Greed hoards.  Man withholds.  Satan steals.
     The nature of God alone is the giving nature.
     When u give, u have just revealed the nature of God inside u.
     The only pleasure God receives is thru acts of faith.  I stress this again.  His ONLY need is 2b believed.  His GREATEST need is 2b believed.  "God is not a man that He should lie" (Numbers 23:19). 
     If a unbeliever confesses 2 a pastor after church, "I want 2 give my heart 2 Christ, pastor."  The pastor prays.  Suppose the unbeliever then says,  "Will u pray that God will give me peace and forgiveness 4 my confession?"  Imagine a pastor who would reply w/indignation.. "Of course not!  That is greedy.  U want something back 4 giving your heart 2 Christ?" U would be shocked if your pastor said this. 
     Your  Heavenly Father offers Supply 4 SEED; Forgiveness 4 confession; order 4 chaos.
     When Jesus talked 2 the woman at the well of Samaria,  He promised her water that she would never thirst again.  Was he wrong 2 offer her something if she pursued Him?  Of course not.  That was the purpose of the Portrait of water--2 motivate her and give her a reason 4 obeying Him.
     One day, my dear friend Dwight Thompson, the powerful evangelist, told me a story about the papaya.  Somebody counted 470 papaya seeds in a single papaya.  If that was consistent, one papaya seed will produce a plant containing 10 papayas.  If each of the 10 papayas contained 470 seeds, there would be 4,700 papaya seeds on one plant.
     Now, just suppose u replant those 4,700 seeds 2 create 4,700 more plants.  do u know how much 5,000 plants containing 5,000 seeds would be?  Twenty-five million seeds... on the second planting alone.
     And we are having troubles really BELIEVING in the 100-fold return.  Why?
     Millions must UNLEARN the poisonous and traitorous teaching that it is wrong 2 EXPECT anything in return.
     Expectation is the powerful current that makes the SEED work 4 u.  "But w/o Faith it is impossible 2 please Him:  4 He that cometh 2 God must BELIEVE that He is, and that He is a REWARDER of them that diligently seek Him:" (Hebrews 11:6).  
     Expect protection as He promised.  "And I will rebuke the devourer 4 your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit b4 the time in the field, saith the LORD Of Hosts" (Malachi 3;11).
     Expect favor from a Boaz close 2 u.  "Give and it shall be given unto u; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall MEN [people bcoz things don fall from the sky lol] give into your bosom.  For w/the SAME MEASURE that ye mete withal it shall be measured 2 u again" (Luke 638).
     Expect financial IDEAS and WISDOM from God as a Harvest.  "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God:  4 it is He that GIVETH thee POWER 2 get WEALTH," (Deuteronomy 8:18).
     Expect your enemies 2 fragment and be confused and flee b4 u.  "The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee 2 be smitten b4 thy face:  they shall come out against thee one way, and flee b4 thee 7 ways" (Deuteronomy 28:7).
     Expect God 2 bless u 4 every act of obedience.  "And it shall come 2 pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the Voice of the LORD thy God, 2 observe and 2 do all His commandments which I command [Instruct] thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the Earth:  And all these Blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shall hearken unto the Voice of the LORD they God" (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
     A businessman approached me.  "I do not really believe Jesus really meant what He said about the 100-fold.  We have misunderstood that."
     "So, u intend 2 teach Jesus how 2 talk when u get 2 Heaven? I laughed.
     If he will do it 4 a papaya...  He will do it 4 u and me.  We are His children, not merely fruit on a tree!
     I believe one of the Major Reasons people do not experience a supernatural abundant harvest in finances is bcoz they really do not expect Jesus 2 do what He said He would do.
      Low expectations affect God.
      When u sow w/EXPECTATION your "SEED" will stand b4 God as a testimony of your Faith and confidence(s).  REMEMBER that Faith is Confidence IN God.
   
     >  Sow, expecting God 2 respond favorably 2 every act of confidence in Him.
     >  Sow, from every paycheck.
     >  Sow, expectantly, generously and faithfully.


     When u start looking and expecting God 2 fulfill His promise the Harvest u have needed so long will come more quickly and bountiful than u have ever dreamed.
     Let's pray:
     "Father, teach us the Wonder of Expectation.  Show us how it pleasures You 2b believed.  Hasten the Harvest as we depend on Your incredible integrity.  In Jesus Name.  Amen."

15 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========    ~  Proverbs 11:14  ~  "Where no counsel is, the people fall:  but in the multitude of counselors there is Safety."

StepxStep

REASON #15 -  MANY ARE UNWILLING 2 PATIENTLY SIT AT THE FEET OF A FINANCIAL MENTOR.

     What u keep hearing u eventually believe.  U must treasure every moment u have access 2 a qualified Mentor.
     What u do not respect will move away from u.
     It may be a miracle, a dog, or money.  But there are currents in life just like there are in air and water.  These currents move u toward your dreams or away from them;  toward success or failure;  toward prosperity or poverty.
     What u respect will move toward u.  It may be people, or money. 
     When God wants 2 bless u, He  puts a person in your life.
     Moses was assigned 2b the Deliverer who led the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt.  Those who respected his leadership found their bondage broken, and headed toward Canaan, the land of promise.
     Elijah was a Deliverer.  God took him away from the privacy of the brook, and sent him 2 the home of a starving widow.  The town was Zarephath.  Her son was on meal from death.  But, God sent her a man who was not intimidated by her poverty.  This prophet carried the mantle 2 unlock her faith 4 a supernatural financial harvest.
    
  >  If u are spiritually lost, u must begin 2 look 4 the man of God who has focused his life 2 bring the salvation message 2 the unbeliever.
     >  If u are sick, u must look 4 and respect the man of God who carries the mantle and anointing 4 divine healing and health.
     >  If u are facing financial problems and bankruptcy, start looking 4 the man or woman of God who carries the mantle of Financial Breakthrough.

     U C, what u respect  will move toward u.  When u respect and celebrate the financial mantle of those God sends into your life, prosperity will explode like Niagara Falls across your life.  No one fails alone.
    If u fail or experience financial devastation, it could well be bcoz u chose 2 ignore a man of God assigned 2 help u unlock the treasures and unleash your financial faith.
     Your Mentors must be recognized and pursued.
     Jesus reached out 2 help and was ignored.  U can almost feel the tears flowing down His cheeks as He cried, "O Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  Behold, your house is left unto u desolate" (Matthew 23:37-38).
     Your Mentors can upgrade your financial decisions.  If u can make the decisions that create your poverty, then u can make decision that can create your prosperity.   If u can do something that brings decrease, u can learn 2 do that things that create increase.

     >  U must discern the Financial Mentors closest 2 u.
     > U must learn 2 celebrate the Financial Deliverers God has made accessible 2 .
     
     Reaching is a requirement.
     Reaching out 4 financial wisdom and assistance is not a sign of weakness.  Only a fool ignores a life jacket when he is drowning.  Those who overcome financial devastation never do it alone.  They conquer their pride.  They reject the trap of isolation.  They know the inevitable reward of reaching.  They pursue.  They ask.

     U must turn 2 God first.  Become thankful 4 what He has already given 2 u in your life.
     First, be thankful 4 His previous provision and supernatural supply.
     Express gratitude 4 those who have assisted u in achieving your dream, given u job opportunities, and encouraged u.
     Your Heavenly Father cares about your financial difficulties today.  U really do matter 2 Him.  Jesus said it clearly,  "Your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." (Matthew 6:32).
      He is expecting your pursuit of Him.  In the Secret Place of prayer.  In the church services that u attend.  In your diligent research of Scripture.  "When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn 2 the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient  unto His Voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor 4get the covenant of they fathers which He sware unto them" (Deuteronomy 4:30-31).
     Nobody else can do it 4 u.  Nobody else feels your pain.  Nobody else is staring at the stack of bills u are facing every night.
     Pursue worthy and proven counsel.  Somebody knows something u need 2 know.  Someone knows something that can help u survive and even succeed in the middle of the most painful chapter of your life.  Ignorance is 2 costly.  It is deadly.
     Only fools risk the consequences of ignorance.  Your pastor, or boss, or someone u love may have a recommendation of a certified financial planner or others in your area.  Whatever u do today, take the time 2 listen 2 Godly advice.  True champions do.  As the ancient writings teach, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14). 
     God expects u 2 cry out 4 help in times of trouble.  "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Psalms 34:6). 
     Your humility and desperation will attract God.  Especially your faith.  U must trust God 2 stop the financial attack against u.  U serve a very capable and caring God.  he can turn the hearts of kings in favor toward u.
     U are on His mind this very moment.  Your tears, your pain, and your fears affect Him and influence His responses 2 u.  He is getting ready 2 move in your behalf.  Trust Him.  Regardless of the storms around u, remember the great promise, "He maketh wars 2 cease..." (Psalms 46:9).
     Recognize messengers who carry the message of financial solutions.  They may be packaged like a John the Baptist in a loin cloth of camel's hair, or the silk robes like King Solomon.  Do not permit the packaging 2 distract u from the message.  They may appear arrogant, cocky and self-confident.  Or, they may seem humble, timid and even reluctant 2 share their financial knowledge.  It is your responsibility 2 discern the messengers God sends into your life.  Drop your pail in their well.
     Your response 2 a man of God is carefully documented by God.  When God talks 2 u, it is often thru the spiritual leaders in your life.  Do not ignore them.  Remember-- "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward" (Matthew 10:41).
     Recognize extraordinary and uncommon Mentors of Faith.  U C, your faith determines the flow of miracles toward u.  "But w/o faith, it is impossible 2 please Him" (Hebrews 11:6b).   "He that cometh unto God must believe that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6a). 
     Moses mentored Joshua.
     Paul mentored Timothy.
     Elijah mentored Elisha.
     Naomi mentored Ruth.
     Mordecai mentored Esther.
     Uncommon champions have uncommon mentors.  Observe carefully the lives of those who have succeeded around u.  Their secrets will begin 2 surface.  Their reason 4 unusual success will become quite clear.  Study the biographies of financial champions.  Extraordinary people have tapped into the fountain of their faith.  As u read their journey from the pit 2 the palace, u will be encouraged and strengthened.  "Where4 seeing we also are compassed about w/so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run w/patience the race that is set b4 us" (Hebrews 12:1).  
     Constantly eat faith food.  What u read will affect what u believe.  What u read influences the conversations u enter.  When u feed the Word of God into your spirit man, your faith (confidence in God) comes alive and becomes a living force within u.
     Set aside a specific time every day 2 read 3 chapters in the Bible.  Nurture and grow the explosive SEEDS of Faith within u. Invest in yourself!  Acorns can become oak trees.  "So then Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). 
     Choose a proven mentor.  Those u admire will eternally affect your Future.  Choose financial mentors who increase your faith in the true Source, God.  Learn from their scars as well as their sermons.  "And we beseech u, brethren, 2 know them which labour among u, and are over u in the Lord, and admonish u;  And 2 esteem them very highly in love 4 their work's sake" (I Thessalonians 5:12-13).   
     Financial Mentors are different than Financial Deliverers.  Mentors impart expertise.  Deliverers create experiences.  U need both.
     Your mentor takes u on a continuous journey from where u are 2 the place u can be.  This involves a collection of Instructions, a series of crises and constant review of your financial situation.
     A Financial deliverer carries a mantle and an anointing that breaks the spirit of poverty over your life and unlocks a financial faith never experienced b4.

     > Somebody gave u Instructions that created your Present circumstances.
     > Somebody must give u different Instructions 2 create the circumstances that u desire.  "Poverty and shame comes 2 him that refuseth Instruction" (Proverbs 18:13).
     
     Many rebel against any correction or advice given 2 them.  This is the reason they never taste the incredible harvest God wants them 2 have. 
     Several years ago, I had a close friend I loved and admired very much.  Something agitated him and he quit attending a special weekly Bible study that I held.  His house was just minutes away.  A few months later, he began 2 experience tremendous financial losses.  One day, I met his wife in a store.
     "You have got 2 pray 4 my husband.  He is almost bankrupt."  Her face looked so pulled and stressed.  "Well, he ought 2b in bad shape,"  I said half jesting but really serious.  "He as refused 2 drive 10 minutes 2 sit under a financial mantle of a financial deliverer where God is pouring out financial blessing.  He has ignored and disregarded the access he has had 2 this anointing."
     Sometimes that which becomes familiar becomes hidden  us.  Someone I love was very concerned about a close relative.  "Unless there is a miracle, they are going 2 go bankrupt."  "You know,"  I replied, "every Thursday night I teach from the Word of God on the Laws of Financial Supply.  They could sit under this mantle within minutes if they would make the drive.  They have refused 2 sit under this anointing."  Their financial crises was not a mystery 2 me at all.
     What u ignore will move away from u.  
     I have relatives who can hardly earn their own living .  They  constantly borrow from other relatives.  Some would call them parasites, bcoz they cannot earn their own way.  yet, they refuse 2 sit for 3 days in a conference that would connect them 2 the golden flow of supply and the uncommon walk of faith.
     No, it is not a shock and surprise 2 me that many people never experience harvest.  Some will sit an hour in a car on the freeway during a traffic jam every single day of their life, but become angry if their pastor discusses financial harvest during the offering 4 more than 15 minutes.
     Think about this.  Every week contains 168 hours, or 672 compartments of 15 minutes.  If u only sit and receive faith teaching on a capsule of 15 minutes out of the 672, is it any wonder why your faith is not alive and vibrant?
     "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels" (Proverbs 1:5).
     U must start moving toward extraordinary people.  Make a habit of pursuing greatness.  Pay any price.  Purchase any book or tape series that contains the path 2 the uncommon supply.
     Elisha received a double portion of God's power bcoz he was willing 2 pay the cost 2 stay in the presence of Elijah, the great prophet.  Joshua observed Moses.  Ruth reached 4 Boaz.
     You will never possess what u are unwilling 2 pursue.   You  really have no right 4 anything u have reached toward.  "He that walketh w/wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20).
     I was in South Carolina giving my testimony about the SEED of $58, the Covenant of Blessing.  This is what I shared;  I was in Washington, DC, sitting on the platform.  The pastor was receiving the tithe and offerings from his people.  Suddenly, the Holy Spirit spoke 2 me and impressed me 2 plant a SEED of $58 2 represent each of the 58 Kinds of Blessing in the Bible.  It sounded so crazy 2 me, but I knew the Voice of the Holy Spirit.  So,  I pulled out my checkbook and wrote a check for $58.  Then, I felt impressed 2 plant one 4 my son who was 12 at the time.  My divorce had been bitter.  It was difficult 2 get any time of visitation, and so forth.
     Within a few weeks after my SEED, his mother decided he could come spend the rest of his life w/me!  The miracle flow started.  After I shared this in South Carolina.  It was interesting the paths that 2 different people in that service took.
     One man called the pastor very upset.  He insisted that I was a fraud, trying 2 con people out of $58.  Here was a man who could not discern a financial anointing, a financial deliverer God had sent into his life 2 unlock his faith.  Perhaps, he had some terrible experiences or heard great criticism of ministers in his youthful days.  Chances are that his backslidden state from God made him angry at any discussion of money.  At any rate, he reacted, and refused 2 participate in the SEED of $58.
     Across the building sat another precious lady, a minister of the gospel.  Her heart was stirred.  She discerned the atmosphere of heaven in the service.  She pulled out her checkbook and sowed a special SEED of $58.  (On the left-hand side of the check, she wrote "Covenant of Blessing.")  A few months later, an old man she had been caring 4 died.  Thinking he was broke, she had been purchasing his medicine 4 him.  She thought he died impoverished.  However, after his death, he left her a church paid for, 2 Homes and 27 acres of ground completely paid for!  Within 2 years, the geological report came back they had discovered gold on the 27 acres of ground!
     Same service.  Two people.  One sneered and refused 2 recognize the anointing of God.
     The second tasted the supernatural supply.
     One man told me after a service one night, "I do not really understand about this SEED of $58."  "It is quite simple.  The SEED that leaves your hand never really leaves your life--it simply leaves your hand and goes into your own FUTURE where it multiplies."
     Those who doubt are forced 2 live w/the consequences of their unbelief.   Those who believe can expect 2 face the rewards of their believing.
     Doubt is a tragic and unfortunate cancer in the body of Christ.  Oh, precious friend, do not permit it 2 destroy your life.
     Some are intimidated by the self-confidence of a financial deliverer.  To them, financial blessing is a difficult, hard and arduous journey up the long mountain of life.  It seems impossible 2 achieve.  When they C the brash and light approach, they are turned off.
     Some are thinking about the limitations of their salary instead of hearing about the potential of their faith.
     Others simply feel that the risk of the faith life is 2 great.  They hold on  every cent.  They hoard.  They feel personally responsible 4 every dollar that comes into their life and cannot grasp the greatness of a Provider, GOD, who cares deeply 4 them.
      Thousands refuse 2 embrace the faith challenge of a financial deliverer and mentor that God sends.  They will spend the rest of their life scraping pennies, wishing their life could have a breakthrough.

14 of 31 Reasons People Do Not Receive Their Financial Harvest

Introduction
=========    Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not 2 pay it; 4 He hath no pleasure in fools:  pay that which thou has vowed.  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, that thou should vow and not pay."

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REASON #14 - MANY FORGET OR REFUSE 2 PAY THEIR VOWS MADE 2 GOD.

     Vows are not frivolous things 2 God.
     God is not playful, frivolous nor trivial.
     He takes your promises 2 Him quite seriously.  "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not 2 pay it; 4 He hath no pleasure in fools:  pay that which thou has vowed.  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, that thou should vow and not pay." (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).
     God describes promise breakers as fools.  That is why it is so important not 2 position yourself as a fool bcoz fools are ultimately destroyed.
     God humiliates fools.
     God moves away from fools.
     God uses fools as illustrations 4 destruction.  Always keep your promises.  To your family.  To your wife or husband.  To the Lord who promised u His Best.  It is important that u develop impeccable and unwavering integrity when u give your word in a business transaction or 2 your children.
     God is a covenant God.  He remembers every vow u have made b4 Him and man.
     Oh, stop and re-examine your life this very moment!  Have u made any financial vows 2 your church or 2 the man of God in your life?  Pay them.  Whatever it takes.  Pay your vows.
     It will break "The Curse".  When u keep your vow, God's very best 'begins' 2 come 2 u.  Read Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26.  God guarantees that incredible blessings always come 2 those who 'observe and 2 do all His commandments" (Deuteronomy 28:1).
     After an anointed banquet one evening, an articulate and well-dressed lady approached me.
     "I know God has spoken 2 me tonight 2 plant a SEED of $1,000 in your ministry.  U will receive it in a few days," she said wiping tears of joy from her eyes.
     A few days later, her letter arrived.  It was an apology.  "After I talked 2 my husband, I felt tha I should break my promise 2 u.  I do not believe we can really afford 2 sow this special SEED at this time," she wrote.  Oh, the heartache that broken promises are creating in  our lives.
      U C, while she was in the Presence of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit was hovering over the congregation, the SEEDS of her faith exploded within her heart.
     God spoke.
     She heard.  She moved swiftly.
     She quickly declared her covenant w/God.  After she moved away from His Presence, discussed this gigantic step of faith w/an unbelieving husband, she withdrew from her covenant which she had entered into w/God.  Oh, only time will reveal the curse that such an attitude of frivolity and light-heartedness will produce in our lives.
    Many years ago I was sitting in my bed watching a religious television program.  Suddenly, a famous evangelist looked into the camera and said so forcibly, "If u have made a vow 2 God at any time and not paid it, u have LAUNCHED a parade of tragedies.  Please sit down today and pay your vows."  Conviction smote my heart.
     Over 2 years b4, I had promised a missionary in Africa that I would help sponsor some students 4 scholarships in his Bible college.  I had asked him 2 rush me material about it.  When I did not receive the material, I did nothing.  I did not telephone him or pursue a reason.  I simply used it as an excuse 2 'escape my vow' that I had made 2 him.
     As I watched the telecast that night, God reminded me of my promise.  As I felt my heart pound, I knelt beside my bed and prayed, "Please 4give me.  Give me another chance.  do not withhold your harvest from me."  It was midnight, but I called my secretary anyway.  "Whatever u do, when u arrive at the office tomorrow morning, please take the checkbook.  Write out a check 2 this Bible school in East Africa.  Airmail it.  I cannot live another day w/o the blessing of God flowing upon me.  I cannot afford a curse in my life and ministry."
     I have seen 100s lift their hands and make faith promises, "Yes, I will plant a monthly SEED 2 help u spread the wisdom of God."  Yet, over 50 percent will never sit down and plant that SEED of Promise they vowed publicly 2 plant.
     "Maybe they cannot afford 2 do it!"  is a common explanation.  I have seen many people make this claim, Yet they continue 2 receive salary raises, new TV sets, and purchase a new automobile.  They take their family out 2 eat at the nicest restaurants, purchase new clothes and send their children thru college.  Thru-out all of this spending, they make the same claim, "I really cannot keep my faith promise."
     "Would u like 3 me  ask God 2 make u as poor as u tell everybody u really are?"  I asked jokingly of one of my relatives one day.
     When u make a faith promise, u have entered into a covenant between u and God.  Do not treat it lightly and w/frivolity.  Make every effort 2 pay it.
     If u do not presently have enough finances 2 fully pay your vow at one time, start planting small SEEDS as often as possible.  Your harvest will start increasing.  Then, u will find it possible 2 complete your faith promise and vow and begin your days of Blessing.
     Do u truly feel that u have made a mistake?  Then ask the Lord 2 give u an extra supernatural miracle so that u can complete your faith vow 2 Him in a supernatural way.  U are only responsible w/what He provides.  If He does not provide, u are released of your part.
     It is not merely the man of God who is authorized necessarily 2 'let u off."  This faith promise is between u and God.  It must be settled between u and Him.
     An unpaid vow is one of the powerful reasons 1000s have never tasted the reward of their step of faith.

     Let's pray together:
     "Father, 4give me 4 any unpaid vows.  U will come first from this day on.  I will keep my covenant w/You bcoz I need the Harvest far more than I need my SEED.  Provide 4 me and make it possible 4 me 2 have the finances necessary 2 keep my word 2 You.  U know my heart of faith and will not disappoint me.  I believe Your Word today.  In Jesus sweet powerful Name.  Amen and Thank You."