Yesterday afternoon, I kept getting the phrase “Brace for impact!” Late last night, this interview posted. Interesting…
Let The Holy Spirit guide you in all areas.
Archive for the ‘Biblical Economics & Money’ Category
Brace For Impact
Thursday, November 20th, 2025Heavenly Versus Earthly
Monday, November 17th, 2025Which treasures are you focused on, earthly or Heavenly?
Moses recorded by The Holy Spirit in Deuteronomy chapter 8:
18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Time and time again, FATHER has proved HIS Words in the above passage. As we are led by The Holy Spirit and found to be trustworthy with wealth, HE will increase the treasuries for us to manage on HIS behalf.
Jesus did not hesitate to reference finances when He spoke in the following verses:
Matthew 6:19 TPT
“Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value.
Matthew 6:20 TPT
Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value.
Matthew 13:52 TPT
He responded, “Every scholar of the Scriptures, who is instructed in the ways of Heaven’s Kingdom realm, is like a wealthy home owner with his house filled with treasures both new and old.”
Luke 16:11 TPT
If you have not handled the riches of this world with integrity, why should you be trusted with the Eternal treasures of the spiritual world?
Luke 18:22 TPT
“Ah,” Jesus said, “there’s still one thing you’re missing in your life.” “What is that?” asked the man. “You must go and sell everything you own and give all the proceeds to the poor so you will have Eternal treasures. Then come and follow Me.”
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in the following epistles:
Romans 8:17 TPT
And since we are His true children, we qualify to share all His treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God Himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that He is and all that He has. We will experience being co-glorified with Him provided that we accept His sufferings as our own.
Romans 10:12 TPT
So then faith eliminates the distinction between Jew and non-Jew, for He is the same Lord for all people. And He has enough treasures to lavish generously upon all who call on Him.
Ephesians 1:7 TPT
Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by His Blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of His grace.
Colossians 1:5 TPT
Your faith and Love rise within you as you access all the treasures of your inheritance stored up in the Heavenly realm. For the revelation of the True Gospel is as real today as the day you first heard of our glorious hope, now that you have believed in the Truth of the Gospel.
Colossians 3:2 TPT
Yes, feast on all the treasures of the Heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with Heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.
Can you handle wealth with integrity? If you can, you will become a conduit to bring forth Heavenly treasures to the earth, establishing The Kingdom of GOD. Think about it, which treasures are you focused on?
Blessings And Purpose
Monday, November 3rd, 2025We are to receive blessings with purpose!
At Servias Ministries, our desire is to expand our impact on behalf of The Kingdom of GOD.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians chapter 9:
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God Loves a cheerful giver.
Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated into giving; it must be out of the purpose of your heart.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Consider the word “all” used three times in the above passage.
9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now may He Who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
In other Words, you will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, for when we take your gifts to those in need, it causes many to give thanks to God.
Some of what we have been provided for is for our consumption… bread. Some of what we have been given is for us to plant elsewhere. As we purpose to be a cheerful giver, we will receive an increase through HIS grace or enablement.
And Paul also wrote by The Holy Spirit in Philippians chapter 4:
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
In other Words, my heart overflows with joy when I think of how you demonstrated love to me by your financial support of my ministry. For even though you have so little, you still continue to help me at every opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The two essential verses for blessing and increase:
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Would you like an abundance for every good work? Every time a need comes up, you don’t have to say “I can’t today” but you would like to respond every time. Paul is praying and prophesying that reality into our life.
19 And My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
It is not according to the economy, how well your business is doing, not according to the city you live in, not even according to your faith. It is according to the riches in glory. The standard for your provision in this lifetime is an immeasurable standard.
These two passages present the promise of increase, the promise of blessing, but in both situations, they are tied to our support of missions.
Servias’ primary missionary outreach is to the kids in need program, not the local church. Additionally, and to a lesser extent, we are now supporting missionaries outside the U.S. Yes, the U.S. is now seen as a missionary field in great need of The Gospel.
Paul was a missionary; we are as well. Our mission field is “all the world”.
Our Generosity
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025We are no more like Christ than we are generous!
GOD was and is the most generous Giver of all!
Jesus spoke in John chapter 3:
16 For God so Loved the world that He gave …
Do you see yourself as a giver or a taker? Do you look for ways to be generous? Generosity is actually at the heart of the gifts of THE SPIRIT. The entire purpose of ministering in the gifts is for the edification (or building up) of the church. The purpose of the gifts of THE SPIRIT is to get something from GOD that will make somebody else’s life more complete through your generous giving.
When we minister in a true spirit of generosity, we are not only able to properly direct our resources, but HE gives us the opportunity through that heart to access HIS resources and distribute them.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1st Corinthians chapter 12:
4 It is the same Holy Spirit who continues to distribute many different varieties of gifts.
5 The Lord YAHWEH is One, and HE is the One Who apportions to believers different varieties of ministries.
6 The same God distributes different kinds of miracles that accomplish different results through each believer’s gift and ministry as HE energizes and activates them.
7 Each believer is given continuous revelation by the Holy Spirit to benefit not just himself but all.
8 For example: The Spirit gives to one the gift of the Word of Wisdom.
To another, the same Spirit gives the gift of the Word of revelation knowledge.
9 And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith.
And to another, the same Spirit gives gifts of healing.
10 And to another the power to work miracles.
And to another the gift of prophecy.
And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking.
And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues.
And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues.
11 Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit Who distributes, activates, and operates these different gifts as We chooses for each believer.
How important are these Spiritual Gifts?
Paul continues in 1st Corinthians chapter 14:
1 Pursue [this] Love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the Spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people]. AMP
Prophecy from Above gives the recipient hope, expectation, and courage to deal with the future.
We are to cry out to GOD to receive the needed gifts for others we encounter, to distribute that which originated in the Heart of GOD for people and help to make them more complete.
Paul continues:
26 Beloved friends, what does all this imply? When you conduct your meetings, you should always let everything be done to build up the church family. Whether you share a song of praise, a teaching, a divine revelation, or a tongue and interpretation, let each one contribute what strengthens others.
Our goal is to build up the Body of Christ by ministering and strengthening others. Those who are mature in Christ are to minister to the babes in Christ and nurture them to maturity, in Love.
I may not have money to give but I can give that person my undivided attention. I may have some possessions that The Holy Spirit instructs me to give. It may be a word of encouragement.
King David recorded by The Holy Spirit in Psalm chapter 35:
27 But let all my true friends shout for joy, all those who know and Love what I do for You. Let them all say, “The Lord is great, and HE delights in the prosperity of HIS servant.”
As we serve THE LORD and are led by HIS SPIRIT, HE delights in our prosperity. The windows of Heaven are opened wider so that we are able to increase our generosity and impact on those around us.
Why Be Blessed?
Friday, July 18th, 2025Why do you need to be blessed?
It is so that you can address every opportunity to do a good work and be a blessing to others.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Corinthians chapter 9:
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
Notice that righteousness is connected to generosity.
10 Now may He Who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace (enablement), so that you will have more than enough of everything—every moment and in every way. HE will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.
FATHER wants us to come into a lifestyle where we always have something to give into those situations that present themselves. HE will provide you with seed to sow as you embrace this lifestyle. HE will also initiate the multiplier effect.
GOD provides seed for sowing, that is generosity, and bread for eating, that is consuming. Both are Holy: generosity and eating. Buying “gifts” for my family is as Holy as being generous to those in need. Neither should be ignored at the expense of the other.
GOD ordained me to be a consumer of bread, a consumer of what HE provided for me. HE is a generous Giver to me as an example for me to be a generous giver to others.
How does FATHER respond when HE provides for us? HIS joy can’t be any less than my joy of seeing my family enjoy what I’m able to do for them. HIS generosity inspires me to be generous.
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
Every gift we give has multiple effects. The LORD receives honor through thanksgiving. HE receives honor through the souls that are saved, HE receives honor through people doing what they were born to do, and we have the joy of giving.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Philippians chapter 4:
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory (unlimited and Eternal) by Christ Jesus.
Both of these passages gave us promises that we delight in and enjoy unlimited provision guaranteed by THE LORD throughout our life. Both of them were connected to “missionary giving”.
Our missionary field is primarily in the schools we support. We go to them; they don’t come to us. Our mission field does not have to be in a faraway country. Paul, who was a missionary, was about 95 miles from Philippi when he wrote to them concerning their support.
In North America, 95% of the contributions stay within the churches where those funds are collected. In our case, 100% of the contributions go out to those in need. We see this commitment as the purest form of obedience to FATHER’S Divine Intent in the area of financial stewardship. What about Servias’ minor operating expenses? My wife and I cover those as needed and it is our privilege to do so. This eliminates any motive that would be considered “self-serving”.
The light that shines the farthest, shines the brightest at home.
Over the years I have found that when I give the tithe, my 90% is more effective because it is without a devourer. The 100% comes with a devourer. This is the way Kingdom finances work. Yes, it took a while for my mind to be transformed to walk according to Kingdom principles in the area of finances, but FATHER proved HIMSELF faithful as we fully aligned ourselves in this area. HIS faithfulness has placed us in a position to bless others out of generosity, not out of duty or pressure.
Shaping History
Thursday, July 17th, 2025Do you want to shape the course of history?
When I invest money in The Gospel, I am shaping the course of history. When I see a ministry that manifests good fruit, they are subject to my family’s support as The Holy Spirit leads. Good fruit promotes more good fruit. Each of us gets to assign our resources to Eternal tasks to further the Kingdom of GOD.
As I wrote yesterday, do not allow yourself to be manipulated or coerced to give. Have I been manipulated in the past? Absolutely! Once my wife and I finally became confident in giving by being led by The Holy Spirit, we could no longer be manipulated or coerced into parting with our money. We won’t support personal kingdom building under the guise of establishing FATHER’S Kingdom.
Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 6:
38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Jesus continued as He likened people to trees:
43 “You’ll never find choice fruit hanging on a bad, unhealthy tree. And rotten fruit doesn’t hang on a good, healthy tree.
44 Every tree will be revealed by the quality of fruit that it produces. You will never pick figs or grapes from thorn trees.
45 People are known in this same way. Out of the virtue stored in their hearts, good and upright people will produce good fruit. Likewise, out of the evil hidden in their hearts, evil ones will produce what is evil. For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words.
If you spend enough time with a person, you can identify the type of fruit they are producing. We can’t judge a person’s heart, but we can judge his fruit.
Generosity is a heart attitude, and every person is positioned to give something. Giving smiles and compliments are ways of giving. This means that you are not focusing on “self” but instead you are focusing on others. We are thinking in terms of making a difference everywhere we go. When you live a life of generosity, everything changes.
The tithe came from Abraham, who is called the father of faith.
Moses recorded by The Holy Spirit in Genesis chapter 14:
18 And Melchizedek, Who was both a priest of the Most High God and the king of Salem (peace), brought out to Abram bread and wine.
19 He spoke over him a special blessing, saying, “Blessed is Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be God Most High, whose power delivered your enemies into your hands!” Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all he possessed.
It is interesting that the two major events associated with blessing Abraham were: Holy Communion and the tithe. Think about it!
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit about Abraham being the “father of faith” in Romans chapter 4:
16 The promise depends on faith so that it can be experienced as a grace-gift, and now it extends to all the descendants of Abraham. This promise is not only meant for those who obey the law, but also to those who enter into the faith of Abraham, the father of us all.
17 That’s what the Scripture means when it says: “I have made you the father of many nations.” He is our example and father, for in God’s Presence he believed that God can raise the dead and call into being things that don’t even exist yet.
Abraham had faith in both Communion and tithing. I do too. By faith, Abraham changed the course of history. His willingness to give was an integral part of his faith in GOD.
Overflowing Provision
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025Faith brings forth an unlimited supply of provision to take The Gospel to the nations!
Religion robs us of an appetite to seek more provision. They assign this desire as greed. It can be on the negative side, but it isn’t if you have a righteous intent behind it.
Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 6:
38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
In other Words, give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return.”
When we walk with a generous heart, FATHER is not reluctant to bless us with more so that we can increase our giving to others. Also, HE will not withhold provision to provide you with the desires of your heart.
David wrote by The Holy Spirit in Psalm chapter 37:
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Over the years, HE has proven this Scripture to my wife and me time and time again. HE wants to bless those with a generous heart.
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Malachi chapter 3:
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My House, And try (test, prove) Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of Heaven And pour out for you an overflowing blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.”
FATHER initiated this promise to those HE can trust to be generous givers to those in need.
11 I will defeat the devourer so that it will not destroy the fruits of your fields, and your vines will be full of grapes,” says YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land in which God takes delight. I, YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies, promise you this.”
Everything you set your hand to will be productive to the point where nations will call you blessed. They will know that it wasn’t by your own talent and ability, they will see that you have been blessed by Our Heavenly Father in a supernatural fashion. Your age does not prevent you from receiving this promise. Don’t limit yourself.
Jesus didn’t kill the passion for greatness in the disciples; He redefined it so they could be entrusted with provision to promote them and not kill them. Any believer whose eyes are open will see the world in need of help. As a result, that believer will have an appetite for more.
It is not about building materialistic personal kingdoms. FATHER is looking for people that hunger for unusual, supernatural, significant breakthrough put into the context of a passionate person for souls so that as the resources come, we actually have the Wisdom and the grace to do what we have purposed in our heart to do. We actually get to shape the course of history through generosity. This happens one person at a time. Those who give into Servias, are affecting the lives of kids in need whose future is being positively affected by our financial support.
We have posted a recent testimony of a child who went from a known problem to his teacher to an outstanding student. Our financial support dramatically impacted that child. His counselor confirmed it to me. His future has changed!
Generosity is one of the evidences of righteous living. It is one of the evidences of being in fellowship with THE LORD. FATHER is the Giver of Life and provision. Abraham discovered this aspect of FATHER’S Nature early on.
Moses recorded by The Holy Spirit in Genesis chapter 22:
9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.”
12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”
13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.”
THE LORD will provide to those who walk in the Fear of THE LORD and can be trusted to be led by The Holy Spirit. They will be given overflowing provision as they establish HIS Kingdom on earth.
PS: Don’t ever let anyone manipulate or coerce you into giving. Your giving should be initiated out of your heart, being led by The Holy Spirit.
Provision In The Last Days
Monday, July 7th, 2025We are to provide “food” on THE LORD’S behalf!
In the last days’ ministry the Sons and Daughters will be known for their provision.
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Malachi chapter 4:
1 “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the LORD of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But to you who fear My Name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,” Says the LORD of hosts.
How do calves grow in the above passage? They are provided with sufficient food in their stalls (or housing). Let us look at the preceding chapter to connect the sufficiency versus those who have forsaken FATHER’S instruction:
In chapter 3:
5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien- Because they do not fear Me,” Says the LORD of hosts.
Only those who walk in THE FEAR OF THE LORD will the benefits from Heaven apply.
6 “For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.
7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the LORD of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’
8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
If you don’t have a generous heart with your finances, you have yet to fully understand that tithes and offerings are included in the fruit associated with walking in The Fear of THE LORD. Selfishness is still an issue to overcome. You do not yet fully trust in THE LORD as your Provider. (Don’t be offended, I am just the messenger.)
9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of Heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
FATHER promises blessings as a result of your generous and faithful heart. Your generosity expresses trust in HIS Word and specific commitment to you.
11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts;
FATHER will cause you to be productive in all that you set your hand to do.
12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts.
Our generosity and trust in THE LORD’S provision will ensure that there will be sufficient food in HIS House. Does this apply to us in helping to provide food for those in need? Yes!
13 “Your words have been harsh against Me,” Says the LORD, “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’
14 You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the LORD of hosts?
15 So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.'”
THE LORD separates believers into two groups: those who fear THE LORD and those who don’t. Those who don’t have not submitted themselves to HIS Word and walk in compromise. They are self-serving in one or more areas in their life.
16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His Name.
17 “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.” 18 Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.
There is a clear difference between these two groups, and it centers around tithes and offerings. As for me, I can’t afford to withhold tithes and offerings. I have been a recipient of the blessings from HIS Storehouse. Food also includes the abundance of revelation given to the who Fear THE LORD.
It’s A Question Of Lordship
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025We are meant to prosper in ALL THINGS!
The issue is Lordship in determining whether we prosper in all things. Prosperity isn’t just about money, however it is included. In the Old Testament, blessing was always measured in finance. In the New Testament, Jesus focused on Lordship.
Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 18:
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal life?”
19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ “
21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have Treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me.”
23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
In Mark chapter 10, Jesus clarifies the issue with the rich young ruler:
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The rich young ruler was expected to give 100%. Jesus didn’t give that same instruction to Zacchaeus. You cannot have Eternal Life without obeying Jesus.
Jesus spoke in chapter 19:
1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”
6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.
7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;
10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
In Zacchaeus’ case, 50% brought salvation to his house. The issue with money is not a formula, the issue is Lordship, always Lordship. All Kingdom issues are heart issues and have to do with Lordship. When the Lordship issue is settled, then the trust is in The Lord.
Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 16:
9 Use the wealth of this world to demonstrate your friendship with God by winning friends and blessing others. Then, when it runs out, your generosity will provide you with an Eternal reward.
10 “The one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities. But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more.
11 If you have not handled the riches of this world with integrity, why should you be trusted with the Eternal Treasures of the Spiritual world?
12 And if you’ve not proven yourself faithful with what belongs to another, why should you be given wealth of your own?
13 It is impossible for a person to serve two masters at the same time. You will be forced to love one and reject the other. One master will be despised and the other will have your loyal devotion. Your choice between God and the wealth of this world (mammon) is no different. You must enthusiastically love one and definitively reject the other.”
Some leaders have abused the Truth to fleece the sheep. We must not allow such an abuse to give us the right to neglect the Truth. I have been fleeced by leaders in the past but have not allowed their manipulation to determine my giving. My wife and I rely on The Holy Spirit to direct us rather than any manipulative pressure from the pulpit.
As we totally rely on The Holy Spirit to direct us in our finances, we have in essence placed Jesus Lord over our checkbook. This allows our soul to prosper in everything we set our hand to.
Beware!
Monday, May 19th, 2025In a recent Epoch Times article:
In 2025, most people are inseparable from their laptops and smartphones. With that familiarity has come a wariness of the dangers of clicking on unsolicited emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.
But there is a new and growing menace called zero-click attacks, which have previously targeted only VIPs or the very wealthy because of their cost and sophistication.
A zero-click attack is a cyberattack that hacks a device without the user clicking anything. It can happen just by receiving a message, call, or file. The attacker uses hidden flaws in apps or systems to take control of the device, with no action needed from the user and the user remains unaware of the attack.
“Although public awareness has increased recently, these attacks have steadily evolved over many years, becoming more frequent as smartphones and connected devices proliferated,” Nathan House, CEO of StationX, a UK-based cybersecurity training platform, told The Epoch Times.
“The key vulnerability is in the software, rather than the type of device, meaning any connected device with exploitable weaknesses could potentially be targeted,” he said.
FYI: My wife and I don’t purchase anything through our phones. We use credit cards, not debit cards. This allows us to view purchases and challenge them if necessary before paying the balance. We only purchase online from our home computers inside our WIFI that has a protective firewall. We pay cash for groceries, restaurants, etc. The hackers cannot hack “cash”.