21 Day Fast Encouragements - DAY 21- FINANCIAL MIRACLES - Victoria Sumner 01/30/16

FINANCIAL MIRACLES

“4 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. 4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.” (1 Kings 4:1-7, ESV)

A miracle is an unusual or wonderful event that is believed to be caused by the power of God. The word for miracle in Greek is dynamic or dunamis. Its meaning is the inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth. Dynamic means always active or changing, marked by usually continuous and productive activity.

As we come to the close of our Daniel Fast, there are a few more things that we need to take hold of in this season. Pastor Jackie Jackson has taught and preached counter-cultural, truth-filled, and liberating messages to help our body as a church break the mindset and heart disposition of poverty individually and collectively. To aid us in this process, it is key to understand the heart of God when it comes to financial miracles. Miracles are a Divine work, supernatural, and unexpected events, and are required in emergency situations. But God not only is our provider when we lack, He is continuously moving to bless us!

In this passage, we see the prophet Elisha performing a miracle for the widow who was about to lose her sons to slavery because of debt. Two things were required for God to perform this miracle through Elisha: faith and whatever she had in her possession. God doesn’t need you to bring to Him things that you don’t have for Him to come through for you! Just bring what you have to Him, trust and have faith that He’ll come through on His promises, then watch Him do it no matter how long it takes!

Take a look at 2 Kings 4:42-44, Matthew 15:32-38, Mark 8:1-10, Matthew 14:13-21, they all share one thing in common: God using people's leftovers to do miracles! Rarely did Jesus just meet a need. When He performed these miracles, He blessed plentifully so there would be way more food, money, etc. than was actually needed! John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Miracles don’t just happen by chance. God wants to bless us abundantly! because He is a good Father and loves His children.

Luke 5:5-6 says, “And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.” The disciples were toiling all day and couldn’t catch any fish (fishing was their occupation, they should’ve been good at it). Jesus saw their need and saw how hard they had been striving and worked a miracle, giving them more than they could even imagine based upon their belief and ACTING on His word.

I’d like to reiterate a few things from Pastor Sam Oye’s sermon. If you still haven’t had a chance to check out this prophetic message, please do so! Click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlNtCkAT25I

1. If your faith will receive it, your hands will handle it. If you don’t think that you’ll ever get out of poverty or have enough for your family, then you won’t. Let you faith go before you and cast your net over what God has promised you.
2. There is a change in your season.
3. New Life, God has seen us toiling. We will toil no longer.
4. Blessings will happen so fast and all at once. So much that we won’t know what to do with them, we’ll be swimming in them! 

When God said “Let there be..” he was making things with His words. Since we were made in His image, if we want to see things in the earth and in the Spirit, we have to say it to see it. Keep saying it until you see it.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve seen God perform so many financial miracles for me that it doesn’t make sense! Since I started school at UC, scholarships left and right came out of nowhere to help my parents pay for college. Three of my siblings were in school. My parents didn’t know where the money was going to come from, but they prayed and had faith that God would make a way. My first year of college, the week before school started, I got 3 unknown scholarships and my schooling was paid for. Each year after that, between losing scholarships due to grades and earning them back, God had always provided a way for me to stay in school. To this day, I have no college loans and no student debt. I’ve seen God honor me and my parents in helping me to not have to worry about debt and I haven’t had a full-time job other than the co-op opportunities through my major. At the beginning of each Semester, I’m reminded of how His plans never fail…even though I do!  I’ve never had a reason to worry about money. Ever since I started giving on top of tithing and recognizing that ALL of my money and possessions are truly the Lord’s, I’ve started to experience the flow. Financial miracles are a part of that flow. It’s a part of His heart’s desire to continuously and dynamically bless you beyond comprehension and yes, that means financially too!

I’ll leave you with this last thing that God spoke to me. Trusting in the mystery of His plans will only increase our faith in His ability to come through on His promises.

-Victoria Sumner

21 Day Fast Encouragements - The Wealth of the Sinner is Laid Up for the Just - Allie Daniel - 01/29/16 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

THE WEALTH OF THE SINNER IS LAID UP FOR THE JUST

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 13:22

Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor. Proverbs 28:8

For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 2:26

I’m not an economist or an expert in finance, but I do know that there are enough resources available on this earth for every person: every child to have a roof over his or her head, a bed to sleep on at night, and enough food to eat without nutritional deficiencies.  Although there are still people in our Nation living in poverty at $11,720 per year for an individual, $14,937 for a couple or $23,492 for a family of four, those people are still considered in the top 15% percent of people who have wealth worldwide.  Half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 a day or $912.50 a year! (globalissues.org; globalrichlist.com)

It doesn’t take an economist to see that there are many celebrities, CEO’s, politicians and public figures who have mansions, expensive cars, boats, planes and other assets, half of which are hardly used - often to live out a self-indulgent and destructive life-style.  It seems to me that often people with good intentions are the ones who can’t get ahead financially. According to these Scriptures, that is not God’s desire or method of operation.

As followers of Christ, we are to care for the orphans and widows (James 1:27), be generous to the poor (Matthew 6:1-4), share with one another (Acts 2:42-47), and so many other things that we’ve studied this month to be good stewards.   How can we do so in a significant way if we are struggling to get by financially ourselves? The Bible says and I trust, that God is able to do immeasurably more than I could ask, think, or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)  Perhaps we’ve been a little limited in our thinking.

God is ABLE and WILLING to take the misused and unused wealth of those who lead sinful lifestyles and distribute it to his saints for doing good works, and contributing to building his kingdom.  Scripture decrees that this will be done. Is this something you’ve considered or prayed for?  My goal is to obey the Lord’s stewardship instructions, to give to him the first fruits of all the wealth I attain, and intercede and pray at least weekly, even daily that God would create opportunities, and cause the wealth of sinner’s to be stored up for the righteous as I do so, and I want to encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ, to get creative and petition to the Lord for the same thing.

-Allie 

21 Day Fast Encouragements - DIVINE INTERVENTION TO BREAK THE POVERTY SPIRIT - Tiffany Smalls -01/28/16 New Life Covenant Cincinnati

DIVINE INTERVENTION TO BREAK THE POVERTY SPIRIT

7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
 
12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’

”15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. (1 Kings 17:6-17, NIV)

David Hino says, “The spirit of poverty is more than a lack of money. People with wealth can have the spirit of poverty. There are poor people who have a wealthy mindset and wealthy people who have a poverty spirit. People who are never satisfied and hoard demonstrate a poverty spirit. A poverty spirit says, “I can’t” and a wealthy spirit says, “God can.”

The poverty spirit is a mindset and learned behavior. The spirit of poverty is actually a spirit of fear, which comes from a lack of trusting God. In 1 Kings 17, the widow was preparing for her and her son’s last meal as she had nothing more than the physically limited flour and oil left to eat. In verse 13 Elijah told her, “Don’t be afraid.”
She had to activate her faith and trust the Lord when he instructed her in verse 14 to give up her last to feed Elijah.  The prophet knew God had provision in the unseen realm that she knew not of. The widow gave up all to gain more than enough by trusting God, through His prophet’s word. One of the names of God is Jehovah Jireh - the Lord our Provider. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Breaking the spirit of poverty is breaking the mindset of only trusting ourselves and not God. God’s ways are not our ways. We are limited and God is limitless. God operates in the supernatural, when we can only see the natural. It takes aligning ourselves with God and trusting Him, especially in the area of our finances. God challenges us to stop robbing Him, to “test or prove Him” in His system of firstfruits, tithing and offerings. His promise is that He will “open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out such a blessing that there will not be room enough to store it! “(Malachi 3:6-10) As Elijah said to the widow, “first make me a cake”
Rebuke the spirit of poverty, not just with your mouth, but with your ACTIONS! God says in Luke 6, verse 38, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” There are times when giving when we don’t see it breaks the back of the fear the enemy is attempting to strangle us with, and says, “I trust GOD to provide!”

FORMULA: Study God’s Word + Believe God’s Word + Meditate on God’s Word + Act on God’s Word + Speak/Confess God’s Word = Blessings in every area of your life including finances. 

Prayer: “Today I will trust you God! I know you will supply all my needs as your Word has promised, if I would just trust you and let go of control and make you Lord of my life, including my finances. Lord, break the chains of poverty over my life and my family’s life. You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider and I will worship you with tithing and offerings going forward. I want to be a blessing to your people. I want to leave an inheritance to my children’s children. I want to live abundantly in this life with financial freedom and give glory to you Heavenly Father. Please forgive my unbelief and lack of trust in you Lord. You said to test you in this area, so I will take you up on your word and trust you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”

Tiffany Smalls

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - TOILING - 01/27/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

And Simon answered saying unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy Word I will let down the net. Luke 5:5   

Toiling - means to work extremely hard or incessantly; exhausting physical labor. In its Middle English origin, it means to contend verbally, to strive or dispute.  Toil also has a connotation of confusion, from the Latin, 'a stirring around' or 'crushing' work, like what it takes to crush olives.

Fishing on boats by net is back-breaking work, especially if you've done it for hours!  Simon and the disciples had been engaged in that work all night long but their toiling was fruitless. Have you ever been in that situation?  You've been toiling, fighting and working, yet still no successful result... and you're an experienced expert at this!  It's frustrating. It's demoralizing. Is God even there and does He care?  In the time of his physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, Jesus steps into Simon's boat and commands him to "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught (a haul of fish)." (vs. 4)

There are times when the Lord asks us to do something crazy and counter-intuitive.  We're at the point of giving up, which may be just the place that He wants us to be, when He commands us to try again.  Some of us will explain what has been going on and why it doesn't make any sense for us to launch out into the deep one more time - especially as exhausted as we are, and then we'll quit. Others of us, like Simon, will say, "I know this doesn't make a bit of sense...but because YOU say so...I will make one more attempt!" 
  
This next venture is different because Christ is now on your boat and HE has commanded it. You will no longer be operating out of your own ingenuity, work ethic or experience.
You won't be reliant on the things you've studied or read, or the coaches you've collected along the way...it's just shear obedience to Jesus' instruction: "At Thy Word, I will let down the net." It's a good thing that Christ has already told you the purpose and outcome in advance. You're letting down the net, you're pursing this endeavor...for a HAUL! The blessing has been assured by Jesus' Word, and whatever HE says is so! Christ is bringing your toiling to an end! If you can believe and step out on His Word one more time...

HERE'S AN ENCOURAGING MESSAGE from Pastor Sam Oye on this topic!

This Sunday, January 31st Pastor Jackie Jackson will be our guest speaker at New Life Covenant for both our Bible Study at 10:00 AM and our Service at 11:00 AM at Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock Street, 45223. The topic is Breaking the Spirit of Poverty: Financial Prosperity. If you are struggling in this area, please come! The LORD wants to deliver, instruct with Biblical wisdom, and set you free.

21 Day Fast Encouragements - LEAVE AN INHERITANCE - Lou Ann Luken - 01/27/16 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

LEAVE AN INHERITANCE
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Deuteronomy 30:19

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…”  (Proverbs 13:22a)

Inheritance means:

1. Property or money passing at the owner’s death to the heir
2. Legacy; something handed down from the past
3. Something, as a quality, characteristic, or other immaterial possession received from predecessors as if by succession (example: an inheritance of family pride)
4. Portion, birthright, heritage

There are two kinds of inheritances. One is the material inheritance that we leave our children and our grandchildren. The other is the non-material inheritance we leave them.

Some people have leaving a material inheritance as their main goal. They strive to accumulate as many possessions and money as they possibly can to leave to their children and grandchildren. Some get so caught up in this goal that they don’t live life fully and they may become less giving. Others choose to spend all their money now and/or give all of it away and have nothing left for an inheritance for their family.

There is a balance to these two extremes. We are not to hoard money and possessions. We are to be generous to others, but we also are to save some for our children and grandchildren. A component of stewardship and getting serious about finances, is managing money wisely so that we can invest in the future of our children.

Have you ever thought about how your actions today could change your family history?  Your money management can positively or negatively impact your child’s future financial life .

Benefits of leaving a material inheritance include:

• Providing for your family’s needs when you are gone
• Helping to break a generational cycle of poverty
• Providing an opportunity for your children to live more financially stable lives
• Providing money to help seed your family members’ dreams
• Providing an opportunity to further the Kingdom and impact the world through your children’s gifts and ministries even after you are gone

Leave your children an inheritance by teaching them about money. They will know how to live financially their whole lives, and steward any money you might leave them.   Raise money smart, Biblically wise kids: teach them that God owns it all. Teach them to have a good work ethic, then to give, pay taxes, save, invest and lastly spend. Teach them humility and not to set their hearts on riches if they increase. Teach them to live with open hands for giving and receiving. Teach them that contentment is the antidote to greed and the love of money.

Leaving your children an inheritance includes teaching them about God and His Word. Help them to know how much they are loved and valued by God and by you.  Teach them that they can make a difference in the world.  Teach them not to be selfish, but holy and godly, etc.

We should work on providing a material inheritance for our children, but more importantly, we should guide them to the inheritance of the non-material things; the things that will enrich their lives here and lead them to an eternal inheritance. It is an old cliché, but it rings true: The best things in life cannot be bought with money. The best inheritance you can leave your children is eternal life in Christ and qualities that will help them live joyfully, peacefully, and generously.

As I think about leaving an inheritance for my kids, I realize that I have not done much in this area in the material sense. I know that I need to develop this area. My family over the generations have not modeled this by leaving much of a material inheritance, but I can see value it in. Leaving an inheritance would help Erin so much in her ministry when I am gone. My son is such a good steward of money. I know that he would continue to grow it, use it well, and be generous to others. My inheritance to them would not only benefit them, but those they help. It is a way for me to continue to impact the world even after I am gone.
I have concentrated more on leaving a spiritual legacy for my children. That will hopefully help them long after I am gone and that will lead them to their eternal inheritance. These scriptures and many more like them, remind of us that eternal inheritance:  

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4b)

You have a chance to do something that outlasts you because of grace. We are not perfect in all we do, but we can be intentional. Our children are watching us, and more is caught than taught. Strive to leave BOTH a material inheritance and a spiritual and eternal inheritance.

Lou Ann & Her Family

21 Day Fast Encouragements -DON'T LIE ABOUT YOUR GIVING - Wanda Baker -01/26/16- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

DON'T LIE ABOUT YOUR GIVING

5 Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s full knowledge [and complicity] he kept back some of the proceeds, bringing only a portion of it, and set it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and [secretly] keep back for yourself some of the proceeds [from the sale] of the land? 4 As long as it remained [unsold], did it not remain your own [to do with as you pleased]? And after it was sold, was the money not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this act [of hypocrisy and deceit] in your heart? You have not [simply] lied to people, but to God.” 5 And hearing these words, Ananias fell down suddenly and died; and great fear and awe gripped those who heard of it. 6 And the young men [in the congregation] got up and wrapped up the body, and carried it out and buried it. 7 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me whether you sold your land for so much?” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How could you two have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 And at once she fell down at his feet and died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear and awe gripped the whole church, and all who heard about these things.  (Acts 5:1-11, Amplified Bible)

Ananias and Sapphira were part of the Church described in Acts 4. They were among those who were of one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32 KJV). As the believers grew so close to each other that they had all things common, those with much gave to those with little so that there was no lack. Many owners of houses and land sold their property and brought the proceeds to the disciples for distribution to those in need.  In the midst of this environment, Ananias and his wife decided to sell one of their properties.  They conspired to hold back some of the profit and tell the church that they were giving all of the money.  Whether it was pride, fear, greed or a combination of these, they decided to lie to the disciples and let it appear that they had given more than they had. 

No one in the early Church was coerced into giving anything and there was no reason at all for them to feel the need to lie about the amount they were giving. All of the believers were sharing with each other out of genuine love and concern, not to be noticed or exalted.  Our giving is to be done cheerfully, with love and gladness.  Ananias and Sapphira could have simply sold their property, given a portion to the Church and that would have been the end of it. Unfortunately for them, they agreed to pretend that they were something that they were not.  Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  (Proverbs 16:18)

Ananias and his wife were believers; they knew God’s Law. They allowed sin to enter in and as a result they put God to the test (Acts 5:9).  God is Righteous and Holy; He abhors sin. The consequences of their actions were swift and final. Both of them died right after their lies were exposed. In the Old Testament, the book of Number 30:2 says, “If a man vows a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break and profane his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."

When love is your motivation, you don’t care about credit or recognition.  Your focus is on honoring the Lord and giving your best to the Master.  Give all that is in your heart, don’t hold back what the Spirit prompts you to do and suffer consequences.  It probably won’t be death…but it might be a lesser harvest, delay or denial of what your desiring. The example of Ananias and Sapphira is a very vivid reminder of what can happen when we lose our focus.

Wanda Baker

21 Day Fast Encouragements - SHARE WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD - Wanda Baker 01/25/16 - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

SHARE WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD 

They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers.  A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles. 
And all those who had believed [in Jesus as Savior] were together and had all things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a whole].  And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need.  Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes.  They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts, praising God continually, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:42-47 Amplified Bible)

Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was [exclusively] his own, but everything was common property and for the use of all.  And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all.  There was not a needy person among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them, and bringing the proceeds of the sales and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet.  Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need.  Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), sold a field belonging to him and brought the money and set it at the apostles’ feet.  (Acts 4:32-37 Amplified Bible)

Why can’t we be like the Church in the Book of Acts?  This has been on my mind for some time, but I never really studied these verses closely until now.  It seemed like something that should just happen, without any effort on my part, but now I see that is not the case.  As I was reading the scriptures above, a few things stood out to me.  In Acts, chapter 2, there are several practices that marked the early believers: continuous and faithful devotion to the teachings they received, fellowship with each other, eating meals together and prayer.  In short, they were doing life together.  One person couldn’t be discouraged or in need without everyone else becoming aware of it. As they continued in this way, they were knit so closely together that barriers like “It’s mine” or “Get your own”, were broken down.  If someone was in need, family members willingly shared, or sold their own possessions to meet the need.  This was their lifestyle and God blessed it.  They had favor with all the people.  The love that they showed to each other was a witness to unbelievers.  (John 13:34-35). 

We need to begin to emulate the believers in Acts.  If we apply this approach to our lives today, God, who never changes, will be glorified and pleased with our obedience.  We must be studying the Word and reviewing the messages that our Pastors prepare for us.  We honor the gift that God has given us when we do this.  Fellowship cannot be taken lightly.  It is how relationship is developed.  You can only be so close to someone when you spend only a few hours together on Sunday morning.  Sharing meals and praying with each other are vital to growth as a family.  How close would you be to your natural family if you never spent any time together and ate every meal separately?  If we are a family, we need to BE a family.

Once we embrace the way God designed for us to function, our hearts knit together and we can feel safe sharing needs and resources with each other.  We will show the Love of God to each other and it will be a witness to the world.  Our local body will be blessed and increase.  Our impact on the world will be greater and we will have favor with all the people.  As Sadell reminded us on Day One, It All Belongs to God; we are merely stewards while we are on this earth. 

Wanda Baker

21 Day Fast Encouragements - GIVE TO THE POOR- ADAM MILLER - 01/24/16 - New Life Coevnant Cincinnati

GIVE TO THE POOR

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD — and He will repay you! (Proverbs 19:17, NIV & NLT)

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. (Psalm 41:1-3)

Now, in our 15th day of the Daniel Fast, I hope that we're having a "Turn the Corner" experience, spiritually and physically.  One day, I was looking into my closet for something and the Holy Spirit turned my focus to the right side...seeing all the slacks, shirts and sweaters I had out-grown, but was holding onto.  I was hoping one day, to be able to fit them again. 

Huh! Fat chance!  I believe God focused my attention on the clothing, so as to fulfill Matthew 25:36a.  "I was naked and you did not clothe me..." 
Let's face it.  Fasting is not only the shedding of some body weight, but the inward shedding of those weights and sins that have continued to trip us up, slow us down and at times, bring us face to face with seemingly insurmountable "walls" in our lives (Heb. 12:1)

I began to hear in the Spirit, the joys of those, as they received the clothing I was willing to part with.  "Ahh!  Ohhh!  I'm so happy!  Thank you, Lord for the blessing!"  See, we may not have money to feed or house others, but I believe we all have clothing we can "give away" even now. 

This is our season, brothers and sisters; this is our time.  Let's give to those, who have need, as unto the Lord!
- Adam Miller

21 Day Fast Encouragements - STEWARDSHIP - 01/22/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

STEWARDSHIP

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.  The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Matthew 25:14-17 (read 14-30)

A steward is a person appointed or employed to manage another person’s property, especially a large house or estate. Stewards are entrusted and given responsibility to take care of that that is anothers.  On Day One of our Daily Encouragements, we established that everything we have ultimately belongs to God.  God owns it all.  We have been given the job or the role of managing or stewarding the Lord’s business.  This parable parallels the handling of finance to the weightier matter of handling the Kingdom of God (its ways, statutes, principles and people).  The servant who gave the Master the greatest return on His investment received a double portion AND the portion of the one who hid his talent of money in the ground.

 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.  And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “ (Matthew 25:28-30)

Isn’t God too nice for that? Would he really do that? First He's only giving them what they can really handle. Then, He's giving out this pretty steep punishment if they don't!  The parable is about money…but there’s more to it than just that.   In Luke 16:1-14 the parable of the Shrewd Manager/Steward you see Jesus give us the parallel and the bottom line:

10“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
12And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.

It matters how we steward God’s money, because it reflects His ability to trust us with true riches.  It matters how trustworthy we are with the money, home, car, ministry, relationships, opportunities of others as a precursor to having our own.  We want power with God. We want to flourish and be successful in life, in business, and in ministry, but we ignore the importance of good stewardship as a pre-requisite for God to believe that we are ready to handle our own and other people’s lives.

Luke 12:42-48 details that stewardship is not just about money but about relationships.  We must treat other servants of the Lord with the same care as the Master does.  They are His true gift.  If we do not handle His treasured possessions the way He does, we will be ‘beaten with many blows’ (vs 47)… for “from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (VS. 48b)  Good stewardship is important to God.

Sadell

21 Day Fast Encouragements - DON'T CO-SIGN - 01/21/16- Crystal Holliday - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

DON’T CO-SIGN

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion— and give your neighbor no rest!  Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler. Proverbs 6:1-5 New International Version (NIV)

CO-SIGN is the act of signing for another person's debt and becoming legally obligated to make payment should the debtor default and not repay the obligation.  You’d think…“Who’d want to do that, Christian or not?”  However, I’m quickly reminded of a time when I asked my mother to co-sign a loan for me to obtain a vehicle. She told me no. I was offended and resented the fact that she wouldn't help me. She always referenced the bible about giving and helping the poor; surely this would fall into that category right??? Making a decision to co-sign for another individual is so difficult because the person making the request is usually in a position of need…but is your help the thing that they really need the most?

Let’s go back to the story about the vehicle loan. I had to provide a larger down payment to secure the loan without a co-signer. My interest rate was 24.99% (extremely high) due to poor credit and the monthly car note took almost one whole pay check. All that money could have been saved if mom had only said “yes”. Well, not even half way into the 60 month term life happened. I could no longer pay and the car was repossessed. My mom would've been stuck with my debt if she had co-signed for me. What’s worse, if she wasn't able to pay both of us would have been dodging creditors and both of our credit histories would've been negatively impacted.  
    I guess mom knew better…
           

The bible warns us not only against taking on debt for ourselves, but also against taking on debt for others. Co-signing is a promise to the lender, but also to the borrower that you will not let their possessions be taken; you have their back. However, if you can’t guarantee that promise then you are lying to yourself, the borrower and the lender. “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.“ (Proverbs 22:26-17, NIV)
When a person co-signs they become a slave not only to the lender, but also to their neighbor. The co-signer willingly hands over power to their neighbor for their reputation (credit), assets (what will be used to repay the debt) and livelihood (some employers will not hire you because of negative credit history). During Biblical times the co-signer could even lose their freedom!   





Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. (Proverbs 11:15 NIV).

If your family or friends need a co-signer it’s probably because they did not manage their other debts appropriately. There is a high risk that they will default again….only this time dragging you down with them. One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor. (Proverbs 17:18)

So, what do you do when your friend or neighbor is in need and asks you to co-sign? Explain that it is too much of a risk; ask the Lord for the words to say. Help them by exploring other financial options and resources available, or by creating a budget, goals and savings plan. Have an honest conversation about why they need a co-signer in the first place.  Pray with them about their circumstances. They may not like the answer and may take offense, but at least “your very bed will not be snatched from under you”.

If you have already co-signed for someone explore every option to amend the contract and come from under that debt obligation. Do not feel guilty for following the advice of the word. For more tips on co-signing check out 6 ways to get removed as a co-signer.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-cards/get-removed-from-cosigned-credit-card-loan/

Crystal




 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD - COMPARTMENTALIZE - 01/20/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

To COMPARTMENTALIZE means to divide into categories. A compartment is a section of a container in which certain items can be kept separate or in isolation from others. Mentally, compartmentalization can be a coping strategy or a defense mechanism that helps us through life. We work from 9-5, then devote our thinking toward family in the evenings. Police officers, fire-fighters, surgeons, soldiers and trauma victims compartmentalize multiple difficult and even horrific situations in order to continue with their lives and duties. Pastors and counselors separate their roles as care-givers from their personal lives...or the sheer number of hospital visits, funerals, and therapy sessions would take their toll.  Sometimes we need to compartmentalize.

Paul, had to compartmentalize his life as a born again Believer in Jesus away from his former identity as a persecutor and killer of Christians. To forget what lay behind and press forward to his higher call, he had to shelve both the accolades and the shameful tragedy of his past. (Phil 3) To be a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), David had to filter out his victories and his worshipful life before God, from the blood he'd shed and the crimes he'd committed. Moses had to lift himself away from the guilt of his murderous past to become the Deliverer God chose to rescue Israel from Pharaoh. (Exodus 3-4) Peter had to detach himself from his betrayals of Jesus in order to display his loyalty and go on to shepherd the Church. (John 21) Joseph compartmentalized the treachery of his brothers away from his call to save them. (Genesis 50)  

I was not taught compartmentalization, though I sometimes do it. I've been a spaghetti person - every incident was emotionally and mentally mushed together. You can't take a bite out of one part without tasting the others. The book, "Men are like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti." by Bill and Pam Farrel, surmises that this is a gender difference, but I've seen men and women on both sides. There are times when spaghetti thinking has been beneficial, helping me to empathize and understand the inter-related nature of things and people. However compartmentalization would have yielded better results on other occasions. It's easy for flooding, overwhelm, bitterness and confusion to ensue when we try to address every issue at once. Might it be time to compartmentalize a part of your life that's been plaguing you? to shelve it and let God deal with it and pick up later...or not?

For the next few Sundays, January 24th & 31st Pastor Jackie Jackson will be our guest speaker at New Life Covenant for both our Bible Study at 10:00 AM and our Service at 11:00 AM at Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock Street, 45223. The topic is Breaking the Spirit of Poverty: Financial Prosperity. If you are struggling in this area, please come! The LORD wants to deliver, instruct with Biblical wisdom, and set you free.

21 Day Fast Encouragments - STAY OUT OF DEBT - 01/20/16 - Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

STAY OUT OF DEBT

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously… Psalm 37:22

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.  Romans 13:8

The borrower is slave to the lender…what a statement!  I recall gasping at historical documentaries on the Slavery and Reconstruction era, where unwitting and uneducated slaves or sharecroppers were tricked into putting their X (signature) on a document that sold them or their family into servitude for an additional number of years to salivating plantation owners.  I wonder how we would respond today, if we thought of every credit card receipt, student loan, car or installment loan, same as cash agreement, cell phone contract, or mortgage in the same way.  Because we’re signing our lives away…

When we sign these documents, we are literally exchanging 6-72 months or more of our labor and assigning percentages of our income to a particular bank, loan company or retail establishment. No wonder Scripture encourages us to avoid doing that if at all possible, or at least to be aware of what we’re doing when we decide to sign on dotted lines and engage debt. One of the signs of Israel’s blessing was that they as a people would lend to many nations and not borrow. (Deuteronomy 28:12)

Even when we make agreements with close friends or family to borrow or lend money, we have spiritually entered into an up/down, master/servant relationship with a moral obligation to repay.  These relationships are not really righted until the debt is paid in full…or it is forgiven. You know when you see that person, how much they owe you/you owe them is in the back or forefront of your mind!  It creates an unexplainable distance.  While the debt is unpaid, we explain, want to work off, avoid, or cut off relationships because of the discomfort of the outstanding debt.  It binds our ability to freely love.

Many Christians who love Jesus, attend church weekly and even lead ministries are ignoring creditor’s phone calls, have defaulted on student loans, owe child support, and are behind on utility bills and various other payments.  Yet I’ve never once heard anyone in the church call themselves “wicked” when they borrowed and did not repay.  Most want to go on with their lives, dreams and aspirations as if there were no debt outstanding. If we are in this situation, it is crucial to the full blessing of the Lord on our lives, to right the wrong and do all we can to make arrangements to pay the debt. As a Christian, not only your reputation, but the Lord’s is at stake.

Is your debt too great to pay on your own? God sees and understands, but you have to be truthful about your wickedness, and cry out to Him for help. If you read Deuteronomy 15, and Leviticus 25, you’ll see that the Lord didn’t intend for his people to be perpetually indebted and enslaved.  In 2 Kings 6:1-7, you’ll find that He will do a miracle that defies the laws of nature to see His people avoid the consequences of debt. In 2 Kings 4, the story of the Shunamite widow, you’ll watch as God helps start an entrepreneurial business for a woman who was going to have to sell her sons as slaves to pay off her creditors. If God can do it for them…He can surely do it for us! 

Sadell

21 Day Fast Encouragements - Day 10 - SAVING MONEY - 01/18/16- LUNDON JOHNSON - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Today is the 10th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast.  We are fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and discipline in our financial lives.  To that end, members of the church and its pastors are writing daily encouragements.  Thought we'd share them with you.  Be blessed!

Day 9 SAVING MONEY

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (Proverbs 21:20, NLT)

The Bible teaches that saving money is a wise practice for many reasons. God is our source and provider for everything we need. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). One of the main ways God provides for us is through money, and it is our job to steward that money well. (Matthew 25:14–27).

We are accountable to God for how we use everything He gives us in this life, including money. Saving money demonstrates good stewardship of the resources God gives us. Saving allows us to be prepared for the future, and being prepared for the future is good! Proverbs 6:6–8 shows us that this principle is lived out even in nature: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and its food at harvest.” Planning ahead and saving money makes it easier to accomplish goals.
We are even to plan ahead for our weekly giving to the ministry.  "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." (1 Corinthians 16:2).

When we don’t plan ahead and save money, we are more prone to go into debt, which the Bible tells us is unwise. "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7) When emergencies arise, which they will, saving ensures that you are able to meet the challenge without going into the bondage of debt, or ruining your good name by avoiding creditors. We want to represent the Lord well in all areas.

Of course, there are plenty of wrong motives for saving money. If we’re saving money out of fear of the future, it shows we’re not really trusting God to provide (see Luke 12:7; 2 Timothy 1:7). Miserliness is sin, and it’s foolish and arrogant to make money our security. “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale” (Proverbs 18:11); yet riches “will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5). First Timothy 6:10 warns against greed,“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

To fully understand the value of saving money, we must remember what the Bible says about giving. God desires His people to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). It’s impossible to out-give God whether in forgiveness or in finance! “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). Saving prepares you to be generous when giving opportunities arise.

Sometimes the things God gives, whether money or something else, are intended for us to give away.  At other times, He gives us things that are meant for us to keep for ourselves and use in His service and for His glory. It’s wise to hold everything God gives us loosely so that we can give it away if He asked us to.

Here are some charts that you can use if you like, to start saving - or you can make your own. Some of these charts may not be realistic for some to achieve, but do what you are able to do. Make sure while you're saving money, you are also paying your tithes and offerings  : )

Lundon Johnson

21 DAY FAST ENCOURAGEMENTS DAY 9 - CONTENTMENT VS. LOVE OF MONEY - David Baker - 01/18/16 -New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Today is the 9th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast.  We are fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and discipline in our financial lives.  To that end, members of the church and its pastors are writing daily encouragements.  Thought we'd share them with you.  Be blessed!

CONTENTMENT VS. LOVE OF MONEY

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.   (1Timothy 6:6-10)   
       
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. (Pro 11:28)

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13) 

There is a video from the Skit Guys on greed (look it up if you have a chance)  that depicts several individuals who have lost sight of focusing/investing in the truly important things in life (like relationships, looking outside of ourselves and our selfish desires to be focused on others). These folks simply try to buy more stuff and do more (empty) things, but never truly find contentment.  Contentment eludes them because they are not seeking it. Instead, they are always looking for more and more and more and more….engaging in futile acts, attempting to apply bandages to their deep inner wounds.

Contentment by it’s dictionary definition means satisfaction; satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else. On the surface, this definition may sound like settling or giving up on dreams, hopes or ambition and certainly not anything that is in line with our Christian beliefs….

After all, the Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:13a “…And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath.” Reading that scripture, one would ask.. “Why would God ever want me to be content with what I have, not wanting more or anything else?”  Are these statements mutually exclusive? Can both be true at the same time?

Spiritually, the question is not one of “not wanting more or anything else” so much as it is an issue of the heart....Can I appreciate and show gratefulness for what God has provided for me right now, or does my heart fail to acknowledge  God’s goodness and provision and thank Him for where I am at this moment.

God’s focus is always on the greater things and He wants those greater things for us, but He wants us to be Heavenly focused and not distracted by ungratefulness, greed, fear, envy, worry and doubt.

…But rather seek ye FIRST he kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:31, 32) 

God, help us to be content  in our hearts with the place that you have us at this time, while EXPECTING the greater that you have in store for us as we turn the corner in 2016!

-David Baker

21 Day Fast Encouragements - PROSPERITY - 01/18/16- Robert Johnson - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Today is the 8th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast.  We are fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and discipline in our financial lives.  To that end, members of the church and its pastors are writing daily encouragements.  Thought we'd share them with you.  Be blessed!

PROSPERITY - The Covenant Blessing

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen 12:1-3)


The Covenant Blessing is the promise God made to Abram in Genesis Chapter 12. The theme is that once we follow the commands of God, He will bless us. God told Abram to get up and go to a land He would show Him. We all know this required faith on Abram's part, but what was more important was obedience. We always want to justify, rationalize, analyze, and question the command. Instead of remembering God and His promise, we focus on what we might miss out on. I believe we must begin to believe in The Covenantal Blessing and act now on God’s commands.

“Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors.” (Deuteronomy 8:1)

Right now we are turning the corner as individuals, families, and a church body. God has promised us some things and we must exercise our faith with obedience.

God is NOT to be forgotten. In my mind, I don’t forget God…in my actions, I do!  My money, time and words will tell on me every time. “You may say to yourself, my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord Your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His Covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 28:17-18) Did you know that you had just about nothing to do with how you acquired wealth? It is true, God gave you the ability to acquire it, more important to know is why He did it:

“…and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”

The focal point of the Covenantal Blessing is that you be a blessing to others. He says that all the people of the earth will be blessed by us. Let’s make sure remember to God with our time, money, and other resources!

We are to be diligent in acquiring wisdom, knowledge, and Godly discernment in daily walk on this earth. Proverbs 8:11-12 says that these things are more precious than rubies. That means I need to be that person who delights in the Law of The Lord and meditates in it day and night. (Psalms 1:2) For in doing this I gain wisdom and understanding. When it comes to financial stewardship, it is important to understand the need for Godly wisdom and discernment; like when to purchase a vehicle, whether to rent an apartment or buy a home, etc. When we make these decisions with prudence, we position ourselves to have the ability to give more to God. The more we obey the better God’s Covenant promise can be a reality. Remember, The Covenantal Blessing required activation from Abram. God basically is saying “Do this, and I promise you this.”

We must begin to position ourselves so we can actually look like the people God called us to be. Stop being afraid of not having enough, but instead looking forward to handling what God will bless us with if we obey the way He intends. We will see and experience ourselves as wealthy people, while remembering God in everything as we continue to turn the corner.  As we seek and utilize our creativity and gifts, we will see that God has freely given to us as power to produce wealth.

We give/sow seeds in the ground out of obedience, knowing that rain will come.  RAIN ONLY MATTERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SEED IN THE GROUND. RAIN IS COMING, WILL IT MATTER TO YOU?

Robert

21 Days of Fasting Encouragement Day 7-TREASURES IN HEAVEN VS. ON EARTH - Jackie Smith 01/16/16- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Today is the 7th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast.  We are fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and discipline in our financial lives.  To that end, members of the church and its pastors are writing daily encouragements.  Thought we'd share them with you.  Be blessed!


TREASURES IN HEAVEN VS. ON EARTH

Money is just one part of the larger topic of stewardship: the wise management of all the time, abilities, and resources entrusted to us by God. But money usually winds up being the main focus, and for good reason. Solomon said, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. “Ecclesiastes 5:10  (NASB).  Jesus instructed the disciples:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal… Matthew 6:19-20  (NASB)

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. "Colossians 3:1-3 (NASB)

The following is excerpted from Treasures in Heaven by Andy Stanley:

"Treasures in heaven" is not a vaporous reference to kindly thoughts in God's heart or some such platitude. God's kingdom will ultimately rule on earth. "Treasures in heaven" are things of worth in God's coming Kingdom, such as justice, opportunity for everyone to be productive, provision for everyone's needs, and respect for the dignity of every person. The implication is that we would do better to invest our money in activities that transform the world, than in securities that protect our accumulated surplus.

Is it wrong, then, to have a retirement portfolio or even to care about the material things of this world for ourselves or for others? The answer is again both no and yes. The no comes from the fact that this passage is not the only one in the Bible speaking to questions of wealth and provision for those who are dependent on us. Other passages counsel prudence and forethought, such as, "Those who gather little by little will increase [wealth]" (Proverbs 13:11b), and, "The good leave an inheritance to their children's children" (Proverbs 13:22). God guides Joseph to store up food for seven years in advance of a famine (Genesis 41:25-36), and Jesus speaks favorably in the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30, which will be discussed later) of investing money. In light of the rest of Scripture, Matthew 6:19-34 cannot be a blanket prohibition.

But the yes part of the answer is a warning, summed up beautifully in verse 21, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." We might expect this sentence to run the other way, "Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also." But Jesus' actual words are more profound. Money changes the heart more than the heart decides how to handle money. Jesus' point is not "You tend to put your money into things that matter to you," but, "the possessions you own will change you so that you care more about them than about other things." Choose carefully what you own, for you will inevitably begin to value and protect it, to the potential detriment of everything else.

We may call this the "Treasure Principle," namely, that treasure transforms. Those who invest their deepest treasure in the things of this world will find they are no longer serving God but money (Matt. 6:24). That can lead to anxiety coming from the uncertainties of money (Matt. 6:25-34). Will it be eroded by inflation? Will the stock market crash? Will the bonds default? Will the bank fail? Can I be sure that what I've saved will be enough to handle anything that could possibly happen?

The question, then, is what kind of attention you should pay to material needs and the accumulation of resources? If you pay anxious attention, you are foolish. If you let them displace your trust in God, you are becoming unfaithful. If you pay excessive attention to them, you will become greedy. If you acquire them at the expense of other people, you are becoming the kind of oppressor against whom God's kingdom is pitched.

How are we to discern the line between appropriate and inappropriate attention to wealth? Jesus answers, "Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you" (Matt. 6:33). First things first. Despite our large capacity for self-deception, this question can help us observe carefully where our treasure is. That will tell us something about our hearts.

Jackie

21 DAY FAST ENCOURAGEMENTS - GIVE TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL - 01/15/16 - Sadell Bradley- New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Today is the 6th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast.  We are fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and discipline in our financial lives.  To that end, members of the church and its pastors are writing daily encouragements.  Thought we'd share them with you.  Be blessed!

GIVE TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL
(Read 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 in their ENTIRETY if you can)

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5, NLT)

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:10-13, NLT)

Giving is ministry. It is aid or service rendered from one person to another for the Glory of God. People who understand this are SUCH a tremendous blessing to the Body of Christ, the unsaved, and those who are called to preach and teach the Gospel! Givers grasp that to do the work of sharing the Word, shepherding and caring for a flock, going overseas for foreign missions, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting prisoners, and seeing captives set free is intensive labor.  They realize that many have laid down the possibility of much more lucrative opportunities and pursuits for the sake of the Call, and that God has blessed them specifically to be a blessing. Ministries constantly require funding to be able to present the Gospel in various ways to an ever-expanding audience if we’re going to take the Good News to the ends of the earth. Our giving is an important part of fulfilling the Great Commission.

Individuals who are really generous care as much about the spread of the Gospel and people’s discipleship as any leader.  They know that for quality ministry to take place entails radical generosity, just like any other pursuit in the natural that builds, develops and heals.  We don’t struggle with funding schools and universities, or getting capital for businesses. We know that doctor and hospital bills must be paid, because we see the benefit in all of these things.  I pray that one day, we will see the value of souls being saved and lives being transformed by Christ, and that it will manifest in more consistent giving to the Gospel. Even the poorer churches in Macedonia were so committed to the spread of Christ’s Word to the world, that they gave both of themselves and of their very limited resources to see it happen.

Those who sow bountifully into the Kingdom will reap bountifully. (2 Cor 9:6) They are fixated on loving Jesus and others as conduits of God’s blessings.  Paul said they will themselves be cared for in their time of need, will reap eternal rewards, and their giving will bring expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God. If New Life Covenant has been a blessing to you in any way…give glory and thanks to the LORD for a few generous souls.  Without them, we would NOT be here.

Sadell

21 DAY FAST ENCOURAGEMENTS - Day 5- CARE FOR MINISTERS - 01/14/16- Sadell Bradley - New Life Covenant Cincinnati

Today is the 5th Day of New Life Covenant's 21-Day Fast.  We are fasting and praying for many things...one of them is self-control and discipline in our financial lives.  To that end, members of the church and its pastors are writing daily encouragements.  Thought we'd share them with you.  Be blessed!

CARE FOR MINISTERS

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour. especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.  And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.  1 Timothy 5:17-18 KJV

Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.  For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”  1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NLT)

What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the  right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of it’s milk?…In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 1 Corinthians 9:7, 14 (READ WHOLE CHAPTER NLT)

The last couple of days have been crazy…in a great way.  At the Cincinnati Mosaix meeting of pastors who are planting or interested in becoming multi-ethnic churches, the Lord used me to prophetically speak on race, and God’s heart for the poor in the City, who are disproportionately African-American.  Tears ran down my face as I plead that we would live out the Gospel, put off the political speech, consider the poor in our territory, and start by loving and helping ONE ANOTHER. 

I expressed how difficult it has been for Sherman, as a native of Cincinnati and me, to plant a multi-ethnic church in a racially polarized City.  Oneya Okuwobi shared statistics from her PhD research about the resistance of Caucasians to follow African-American leadership. So I asked them for help.  Something broke in the atmosphere and people began to offer their assistance. They said, “Sherman and Sadell can be our prototype that we’re committed to helping see this vision come to pass.”  Glory to God! I then went to visit one of our pastors recovering from surgery.  It turned into a pastors meeting! We all care so much for those God has entrusted to us! 

Overnight the thoughts of what our needs were and what I’d write swirled in my head.  I had little sleep -Sherman had a meeting with a donor in the morning.  So at 4am I crafted a list of Spiritual, Physical, and Personnel needs for him to present along with a year in review Keynote presentation I'd made.  Then I sent out the daily encouragements, the Wednesday’s Word, and more teaching on Fasting through social media. God told me not to just be a pastor in the City, but a pastor TO the City.

Then I went to the hospital and prayed with another parishioner before surgery, and returned home for my first meal on the Daniel portion of the fast. I sent out 1099 tax forms to our contractors, and then took a break, whew!  I cooked for Sherman, straitened the house, and interacted via email with a visitor to our service who was thinking of coming to our Bible Study.  She said her daughter thought our service was AWESOME! and that she really liked seeing a woman preacher. ;)  Then I had a music meeting with our Worship Leader and a brief Lead Team meeting before Bible Study.

I was very nervous about this week's Bible Study from Emotional Healthy Spirituality - Peter Scarzerro.  My legs were shaking. The Lord wanted me to dig deeply and Biblically into the issue of receiving full resurrection, restoration and recovery from grief and loss.  To do that I would have to be really vulnerable on the birthday of one of my closest friends who’d passed a few years ago, and share on how Sherman and I had grieved poorly in various situations.  There needed to be a strong compassion for the hurt of those gathered, a Holy Spirit flow, and a precise use of Scripture that would cut like surgeon into the deepest recesses of pain that had been there for years.  Glory to God! He did it! and it was beautiful! The peace and relief that was in that room you could physically feel…then I was knocked out.

I am called as a 5-Fold minister to shepherd and care for God’s people, to teach and preach His Word, and to equip others for ministry.  It is what God created me for and I take it seriously. I work hard at it in the same way a teacher, lawyer or doctor does.  There is not another job I want to do, though like Paul, I have to tent-make (work bi-vocationally) sometimes. The result of what I do brings significant life change for those who receive that my gift comes from God.  It is amazing to watch as He literally removes shackles and burdens off of people through what He gives me to share.

I’m not sure what you think we do…but it’s very significant to me and it’s even more significant to God!  If you have an elder who rules well, I hope you will consider them worthy of double honor!




Sadell