“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” -Luke 12:32
Sometimes I find myself making simple things complicated. I don’t believe that is God’s desire for me. I’ve come to realize if I am confused while reading God’s Word than I’m probably not reading it correctly. Someone once told me, “If a child doesn’t understand the gospel when you explain it to him, it’s probably not the gospel.” Simplicity is key!
The Heavenly Mindset
The thought of lack or poverty has never even entered the mind of God. Can you imagine if God was worried about how He would provide for you or the world around you? That would be crazy! God is abundant and His kingdom is abundant. He didn’t even need a starting point. He created everything out of nothing. Now imagine living that way. Never have need of anything because you have access to everything. Even the wealthiest man alive doesn’t come close to that.
As a follower of Christ you have been given full access to the mind of Christ, which is the mind of God. The poverty, lack, and not enough mindset has to go. Even the thought of not having enough is worth repenting over. In 2 Corinthians 9:8 it says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Jesus addresses the poverty mindset in Matthew 6:25-34 and in verse 33 He even gives the solution; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” The trap we often fall into is seeking things. But Jesus clearly says that seeking the kingdom is what creates multiplication of resources. Eyes fixed on heaven don’t see lack because they are more aware of what they do have.
Agreement with God
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7
Coming into agreement with God’s plan is the gate to everything in the kingdom of heaven. If we are not in agreement with God than by default we are in disagreement, and God can’t bless that. The Gospels are littered with Jesus telling His followers to ask God for whatever they wish and it would be done for them.
Here are a few of the key words Jesus connects to each ask: abide, faith, agreement with other believers, believe you have received it, not doubting, confidence before him, God hears us. All these words ultimately point back to relationship with God. Knowing the heart of God and being united with His character is what gives you the confidence to ask boldly for the resources you need to accomplish His mission.
Blessed to be a blessing
Empowerment is a given freedom to move in a specific direction. Jesus empowered the church to represent Him, and He equipped us with the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey. That includes the journey of resource management, also known as- giving generously. Whenever abundance and blessing is referred to in scripture it’s always connected with giving.
In Genesis 12 we find what many refer to as the Abrahamic Blessing. This is where God reveals His plans through scripture to prosper the line of Abraham(the children of God), and bless the world through them.
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” -Genesis 12:1-2
God wants to lead the world into abundance, provision and fullness of life through loving relationship with Him and one another. If your are blessed with lots of resources, it’s to reveal Gods heart to the world by becoming a generous giver. If you only have a small amount of resources, it’s so you can reveal Gods heart to the world through sacrificial giving. Either way you are blessed and you won’t lose your reward. The truest form of financial peace comes from knowing who your Father is and becoming more like him.
“Perfect Peace doesn’t come from perfect circumstances. Perfect Peace is the result of Knowing your right standing with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn’t crucified so you could have peace with men, He was crucified so you could have peace with God!”
Perfect Peace 