05/25/2023
PROVISION FROM THE FATHER -- SCRIPTURES
The Humility of Finances for Myself and Others
As believers, we have such a promise from the Lord to have His provision in our lives. There is a lot in the Word of God regarding His ways of allowing us to have an increase in what we have and what we should do with it. We do not need to suffer hunger or want, but I believe He wants us to have plenty. A life lived for God and for His sake, will accrue treasure in heaven. These two (having prosperity, and accruing treasure in heaven) are actually two separate discussions, but when we apply spiritual principles, we find connections we did not expect beyond natural reasoning.
Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. And He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3
The attitudes we have are serious and important to God in our lives before Him. Attitude is defined as a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior. It is a point of view or a frame of mind, either positive, negative, or constructive.
As believers, we must have an attitude of humility, which acknowledges that God is the source of our life and we cannot do it without Him. If my righteousness is of myself, it is empty indeed. If it is of God, whether we are of old covenant thinking or of the new covenant, through Jesus the Messiah (Yeshua Hamashiach), it is filled with God qualities and resources. We walk in humility of heart and attitude.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus… Philippians 2:3-5
When we walk in humility, we walk in the knowledge that I have nothing that has not come from the hand of God. Therefore, I am thankful to Him for everything that He has given me and know I want to use it in a way that pleases Him. I am empty of myself, to know that God Himself has come and filled me. Therefore, thankfulness is one of the attitudes of humility.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4
Being grateful for what others have without being jealousy or coveting is a way of knowing that they are blessed of the Lord, and they will receive what they have from Him as well. It is not mine to worry about how they work it out, since they will make their own choices. I cannot allow greed or jealousy to come into my heart; I cannot try to get them down, change them or correct them since that would be hurtful to a person for whom Christ died. Instead, I love them and am happy for them that they are blessed.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of worship, and by him we cry, Abba Father. Romans 8:15
It is very clear that we will have all that we need when we trust in the Lord. He will give us all that we bring in for our own household. If we do not find ourselves in that place, we can prayerfully go to the Lord to bring our hearts into an attitude that would be like what He has promised.
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Luke 6:38
The following is the promise God made to His people, (Israel), when they were following Him to the land He had prepared for them. It is really amazing to see what is in the heart of Gpd as Father for those who will walk with Him, please Him and be His people.
Deuteronomy 8:7-10,18 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. 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.
Therefore, keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. Deuteronomy 29:9
Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. I Chronicles 22:13
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. Job 36:11
Blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you will hearken to the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:2
Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and whithersoever you turn yourself. I Kings 2:3
Every one of these promises are for God’s people if they will honor the Lord, walk in His ways, and keep His commandments. In the Old Testament, Israel was God’s own chosen people. In the New Covenant, Israel was an example for the people of God to follow in the spiritual sense, and we all can count these promises as ours. We also must, in light of this, live a life pleasing to the Lord.
I have laid the groundwork for the heart, attitudes and ways of thought regarding how the Lord deals with us as His children for our provision and our financial income and welfare. That is to know that He cares about us, He has promised to provide for us, it all comes from Him, and we should not be anxious or worried about it—when we ask Him, He will be faithful to answer. Then we should be very thankful for what He has provided, and grateful that He has done it and will do it again.
We also must be obedient regarding our approach to handling our income and our finances. I believe it cannot be stagnant; we must learn to put them out to honor the Lord so that He can fulfill His promises concerning these things in our own lives.
Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:9
But this I say He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9,10
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to you. Genesis 28:20-22
I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke18:12
The Lord expects us to manage the income we have well. We need to learn how to live within our means and be wise in our expenditures. It is well not to be in debt, but to be responsible with our payments. If we can discipline ourselves, we ought to live within our means with restraint.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Therefore do not worry saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33
I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. All day long he is gracious and lends, and his descendants are a blessing. Psalm 37:25,26
The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:19
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1
The Lord said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives. For those blessed by Him will inherit the land… Psalm 37:21
At the same time, I want to act on the knowledge that I am not poor, but that I always have plenty, because my Father has promised to prosper me. I can therefore celebrate the knowledge that I have plenty, more than enough, and be grateful that my Father is so generous.
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
If we value what God values, and not set our heart on money, He has promised to reward us with treasures not of this life, but of the Spirit; these things are not seen, but are of the eternal realm. We are asked to live this life pleasing to Him. When we set our affections on things above, we will have a reward waiting for us in heaven that will show the value of living our life for God all the days we live on earth. That is so serious regarding the eternal goal we have to stand before the Lord some day when this life is over.
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21
Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful in a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Matthew 25:23
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. Proverbs 8:10-12
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
Following are some additional thoughts that the Word has to comment on the values of God blessing those who pay attention to the ways He has set forth for us. There is so much to think about and consider regarding the wisdom of humility and prosperity. Consider that God knows so much more than our own ways.
For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting that He may give to him who is good before God. Ecclesiastes 2:26
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. Proverbs 11:24-25
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding, for her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than find gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Proverbs 3:13-16
I (wisdom) love those who love me, and those who diligently seek me will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold, and my yield better than choicest silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, to endow those who love me with wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. Proverbs 8:17-21
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 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 work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4
In closing, I want to refer to the following line from the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
It is in the founding of America that our founding fathers were pursuing freedom for our nation, so that people could pursue life, liberty and property or happiness. The original intent was “life, liberty and the pursuit of property.” Their thought was that property was necessary to have the stable life they wanted for the American people. Their thought also was that property consisted not only of the land and money we own, but also our own creative abilities, opinions, faculties and conscience. These are our rights given by Providence above and guarded by keeping our motives according to God’s ways.
