The blessing of prosperity (A testimony and a test)GOD'S ECONOMICS (The Biblical Principles of True Prosperity)
Clearly, prosperity is a blessing from the Lord. It comes primarily as a result of our obedience to the Word of God, for instance, as promised by Joshua chapter 1 verse 8 where it says, “THIS BOOK OF INSTRUCTION MUST NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH, YOU ARE TO MEDITATE UPON IT DAY AND NIGHT, SO THAT YOU MAY CAREFULLY OBSERVE EVERYTHING WRITTEN IN IT. FOR THEN YOU WILL PROSPER AND SUCCEED IN WHATEVER YOU DO.”
The whole chapter of Deuteronomy 28 talks about blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 18 also tells us that it is God who gives us the ability or the power to acquire wealth. So, clearly, prosperity is a blessing that comes with our obedience to His word.
But it is also clear that while prosperity is a testimony of God’s blessing and provision for His people – PROSPERITY IS ALSO A TEST. Prosperity is both a TESTIMONY and a TEST. With the blessing of prosperity comes the test of our faithfulness and fruitfulness for the Kingdom of God. Luke chapter 12 verse 48 tells us this, “UNTO WHOMSOEVER MUCH IS GIVEN, OF HIM SHALL BE MUCH REQUIRED.”
The idea is of:
• A FAITHFUL STEWARD – ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS THAT WE ARE MERELY OVERSEERS OR MANAGERS OF WHAT GOD GIVES TO US AS A BLESSING.
• A FRUITFUL SERVANT – ONE WHO IS EXPECTED BY GOD TO USE WISELY THE RESOURCES THAT GOD HAS BLESSED ONE WITH FOR THE EXPANSION OF HIS KINGDOM.
• A FOCUSED WITNESS – ONE WHO GIVES TESTIMONY OF GOD’S GRACE IN THEIR LIVES AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
These ideas are key to a full appreciation and application of the biblical principles of prosperity that comes from God which we see all throughout the bible from the Old to the New Testament. With this comes also the reality of our accountability to God for His blessing of prosperity.
The idea of prosperity in the Bible is not merely confined and limited to finances alone. That is a very narrow outlook that is faulty but not uncommon among many, even those who claim to know the Bible.
True prosperity that comes as a blessing from God includes the blessing of peace and harmony in relationships specially in the marriage covenant, in the family as a whole, in the workplace and in the church as well as in the community and even the nation. It also includes the blessing of love, peace and joy, the blessing of health and divine healing, the blessing of wisdom and discernment, and of all the other good things that comes from God. The biblical concept of prosperity is all encompassing. But it all begins with the spirit of gratitude and generosity displayed and applied in our lives.
“Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched (by the Lord)” Proverbs 11:24 – 26
WORD OF GRACE YOUTH BAND
MINISTERS IN COMMUNITY SUMMER BLOCK PARTIES
Photo below shows the Word of Grace (WOG) Youth Band "Rebels For Christ" ministering at a block party along Richmond Ave., in Albany Park which is the community where the church is located.
Their ministry included testimonies by members of the WOG Youth Ministry including the WOG Youth Coordinator, Craig Wynkoop, even as they played Christian gospel music as the residents along Richmond Avenue were having summer fun at the block party. Many residents expressed appreciation for the WOG Youth Ministry's songs and for the testimonies that they heard of changed lives by the power of Jesus Christ.
On the same day that this ministry by the WOG youth took place - later in the evening, the WOG Drama Ministry ministered in a baptist church for their summer leadership conference during an evening service. They were led by Glenn Mendez, WOG Drama Ministry Coordinator, along with Liza Mendez, Manny & Hermie Pono, Rene & Tess Ballesteros, Kinley & Jackielou Teves along with other members of the youth ministry who also joined them.
More block party organizers in the community have extended invitations for the WOG Youth Group to minister in their midst, the next one being on August 28 along Whipple Avenue where the church itself is located.
