The Word of God is the source of all increase. It is the teaching of biblical principles that has built the great societies of commerce. The capitalistic principles of the United States is founded on the ideas taught by Solomon’s teaching in Proverbs. Two companies, Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby stand out as modern examples of godly principles put into practice to produce massive profits.
I ministered in Dothan, Alabama at First Assembly of God pastored by Murray Kelley. We had an incredible day, the altar was filled with people. For years, First Assembly has invested heavily in foreign missions, actually leading the nation in giving to a program called Speed the Light, which provides vehicles for missionaries around the world. They have a tremendous global influence. Recently, the church has invested $100,000 to the police and fire departments in Dothan. This investment has served as a catalyst to enlarge their local influence. A reporter who actually lived near the church commented, ”I have passed the church for years but never noticed it before.” It is amazing how our world is only as large as the trails that we travel. Many churches never step out of their own world into their own community.
I am in Atlanta today meeting with Latin America Child Care Country Coordinators. The Coordinators are very special people. They have a daily impact of over 100,000 children throughout Latin America. LACC schools not only provide an excellent education to the most impoverished children of developing countries, they provide medical care, meals, and the empowering, liberating impact of the Gospel.
Please consider sponsoring a child. By making a one time gift of $6,000, you will endow an endless sponsorship. You can also sponsor a child monthly.
”A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.” Genesis 2:10
The Bible teaches the principle of Multiple Streams. God established a river system in order to have ample supply in the garden. This same principle is repeated in scripture so that the source of supply is balanced regardless of transitional seasons or circumstances beyond our control.
Solomon advised to diversify by giving portions to “eight.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2) Abraham had eight streams of income. Abraham was made rich in sheep, cattle, silver, gold, menservants, maidservants, camels, and donkeys. By having a supply of diversity, Abraham was well able to weather the conditions of change, to survive famines, and to fulfill his destiny.
Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would give us “rivers” of living water indicating an abundant supply spiritually (John 4 & 7).
As leading financial author and radio host Dave Ramsey advises, ”No one should have a single stock, everyone should invest in mutual funds.” Why? Because invested over time, mutual funds have a better track record and are much safer than single stocks.
This principle should be a foundational law in your life. The old saying is still good advise, ”Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” The archaic idea of having one source of income, one steady job for a lifetime is over. Our present economy will not support it. We must be entrepreneurial in creating multiple streams.
We recognize and even celebrate the power of a moment in sports. The winning score in the last second of the game. The shot made in the most difficult of situations. Michael Jordan made his mark on the basketball court by mastering the last few minutes of the game. He was at his best when others were looking to the end, he was strategizing and negotiating the floor for the win.
Few people understand the power of the moment. It is a split second of significance, an instance of importance, a moment in time in a brief passing that decides so much.
Looking over my life, I reflect on those moments that shaped my destiny, those glimpses that moved me to another place, another assignment. I remember those who stood boldly with me, and also those who stepped back, withdrew into a stupor, positioning themselves for self-preservation.
One thing that I have discovered is that we must be prepared for the moment. In the garden of Gethsemane disciples slept while Jesus prayed. They didn’t understand the moment in time. They couldn’t imagine the agony of his suffering in that moment. Jesus won his victory over the cross in the garden not while he was under its suffrage.
When I have friends who suffer great pains in life, I want to be alert and awakened to their trials. I don’t want their moment to be a time of solitude. I can’t stand the thought of their season of affliction to be a time of loneliness (2 Timothy 1:8).
The body of Christ shouldn’t idly stand by when we see our brothers face the challenge of the moment. I sense that we are embarking on a time that we will have to rally our faith and support for one another, not withdraw into a cowards stance of compliance. But to be bold and prepared for the moment. To challenge destiny. To step up at the moment.