April 01, 2008
Reciprocity is the exchange for mutual benefit. I believe it is the golden rule that guarantees success. It is the fundamental principle that what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
In 1 Kings 17, the story of an impoverished widow demonstrates how this principle works. She was willing to make an exchange with the Prophet Elijah that secured her success. Although she had nothing except a small handful of flour and a little oil in a jug, she willing and obediently gave her last resources to him (I wonder if Senator Grassley should investigate Elijah for taking the poor widows money?).
By providing the prophet with the “offering” he in turn provided her with his gift - which is a prophetic word of supply. This is reciprocity at best. Each one had something that the other needed. When they released their own possession, they were mutually beneficial.
You have a gift that someone else is waiting to receive, they have an gift that you need. The exchange is the act of fulfillment for both parties.
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May 07, 2008
14. The season of promotion was upon him yet it was delayed for two years. Can you imagine? The gift of God within Joseph gave the Cupbearer the interpretation of his dream, yet he forgot Joseph! I have seen this many times during my ministry. God has used me extensively to bless people, to be an instrument of favor in their lives, yet they forget me. Amazingly, many times they are embarrassed to acknowledge the fact that God used me for their miracle. Why? I used to think it was personal but it isn’t at all. Jesus ministered to people constantly yet few ever returned to give him thanks. Even today, God will do a work in people’s lives without ever receiving the return of gratitude.
15. Joseph’s promotion was for a specific season. The famine was scheduled. The elements were aligned. Joseph received his training. Now, the Pharaoh dreams. The BIble says, ”Even at night your Spirit instructs my heart.” The moment has come.
16. Joseph’s gifts make a way for him. Proverbs says, ”The gift opens you up to the presence of the great.” Your promotion will come into your life not because you’re cute, or you’re privileged, but because of a God assigned gift within you opens the door. It is the key that swings the doors of palaces.
17. Joseph’s gift answered the crisis in Pharaoh’s life. Your gift is for the solution of a person’s crisis. Miracles only happen through people. Any assignment of a miracle will involve a relationship. God doesn’t perform magic; He performs miracles.
18. Your gift to others will compensate you. Few people will acknowledge this fact, but your compensation is a direct result of your ability to solve other people’s problems.
-to be continued
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May 10, 2008
19. The fulfillment of his dream positioned him for influence. Pharaoh said, ”I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt.” Influence is a currency (see my book, God’s Currency). Pharaoh transfered unto Joseph his signet ring which was the King’s authority. He distinguished him among the crowd through his clothing and jewelry. Then he gave him a forerunner announcing Joseph’s position.
20. Joseph began to establish a financial system of prosperity. Having interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph knew that he had 7 years to prepare and position the kingdom. Proverbs says, ”He who gathers little by little prospers.”
21. Joseph had two sons - Forget and Twice Fruitful. When you’ve been wronged, abused, misunderstood, faced injustice, slandered, and falsely accused, in order to prosper, you must forget so that you will be twice fruitful.
22. Joseph’s brothers do not recognize the man who he had become. There will be a day that when your dream becomes reality, those who opposed you will not recognize the person that you are.
23. Joseph’s family bowed to his honor. Joseph’s brothers lowered their heads and bowed in his presence fulfilling his original dream. Joseph realized that the original dream meant something very different. Joseph originally thought of the honor that he would receive from his family. Now he realizes the responsibility that he had for his family.
24. Joseph tested his brothers before trusting them. When I was young and naive I trusted people, now that I am mature and wise I test people. My greatest mistakes in life has involved my ingenuous trust in people. I have a unsuspecting trust that people are as they present themselves. Now, after years of being side-swiped by the vile character of betrayal, I know to test those with whom I have relationship.
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