Andreas ST’s Post

Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.” — Proverbs 19:4 Proverbs has much to say about practical living, including the advantages of wealth and the disadvantages of poverty. Saint Francis indeed might have taken poverty for his bride, but the wisdom of the book of Proverbs does not recommend it. For example, it says, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty” (Proverbs 10:15). Like Francis, there have been those of a more mystical bent who have glorified poverty, and yet this is not what wisdom would have us see. As far as this book of the Bible is concerned, the destruction of the poor is their poverty. Indeed, poverty can be a devastating thing, and there are those in our cities today who know full well the truthfulness of this ancient wisdom. Proverbs tells us that the rich man gains many advantages through his power of giving gifts. It brings him before great men. It procures for him universal friendship, such as that friendship may be, and it enables him to pacify the anger of an adversary—for a gift given to an angry man pacifies anger, we are told. Not only does his wealth make for him many friends, but it also secures positions of influence and authority over those who are not wealthy. It enables him to rise to positions of prominence, to hold places in parliaments or obtain governorships or other such offices as this. Above all, the Bible says to trust in God and not in uncertain riches. Lord, You give us what we have. Help us to be content and at the same time improve our income when we are able. Your kingdom goes forth through funding, including that from the affluent. Help us to use what we have for Your honor and glory…

LIVING WATER EPISODE 141|| 20TH AUGUST, 2024 By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah RICH IN SPIRIT, STRONG IN FAITH Scripture Reading: Revelation 2:9 (NIV) “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s message comes from the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, spoken to the church in Smyrna, as recorded in the book of Revelation. These words are as powerful today as they were then, reminding us that true wealth is not measured by worldly possessions or social status but by our faithfulness, perseverance, and the richness of our spirit in Christ. 1. Understanding Our Afflictions and Poverty Jesus begins by acknowledging the afflictions and poverty of the believers in Smyrna. This was a church that faced severe persecution, suffering not only from physical and economic hardship but also from social rejection. Yet, in the eyes of Christ, they were rich. Afflictions and Suffering: Afflictions in our lives come in many forms—physical illness, emotional pain, financial difficulties, and societal oppression. The church in Smyrna was no stranger to these trials. They were marginalized, living in poverty, and facing intense persecution because of their faith. Poverty of the World vs. Richness in Spirit: The world measures wealth in material terms—money, possessions, status. But Jesus sees beyond the surface. He reminds us that even in our poverty, we can be rich in the things that truly matter: faith, love, and righteousness. These are the treasures that neither moth nor rust can destroy, and no thief can steal. God’s Recognition: It is comforting to know that Jesus sees our struggles. He knows our afflictions, our poverty, and every hardship we endure. And in His eyes, these trials are not signs of failure or abandonment but opportunities to demonstrate our faith and reliance on Him. https://lnkd.in/eTD-hciM

ROCK CHURCH DEVOTION Thursday, 17th October 2024 Ap. Samuel Obwoyojok Proverbs 14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich [hath] many friends.[KJV] POVERTY IS A DISEASE - HATE IT II There is no any rich man that faces rejections, no matter how they are. Some of them are even very rude, but you see many people around them. Poverty made the church to discover a spirit called the spirit of rejection. In fact there is no such a spirit called the spirit of rejection at all. Whenever any person says that is facing any rejection, just try to ask how his pocket is. You will discover that the person doesn't have any spirit of rejection, but the person is just poor. Our theme scripture reveals it all. In fact Good News Version brings it more clearly "No one likes the poor, not even their neighbors, but the rich have many friends." The bible says no one like the poor. Even those who tries to stay with them just forces themselves for Christ's sake. But, the rich doesn't lack people around them. Poverty stinks child of God. Some time a poor man spends the whole night awake, not that he is meditating on the word or praying, but he can't just sleep because poverty stinks. Therefore, if any man is facing rejections, tell him to make wealth. He won't look for people but people will look for him. Poverty is a disease - hate it child of God. Do everything possible by God to be healed of it. FURTHER STUDY: Proverbs 19:4, 2 Corinthians 8:9. GOLDEN NUGGET: Poverty made the church to discover a spirit called the spirit of rejection. In fact there is no such a spirit called the spirit of rejection at all. Whenever any person says that is facing any rejection, just try to ask how his pocket is. You will discover that the person doesn't have any spirit of rejection, but the person is just poor. PRAYER: Loving Father in the name of Jesus, thank you for this truth. Thank you for your word that says Jesus became poor for my sake that through his poverty I might be rich. I refuse to be poor in Jesus name, Amen.

Doing Good to All 6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restorethat person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are somethingwhen they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”” 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ‭‭ Here are some other Bible verses about gifts: Romans 12:6-8: Discusses how to use gifts based on the grace given to us. James 1:17: States that every good thing in our lives comes from God. Matthew 6:1-4: States that God will reward those who give in secret. 2 Corinthians 9:7: States that God loves a cheerful giver. Deuteronomy 16:17: States that each person should bring a gift in proportion to how the Lord has blessed them. Luke 11:13: States that if people know how to give good gifts to their children, then God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: States that if someone has gifts but no love, they are nothing

29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 25:15 Greek five talents … two talents … one talent; also throughout this parable; a talent was worth about 20 years of a day laborer’s wage. In the Bible, talents are a unit of currency and a metaphor for the gifts God gives to people: Unit of currency A talent was worth about 6,000 denarii, which was the usual payment for a day's work. This means that a talent was worth 20 years of labor. Metaphor for giftsTalents can also refer to the gifts God gives to people, which can include skills, abilities, and passions. Some examples of talents include being hospitable, being a good teacher, or being a talented musician. The Parable of the Talents in the Bible illustrates the responsibility of stewards to care for God's kingdom. The parable appears in Matthew 25:14-30 and tells the story of a man who entrusts his wealth to three men, giving each an amount based on his ability. The parable teaches that those who serve well in their stewardship will be given more responsibilities, while those who do not serve well will lose their stewardship. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Proverbs 19:13-22 Money is not everything: The book of Proverbs has a remarkably balanced understanding of wealth and poverty. Neither is seen as wholly good or wholly bad. They are understood as part of the wider fabric of life, and you are encouraged to use what you have wisely. ‘Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord’ (v.14). There is nothing wrong with houses or wealth; but there are more important things in life. Finding the right marriage partner is far more important than having lots of money. For those tempted to work too hard in pursuit of money or any other goal, it is important to remember the sovereignty of God: ‘Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails’ (v.21). Taking ‘Sabbath rest’ and holidays is a sign that you trust in God’s sovereignty. Wealth is not the most important thing in life; nor is poverty the worst thing that can happen to you: ‘What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar’ (v.22). We need love far more than we need riches. Integrity of character is far more important than money. On the other hand, this passage does not exalt poverty as a virtue. Sometimes poverty can be self-inflicted: ‘Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry’ (v.15). Whatever the reason may be for a person’s poverty, be kind to the poor: ‘Those who are kind to the poor lend to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done’ (v.17). This is an extraordinary and wonderful promise. God is no person’s debtor. Every time you do something kind for a poor person, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay with interest. Often, we see amazing blessings in the lives of those who spend their time ministering with the poor, the homeless and the prisoners. Prayer: Lord, I entrust you with my finances and my future. Help me to live a life of generosity to all – especially the poor.

ROCK CHURCH DEVOTION Friday, 16th August 2024 Ap. Samuel Obwoyojok Proverbs 6:10-11 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.[KJV] WEALTH OF SINNER BEING LAID UP FOR THE JUST VII I am still battling to explain to the body of Christ why many Christians are battling with poverty, and can not gather wealth. We learned in the previous devotion that some Christians are poor not because they are struggling with any generational curse. But they are poor because they don't have any work they are doing. When the Lord comes down to bless them, He finds them with nothing to bless. Let me build on the previous devotion by using our today's theme scripture "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man." This scripture reveals that there is always something wrong with folding hands. Folding hands leads you to poverty. God created Adam and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it. Genesis 2:15. This means that man should always work. Unfortunately, there are some people who doesn't want to work. While other people goes to work, they are busy sleeping and wasting time on things that doesn't count. Any little minute you waste without working and doing something productive for your life, you invites poverty to come and consume your life. Work child of God. Don't waste time doing nothing. Avoid people who makes you spend many minutes without doing anything. FURTHER STUDY: Genesis 2:15, Proverbs 26:15. GOLDEN NUGGET: Any little minute you waste without working and doing something productive for your life, you invites poverty to come and consume your life. PRAYER: Loving Father in the name of Jesus, thank you for this truth. I understand that I am a child of the kingdom with much responsibilities. I am so conscious of my life and I don't waste time, in Jesus name, Amen.

THE POWER AND PRESERVATION OF THE PERSECUTED CHURCH, PART 2 PERSECUTION OF CHRIST FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life;" Revelation 2:9-10 (NKJV). You can know something by observation and information; but Jesus Christ is saying that He knew what the church of Smyrna was going through by participation. He knows what we are going through. There's nothing we are going through that He is not going through with us. There's no pain, suffering, persecution that He is not participating with you. That was why Jesus asked Saul, "Why are you persecuting me?" Acts 9:4-5 When Jesus said that He knew their persecution, He meant that He knew their pressure. In Roman Empire, when they want to kill someone, they will lay a large rock on his chest. The rock will slowly, gradually, systematically pressure the person to death. Jesus was talking about the pressure of a heavy load, heavy suffering. "I know your blasphemy" means reproach, piercing painful insult, the abuse that they were heaping upon the people. When people insult, abuse you, don't think that Jesus does not know. Jesus Christ was saying I know your intense pressure, poverty and persecution but you are rich. You are rich that Jesus said is a revelation of what the church in Smyrna were. "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5 (NKJV). Maybe you don't have money, material things, health, people are looking at you that you are in abject poverty but you have faith. You are rich in faith. Once you have faith, you can have every other thing. Rich in faith: the possibilities and greatness of faith. When you join your faith with prayer, you will come out of that situation and come into the sunshine of all the provision of the Lord. “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan," Revelation 2:9 (NKJV). In the Roman world at that time, in all the cities that were controlled by Caesar, the Roman Emperor, there was the worship of Caesar. In the worship of Caesar, they will say "Caesar is Lord." They go to the shrine, the temple dedicated to Caesar and they will worship and burn incense to him. The Jews did this because they want all the vast empires of the Roman emperor to be totally united. They want it to be united under a single figure 'Caesar.' The only way they thought they could do that is to exalt Caesar to the point of deity. PLEASE CONTINUE IN THE COMMENT.

#KingdomDynamicsgh FROM FAITH TO FAITH DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE:29TH NOVEMBER, 2024 TOPIC: DON'T BUY A LIE BY: KENNETH COPELAND And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Deuteronomy 28:2 "Well, brother, in the end I'm sure you'll see these financial problems are actually a blessing in disguise." Have you ever heard anybody say that to someone who's hurting financially? Chances are, you have. It's a popular idea. The problem is, it's a lie used by the devil to keep believers down. As a result, many believers today are suffering one financial defeat after another. So let's go to the Word of God today and get the issue of prosperity and poverty straight. Let's find out, once and for all, which is the blessing, which the curse. You can find the answer to that question in Deuteronomy 28. What God describes in verses 1 through 14 is the blessing—prosperity. In verses 15 through 31, God describes poverty—and He has called it a curse. The curse is meant to destroy. Not to teach people a lesson. Not to make them more spiritual. But to destroy them. Regardless of how intense the lack is, the nature of poverty remains the same. It is, and will always be, a curse. Satan has gone to great lengths to convince God's people that poverty is a blessing in disguise. But poverty is something the devil contrived! Don't buy into his lies. Get your thinking in line with the Word of God. If you're a born-again child of God, you no longer have to live under the curse of poverty or any other curse for that matter. You've been redeemed! Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-31 JOIN KINGDOM DYNAMICS: For life transforming word of encouragement, inspiration & faith everyday. 🙏Jesus is Lord 🙏 https://lnkd.in/dqGypE5w .