The Winds of Revival and the Walls of the Gulf Coast: A Prophetic Perspective

Prophetic Waves Hit Gulf

It feels like the very atmosphere around us is charged with anticipation. I’ve been feeling this incredible stirring, a sense that God is on the move in a powerful way, particularly concerning the Gulf Coast region. It's like I'm being lifted up in a whirlwind, not of chaos, but of divine orchestration. Imagine puzzle pieces, each representing a part of God's plan, swirling around me high above the ground. From this vantage point, I can almost see the edges of the grand design laid out on the earth below. My heart is filled with a mix of awe and excitement, a high perspective that allows me to glimpse, just a little, into what the Lord is doing. As Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV) reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." It's like getting a spiritual snapshot of His unfolding purposes.

 A God-Orchestrated Whirlwind: Confirmations and the Call to the Coast

This journey began a couple of months ago, and the speed at which things are unfolding is truly remarkable. My wife, Susan, had a dream about a location on a map she didn't even recognize. What followed was a torrent of confirmations, so many within the first hour of waking up and continuing into the next day, that to ignore them would have felt like a profound error. It would have made Gideon's discernment look commonplace! So, we heeded the call and came down to the Pascagoula/Gautier region. We felt like we were shaking a prophetic tree, believing that God had treasures, spiritual insights, ready to fall.

However, this journey has not been without its challenges. We've encountered significant spiritual warfare and opposition. It’s during these times of resistance that the Lord brought to my remembrance the story of Nehemiah. Just as Nehemiah was called to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2), I believe this move to the Gulf Coast is a piece of a larger puzzle, a part of God's plan for this region. Now, I'm not comparing myself to Nehemiah, but the parallels resonate deeply. Phrases from Isaiah, like being "repairers of the breach" (Isaiah 58:12 KJV), echoed in my spirit.

The Spiritual Significance of Highway 10: A Wall and a Pathway

Pondering these things from this "high vantage point," I began to see the spiritual significance of seemingly ordinary things. For instance, Interstate 10, running from California to Florida, has played a significant role in my own life's journey. But here on the Gulf Coast, it struck me as almost forming a kind of wall. The train tracks and Highway 90 running parallel further emphasized this linear feature. Having lived in Houston, I've long been aware of the personal significance of this train track and Highway 10.

Reflecting on a time when the Lord was calling me back to Florida from Houston, I remember being in a good place – leading worship, active in church. Yet, there was this persistent prompting, these nudges of the Spirit directing me eastward. While in Florida, I experienced a heightened level of anointing, a greater flow of revelation, words of knowledge, and words of wisdom coming frequently. It was after numerous confirmations – some subtle, some blatant (like a spiritual billboard!) – that I finally yielded. And I encourage you, dear reader, to do the same: when the Lord gives you confirmations, write them down. Honor those dreams and visions He places within you, for as Joel 2:28 (KJV) says, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."

I would diligently record these confirmations, adding them to my prayer list. Not to declare and decree presumptuously, but to humbly ask, "Lord, what is the meaning behind these repeated signs?" Initially, I resisted going, but eventually, the prophetic weight became undeniable. I knew I had to obey, or risk being in serious disobedience.

Navigating Spiritual Warfare and the Prayer for Unity

My time in Florida was marked by intense spiritual warfare and numerous physical challenges, including hurricanes, one of which was the devastating Hurricane Katrina. It felt like the saying, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it," was being tested. Even though I was relatively isolated, without a strong network of Christian friends or prayer warriors, I felt equipped with spiritual tools to navigate these turbulent times. I now see the profound importance of Jesus's prayer for unity in John chapter 17 (KJV), where He prays "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." The "wall" we need to rebuild isn't a physical barrier, but a unity of believers, linking arms in the spirit. We cannot accomplish God's purposes in isolation. It’s not just me and Jesus; it’s us, together with Jesus – "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11 KJV) is a communal prayer.

Being alone and feeling overwhelmed by the spiritual and physical pressures, I eventually returned to Houston, seeking the support of family, friends, and church. Interestingly, upon returning, the intense warfare did subside, but so did the heightened level of my spiritual giftings. While I felt a sense of disobedience, I also know that "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29 KJV).

The Decimation and a Glimmer of Prophetic Hope

It's a sobering reality that the Gulf Coast region suffered immense setbacks in the spiritual, physical, and economic realms following Hurricane Katrina in the very same year I retreated to Houston. This truly felt like a wall had been broken down (Ezekiel 13:5). Even today, you can see the lingering effects – vacant buildings, businesses that never recovered.

However, a recent prophetic word spoken by Casey Sones in a small trailer house church has resonated deeply with what I sense is happening. To the natural mind, it might seem insane, but it aligns with the often-inscrutable ways of God. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) states, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." We can only truly understand God's plans in hindsight.

Echoes of Revival: Pensacola and the Split Pulpit

When I consider the spiritual devastation of this area, I can't help but think of the Pensacola Revival, which began in the 1990s. While I wasn't directly involved, it had a profound trickle-down effect on my life. Many of you have heard me speak about the pulpit splitting in two at Christian Tabernacle in Houston in October 1996. I believe this was, in part, a result of the spiritual momentum generated by the Pensacola Revival. This event became a pivotal point in my life, a powerful confirmation of the supernatural reality of God, even though I wasn't physically present when it happened.

Pensacola, Florida, located near Highway 10, became a focal point, and the revival's influence spread along the Gulf Coast all the way to Texas. People would travel along Highway 10, in a sense creating a spiritual wall of praise as they journeyed to and from the revival. It was during this time, in October 1996, that Pastor Heard at Christian Tabernacle read 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV): "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Immediately after reading this powerful scripture, the pulpit split, and a powerful outpouring of the Spirit followed. Miracles continued to occur there for months. Later, I became friends with one of the pastors who was present, and in his presence, the anointing was palpable – the glory cloud of God would manifest. My faith was ignited, moving from one level to the next. It was a powerful realization: the things we read about Jesus in the Bible are real, and we are called to step out and experience them.

This sparked my interest in what God was doing in America, and I followed news of the Pensacola Revival. I even considered going, but never managed to make the trip before the revival ended. Then, Hurricane Katrina became the dominant narrative, overshadowing everything. While the focus was often on New Orleans, the entire Gulf Coast was deeply affected. The spiritual decimation, coupled with the physical and economic devastation, has left a lasting impact.

A Future and a Purpose: Rebuilding the Tabernacle of Praise

Yet, even amidst this backdrop, I can't help but feel an overwhelming joy and excitement. From this prophetic "high vantage point," I know that God has a future and a purpose for the Gulf Coast area. I get genuinely giddy with the anticipation of God breathing new life into this region. I pray that the apostles, prophets, and pastors will catch this prophetic wave that is coming.

I often talk about spiritual waves – dispensations of God's acts flowing from His throne. My prayer is that we, as believers, will position our "surfboards" in the spirit – through prayer and seeking Him – so that we can discern the movement of God and then physically position ourselves to be where He wants us to be. We must follow the glory cloud, being ready for the divine appointments He has for us. I pray that the Lord will use diligent, passionate men and women who seek Him wholeheartedly to rebuild the tabernacle of praise, the tabernacle of David.

This rebuilding is prophesied in Acts 15:14-17 (KJV), where James quotes Amos: "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."

Interestingly, I have a personal connection to the concept of the Davidic Tabernacle. I understand a little about spirit songs and the power of spending extended time in praise and worship. I remember times with friends like Kyle, where we would worship the Lord for hours with guitars and harps, caught up in that Ezekiel River (Ezekiel 47), that spiritual water flowing from the New Jerusalem. Time would simply melt away. I can’t help but think that Mike Bickle's vision for the 24/7 prayer and worship at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) might have been inspired, in part, by these very scriptures in Acts and Amos.

Consider the numbers: Acts 15, and Amos 9:11. The number 911 immediately brings to mind a day of national emergency and remembrance for Americans. Amos 9:11 (KJV) states, "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." The prophetic implications are clear. Just as Nehemiah, Ezra, and Daniel were involved in rebuilding in their time, I believe the Lord is stirring a similar work in the Gulf Coast region. We may be on the cusp of rebuilding the spiritual, physical, and economic walls of this area.

The Call to Unity and Action

But we cannot do this alone. We need to link up, just as Jesus prayed in John chapter 17. It's time to get off the couch, step outside our church buildings, and shake that prophetic tree. We need to position ourselves by following the glory cloud, constantly asking, "Lord, what is your will today?"

Friends, I believe God is doing something significant in the Gulf Coast. It’s a time of spiritual awakening and rebuilding. If this message has resonated with you in any way, please consider sharing it with your friends and family on social media or through email. Your support helps spread this message of hope and prophetic anticipation.  Remember the call: dig deeper and go higher in your walk with the Lord!

Remembering Revelation: How God Speaks and Why We Must Pay Attention

Remembering Revelation

I want to share with you today about remembering the spiritual insights and prophetic words the Lord speaks into our lives.

Lately, I’ve been deeply shaken by Revelation, and not in a scary, end-times kind of way. More like a jolt of cold water to the face. You know how it is? You go through life thinking you're on the right track, doing your best with the theology you understand, the information you have. You assume you're doing all you can. But then, sometimes, a wave of Revelation hits you, and you look back – maybe years, like 14 years in my own reflection – and you think, "How did I miss that?"

One thing that really strikes me is the contrast between God's timeline and ours. He has all the time in the world, an infinite existence. We, on the other hand, have this unexpected alarm clock that can go off at any moment, reminding us that our time is finite. We feel this pressure to get everything done before that alarm sounds. God doesn't get penalized for taking His time or for revealing things gradually. He's the Lord, the Judge, and we are so incredibly blessed to have the option to plead the blood of Jesus Christ.

But as I walk further on this Christian journey, I'm increasingly aware that there are crowns laid out before me, opportunities to step into a deeper level of God's purpose. And on the flip side, a sobering spiritual reality hits me: people can go to hell on my watch. What I once might have perceived as a casual game now feels like a high-stakes endeavor, far beyond mere chess pieces on a board.

The Thorn and the Revelation: A Personal Connection

This brings me to a passage that’s been resonating deeply with me recently, especially as I’ve been dealing with this persistent something-or-other. It’s from 2 Corinthians chapter 12, where the Apostle Paul talks about his “thorn in the flesh.” Let me read verses 2 through 10:

“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body I cannot tell, or whether out of the body I cannot tell, God knows)—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man (whether in the body or out of the body I cannot tell, God knows), how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I would not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”   

This passage has been hitting home, especially this feeling of battling something physical while wrestling with deeper spiritual truths. It feels like this current situation, though certainly not comparable to Paul’s trials, has been a lens through which I'm re-examining this very passage. It’s like I’m learning it through present-day experience.

Unpacking the Prophetic: Timing and Trust

Notice that Paul speaks of an incredible spiritual encounter that happened “above fourteen years ago.” Now, around that same time in my own life, I had some profound, supernatural experiences, Heavenly visions and revelations that I knew were undeniably from the Lord. And it's only now, as I’m going through this present challenge, that a new layer of understanding is unfolding.

Paul doesn’t go into great detail about the specifics of his spiritual encounter. And this is a crucial point about the prophetic. In this New Testament, post-cross dispensation of the prophetic gifting, we don’t just blurt out everything God tells us. We share what He specifically wants us to share. There’s a trust involved, a relationship. If we misuse or mishandle the information, He might just stop entrusting us with it. Think of it like a father and his oldest son – the father shares what he needs the son to know to carry out a task. The son doesn’t necessarily broadcast every detail; he just gets the work done.

Paul received this Revelation 14 years prior, and it seems like the fullness of its meaning was unfolding over time. He probably looked back and wished he had sought the Lord more diligently about it then, that he had grasped its significance sooner. But God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t always align with our own. And the fact that Paul wrote it down means we, too, are meant to keep unpacking its wisdom throughout our lives.

The Double Edge: Revelation and Resistance

Paul then reveals a key insight: because of the abundance of revelations he received, a “messenger of Satan” was sent to buffet him, to keep him from becoming prideful. This spiritual opposition manifested as a weakness, a persistent challenge. It took Paul 14 years to even begin to fully understand the initial wave of that Heavenly encounter. The event happened then, but the understanding, the interpretation, was a gradual process, and in a way, it's still unfolding as we read his words today.

This makes me think about my own experiences. Those powerful spiritual encounters I had around 14 years ago? I’ve recently realized that I might have mishandled them. I’m going to share what I’ve learned, so hopefully, you won’t make the same mistakes.

Honoring Heavenly Encounters: Frontlets Before Our Eyes

It’s so important to understand that our Heavenly encounters are not fleeting moments to be forgotten. They are precious gifts, meant to be honored, treasured, and kept “as frontlets before our eyes.”

Right now, I want you to take a moment. Remember a time, if you’re a Christian, when the Lord shared a revelation, a dream, or a vision with you that you knew, without a doubt, was a Heavenly encounter. What did you do with that Revelation? Did you write it down? Did you journal it and then let it gather dust? How often do you consciously bring it back to the forefront of your mind?

In my own case, with those super profound encounters, I essentially shelved the idea. I wrote them down, but then I kind of filed them away. My thinking was, “Well, the Lord is sovereign. He’s God of all creation. He’ll bring it to pass in His own time.” And while that’s true, I didn’t actively keep those prophetic promises as frontlets before my eyes, like Joseph did.

Learning from Joseph and Abraham: The Power of Remembrance

Think about Joseph. Remember his dreams of the sheaves bowing down and the sun, moon, and stars paying him homage? Imagine if he had just shrugged them off. Instead, even when he immaturely blurted them out to his brothers and parents (which might have actually been part of God's plan to refine his character over time), those prophetic images stayed with him. When he was in the pit, in prison, falsely accused – those dreams were a lifeline, a reminder of God's promised future. He kept those spiritual seeds alive in his heart.

Similarly, consider Abraham. God promised him that he would be the father of many nations. Every time Abraham looked at the stars, he remembered God’s prophetic word: “Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars.” Every time he saw the sand of the sea, the same reminder echoed. He actively rehearsed and held onto those spiritual promises.

Scriptural Keys to Remembering

The Bible is full of instruction on the importance of remembering what God has spoken and done.

Exodus 20:8-11 commands us to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” The word “remember” here carries the idea of bringing something back to the body, making it a present reality. When we, the body of Christ, come together, we are in a sense reassembling, remembering who we are in Him. We are to remember the Sabbath, to keep it set apart, just as God rested after creation. This is a weekly reminder of God's work and our dependence on Him. We are called to remember the times God has delivered us.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 says, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk received a prophetic vision and was instructed to write it down clearly so that others could understand and run with it. Paul received his vision 14 years before writing about it in this way. The Lord wants us to document these spiritual encounters; to keep them before us so we can act on them and so that even after our time, the vision can continue to impact others.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” This passage emphasizes the constant, intentional immersion in God's Word and His promises. The idea of “frontlets between your eyes” speaks to keeping these truths constantly in our thoughts. Writing them on our doorposts and gates serves as a constant visual reminder, much like Abraham looking at the stars. Our homes should be sanctified spaces where God's Word is central.

A Call to Remember and Act

So, before I wrap up today, I want to urge you to go back to those times when the Lord shared something significant with you. If you haven't already, start a habit now of journaling your spiritual encounters. You can use a physical journal, an electronic one, even use hashtags to categorize them.

Rehearse these moments. Like Joseph, like Abraham, ask yourself: what plan is God unfolding in my life through these prophetic insights? The pieces of the puzzle will start to come together as you grow in Jesus. You’ll begin to understand what the Lord meant in those past revelations, especially when you face challenges. Just as Joseph could trust in God’s plan amidst false accusations, and David could encourage himself in the Lord during times of intense pressure, remembering God’s past spiritual communication will sustain you through difficult seasons and lead you toward your promised reward.

Thank you for spending this time with me. If this message has resonated with you, please consider sharing it with your friends and family on social media or via email. Let’s encourage each other to dig deeper and go higher in our walk with the Lord. 

Christian Entrepreneurship: Building for the Covenant, Not Just the Account Balance

Jesus In Your Business

There's been a significant amount of conversation lately circulating the Christian community, especially online, about business, making money, and what it means to be a biblical entrepreneur. The terms "Christian entrepreneurship" and "biblical entrepreneurship" are everywhere. And frankly, there’s a lot of noise out there. As believers, we need to understand what the Kingdom perspective is on this, ensuring we aren't just adopting worldly business models and slapping a fish sticker on them.

This has been on my heart and mind, and on a recent prayer walk, I spent some time seeking the Lord about it, diving into a few key scriptures. I want to share what I believe is a core principle – a divine code – laid out in the Bible for us to follow. It's pretty amazing how God provides us with blueprints, not just for our spiritual lives, but for every aspect of our existence, including our work and our finances. The key, however, is understanding the purpose behind the provision.

Too often, the conversation around Christian entrepreneurship can drift towards prosperity for prosperity’s sake. We hear about building empires, generating massive wealth, and achieving financial freedom, all framed within a Christian context. While God certainly desires to bless His people, the reason for that blessing, the purpose of the wealth He gives us the power to get, is fundamentally different from the world's view. It's not primarily about personal comfort, luxury cars, or beach mansions. It's about His Kingdom. It's about the covenant.

The Business Model Jesus Modeled: More Than Just Fishing

Let's start with a powerful picture from the Gospels, one that I believe lays out a fundamental principle for us. You can find it in Luke 5:3-7. Let's read it together in the King James Version:

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both ships, so that they began to sink.

Take a moment to ponder this narrative. It’s a profound illustration of how God often operates, and it offers a crystal-clear picture of spiritual principles impacting our physical and professional lives.

Key Takeaways from Peter's Encounter

There are several critical elements in this story that provide a foundation for biblical entrepreneurship:

1.  Jesus Entered Peter's Boat: This is profoundly spiritual. Jesus, the Son of God, stepped into Peter's workplace, his business, his livelihood. This wasn't just a casual visit; it was an intentional act. For us, it means inviting Jesus into our businesses. Not just acknowledging Him in theory, but actively welcoming His presence, His guidance, and His authority into every aspect of our operations. Peter did this openly, for everyone to see. Are we willing to do the same? Is our business a place where Jesus is visibly welcomed and honored?

2.  Peter Used His Business Platform to Promote the Gospel: While Jesus was in the boat, what was He doing? He was teaching the people. Peter essentially turned his fishing vessel, his place of commerce, into a pulpit\! He used his business establishment to facilitate the spreading of the gospel during his "off hours," when he wasn't actively fishing. This is a crucial point. Biblical entrepreneurship isn't just about making money as a Christian; it's about leveraging your business, your skills, your resources for the Kingdom of God. It’s about seeing your workplace as a mission field and a platform for supernatural impact.

3.  Peter Listened to and Obeyed the Voice of Jesus: Here’s where the supernatural breakthrough occurred. Jesus told Peter to launch into the deep and let down his nets. Peter’s response is telling: "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing." He was speaking from experience, from his carnal understanding of fishing. He knew the best spots, the best times, the techniques. Based on his natural expertise, Jesus's instruction made no sense. But Peter added, "Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." Obedience trumped his human reasoning. This is often where we face a challenge. Our carnal minds are "enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" [Romans 8:7]. Spiritual things require spiritual discernment [1 Corinthians 2:14]. We must learn to hear the Shepherd's voice and be willing to do what He says, even when it seems illogical or goes against conventional wisdom.

The Overflowing Blessing: Not Just for Personal Gain

Because of Peter's willingness to welcome Jesus, use his platform for the gospel, and obey a seemingly illogical instruction, God blessed his business so dramatically that he couldn't contain it himself. The nets were breaking, the boats were sinking! He had to call his partners to help. The blessing wasn't just for Peter; it overflowed to bless others.

This is a powerful illustration of God's economy. When we put Him first, when we align our businesses with His purposes, the blessings can be so abundant that we are compelled to bless others. It's not about hoarding; it's about becoming a conduit for God's provision to impact the lives of those around us and to further His work.

The Contrast: Zacchaeus vs. The Rich Young Ruler

Think back to Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler. Both had encounters with Jesus, and both had wealth. The rich young ruler, when asked to give up his possessions and follow Jesus, went away sorrowful because he loved his wealth more than the Lordship of Jesus. His treasure was on earth, not in heaven. Zacchaeus, however, upon encountering Jesus, immediately committed to giving half his goods to the poor and restoring fourfold anything he had taken dishonestly. His encounter with Jesus transformed his relationship with money.

This is the heart of the matter. When we truly encounter Jesus, when His Lordship is established in our lives, our perspective on everything changes – including our finances and our businesses. Like Zacchaeus, we recognize the superior value of the Kingdom and willingly submit our earthly resources to eternal purposes.

Seeking First the Kingdom: The Foundation

This leads us to a foundational scripture for Christian living, which absolutely applies to Christian entrepreneurship: [Matthew 6:33], "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." And verse 34 continues, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

This passage comes in the context of not worrying about material needs – food, clothing, etc. Jesus is instructing us to prioritize the spiritual, the Kingdom, over the physical. When we do that, He promises that "all these things" – our material needs – will be provided.

I often see people struggling with this in the context of ministry or Kingdom endeavors. They feel a prophetic word, a calling from the Lord to do something, but they delay because they don't have the money. They put the physical cart (finances) before the spiritual horse (God's direction). This is a manifestation of leaning on our own understanding and a lack of faith.

I've learned this through experience. There have been times the Lord has told me to do something that seemed impossible financially. My carnal mind screamed, "You can't afford that!" But I’ve learned that if the Lord tells you to do it, He will provide the means. You don't need to wait for the money to show up before you start taking the steps of obedience. Just start picking up the phone, sending the emails, taking the action He directed. Somehow, if it's His will, it will happen. As I like to say, "God's will is God's bill."

Now, this isn't a license for reckless financial behavior based on a "wicked desire" wrapped up in spiritual language. You need to have a genuine, consistent relationship with the Lord, discerning His voice from your own desires or external pressures. But if you are walking closely with Him and He gives you a clear direction, move forward in faith, trusting Him for the provision.

Deuteronomy 8:18: The Purpose of Wealth

This brings us to a pivotal verse that gets right to the heart of why God gives us the power to get wealth: [Deuteronomy 8:18]. Again, in the KJV: But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

This verse is incredibly rich and, I believe, is often misunderstood or selectively quoted in discussions about wealth. Let's break it down:

"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God": This is the starting point. We are commanded to remember God. This isn't just a passive recollection; it's an active, voluntary bringing together of our focus and attention upon Him. It's about maintaining our vertical relationship. It's also why we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together [Hebrews 10:25]. When we assemble, we remember the body of Christ, bringing the members together, just as Acts 13 describes the prophets and apostles being together when the Holy Ghost spoke.

"for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth": This is crucial. The ability to generate wealth, whether through a job, a business, investments, or any other means, originates with God. It's His gift, His enablement, His spiritual power working through us. It is not solely due to our intelligence, hard work, or clever strategies. While those things are important and God expects us to be good stewards of our talents, the ultimate power to get wealth comes from Him.

"that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day": And here is the purpose. The reason God gives us the power to get wealth is that He may establish His covenant. It is not primarily so we can establish a retirement fund, buy a bigger house, or take lavish vacations. While these things are not inherently sinful, they are not the primary reason God empowers us financially. The wealth, the resources, the supernatural provision is intended to advance God's Kingdom purposes on earth – to establish His covenant.

This is a potential danger zone for many of us. Our fleshly desires can easily hijack this truth. We can start wanting wealth for selfish pride or personal comfort, using spiritual principles as a form of witchcraft to manipulate outcomes for our own ends. Jesus says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" [Matthew 7:7]. He also says, "if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and it shall be done" [Matthew 21:21]. These are powerful promises! But we must ensure we are speaking to mountains at the Lord's direction, not just because we want the mountain moved for our convenience. We must prophesy to dry bones when God tells us to, as Ezekiel did [Ezekiel 37:1-14]. Ezekiel’s response was, "O Lord God, thou knowest." He waited for the Lord's instruction before prophesying.

We have to constantly check our vertical relationship. Are we seeking God's heart and will, or are we trying to leverage spiritual principles for selfish gain? Any self-exaltation, any impure motive, is rooted in pride – the sin of the devil himself. This is a continuous learning process, requiring us to crucify our flesh daily [Galatians 5:24].

Faith vs. Money: The Just Shall Live by Faith

The just shall live by faith [Romans 1:17], [Galatians 3:11], [Hebrews 10:38]. This is a fundamental truth of the Christian Walk. Our trust and reliance are to be in God, not in our resources. This is why money can sometimes be a problem. The more money you have, the less you feel you need faith to accomplish things. If you have enough money, you can rent the park for the event without needing a supernatural provision. You can hire the staff, buy the equipment, fund the project based on your bank balance rather than a word from God.

This is not to say money is evil; it is a tool. But it's a tool that can easily tempt us to rely on ourselves rather than God. This is precisely why we must remember Deuteronomy 8:18 – it is God who gives the power to get wealth, and the purpose is for His covenant. It keeps our focus vertical, on the Source and the intended use.

Building the Covenant Together

When we understand that wealth is for the covenant, we also understand the importance of the collective body of Christ. God often blesses the body so that the covenant can be established through the combined efforts of the members. This is why Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," not "give me my daily bread" [Matthew 6:11]. We are in a war together, building the Kingdom together.

Sometimes the wealth God entrusts to us individually is meant to flow into collective Kingdom endeavors. It's not always about starting our own ministry or putting our name on something; it's about being a faithful part of what God is doing through the wider body, contributing our resources, time, and talents to the shared mission of establishing His covenant.

Personal Reflections: Learning to Trust the Supplier

Learning these lessons has been a journey for me, marked by periods of toiling like Peter with no results until I surrendered my plan for God's. I've felt the tension between my carnal understanding and the spiritual leading of the Lord. I've had to confront my own desires and check my motives, asking myself, "Is this truly for the Kingdom, or is there an element of wanting recognition or personal gain?"

I've seen God move in truly supernatural ways when I’ve stepped out in faith based on His direction, even when the resources weren't visible. It's in those moments that your faith isn't theoretical; it's active, and you experience the reality of His provision. It strengthens your trust and deepens your relationship with Him, preparing you for the next step of obedience.

Conclusion: Wealth for the Covenant, Not the Couch

So, as we navigate the world of business and finances as Christians, let's anchor ourselves in these biblical truths. Biblical entrepreneurship is not about making money for money's sake. It's about inviting Jesus into our businesses, using our platforms to promote the gospel, listening for and obeying His prophetic voice, even when it challenges our carnal understanding, and recognizing that the power to get wealth comes from Him for the purpose of establishing His covenant.

Like Peter, when we operate according to God's blueprint and for His purposes, we may experience blessings so abundant that they overflow, enabling us to bless others and advance the Kingdom in powerful ways.

Thank you for being a part of this community and for allowing me to share these thoughts with you. If this post has touched you or challenged your perspective, please remember to share it with your friends and family. Take the link and share it on social media, via email, wherever you connect with people. Your comments and likes also help extend the reach of this message, allowing more people to hear about God's design for our lives and our work.