“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. 13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. 14 He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is Mine. That is what I meant when I said that He [the Spirit] will take the things that are Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.  John 16:12-15 AMP

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth – He will always speak the Truth and lead you into the Truth. He does not bring you His own message or His own opinion. He will never speak anything contrary to the Word of God. Everything He says is of God and from God. He never speaks on His own authority – He only speaks on the authority that He has been given by Jesus and by the Father. He tells us whatever He hears the Father say – He gives the message that has been given to Him. He is the One Who announces and declares the things that are to come.

The Holy Spirit takes, receives, and draws upon that which belongs to Jesus and which comes from Him and He reveals it to us. Therefore and thereby, He honors and glorifies Jesus! He brings glory to Jesus, because He speaks only the words that come from Jesus. He brings glory to the Father, because He speaks only the words that come from the Father. Obviously, then if we or anybody else speaks words that do not come from the Father, Son or the Holy Spirit – words spoken on our own authority, by our own opinion, and coming from our own heart and mind – then they are not the truth and they will not bring glory to the Lord.

Anyone who rejects Me and persistently sets Me at naught, refusing to accept My teachings, has his judge [however]; for the [very] message that I have spoken will itself judge and convict him at the last day. 49 This is because I have never spoken on My own authority or of My own accord or as self-appointed, but the Father Who sent Me has Himself given Me orders [concerning] what to say and what to tell. 50 And I know that His commandment is (means) eternal life. So whatever I speak, I am saying [exactly] what My Father has told Me to say and in accordance with His instructions.  John 12:48-50 AMP

Jesus, Himself did not speak on His own authority or of His own accord – He only said what His Father told Him to say. Therefore, everyone who hears Him is accountable before God to receive it as the Truth and be saved or to reject it and be judged. If Jesus did not speak on His own authority and the Holy Spirit does not speak on His own authority, then we certainly have no right to say or preach anything that has not been given to us by the Father. We have no right to preach our opinions apart from the Word of God. We have an obligation to preach the Word as it is, with no changes, no compromise and no dilution.

And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:15-17 AMP

And we have the prophetic word [made] firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through [the gloom] and the Morning Star rises ( comes into being) in your hearts. 20[Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving). 21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so–it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.  2 Peter 1:19-21 AMP

Whether you preach, pray or prophesy, let it be led, guided and guarded by the Holy Spirit. Bring glory to God as you speak only the words that He puts in your mouth.

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. 13 Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. 15 [They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Psalms 92:12-15 AMP

According to Psalm 92, the uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, grow like the cedars of Lebanon and flourish in the courts of our God. Even though they grow older, they are still growing – growing in grace – and still bringing forth fruit in old age. Some people say, “You are only as old as you feel!” And this is true, because your heart attitude greatly influences your mental outlook, your body, your choices and your outcome. Whether you are positive or negative, the longer you age the more your thought life affects your mind, your body, your health and your quality of life. You can be older chronologically, but be younger and younger on the inside. As a result, you can remain fresh and vigorous longer on the outside as well. Thank God for those righteous saints, who have a lifetime of experience serving God, and who still have the strength and enthusiasm to teach and impart this wisdom to the younger generation! They are a great inspiration, and can challenge the next generation to reach higher and to aspire to follow and imitate their life of faith and victory. It is a beautiful thing to see a much older, godly person who is still full of life and spunk and joy!

The Hebrew word for “bring forth fruit” means: to germinate; to cause to flourish; to bring forth fruit; to make cheerful; to increase. The word for “fat” means: fat; rich: fertile. The word translated “flourish” here, means: to be green; verdant; new; prosperous; flourishing. The Lord promises that the righteous will be fat and flourishing: full of sap – spiritual vitality – and rich in the verdure (greenness or freshness) of trust, love, and contentment!

So even as the righteous grow older, they will still be able to contribute – they will still flourish and increase and continue to produce fruit. This is not the normal way people age. Usually you lose structural fat and there’s no way you could be called “green”, because everything has started to dry out. After a certain age, you certainly can’t produce anything new anymore. And yet, the Lord promises that if we faithfully serve Him and honor His word, that we will renew our strength like the eagle. He promises that we can have a great quality of life – a sound mind and body – until it’s our time to go home! This strength and vitality, fruitfulness and productiveness, peace and contentment, is the evidence of God’s blessing on a life. The uncompromisingly righteous are living memorials – their blessed life brings glory to God! Their blessed life proves that God is good and faithful to His promises! The Lord wants to bless you – it brings Him glory! You need to bring your life over to where His blessing is being poured out. His blessing is not being poured out where sin abounds, but it is poured out where people revere and honor and obey Him!

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.  Colossians 2:6-7 AMP

We need to be rooted firmly and deeply in God and His word. We need to walk with the Lord – regulating our lives and conduct, in union with Him and conforming to Him. If we do, then we will see stability, peace, provision and good fruit manifest in our lives.

He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident in his riches shall fall, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like a green bough.  Proverbs 11:28 AMP

[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.  Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMP

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalms 1:1-3 NIV

The uncompromisingly righteous – who trusts in, leans on, and relies on God; who puts his hope and confidence in Him; who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers; who delights on the law of the Lord and who meditates on it day and night – shall flourish like a green bough; he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; he shall not see and fear when heat comes; his leaves will remain green and not wither; he will not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought; he will yield his fruit in season and he’ll not cease yielding fruit. Whatever he does prospers! And he will bring much glory to God!

 

Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. 6 And He will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday. 7 Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself — it tends only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the evildoers will be no more; though you look with care where they used to be, they will not be found. 11 But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.  Psalms 37:3-11 AMP

Verse 3: “Trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land and feed surely on His faithfulness, and truly you shall be fed.” If we put our trust in God alone and not the arm of the flesh or the wisdom of man, then we will have His protection, favor and provision. If we truly trust God and His word, then we will focus on pleasing Him – by obeying Him; by doing good – and leave everything else in His hands. We cannot expect all God’s blessings if we don’t fully obey His commands. If we obey all God’s commands, then we are entitled to receive the fulfillment of all His promises to us.

Verse 4: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Deep in the heart of every person are deep desires and secret wants. Not fleshly or evil or ungodly desires, but things that mean a lot to us, things that come from deep within us. We think they are our ideas, but the Lord is able to place things in our heart that line up with His plans for us – the things that will make us truly happy and content. As long as we try to follow our heads, we will be forever chasing rainbows, but if we look deep on the inside, we will see the things that have the ability to give us true satisfaction. The key to walking in the reality of these things is for us to delight in the Lord and also to commit our way – everything we have and everything we do – to Him alone. To “delight” in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know someone really well – so in order to delight in the Lord, we need to get to know Him so much better than we do now. It’s our life-long quest – to know Him better today than we did yesterday. The more we come to know Him, the more we become aware and convinced of His great love for us, the more we are delighted in and by Him!

To commit means: to roll upon, or repose on. Proverbs 16:3 NKJV says, “Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.” And the AMP says, “Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.”

To commit ourselves to the Lord means entrusting everything to Him – trusting Him with our lives – trusting Him with everything that concerns us – our families, our job/career/ministry, our possessions, our choices in life. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in Him fully and completely, believing that He can care for us better than we can ourselves! If we do this, then for the rest, all we need is to patiently wait for Him to work out what is best for us! This is not procrastination or abdication, but it is faith – faith in God’s will, and faith in God’s plan, above our own. We are not sitting idly by – we are working according to what He directs and doing good and being a blessing wherever we are and wherever we go. While we work God’s plan, He is working to fulfill the desires and secret petitions of our heart!

Verses 7 & 8: “Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself — it tends only to evildoing.”

Be still. Rest. Wait. Don’t fret. Cease from anger and forsake wrath. All these require great trust in God and great faith in His word. Most people live their lives frantically trying to make their own way. They are stressed and worried; impatient and hurried; and when things don’t go according to plan, they get angry and frustrated. This destroys their health and their relationships and ultimately, their quality of life and potential length of life. They live a shorter, harder life, because they won’t, or can’t, trust God with their life. Some people even resort to wrongdoing to accomplish their goals, but it opens the door to disaster and destruction.

The word “rest” here means: to be silent; be still or stand still; keep silence; be dumb; tarry; wait; to cease; to be cut down or off; to forbear; to hold peace; to quiet self. In other words, we should calmly resign and leave all things in the hands of the Lord. We should take a deep breath, relax and leave our life in God’s capable hands! The scripture says that you should “wait patiently for Him” or “patiently lean yourself upon Him”. That means that you are to set yourself to expect God to answer! Expect God to come through for you!

Anger and worry – or fretting – are both very destructive emotions. If we are angry or worried, we demonstrate that we have no faith in God’s love or His provision; we are trusting in the arm of the flesh; we don’t really believe that God is in control! God tells us not to worry, but to cast our cares on Him instead – because He cares for us and is watching over us and watching out for us! When you dwell on your problems, you will become anxious and angry. But if you concentrate on God and His goodness, you will find peace. You must make the choice of where you will put your focus!

 

10. Grace cannot be responsible in the event that saved men should backslide.

 

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV

 

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

 

God has a wonderful plan for our lives – for hope and a future. On the other hand, the devil has only evil plans for us. We must all choose between life and blessing or death and cursing. We choose by either serving righteousness or serving sin. God’s plan for each and every person who ever lives is that they would accept His plan and believe in His salvation and end up in heaven and not hell. Even though God’s choice is for us to be saved and end up in heaven, He will not force us to get saved or to stay serving Him and never backslide. Grace is not responsible for the actions of backsliders or the consequences they experience.

 

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place — unless you repent.  Revelation 2:5 NKJV

 

11. Grace cannot free saved men from condemnation for future sins unless confessed.

 

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.  1 John 1:7 NKJV

 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9 NKJV

Grace cannot save you from the eternal consequences – condemnation – of the un-confessed sins you commit as a believer. Thank God, when we confess – God forgives and grace springs into action.

 

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Revelation 3:2 NKJV

 

12. Grace cannot permit God to forgive un-confessed sin.

 

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

 

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.  2 Corinthians 7:9 NKJV

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.  2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV

 

13. Grace cannot guarantee any man eternal life if he refuses to obey.

 

We are privileged to exercise free will and free choice and can choose between good or evil. However, God will not guarantee eternal life to us if we refuse to obey Him and His word. Obedience activates grace in our lives.

 

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.  1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV

 

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.  1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV

 

Son of man, tell your people: ‘The good things people did in the past will not save them if they become bad and begin to sin. In the same way the bad things people did in the past will not destroy them if they turn from their evil. So remember, the good things people did in the past will not save them if they begin to sin.’ 13 “Maybe I will tell good people that they will live. But maybe those good people will begin to think that the good things they did in the past will save them. So they might begin to do bad things, but I will not remember the good things they did in the past! No, they will die because of the bad things they begin to do. 14 “Or maybe I will tell some evil people that they will die. But they might change their lives, stop sinning, and begin to live right. They might become good and fair. 15 They might give back the things they took when they loaned money. They might pay for the things they stole. They might begin to follow the laws that give life and stop doing bad things. Then they will surely live. They will not die. 16 I will not remember the bad things they did in the past, because now they live right and are fair. So they will live! 17 “But your people say, ‘That’s not fair! The Lord cannot be like that!’ “But they are the people who are not fair! They are the people who must change! 18 If good people stop doing good and begin to sin, they will die because of their sins. 19 And if evil people stop doing wrong and start living right and being fair, they will live. 20 You still say that I am not fair, but I am telling you the truth. Family of Israel, everyone will be judged for what they do!  Ezekiel 33:12-20 ERV

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).  2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP

The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America declares that:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness;…”

The framers of our Constitution recognized that God alone was the Author of life, of freedom, and of man’s free will.  Liberty is the very essence of the Gospel.

Since God is the one who gives men freedom, there is no government that can legally give it to you – it is not theirs to give. Governments may claim to control your freedom, and therefore give or take it away, but they do not have that right. What kings and governments do is to put people into bondage and when they loosen up the restrictions, they call it freedom. Alternatively, they give you “freedom” inside their own controlled, narrow boundaries. None of this is true freedom.

In God’s eyes, the role of government is only to protect the freedoms of the people and restrict the freedoms of (imprison) those who seek to rob others of their freedoms by killing, stealing, or otherwise destroying. All the laws that they pass should be to allow people to freely conduct business and live their lives as they choose. In a world where every person was a true follower of Christ, there would be no need for laws, because everyone would govern themselves and their behavior by the laws of God. Everyone would love their neighbor and seek their best interests. No one would enslave or oppress another, and no one would be enslaved or oppressed.

Laws are made for lawless men. If you transgress the law, you become subject to it. If you are entirely submitted to the commandment of God, then the law is not applied to you. No one has the right to oppress another or to enslave another. God gave us no commandment to have slaves; however, when men, in their ignorance to the Gospel and the truth, took slaves, He gave commands for proper treatment of slaves. He even provided a Year of Jubilee – for the release of slaves. The fact is that slavery is a curse brought on by rebellion and disobedience to God’s laws.  As long as men curse God, slavery will continue. The only hope is another Year of Jubilee and Jesus is that Jubilee! You do not have to wait fifty years – you can have it now!

Here are some examples of the way that some people impose slavery upon others: to physically enslave men; to oppress and keep them in ignorance; to force them against their free will; to deprive them of compensation, or appropriate compensation, for work done; to prevent proper home life and training of their children; to fetter (restrict or restrain) the intellect; to make some dependent on others; to promote any inequality in rights contrary to the laws of God.

We see this slavery at work in our nations today. Banks and corporations keep people in slavery through debt. Their goal is not to help people find financial independence, but rather to keep them in debt and dependent on the system. When governments support people by helping them to own and run their own businesses, and by helping and encouraging them to earn their own living, then they are doing something good. However, when governments give people handouts on a continual basis, people become dependent on the government, and therefore are owned and controlled by them. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7 AMP).

People are enslaved through lack of education. In school, they are not taught what they need to know but only what the government wants them to know. This is happening in so-called “free” countries, and not just in ones ruled by dictators. If people do not know their history, they are doomed to repeat it. People know everything about the pop culture or their favorite athletic team, but nothing about what they really ought to know in order to stand up against tyranny. Governments enslave people when they hide things from the people; when they are not transparent and open; when they receive bribes to decide things in the interest of a few at the expense of the many.

When you cannot choose your own vocation, and someone tells you what job you will do, then you are enslaved. Around the world, there are many people who are overworked and underpaid and whose lives are controlled by the companies for whom they work. This is a form of slavery. Many people are so completely enslaved, even today, that they have no control even over their own bodies, and they are bought and sold as slaves.

Governments impose slavery upon the people, when they insist that they are the only ones who have the intelligence to govern and that everyone else is too ignorant to govern or even to question their decisions. It is a form of slavery to undermine the family. When the government has more control over a child’s life than the parents do, then that nation is enslaved. Governments impose slavery upon the people when they take control of the Health Care programs and decisions, and they begin to decide who may live or die. When governments can abort babies and prematurely kill old people, and handicapped or infirm people, then that nation is enslaved.

The main reason people are enslaved, is because they are ignorant of the word and the will of Almighty God. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6a NKJV). The reason that the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Bill of Rights, are such powerful documents is because they are based on the principles of the Word of God. As long as men acknowledge God in this nation, our country will stand strong. However, when men dishonor God, the guiding principles of our founding documents will no longer be able to stand, and the nation will fall to tyranny and darkness. It is left up to those of us, who walk in the light, to stand up for the truth and to bring others into the light, so that our people and our nation might remain truly free.

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV

1. Draw near to God with a true heart:

“…let us draw near with a true heart…”  Hebrews 10:22

These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me.  Matthew 15:8 AMP

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  James 4:8 KJV

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.  Hebrews 10:39 KJV

2. Have a pure conscience:

“…having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience…”  Hebrews 10:22

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.  Acts 24:16 KJV

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.

1 Timothy 1:19 KJV

3. Have clean bodies:

“…our bodies washed with pure water…”  Hebrews 10:22

Not only should we have a clean heart, but we should have clean hands as well. Clean in motivation and in works. We are washed by the Word of God.

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.  Ephesians 5:26 KJV

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.  Psalms 24:3-4 KJV

4. Have unwavering faith:

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…”  Hebrews 10:23

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1:17 KJV

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.  Romans 4:16 KJV

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.  Romans 4:20 KJV

Be keeping a watchful eye ever open. Be standing fast in the Faith. Be showing yourselves to be men. Be mighty in strength.  1 Corinthians 16:13 Kenneth S. Wuest

5. Provoke others to good works:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works…”  Hebrews 10:24

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 KJV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10 KJV

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.  Titus 2:7-8 NKJV

6. Be regular church attendees:

“…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…”  Hebrews 10:25

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV

7. Exhort one another daily:

“…but exhorting one another…” Hebrews 10:25

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:13 KJV

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:2 KJV

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV 

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.  Titus 2:15 KJV

Foundation scriptures:

And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 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.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18 KJV

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 7 The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 9 The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. Deuteronomy 28:1-14 KJV

 

1. You shall remember the Lord your God.
2. It is He who gives you the power – the anointing – to create wealth.
3. The anointing is the touch of God on your life.
4. When God breathes on you.
5. God’s favor and blessings.

 

2. All these blessings.
3. Deuteronomy 28:1-14
4. The promise:
5. High above all the nations
6. Blessings will overtake you

iii. Blessed in the city and the field

1. Fruit of your body; ground; beasts; increase of your cattle and herds
2. Your basket and your store
3. Coming in and going out

vii. Your enemies will be smitten – defeated – before your face and will flee from you seven ways

viii. Commanded blessing on your storehouse and blessing on your land

1. Holy people
2. They will see the anointing on you and will be afraid of you
3. Surplus of prosperity – fruit of body; livestock; around; in the land He’s given you

xii. Rain in its season; bless all the work of your hands; you will lend and not borrow

xiii. Head and not the tail

1. It is time for God’s people to arise in the power of the Holy Spirit and possess the land.

 

3. God’s promises are true.
4. Ecclesiastes 2:26a AMP – “For to the person who pleases Him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and heaping up, that he may give to one who pleases God.”
5. Psalms 18:30 AMP – “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.”
6. Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want; I shall not lack.
7. He is El Shaddai – the God Who is more than enough – the All Sufficient One.
8. He is Jehovah Jireh – my Provider.

 

4. Know this: If you are His child, then His blessings and abundance are for you.
5. Today we break the curse of lack and poverty off of your life.
6. Today we decree and declare God’s richest and abundant blessings on you.

 

5. The power of God is here to touch you – receive it today.

a. Psalms 96:2 KJV – “Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.”

When you come to the land which the Lord your God gives you and you possess it and live there, and then say, We will set a king over us like all the nations that are about us, 15 You shall surely set as king over you him whom the Lord your God will choose. Deuteronomy 17:14-15 AMP

Being a great leader is not just about the ability to order other people around; it is about leading in such a way that it brings blessing and peace to all – which is God’s will. Moses is referring to a king, but there are many leadership positions: head of a household; head of a business; head of an organization; head of a ministry; head of a town or a state or a nation; etc. A great leader does not make decisions that benefit only him, but that benefit those under him. Only God can choose, and make, a truly great leader!

1. When you choose a king, he shall be from among your brethren (Deut. 17:15)

Someone who has no heart for the people he leads is not going to make good decisions for the people. If a father does not love his wife and kids, he will not be the best father he can be; if a minister does not love people with God’s love, he will not be the best minister he can be; if a leader in any area does not have the best interests of the people at heart, he will be a bad leader.

2. Do not choose a Gentile to reign over you

“…you may not set a foreigner, who is not your brother, over you.” (Deut. 17:15b) The two commandments we must follow are: love God and love people. A great leader loves and honors God first. He is personally submitted to, and accountable to, God and seeks to please Him above all. A man who loves God first, will love his family and serve them. A leader who loves God first and who loves and cares for those under him will serve them and put his interests over his own. If you are a woman who is not married yet, then DO NOT marry an unbeliever, or someone who does not respect God or His word, and think that he will treat you well for the rest of your life.

3. Your king shall not multiply horses to himself

“…he shall not multiply horses to himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to multiply horses, since the Lord said to you, You shall never return that way.” (Deut. 17:16) A leader should not be focused on building personal power for the sake of power. In Scripture the horse is a symbol of fleshly strength and might in war. God does not want leaders to be arrogant or to spend time and money on preparing for “war”. Winning, and being on top, is not more important than doing what’s right. Egypt represents the worldy system and all forms of idolatry. If you look to the world to set the standards for your life, you will only end up hurting yourself and others. You can’t tread on others to advance yourself. The devil promised Jesus the world – its power, glory and wealth – if He would bow to him and you and I have the same choice to make! We must trust God to be the one who calls us, directs us, promotes us, provides for us and protects us!

4. He shall not cause you to return to Egypt (Deut. 17:16)

Egypt represents the world and the bondage of sin. It is vital that a husband, a father, a minister, a boss, a leader, must be godly and committed to serve God no matter what! If a leader loves the world too much and if he looks to the world for direction and the way forward, then he will keep leading those under him back into bondage. A leader must make some difficult decisions. Leading a family, a group, a nation, on in what’s right and good for them is not always popular. You have to make decisions to do what’s right even if they don’t like it. If a leader feels pressure from those under them to do what’s wrong, he must stand up to it and make a godly decision.

5. He shall not multiply wives to himself

“…he shall not multiply wives to himself, that his [mind and] heart turn not away.” (Deut. 17:17) God’s perfect plan for a man is to have ONE wife and to be faithful to her all of their lives. If a leader is unfaithful to his wife, it follows that he will NOT be faithful to anyone under his leadership. Many a man has destroyed his own life, lost the respect of others, and lost his position by being unrestrained in this area of the flesh. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, did not follow God’s advice for his life. Because he had so many wives and concubines, he never found, nor enjoyed the company of, the perfect wife. The many wives caused only strife and division in his life and led him off into idolatry, which was devastating for the entire nation.

6. He shall not greatly multiply to himself silver and gold (Deut. 17:17)

Jesus said that we all have the choice to make for God OR mammon. The love of money is the root of ALL evil. If a man loves money too much, he will NOT be a good leader. He will make selfish ungodly decisions that will rob from those he leads. Pursuing wealth and riches is greed and idolatry. Accumulating wealth results in pride, arrogance, selfishness, heartlessness and looking upon and disregarding the welfare of on others. A great leader honors God above money and things and he makes decisions that bless the family and bless the people and/or bless the nation!

7. He shall write a copy of the law in a book, and it shall be with him to read all the days of his life (Deut. 17:18-20)

Solomon had everything going for him, but he did all the things God said not to do. When he became rich, built up a large army of men and horses, and married many wives, then his own heart turned from God. Out of Solomon’s sin came Israel’s disobedience, followed by their division and captivity. A great husband, father, minister, boss, and/or leader, must be a man of God’s word. He must have his own Bible, keep it with him wherever he goes, read it every day, and obey it. God’s word must be hidden in his heart so that he may learn to reverently fear God all the days of his life and to keep His Law. When you respect God’s word, you respect Him; when you respect Him, you obey Him: you will not exalt yourself, in your heart or mind, above others, or forget God in the day of prosperity. The only way to prosper is to know God’s will, and the only way to know his will is through His word.

Because of mankind’s sin nature, people are always trying to find a way to “get away with” sin. They want to do their own thing and they want their sin to be acceptable with God. The problem is that, no matter how we would like things to be, we are still accountable to God and His judgment stands. The only way to be acceptable to God is to do what He tells you to do. The promises of God come with conditions that we need to meet. Here are some requirements God gives us. Unless we do these things, we cannot expect His blessing. Except and unless are synonyms. Here are seven “excepts” that we need to make sure that we do.

1. Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish:

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 13:1-5 KJV

God can only forgive the sin of which you repent. He cannot forgive unrepentant sin.

2. Except you become converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven:

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 KJV

3. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3 KJV

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 John 2:29 KJV

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1 John 5:1 KJV

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:11-13 KJV

Good deeds cannot earn salvation – you must be Born Again by faith.
4. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God:

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:5-7 KJV

“Born of water” represent natural birth, and also the cleansing and regeneration of the Word and Spirit of God. “Born of the Spirit” is what happens when you receive Jesus, and are born again.

5. Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you:

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:53-54 KJV

Eating Christ’s bread and drinking His blood represent: accepting Him as Lord and Savior; becoming united with Him by believing in Him, and what He did, and by living for Him, devoted and obedient to Him. It means that His life has become ours.

6. Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven:

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 KJV

Righteousness is through Jesus and obedience to Him, not religious works alone.

7. Except one abide in Me … he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
John 15:4-6 KJV

Once you receive Jesus, and are born again, you need to continue to walk with Him and continue serving Him. You serve Jesus by continuing to walk in the righteousness He purchased for you – not by going back to the sin from which He already redeemed you. Continue to abide in Him.

Because of mankind’s sin nature, people are always trying to find a way to “get away with” sin. They want to do their own thing and they want their sin to be acceptable with God. The problem is that, no matter how we would like things to be, we are still accountable to God and His judgment stands. The only way to be acceptable to God is to do what He tells you to do. The promises of God come with conditions that we need to meet. Here are some requirements God gives us. Unless we do these things, we cannot expect His blessing. Except and unless are synonyms. Here are seven “excepts” that we need to make sure that we do.

1. Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish:

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:1-5 KJV

God can only forgive the sin of which you repent. He cannot forgive unrepentant sin.

2. Except you become converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven:

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 KJV

3. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3 KJV

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 John 2:29 KJV

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1 John 5:1 KJV

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:11-13 KJV

Good deeds cannot earn salvation – you must be Born Again by faith.

4. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God:

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:5-7 KJV

“Born of water” represent natural birth, and also the cleansing and regeneration of the Word and Spirit of God. “Born of the Spirit” is what happens when you receive Jesus, and are born again.

5. Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you:

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:53-54 KJV

Eating Christ’s bread and drinking His blood represent: accepting Him as Lord and Savior; becoming united with Him by believing in Him, and what He did, and by living for Him, devoted and obedient to Him. It means that His life has become ours.

6. Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven:

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 KJV

Righteousness is through Jesus and obedience to Him, not religious works alone.

7. Except one abide in Me … he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

John 15:4-6 KJV

Once you receive Jesus, and are born again, you need to continue to walk with Him and continue serving Him. You serve Jesus by continuing to walk in the righteousness He purchased for you – not by going back to the sin from which He already redeemed you. Continue to abide in Him.