Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“being made rich in every way for all generosity, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

Finances are the ENDPOINT of poverty, but it is the most VISIBLE. When we hear the words ‘prosperity’ or ‘poverty’ we almost always think about MONEY, not CHARACTER. Finances, then, are a microcosm of the seen vs unseen that we live in. The spirit vs the flesh. Though we naturally SEE more than we DISCERN, we can change that around so that we are focused on what REALLY matters instead of what is TEMPORARY (2 Corinthians 4:18). We can retrain our minds so that we start thinking the way Adonai thinks, and not the way humanity in it’s fallen condition thinks (Romans 12:2).

“But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). “Dear friend, I pray you may prosper concerning everything and be healthy, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2). “Trust Yahweh with all your heart; do not lean toward your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will straighten your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and retreat from evil. There shall be healing for your flesh, and refreshment for your body” (Proverbs 3:5-8). “Yes, if you diligently keep all this commandment that I am commanding you to observe it, by loving Yahweh your God by walking in all his ways and by holding fast to him, then Yahweh will drive out all of these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and more numerous than you. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, it shall be yours; your boundary shall be from the desert and Lebanon from the river, the river Euphrates, on up to the western sea. No one can take a stand against you; your dread and your fear Yahweh your God will put on the surface of all the land where you tread, just as he promised to you” (Deuteronomy 11:22-25). It is VERY clear in the Word that Adonai is concerned about our INNER issues more than our EXTERNAL issues. Yes, He cares about your situation and how your life is being lived on a day-to-day basis. But the FOUNDATION of a happy and fulfilling life is HIM, not things and opportunities. We access His ALL (Ephesians 1:3) through JESUS (John 15:5), not by walking around in the world.

Humans are inherently selfish. We want what WE want. We don’t want to be TOLD what to do. In fact, we get our backs up when we’re TOLD what to do. To the point that even if the thing is a benefit to us, we will go out of our way NOT to do the thing simply because we were told to. Even if it was a suggestion, not a directive. And yes, that is ridiculous. But we do it ALL THE TIME. It is truly ironic, considering that we fell because we did what the devil told us to do instead of digging in our heels and standing on what Adonai told us. But that is the result of the fall: selfishness, which is sinfulness, which is INDEPENDENCE FROM ADONAI.

We are incapable of handling possessions, money, relationships, employment, food, or anything else in this world without FIRST having Adonai’s point of view on it. It is ALL too much for us because it is ALL based on desire. It is all about filling a void that we only perceive in the spirit. We have varying degrees of success in controlling our hungers, but there is always at least one area where we are consciously slaves to them – and sadly are slaves in EVERY area, without consciously perceiving it. Everything good becomes negative because our intent, and our application of it is based on selfishness and pride. Sometimes it is twisted selfishness and disguised pride, but they are there nonetheless. There are pains and hooks in EVERYTHING outside of Adonai. That’s why Adonai blesses every human to one extent or another. So that we can see what true goodness is (Him) and be drawn to it.

If we want to see our finances grow, we need to make sure we have the right heart about them. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, in order that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). We don’t NEED a nest egg. We don’t NEED to be flush. We don’t NEED to have 401Ks or RRSPs. We don’t NEED an employer. We NEED Adonai. When HE is our SOURCE, then all the other things can slip into place. We have have them when we don’t NEED them – as in to depend on them for survivability or security. They’re useful things, but they are not the SOURCE of our prosperity. Adonai is. When we seek HIM FIRST, we can handle the rest because they are in their proper place. They won’t have a hold of us, WE will have a hold of THEM. When Adonai is first, there is no telling what we can have. He DOES want the best for us, but our INTENT and the position we put Adonai in our lives is what will determine how much we can handle having.

I rely heavily on Ruach HaKodesh when it comes to my spending. I look to Him – not perfectly – to help determine what I spend my money on. Because I like things. And I have to be careful that I’m not getting something that will take me away from Him. Whether with time or attention or morals. There is so much in this life that is good and proper to have. There is also so much that is not. Ruach HaKodesh reminds me of what Jesus said about things and their priorities. Of how Jesus taught me HOW to prioritize Adonai and spending time with Him and in His Word. Again, I do not do it perfectly, but every day I try to better my relationship with Him. Every day I try to keep Him as first place in every area of my life. It’s a journey to be sure, but it is a GREAT one, a FUN one, and one I take WITH Ruach HaKodesh at my side every step of the Way.

Daily Affirmation of the Goodness of Elohim: Matthew 7:11

“Therefore if you, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?” Adonai LOVES His children. One of the ways He shows love is to GIVE. He LOVES to give. But He WON’T give to children who will hurt themselves with the gift. That isn’t good gifting. Ruach HaKodesh works with us, corrects us, points us to the Word, and teaches us in order for us to get our heads and our hearts into the right point of view in order to receive all that the Father has for us. And it’s a LOT (Ephesians 1:3). It is all based around our understanding of Jesus’ love for us – which unlocks and levels up OUR capacity for love. The more we love, the more we’re able to receive because that love of Adonai – first and foremost – changes us into beings who want to do what glorifies Him. We transform (Romans 12:2) into beings who aren’t willing to accept ANYTHING that will detract from Adonai in our lives. He helps us and guides us so that WE can get from HIM everything He has for us. He does NOT want us to miss out on ANYTHING. Our humble submission and grateful herts toward Adonai brings us the BLESSING which makes ABUNDANCE the watchword of our lives – spiritually and then physically. What a GOOD God!

Your Daily Confession of Elohim’s Goodness:

I taste and see that Yahweh is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8