
Patricia's description of rich provides an excellent example of the difference between being rich according to Western standards verses rich in God's kingdom. She says, grace makes you rich.
Sid Roth refers to her testimony which takes place in Mexico where her family of 6 lived in a one bedroom apartment with one bathroom serving them and others they took in. They saw God working through them saving and healing people each day. They were satisfied in that all their needs were met and that they had an abundance to give. They exercised their faith to give. They saw homes, orphanages and medical centers built for the poor and so much more.
They saw the supernatural at work in and through them regularly. They were rich in God. They were rich because they were satisfied.
I concur with all she says about being satisfied, having your needs met and out of debt. In addition I would add the following with an emphasis on Deuteronomy 8:18 where God says:
“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
If your call is like Abraham, birthing a nation, or like King David which was building a kingdom then the resources needed for your assignment are greater. If you are called like Elijah or John the Baptist, then your need for resources are less. It depends upon your assignment in Christ. Where is this assignment found? It's in the book God prepared when you were created in Psalm 139:16.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
God gives you the ability to get wealth to establish His covenant. It’s the ability to get what is needed to do His will, which is described in His covenant.
Now, here’s a mind blower. Did you know that the term translated wealth is actually 10x more frequently translated “army, men of valor or forces” than it is wealth?
That’s because admirals, generals, and apostles understand something. They have to think, plan and pray strategically. To field an army requires resources. That is why in Luke 14:28-32 Jesus is teaching us about “counting the cost” and uses the analogy of going to war with 10,000 against 20,000 in His parable.
We are in a spiritual war (Revelation 12)! The purpose of the wealth is to mobilize the Church as the army of the Lord to build out Father’s house of prayer and to establish His government.
Isaiah 56:7
Even them I will bring to My holy mountain,
And make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
Will be accepted on My altar;
For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
To re-present (represent) His Gospel of the Kingdom (Matt 4;17). A kingdom has a government and Isaiah 9:6-7 says it will continually increase:
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
My Revelation of Wealth
This is the revelation Christ gave me so many years ago regarding this truth. Wealth is defined differently for each individual. It depends upon your call. God's purpose! Wealth in my book is defined as having enough to:
- Go everywhere God sends you.
- Perform every task He gives you.
- Give to ever work He leads you.
With this in mind I pray:
"Lord help us (my, my wife, our ministers in covenant with KLI, and the readers) to hit the mark for the assignment you’ve given each of us that You might be glorified and receive a harvest of disciples worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
My Complimentary Close in My Letters
It is with this understanding of God's perspective of wealth that I love to sign many of my emails and letters with "Praying that you are richly blessed." Whenever I make that declaration in my close I am praying that God would give you the resources to:
- Go everywhere He sends you.
- Do everything He tells you.
- Give to every good work He leads you.
I pray, you are richly blessed in Jesus mighty name!
Tim