[3 John 1:2-4 KJV] “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth”
Nothing fulfills the joy of a pastor than to;
- Hear good reports about his members. I am always excited when I hear that you are walking in the truth where ever you are.
- See his member be in health and prosper, even as their souls prosper.
It is important to state that many people have a warped and shallow understanding of what prosperity truly means. Honestly, many people have erred because of their misinformed minds on the doctrine of prosperity.
The concept of prosperity as the Bible teaches has very little to do with money and material things. Prosperity, as a Bible doctrine, is to advance in peace and tranquillity. Because many of us think of prosperity as making more money; we do anything to make money. We see the wicked make money and we think of them as prospered. Please, prosperity goes far beyond making money.
Let us get this before I begin to share the signs that you will prosper this year.
Now the seven signs that you will prosper this year:
1. You are SEEKING the kingdom of God and His righteousness;
All other things shall be added to you (See Matthew 6:33). One of the major signs that you will prosper is the truth that you have made the kingdom and righteousness of God your topmost priority. Those who seek the kingdom and righteousness of God first prosper eventually.
2. You ACKNOWLEDGE God in all your ways:
God establishes the going of those who acknowledge Him in all their ways. God helps those who acknowledge that He exists and plays a role in the affairs of men (See Proverbs 3:6)
3. You are DILIGENT in all you do:
The Bible teaches that “the hand of the diligent shall bear rule.” Are you diligent with your studies? Are you diligent with your work? Are you diligent? Then you will prosper without fail! (See Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 21:5)
4. You HONOUR THE LORD with your substance:
The Bible teaches that those who honour the Lord with their substance and the first fruits of their increase shall have their barns filled. Do your substance and first fruits honour the Lord? Firstfruits is your first harvest, first salary, a first breakthrough… Does what you do with your money honour God? If it does, then you will prosper without fail! (See Proverbs 3:9)
5. You AVOID the company of the wicked, ungodly, sinners, and scorners:
The scriptures teach that there will be so many contrary voices speaking to you. So many things will try to get your attention but you must shun the counsel, the seat, and the ways of the scornful, sinners, and the ungodly so that you can meditate on the word of God. Remember that any time you enjoy the company of the scornful, sinners and ungodly; the spirit of barrenness in your knowledge of Christ has taken a hold of you (See Psalm 1:1-3).
6. You MEDITATE on the word of God day and night:
The scriptures teach that those who meditate on the word of God day and night shall be like a tree planted by the side of a river. They shall bring forth their fruits in their season and shall not fear drought (See Psalm 1). You will prosper because you meditate on the word of day and night. You will excel!
7. You BRING TITHES AND OFFERINGS to the house of God that there may be food:
The Scriptures, in the book of Malachi, does not only sanction the bringing of tithes and offerings but also emphasise WHERE and WHY you must bring it. Some people have formed a habit of determining how they want to use their tithes and offering. Listen! The practice of faith is not about what you think. The author and finisher of our faith have set His protocols. He says “bring your tithes and offerings TO the HOUSE OF GOD and your motive should be so that THERE WILL BE FOOD ENOUGH for both the priests and the destitute.
8. You have STUDIED to live a quiet life and do business with your own hand:
One key secret to your prosperity is to learn your trade well. Many people fail in business because they have not taken the time to study how to live and do business on their own. Not everybody is made for entrepreneurship. Some do better as employees or as investors.
I have no doubt that you will prosper because you will be in my services to learn tit bits on best business practices. The keyword is STUDY, the Scriptures is not just suggesting living a quiet life to do your business; the scriptures is suggesting that you STUDY TO DO IT!
9. You are STREET- and MONEY-WISE:
The prodigal son failed to prosper because he was not money and streetwise. He spends his money on riotous living with harlots and prostitutes. It takes a lot of wisdom and frugality to prosper. There is this saying that you don’t spend what you have not earned; I rather say “spend only with a good budget and accounting.” Money does not play games with fools. I am assured that you will prosper because you are street and money-wise
Be blessed
