Planted in Truth, Positioned for Increase

All around the world, believers are feeling uncertain about their financial future—worried about jobs, the economy, and how they’ll provide for their families. But let me remind you of something powerful: your source is not the system. Your source is God.

There is a way to walk in biblical financial fruitfulness that’s not bound by market swings or economic downturns. It’s time we stop letting fear dictate our mindset and start building our lives on unshakable truth.

Before diving in, let’s be clear: yes, the message of biblical prosperity has been abused. We’ve all seen the gimmicks, the greed-driven appeals, and the guilt tactics used to pressure people into giving. But just because something has been misused doesn’t mean we throw it out. We go back to the Word. Always.

Now let’s talk about the real principles of financial increase according to Scripture.

1. Generosity – The First Key

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 tells us, “A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”

God’s economy operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. But generosity isn’t about manipulating God or triggering some magical transaction. It’s about who you become.

When you give generously—with a cheerful heart—you begin to flow with God’s nature. 2 Corinthians 9:8 continues, “And God will generously provide all you need... and plenty left over to share with others.”

That’s biblical prosperity: having your needs met and enough left over to bless others. Not luxury for self-glory, but provision for Kingdom impact.

2 Corinthians 9:10–11 drives it home: God gives seed to the sower and produces a harvest—not just of provision, but of generosity in you.

2. Stewardship – The Second Key

Many people want increase, but few want responsibility. We forget that God promotes faithful stewards.

In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus shares the Parable of the Talents. The master rewards those who wisely manage what they’re given—and rebukes the one who buried his out of fear.

Matthew 25:29 says, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance.” That’s stewardship.

You can’t ask God for more if you’re mismanaging what you already have. Whether it’s your income, your space, or your time—treat it like it belongs to Him. Because it does.

3. Faithfulness – The Third Key

Generosity and stewardship are not one-time acts. They are lifestyles that require faithfulness over time. You can't expect to sow a seed on Monday and harvest it on Tuesday. Biblical increase works by process, not by pressure.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

That’s the key—if we do not give up. Faithfulness is what activates the promise. The seed is good. The soil is good. But you’ve got to give it time.

When you live generously, steward well, and remain faithful in applying those principles consistently—God brings the increase.

Final Thought

Proverbs 10:22 declares, “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” We’re not chasing money. We’re walking in principles that position us to be fruitful, faithful, and free.

Want to see increase? Live generously. Steward well. Stay faithful. And remember—your source is God.

---

All around the world, lives are being changed. People are experiencing salvation, healing, and deliverance through the power of the gospel, and it's happening because of God’s faithfulness and the continued generosity of believers like you.

One of our ministry partners recently shared her testimony about the Holy Spirit’s power moving through our media ministry. Take a moment to read Denise’s story below.

Denise Werner spent over a decade battling addiction. After multiple trips to rehab and a year at bible college, she was nearly out of hope, but said, “My final healing moment came when a friend randomly sent me a link to one of David’s teachings.” Denise later read Holy Spirit: The Bondage Breaker and is now confident she has experienced permanent deliverance from addiction!

By starting a monthly partnership, increasing your current monthly gift, or making a special offering of any amount, you’re sowing into something eternal. You’re helping us continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t just giving. It’s Kingdom investment.

Already a Partner? Thank you for being a monthly supporter of this ministry! You can increase your current monthly gift via your Partner Portal by clicking here.

Don’t Quit: Your Harvest Is Coming

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9

An impossible situation is the perfect setting for a miracle. Difficult places are the very same where the hand of God will move. If where you were didn’t require faith, it wouldn’t require God. What a privilege that you and I have – that we can share in the adventure of faith, that we can walk the risk-filled path of miraculous potential.

The scripture is perfectly clear. If you don’t quit, you will reap a harvest. The seeds that you have sown will grow. Just don’t faint. Stand firm in faith. It is an irrefutable, immovable law of scripture: persistence in well-doing produces the harvest of blessing. The laws of God’s Word are more certain than the physical laws under which our world operates.

The major difference between those who reap and those who regret is persistence. Of course, we must persist in well doing – this includes our actions and attitudes while we patiently persist. Continuing without the right attitude or perspective does not persist in the Biblical sense – it is mere movement.

Ignore the voices of negativity. Some will say, “I’ve persisted for years, but it hasn’t worked for me!” Those who claim to have persisted without results are fooling themselves, for true persistence and actual faithfulness are judged upon God’s timetable, not ours.

We cannot forget that, at times, we need to reevaluate strategies and approaches. Growth always demands change. However, it is the very act of persisting, the resolute commitment to continue, that becomes the foundation upon which destiny is built.

Persistence always produces. Don’t grow weary. Become excited about the future. Don’t judge your future breakthrough based upon today’s needs. Instead, use all that you possess today to persist, with gratitude and hope, to the best of your ability. The law of persistence will prevail, and you will, when the timing is just right, reap the harvest.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

Partnering with God

Good stewardship is always rewarded with increase in responsibility. Growth comes when we do well with what God has already given us. This applies to ministry, finances, and much more.

EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING

Everyone is given something to be used for the glory of God. Everyone has resources, big or small. Everyone has energy - whether a little or a lot. Everyone has time. Everyone has influence, free will, and relationships. Inside every human being, God has deposited gifts, talents, and abilities. Everyone has been entrusted with something, and, therefore, everyone has the responsibility of maximizing their potential and using all they have, to the best of their ability, unto the glory of God. 

DILIGENT PARTNERS

We were made for the glory of God. Since the beginning, God has sought a partnership with man. Man was made to steward what God started, to cultivate what God created, and to call into order what God has called into existence. We are called to be diligent partners of God.

God has provided you with the substance of your life. You must exercise your free will to shape that and then give it back to God as an offering. Our purpose is to love and glorify God through whatever means we have been given.

Good work ethic. Diligence. Focus. These are marks of the Spirit-filled. These are marks of good stewards.

THE PARABLE

Think of the parable of the talents. In that parable, a master went away on a long journey, leaving varying monetary amounts with his three servants. 

14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. (Matthew 25:14-15, NLT)

The servants were given resources in proportion to their abilities. Now, in the parable, the master never once gave them specific instructions. They were simply expected to do something with what they had been given. They were expected to take initiative with what they had been entrusted.

When the master returned, he evaluated the performance of each servant. 

“After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. (Matthew 25:19, NLT)

Notice that the servant who had the least wasn’t excused because He had a different starting point than the other servants. Nobody can say, “I didn’t do anything for God because I don’t have what others have” or “I don’t have anything to offer God.” A different starting point is never an excuse for inaction and poor stewardship. Just because we don’t have what others have doesn’t mean we aren’t responsible for what we do have.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP

When you steward well what God has given to you, that good stewardship unlocks the door to more responsibilities. God wants to entrust you with more, but can He?

Stewardship is about increase and productivity. Stewardship is about walking in divine authority. Stewardship is about recognizing that everything in your possession belongs to God. It’s all His. And when we take care of and when we use well what He has already given to us, He can trust us with more.

So how can you maximize what God has given to you? Even if you feel you have little, what can you do right now to further the Kingdom of God? When you treat what you have like it’s what you want, God will bring the increase.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

5 Valleys You Will Face

Biblically speaking, a valley can sometimes be symbolic for a difficult circumstance. But even in the valleys, God is with us.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4, KJV)

Elah

Consider the Valley of Elah. This valley is where David confronted and defeated the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2). This represents the valley of conflict.

Achor

Think of the Valley of Achor. This is the valley where Achon, who hid plunder in his tent (a symbol of hidden sin), was stoned to death along with his family. Achon paid a price for his disobedience. The valley where he was stoned was named after him (Joshua 7:26). The valley of Achon is the Valley of Consequence

Siddim

Then there’s the Valley of Siddim. Now Bible scholars debate on the exact location of Sodom and Gomorrah. But those wicked cities were either right in or at least near to the valley of Siddim. The valley of Siddim was also known to have slime pits (Genesis 14:1-3; 10). This is the Valley of Corruption.

Eschol

The Valley of Eschol is where some Israelites decided to settle instead of crossing over into the land that God had promised them. Promising to later join those who would continue on to battle, some made the choice to stay behind (Numbers 32:9). All of us will face the Valley of Choice.

Kidron

Finally, there’s the Valley of Kidron. The Valley of Kidron was the location of a cemetery (2 Kings 23:6). Graves can be symbolic for death, despair, and heaviness. Kidron is the Valley of Crushing.

The promise of the gospel isn’t a perfect life of health, wealth, and happiness. Does God prosper His people? Yes. Does God heal? Absolutely. Is the Holy Spirit the source of lasting joy? Of course. But this does not mean that the believer will never travel through the valleys of life.

We will face terrifying conflict, harsh consequences, tempting corruption, difficult choices, and character-building crushing. But even in these valleys, God is with us.

You never have to face conflict without God, Who fights your battles for you.

You never have endure consequence without grace, which can bring you out of trouble - even trouble you caused for yourself.

You never have to stand in the midst of corruption - corrupt systems, corrupt work places, corrupt people - without the power to resist the temptation of that corruption.

You never have to make a choice without the backing of divine wisdom.

You never have to endure crushing tragedies without the comfort of the Holy Spirit Who gives you the breath of strength and joy.

For you, there is no conflict without protection, no consequence without grace, no corruption without strength to resist, no choice without guidance, and no crushing without joy.

Even when you walk through the valley, even there, He is with you.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

Faith and Fire

If you were told that the promise of the gospel was a perfect life, then you were lied to. Certainly, God blesses and protects His children. But trials and troubles are not just unavoidable - they’re necessary for your spiritual strengthening and growth. Here’s what the Bible says:

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:7, NLT)

Just as fire purifies and tests gold, so trials purify and test your faith. When the pressure is on, when there seems to be good reason to doubt, when troubles come from every side, when you don’t know how you’ll make it - that’s when the nature of Christ is made manifest in you. Fire reveals and eliminates impurities from gold. Trials expose and correct the impurities of heart, mind, and motive. 

When the temperature rises and you feel as though you’ve reached the breaking point, if you’ll trust the Lord, He will make good use of the testing. Not a moment of sorrow, anguish, or pressing will be wasted by the masterful hand of God. 

When gold is under fire, the refiner will watch the process. He will patiently wait. It’s not until he can see his reflection in the gold that he knows it has been purified. Likewise, in every trial, as those flaws in our character and nature are burned and melted away, God sees that the trial has served its purpose when He can see Himself in you. 

So when the testing of your faith comes, and it will, just remember that, in the end, you will be that much more like Jesus in every way. Tried by fire, made like Christ.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

How to Never Backslide: 5 Keys

Following Jesus is a lifelong commitment, but many believers are afraid that they won’t make it. Worried about the temptations and distractions that are offered by the world, some fear that they may… backslide.

Now that word “backslide” is an interesting word, because it’s come to mean different things to different people. Arguing that Christ would never let them go, some would say that true believers would never return to their old ways - while others think it’s possible for believers to once again be ensnared by the world because of their own free will. Whatever you believe, and no matter where you stand on that question, it should be your desire to remain committed to Christ for life.

19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” (2 Peter 2:19-22, NLT)

So whatever you believe about the state of a backslider, the Scripture makes it clear that it is possible for believers to have major spiritual setbacks. 

That doesn’t mean that backsliding is to be expected. Sadly, some modern church teachings seem to imply that “backsliding” is a normal phase in the Christian journey. It’s not. Saying, “I’m in my backsliding phase,” as a believer is the equivalent of saying, “I’m in my cheating phase,” as a spouse.

So how can you prevent yourself from falling into spiritual decline?

Here are 5 simple keys:

#1 Read God’s Word Faithfully

If you practice the spiritual basics, you can avoid spiritual crisis. The Word of God is your first line of defense against spiritual decline. 

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. (Matthew 7:24, WEB)

#2 Pray Consistently 

The strength of your spiritual life is directly proportionate to the consistency of your prayer life.

Never stop praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)

#3 Attend Church Regularly

It’s not possible to fulfill all of the New Testament commands without the connectivity of believers. You cannot love, honor, encourage, or make use of your spiritual gifts in isolation. Gathering with other believers will help to keep you spiritually sharp.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)

#4 Repent Immediately 

When you make a sinful mistake, it’s important that you correct and turn from that sin immediately. By living a lifestyle of constant correction, you can avoid becoming deeply entrenched in sin.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NLT)

#5 Evangelize Passionately 

Seeing others receive Christ can inspire greater levels of appreciation for salvation. Evangelism will keep you on the spiritual cutting edge. Christ Himself received spiritual satisfaction upon witnessing the conversion of the woman at the well.

32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (John 4:32-34, NLT)

By continuing to practice the fundamentals of the faith, you will continue to grow in spiritual strength. Through the practice of spiritual basics, you avoid spiritual crisis.You don’t have to settle for up and down, back and forth commitment. You can live in the constant flow of surrender to the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to lose ground. By walking in simple, daily obedience and trust toward God, you can know with confidence that you will never backslide.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

Holy Spirit: Again and Again

When you were born again, you received the Holy Spirit. And He isn’t going to abandon you. Jesus said so Himself.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. (John 14:16, NLT)

The Holy Spirit does not abandon the true believer. But even after you receive the Holy Spirit, you can receive fresh infillings of His power, again and again. The baptism with the Holy Spirit is both a well and a river - a constant state of being and a continual flow.

Now, many are under the impression that the Holy Spirit didn’t show up until Acts chapter two. In fact, the Holy Spirit was at work since the beginning.

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:2b, NLT)

Now I want to show you a Biblical example of a group of people receiving the power of the Holy Spirit, again and again, in new, fresh ways. 

Take a look at the 72 disciples of Jesus. They were given power to cast out demons and preach the gospel.

The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” (Luke 10:1 & 17, NLT)

What power was it that enabled these 72 disciples to cast out demons? It was the power of the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus expelled demons by means of the power of the Holy Spirit.

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. (Matthew 12:28, NLT)

If Jesus needed the power of the Holy Spirit to cast out demons, then the 72 definitely needed the same. Yet these same people - the 72 - were some of those among the crowd that received the Holy Spirit by the breath of Christ.

Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22, NLT)

So the 72 received the power of the Holy Spirit when they were released to preach and drive out demons. Then some of them were present when Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them. Yet again, this same group had another experience. For in Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit graced the Church in a new way.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4, NLT)

It didn’t end there. For this same group, Peter and John among them, was filled with the Holy Spirit again. Take a look at Acts 4.

23On their release, Peter and John returned to their own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.  (Acts 4:23-24)

Now, listen to what they prayed!

29And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, 30as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30, NLT)

They prayed for boldness. Didn’t they already receive that when they were filled? They prayed for miracles. Hadn’t they already been seeing miracles? You see, they were praying for a fresh touch of power. But then take a look at this. Those believers, some of the 72 among them, those who had already been filled for ministry, those who had already been breathed upon by Jesus, those who had already received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost - experienced yet another infilling and preached with even greater boldness. 

After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:31, NLT)

They didn’t necessarily receive more of the Holy Spirit; rather, they surrendered more of themselves and experienced greater measures, newer touches of the Holy Spirit’s power. May you receive His touch, everyday, again and again.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

4 Benefits of Focusing on Jesus

When Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk on water, he experienced a miracle. Certainly, what Peter experienced was literally phenomenal. But something happened. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, and when he did, he began to sink.

But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. (Matthew 14:30, NLT)

Peter took his eyes off of the Lord, put them on the storm, and disrupted the miracle.

Believer, please hear me - and preachers especially. If in this hour we take the focus off of Jesus, we will sink. Our futures will sink. Our ministries will sink. We will sink.

Don’t allow the winds and waves of chaos to steal your focus. Jesus must remain your focus.

When Jesus remains your focus, several things happen.

#1 Perfect Peace

Firstly, when Jesus remains your focus, your heart is filled with perfect peace.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)

#2 True Unity

Secondly, when Jesus remains your focus, you’ll experience true unity with fellow believers. Focused on the Lord, you won’t become distracted by the winds and waves of this carnal world. When we focus on Jesus, we focus on what unites us, rather than on what has the potential to divide us.

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13, NLT)

#3 Spiritual Stability

Thirdly, when Jesus remains your focus, you will be firmly established. You won’t be moved by every opinion and trend. You’ll abide faithfully, steadfastly. Nothing will be able to shake you. Your faith will remain intact, even in difficult times.

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. (Matthew 7:24, NLT)

#4 Effectiveness

Finally, when Jesus remains your focus, you remain effective. For the past several weeks, I have been emphasizing this truth: “Jesus is still the answer, and the gospel is still the mission.” I’m happy to see that message spreading. The reason I emphasize this is because, in trying times, in confusing times, we have the tendency to get off message. When Jesus remains your focus, He remains your message. And when Jesus remains your message, you remain effective.

For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2, NLT)

So let the winds and the waves rage. Keep your eyes on Jesus. When the storm passes, you don’t want to look back in shame. You don’t want to look back and remember yourself falling apart, losing faith, being controlled by your emotions, or sinking. When you look back at the days of the storm, you’ll want to say, “I stood faithful. I kept my integrity. I kept my purity, my joy, my love, my peace. In the middle of the storm, I kept my eyes on Jesus.”

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

God Over Government

The Bible makes it clear that, as believers, we are to honor and obey governing authorities.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. (Romans 13:1-5, NLT)

Romans 13 is specifically referring to situations where the government is enforcing just and moral laws - for the Scripture says, “They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” By obeying the laws of the land, we keep a clear conscience. Only those who do what is wrong should fear the government. But what happens when doing what is right is prohibited by a governing authority? 

What are we to do when the government itself becomes corrupt or puts laws in place that are anti-Biblical? There are actually several examples in Scripture of civil disobedience.

The Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh’s order to murder baby boys. They disobeyed the law of the land. (Exodus 1:17)

Obadiah hid the prophets of God from Jezebel - in doing so, he disobeyed the governing authority. (1 Kings 18:4)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego disobeyed the laws of the land that commanded them to bow to and worship a statue of the king. (Daniel 3)

The early church disobeyed the laws of the land by proclaiming the gospel.

27Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28“We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” 29But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. (Acts 5:27-29, NLT)

Even today, persecuted churches around the world meet in underground services. They do so at the risk of their own lives. 

It is clear, from both Scripture and church history, that whenever the church is faced with the decision to obey God’s Word or the Government’s laws, we are to choose obedience to God’s Word. 

And that’s not always easy. The right thing to do isn’t always clear. Programmed, hypnotized mobs and masses of people wag their fingers at anyone willing to stand for truth. Thinking themselves virtuous for repeating the popular opinions of the day, many well-meaning people can actually become hindrances to the truth. 

They say, “You’re setting a bad example.” But shouldn’t our example be to obey God?

They say, “You’re going to cause us to lose what freedoms we have.” But if the exercise of a freedom can cause me to lose it, is it really a freedom? What then would be the point of having that freedom if I’m not free to carry it out without losing it? 

They say, “Love your neighbor.” Is standing for truth not loving?

Disobedience toward the Word of God - whether done in the name of love, convenience, or even safety - is ultimately still disobedience. 

My point is simple: we ought to work with and honor governing authorities, even in the difficult-to-navigate circumstances. But when a clear line is crossed, we must be willing to respectfully resist. As much as is possible, work together with governing authorities. But if their hands become so heavy that we cannot move, if their demands become so unreasonable that we cannot practice all of God’s commands, then it is time for action.

And, believer, it is time for action.

It’s simple: if ever there is a conflict between what we are commanded to do in Scripture and what we are commanded to do by a government, we are to obey the Word of God. Always. No exceptions.

Let us not trade obedience in the name of safety and peace. Let us not act in fear and call it wisdom.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

YOUR MIRACLE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Kathryn Kuhlman used to say, “I believe in miracles, because I believe in God.” The Bible says this: 

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20, NLT)

Whatever you can pray, God can perform - according to His will and Word. Nothing is impossible with God. You might be suffering with sickness, but nothing is impossible with God. You might be facing a financial hardship, but nothing is impossible with God. You might be believing for the salvation of your loved one, fighting to overcome a habitual sin, or contending for a miracle of some sort. Believer, I assure you of this: God is able. 

Your impossible situation, your difficult circumstance, might intensify your anxiety and fear. Perhaps you struggle to find peace. Maybe you are discouraged by the weight of your burden. Whatever you face, just know this: you can trust the Lord. You can rest in Him, knowing that no matter the condition of your today, God has already prepared for you a better tomorrow. For the believer, no matter what it is, it ends in victory.

So let the storm stir. Let the chaos do what it will. For the God of miracles is your refuge. He is your hiding place. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He opens springs of water in the desert, causes the Sun to stand still, sends fire from Heavenly places, and commands power over the grave. He’s the One Who spoke and brought galaxies into existence. His breath caused the waters of the Red Sea to stand like walls and the walls of Jericho to fall like water. 

I know it looks impossible now. I know that sometimes it’s easier to just quit. I also know that the enemy lies to you. The enemy uses your circumstances to tell you, “If it was going to happen, it would’ve happened by now.” The enemy uses your emotions to tell you, “You are being overlooked by God.” The enemy uses religious people to tell you, “God isn’t concerned with your health, wealth, or happiness. It’s a shame to even ask.” 

Exchange the lies of the enemy for the faith-producing truth of the Word. Don’t quit. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Go after the promises of God, and trust Him with the results. You don’t know what the next 24 hours hold. At any moment, a miracle can happen, and then, suddenly, everything is different. God can make a way where there seems to be no way. Something good is going to happen to you.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

Persistent Prayer

Before you even present your requests to God, He knows exactly what you need. But there is still something significant about persistence in prayer.

Matthew 7:7-8

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

What exactly is it about persistence that’s equated with faith? It’s not as though God is watching from the Heavens, psychologically torturing the one who prays. He gets no pleasure out of delaying just for the sake of delay.

Additionally, it’s not as if prayer is persuasion. God will not derail His will for the sake of our whims. Prayer is not about strong-arming or guilting God into a response. After all, who among us could force his will upon God? Who has strength to move His divine hand?

So persistence is not demanded of us because God takes pleasure in our misery, nor is persistence a way to manipulate God. Rather, persistence is a spiritual practice that prepares the one who uses it.

Persistent prayer does not make God willing to give; it makes us capable of receiving. God is already willing to give us every promise in His Word. It’s our ability to receive that is matured as we pray persistently.

Persistent prayer weakens the flesh. Persistent prayer turns me into one who can handle the answers to persistent prayer. Persistent prayer produces patience. Persistent prayer causes me to become capable of handling the responsibility of the blessings of God. Persistent prayer cultivates the character of Christ in me.

More than it will change any one or any thing, persistent prayer will change the one who prayers persistently.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

Persistent Faith

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
Matthew 15:22-28, NLT

The woman who approached the Lord did so in desperation. After insisting upon her request, the woman finally received the miracle she sought.

There is something powerful about persistence. In fact, the portion of scripture you just read makes it perfectly clear that persistence and faith are tied together.
Persistence is consistent faith.

Perhaps there is a stubborn issue in your life that will not move. Or maybe you struggle with something from which you desire to be free. Keep going; don’t quit.

Persistent faith overcomes all. You’re not going to climb the mountain; you’re going to move the mountain. Ask, seek, knock. The door will open.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

The Law of Persistence

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9

An impossible situation is the perfect setting for a miracle. Difficult places are the very same where the hand of God will move. If where you were didn’t require faith, it wouldn’t require God. What a privilege that you and I have – that we can share in the adventure of faith, that we can walk the risk-filled path of miraculous potential.

The scripture is perfectly clear. If you don’t quit, you will reap a harvest. The seeds that you have sown will grow. Just don’t faint. Stand firm in faith. It is an irrefutable, immovable law of scripture: persistence in well doing produces the harvest of blessing. The laws of God’s Word are more certain than the physical laws under which our world operates.

The major difference between those who reap and those who regret is persistence. Of course, we must persist in well doing – this includes our actions and attitudes while we patiently persist. Continuing without the right attitude or perspective is not persisting in the Biblical sense – it is mere movement.

Ignore the voices of negativity. Some will say, “I’ve persisted for years, but it hasn’t worked for me!” Those who claim to have persisted without results are fooling themselves, for true persistence, actual faithfulness, is judged upon God’s timetable, not ours.

We cannot forget that, at times, we need to reevaluate strategies and approach. Growth always demands change. However, it is the very act of persisting, the resolute commitment to continue, that becomes the foundation upon which destiny is built.

Persistence always produces. Don’t grow weary. Become excited about the future. Don’t judge your future breakthrough based upon today’s needs. Instead, use all that you possess today to persist, with gratitude and hope, to the best of your ability. The law of persistence will prevail, and you will, when the timing is just right, reap the harvest.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.

Great Faithfulness

“If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” - 2 Timothy 2:13

I just want to give you a simple reminder this week: God is faithful.

You may be troubled by the thought that your mistakes may have cost you the call of God upon your life. And while our disobedience toward God can certainly slow His work in our lives, our disobedience does not mean God’s inactivity.

Even when you are stubborn, He is faithful. Even when you are fearful, He is faithful. Even when you are not keeping up with all of the things that you know you should be doing, He is faithful. God’s grace supplements our disobedience.

Should we abuse that grace? By no means!

This just means that when you think you’ve gone too far, when you think you’ve messed everything up, He remains faithful. No matter how far you’ve gone or how long it took you to get that far, a single moment of repentance can bring you all the way to righteousness.

Look to the future, and be empowered by God’s grace, which is brought about by His faithful nature. Be encouraged today!

You’ve not been counted out. You’ve not been overlooked. God still wants to use your life.

He is merciful – not because we deserve it, but because He is faithful, and He cannot deny Who He is.

ENJOY DAVID'S WEEKLY BLOG? CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT VIA EMAIL.