1 What is needed to be successful in business? Proverbs 22:29
Note: “The many admonitions to diligence found in both the Old and the New Testament plainly indicate the intimate relation existing between our habits of life and our religious feelings and practices. The human mind and body are so constituted that plenty of exercise is necessary in order to a proper development of all the faculties. While many are too much engaged in worldly business, others go to the opposite extreme and do not labor sufficiently to support themselves or those dependent upon them.”

2 What is the definition of “Diligent”?
Note: Strong’s concordance translates “Diligent” as: “quick, prompt, skilled, ready”.

3 What has the Lord given us to cultivate that is essential to becoming successful in business? 1 Peter 4:10
Note: “Our first duty to God and our fellow beings is in self-development. Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.” The purpose of learning is mastery (See 1 Corinthians 9:25). It’s not enough to just know about something. Learn to master what you know. Because the gap between where you are now to where you want to be is just what you know and what you don’t know. take whatever it is you are seeking to learn/master and fill that gap with practical, applicable, knowledge. Did you know that you have Faculties that are ready to be strengthened and mastered?

4 What gift has God given us that will never be taken away and lays the foundation for almost every result in life? Deuteronomy 30:19)
Note: This gift is the faculty of our Free Will. “As a redeemed, free moral agent, ransomed by an infinite price, God calls upon you to assert your liberty, and employ your God-given powers as a free subject of the kingdom of heaven.” “You are to refuse to be in subjection to the power of evil.” “Let a solemn, unalterable purpose take possession of you, and resolve in the strength and grace of God, that henceforth you will live for Him, and that no earthly consideration shall persuade you to disown the divine law of ten commandments.”

5 What faculty do we have to back up all of our new learnings? Psalm 119:11
Note: The second faculty we have is the faculty of Advancing Memory. There is no such thing as a good or bad memory. Either one is not something you are born with. All learning is remembering. there is no limit to what your mind and memory is capable of when it is surrendered to and sanctified by God. God wants us to recognize the good in us in Christ. This helps us recognize that in Christ, we have a good memory. God wants to give you the mind and memory of Christ, so you don’t have to be trapped in the lies and limitations of memory (See Philemon 1:4).

6 How are able to prepare our mind for the new learnings we desire to take up? Romans 12:2
Note: God is a God of abundance. Whether we perceive it or not, abundance is there. “The treasures of eternity have been committed to the keeping of Jesus Christ, to give to whomsoever He will; but how sad it is that so many quickly lose sight of the precious grace that is proffered unto them through faith in Him. He will impart the heavenly treasures to those who will believe in Him, look to Him, and abide in Him. . . . He calls upon His chosen, peculiar people who love and serve Him, to come unto Him and ask, and He will give them the bread of life, and endow them with the water of life, which shall be in them as a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.” If we refuse to train our faculty of Clear Perception to focus on the abundance of new learnings, we miss out on a lot. Looking on the side of scarcity either moves us very slow or not at all. Practice makes progress and progress leads to perfection/mastery.

7 Is our imagination something that God cannot use in us that we should cast off as unimportant? 1 Chronicles 28:9 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible (See Hebrews 11:27). It’s through the exercise of the faculties of the mind that we become like Christ in character. The secret to victory is by helping others overcome. We are called to be an example of what’s possible (See Ephesians 6:19-20). By cultivating the faculty of our Unique Imagination, when people come in contact with you, they see Christ in you, the hope of glory. They see you and their imagination and belief is expanded. God is making up a number who represent His character. It’s through the exercise of the faculties of the mind that we become like Christ in character. “We need a sanctified imagination, and a sanctified tongue. Our work is to put on the meekness of Christ, to be kind and tender and courteous. The Lord will not accept the work of any man that is not done in tenderness and love and kindness. He has not set us as rulers, to lord it over His heritage. Let others be moved by Christ, just as we desire to be moved by Him.”

8 How are we able to take key points of our new learnings to help rivet them in our minds? Acts 17:2
Note: To everyone, God has given the faculty of Logical Reason. This faculty, if cultivated and strengthened, can help us go throughout our new learnings to take that which is most essential to reach the mastery of it. “If the mind is set to the task of studying the Bible for information, the reasoning faculties will be improved. Under study of the Scriptures the mind expands and becomes more evenly balanced than if occupied in obtaining general information from the books that are used which have no connection with the Bible. No knowledge is so firm, so consistent and far-reaching, as that obtained from a study of the Word of God. It is the foundation of all true knowledge.” We can see this in the example of Paul. “The Stoics and the Epicureans encountered him; but they, and all others who came in contact with him, soon saw that he had a store of knowledge even greater than their own. His intellectual power commanded the respect and attention of the more intellectual and learned; while his earnest, logical reasoning, and his power of oratory, held the promiscuous audience. Thus the apostle stood undaunted, meeting his opposers on their own ground, matching logic with logic, and philosophy with philosophy.”

9 What is a faculty that the Spirit of God works in specially? Jude 1:20-25 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Here we see how we can use the faculty of Timely Intuition. “This scripture brings to view the fact that there is most earnest work to be done, and we need divine intuition that we may know how to work for souls ready to perish. There are souls to be plucked out of the fire, there are souls who are to be treated with the tenderest compassion. Workers are needed who have learned in the school of Christ His method of saving souls.”

10 How can I change my beliefs regarding a specific limiting identity? Romans 10:17
Note: The faculty of Your Faith is a powerful thing. It can give you such propelling power to move forward and upward or kill all of your encouragement and effort. If you want to change your beliefs, you need to change the words you listen to. Words shape your belief. Change the words you listen to and change your belief. “It is our duty to encourage faith, to talk faith that we may have faith. If we talk doubt and encourage doubt we shall have abundant doubt, for Satan will help us in this kind of work. We need sanctified hearts and sanctified lips. We need to breathe in the rich, bracing atmosphere that comes from the heavenly Canaan. . . . Why should we fill the gallery of the mind with gloomy scenes of doubt? Why not let the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine into the chambers of heart and mind, and dispel the shadows of unbelief? Turn to the Light, to Jesus the precious Saviour.”

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to prioritize new learnings to strengthen the faculties that the Lord gave you? To examine, prioritize, set intentions for your life, to have a vision, and find a valuable problem solution?

Is it your decision to develop new ideas, learn new skills so things can work for you, and as you do this, start to have greater joy, peace, and fulfillment? To go from just surviving to thriving?

Today’s Offer:

In our community for evangelistic entrepreneurs, you can find access to some of these trainings and more and a community of people who are studying these laws just like you are and wanting to better understand how they can show up for Christ in the marketplace. If this is something that interests you then I encourage you to join our community at: Thearmyofyouth.com/community

If you would like to partner with the Army of Youth ministry in giving, please visit: Championofyouth.com

1 What does God say will be the destruction of the poor? Proverbs 10:15
Note: Poverty is not always something that we should highly praise and regard as a wonderful gift. There’s a whole notion that wealth is wickedness, poverty is piety, and business is bad. These are just not scripture-based principles. In Deuteronomy 8:18, we see that it is God who gives the power to gain wealth. It is part of the many resources He has given us to save souls. It is the power to be redeemed from destruction. There are peculiar temptations that the poor face when in poverty as they remain ignorant of biblical financial laws; but God is seeking to educate His people so that they could come out of those limiting beliefs.

2 What does God say poverty is the result of? Proverbs 13:18
Note: Oftentimes, it is ignorance that leads to poverty; not because they lacked the opportunity to prosper. When we understand the law of stewardship and that everything belongs to God, we understand how to improve the opportunities we have now. Whether you have little or whether you have much, it all belongs to God, and He expects us to increase our talents to improve upon the gifts that He has given to us. We have a moral obligation in the Word of God to increase the talents that God has given to us, including finances.

3 Why is there so much ignorance regarding the Biblical Financial laws? Proverbs 13:20
Note: Why does it say companion of fools will be destroyed? because it depends on who you surround yourself with. If we’re looking for certain results but are mainly surrounding ourselves with those who have not succeeded in certain areas, there’s a high chance you will not succeed as well. This goes back to Proverbs 13. The reason why so few people know, understand, and use these financial laws is because they were never taught them. It’s because their parents didn’t understand the financial laws, their teachers didn’t understand the financial laws and the people in their sphere of association and social circles, didn’t understand the financial laws. So where are they going to be exposed to them? Because the truth is, you are going to be an average of the top five voices that you hear the most. Meaning, that if nine of your closest friends are poor, then you’ll be the 10th. Surround yourself with people who are going in the direction that you want to go and who have the results that you’re looking for.

4 Is ignorance the only reason why there is poverty? Hosea 4:6
Note: Refusing instruction on what the scripture says about wealth and poverty leads to destruction. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. That could be a lack of knowledge of your health. That’s where disease comes from, it could be the lack of knowledge on your marriage. That’s how divorce starts to come up and family issues start to come along. A lack of knowledge on your finances is where poverty comes in and a financial crisis starts to occur. Or it could be a lack of knowledge on our faith; that’s where sin and spiritual disease and separation starts to happen. Any of these laws that we violate is going to cause destruction in that area of our life. One of the greatest costs of our life is the cost of ignorance. It’s what you don’t know that’s costing you a fortune.

5 What is another factor that plays in the result of poverty? Proverbs 6:9-11
Note: One of the surest safeguards against evil is useful occupation, while idleness is one of the greatest curses; for vice, crime, and poverty follow in its wake. Those who are always busy, who go cheerfully about their daily tasks, are the useful members of society. In the faithful discharge of the various duties that lie in their pathway, they make their lives a blessing to themselves and to others. Diligent labor keeps them from many of the snares of him who ‘finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.’ A stagnant pool soon becomes offensive, but a flowing brook spreads health and gladness over the land. The one is a symbol of the idle, the other of the industrious.”

6 What does idleness and the people we associate with have in common? Proverbs 12:11
Note: Idleness and not walking with the wise both have a common factor: A lack of knowledge. Without understanding the laws that the Lord has put in place leads to destruction. This is why knowledge and wisdom are very key in securing the success of whatever you put your hand to do.

7 Is Wealth a Curse or a Blessing? Proverbs 10:22 & Proverbs 13:22

8 What is the cause of riches and wealth? Psalm 112:1-3
Note: Just as lack of knowledge contributes to destruction, so knowledge, wisdom, and practice contributes to construction of every area of your life. Diligent upbuilding and application of the biblical laws that govern every result in our life will cause wealth and riches to follow. Wealth and riches that are to be used in taking the gospel to the world.

9 What expense does poverty make on our influence? Proverbs 19:4

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to become wise in regard to the laws that govern the results in life and stop the expense of ignorance?

Is it your decision to stop the course of destruction that comes to those who refuse knowledge and begin to build up wisdom that creates the path for prosperity?

Today’s Offer:

If you’re interested in surrounding yourself with a community of people who are studying and are passionate as you are about these biblical financial principles and want to serve Christ at the highest capacity, and have the abundance of resources to be able to do what God has called you to, then we encourage you to join our community of, of evangelists and entrepreneurs at: Thearmyofyouth.com/community

If you would like to help support The Army of Youth Ministry with an offering, please visit: Thearmyofyouth.com/outreach

1 Why do we experience results in our lives that we don’t want? Proverbs 26:2
Note: The law of cause and effect There is a reason for each result we have or do not have. Every result that we have in our life is there for a reason. Nothing ever happens to us without a cause.

2 What do we do when we don’t know what caused the results we have? Job 29:16
Note: When we realize that everything in life has a cause, it is liberating because it means that there is no problem we can’t solve. We can search out the roots of the results we have, reasoning from cause to effect.

3 How does God look at what we call “failure”? Galatians 6:7
Note: Who defines what failure is? There’s no such thing as failure; only results. It’s a simple cause-and-effect relationship. If we want a different result, we need to do something different. When we try doing the same thing in the exact same way and expect something different, that’s insanity.

4 What does “failure” have to do with our identity? Proverbs 23:7
Note: Failure is just a perspective or focus we have in life; and many tend to lean toward this perspective and as we focus more and more on our “failures,” we weld it into our behaviors, our character, our identity. If we believe that we’re always failing, we’re going to think we’re a failure, and then it’s a downward spiral. But we can’t build success on a foundation of failure. Remember that there is no such thing as failure; only results. A just man falls seven times but rises up again! (See Proverbs 24:16)

5 How can we change our beliefs about failure? Romans 10:17
Note: By changing the words you listen to, you will change your beliefs. At first, you may not feel like you believe differently about failure, but at any moment you can choose to shift your beliefs like that.

6 How did the Lord respond to Moses’s doubting, limiting beliefs? Exodus 4:10-12 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: You’re not a failure. You’re just early in the process. Go anyway, even if you don’t feel like you’ll succeed. Sometimes you just need to step out in faith. While you’re in the process of doing what God is calling you to do, the feelings will come.

7 Who does Christ say we are in contrast to what we may believe? Romans 8:37
Note: We can have an abundance of victory. Many times it’s in our darkest moments when we feel like we’ve done everything we can, and we’re out of resources, there’s nowhere else we can go, we don’t understand, and it seems like the darkness is overwhelming our soul and we cannot see through the darkness that victory is near. Victory is near in Christ, because Romans 8:37 says, “We are more than conquerors through Christ.” You start recognizing that you can have a life of a series of uninterrupted victories. You could go from one glorious victory to the next. The Lord’s strength is sufficient for us and we can have each day be better than the last.

8 Will God put us through anything in our lives that isn’t for our good? 2 Corinthians 4:15
Note: Abundance flows into our lives “through the thanksgiving of many.” Ingratitude can make a rich man poor. Gratitude can make a poor man rich. Trade your expectation for appreciation. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it says: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Would God tell you to be grateful for something that would be impossible to be grateful for? If He did that, He’d be a liar. But God cannot lie.

9 What in nature shows us that a successful life is progressive and not immediate? Mark 4:28
Note: Have you ever not been satisfied with where you currently are? There are stages of perfection. What if your experimental results are just a PART of the process? “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” (See Psalm 19:7) Through obedience comes sanctification of body, soul, and spirit. This sanctification is a progressive work, and an advance from one stage of perfection to another. Justification happens in an instant. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.

10 Whether we are looking for all the “failures” or looking for all the progress we’ve made, what does Jesus tell us would happen for sure? Matthew 7:7
Note: What you focus on you find, what you focus on grows, what you focus on changes you. Did you know the very recognition of progress actually creates more progress in our life? “Every mistake, every fault, every difficulty conquered becomes a steppingstone to better and higher things. It is through such experiences that all who have ever made life worth the living have achieved success.” What has the fear of failure limited you from doing? The goal isn’t instant perfection. The goal is progress. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes progress. And progress leads to perfection through the grace of God.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to change the way you see failure in your life and instead look at progress and use the “failures” as stepping stones to gain higher ground?

Is it your decision by God’s grace to change your limiting beliefs about failure and step out in faith by hearing, listening to, and saturating yourself in God’s word?

Offer:

If you would like to trade your expectations for appreciation by looking for what you can be grateful for, then please visit: thearmyofyouth.com/accountbook today so you can start logging what you’re thankful for each day!

If you would like to learn HOW to find the scriptures that can change your beliefs and change your perspective on “failure”, then we encourage you to visit: directionfromgod.com and save your seat to our free webclass!

1 Does God have pleasure in the prosperity of His people? Psalm 35:27
Note: Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines prosper as “To favor; to render successful.” as a verb it’s defined as “To be successful; to succeed.” or “To grow or increase; to thrive; to make gain; as, to prosper in business.” When the word of God is talking about prospering, it’s talking about succeeding and having the favor of God. We read in Luke 2:52 that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. God has pleasure in your prosperity.

2 What is God’s greatest concern for His children? 3 John 1:2
Note: The teaching of the Bible has a vital bearing upon man’s prosperity in all the relations of this life. It unfolds the principles that are the cornerstone of a nation’s prosperity – principles with which is bound up the well-being of society, and which are the safeguard of the family – principles without which no man can attain usefulness, happiness, and honor in this life, or can hope to secure the future, immortal life. There is no position in life, no phase of human experience, for which the teaching of the Bible is not an essential preparation.

3 Is the prosperity God wants for His children only spiritual prosperity & what is prosperity conditional upon? Job 36:11
Note: Temporal and spiritual prosperity are made conditional upon obedience to the law of God. But we do not read God’s Word, and thus become familiar with the terms of the blessing that is to be given to all who hearken diligently to God’s law and teach it diligently in their families. (See Deuteronomy 6:6-11 – opens in new tab due to long verse) Obedience to God’s Word is our life, our happiness. Some might be asking “What’s the difference between this and prosperity gospel?”. The word “prosperity” and “gospel” are never used in that order in the scriptures. The Bible talks about the gospel, and it talks about prospering, but nowhere in the Bible does it talk about a prosperity gospel. Part of the promises in God’s word are promises that cause His people to prosper. We lose nothing by studying the scriptures to see what God says on a subject, but we lose much by closing our minds to seeing what He actually says on the subject. Prosperity is used all throughout the scriptures. What some are really saying is that they don’t believe in the prosperity gospel, but that’s not what we’re sharing. We’re just going through the word of God to see how the Bible regards prosperity.

4 What produces prosperity? Isaiah 55:11
Note: When we search what God says about any area whether it is financially, spiritually, socially, or physically and apply those principles to our life those principles produce prosperity. They will help you to not just survive but to thrive. by following it is God’s law that appoints to each one of us our duties and it’s only in obedience to it that anyone could secure happiness or prosperity. The belief that if you follow God and you won’t prosper is a satanic belief. Because who better to prosper in the things that they set forth to do than the people of God, who are bearing a message that could transform and save lives? God wants His people to prosper more than anything or anyone and by being able to follow these principles of prosperity then we can experience that true success that God wants.

5 If we want to faithfully serve Christ, do we have to wait for the life to come in order to experience abundance? Mark 10:28-30 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: Persecution is not the opposite of prosperity but a part of it. The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing. The more you prosper, the more people will speak out against you. Many of these promises that God is talking about are for this life and for the world to come. Oftentimes people look at the Bible as a book teaching us how to die. I believe the bible is teaching us how to live and what I mean by that is that many paint the picture of a Christian’s life on earth as miserable or a dry dead life and that if it’s pleasurable, that means it’s wrong. We paint the picture as when we get to heaven that’s where we put on all our enjoyments. That it’s the only time we can experience joy and pleasure is in when we die. But I believe that God is teaching us principles on how to live on this side of eternity that when we follow these principles, they will produce prosperity so we can have joy peace, strength, and encouragement in the presence of Christ today and in the life to come.

6 How do we know that all our work will prosper? Proverbs 14:23
Note: We might often feel that because we go set out to do something and it didn’t meet our expectations, we think it didn’t “work”. But we need to shift our mindset and understand that all work works. When the work that you do is not working for you, it means it’s working on you. People fail when they quit, and they don’t allow the work to continue to work on them until it is able to work for them. As we work, we must know that it’s impossible for it not to work. Stop asking “What if it doesn’t work?” and start asking “How awesome and life-transforming will this be for others when I use my talents for God’s glory?”. Think of what you would do, what would you attempt, what would you say, who would you speak to, where would you go, what would you start if you knew that it was impossible for you to fail and go do that because in all labor there is profit. In all labor there is a paycheck, there’s a payment, there’s profit, there’s gain and increase. In Christ there is no failure and as you go forward you glorify Him and consecrate all to Him as you recognize His ownership. These are principles of divine success.

7 What does it look like when all our work prospers? Genesis 39:2-4 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: When you follow the principles, you realize that your prosperity is not governed by circumstances. Some might say “if only I was circumstanced differently, or if only these obstacles weren’t in the way, then I would succeed, grow, and do what i’m called to do.”. But in this example of Joseph when he was a slave, he was not in the ideal circumstances. He was sold by his own brothers into this heathen land, and they didn’t follow the same principles of that of the word of God. But notice how God blessed him and I believe this same blessing applies to each one of us who follow the same principles that Joseph followed you can find the same results because principles are not prejudiced. It doesn’t matter if it was three thousand years ago or today. The principles still produced prosperity. God expects us to exercise our talents to the greatest degree of ability that is possible for us to aim high. It’s according to our willingness and our humility to be led by God.

8 If God created wealth for God’s people, why are so many people that are rich really wicked? John 8:32
Note: The difference here is between what is true and what is the truth. It is true that some wealthy people are wicked, but it is the truth that God created wealth for His people specifically.

9 Who was the wealthiest man in human history? 1 Kings 10:6-7 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: There is no branch of legitimate business for which the Bible does not afford an essential preparation. Its principles of diligence, honesty, thrift, temperance, and purity are the secret of true success. These principles, as set forth in the Book of Proverbs, constitute a treasury of practical wisdom. Where can the merchant, the artisan, the director of men in any department of business, find better maxims for himself or for his employees than are found in these words of the wise man:

10 To the man who delights on God’s law and meditates continually upon it what will happen to whatsoever he does? Psalm 1:1-3 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: There are laws to prosperity. Principles produce prosperity. Prosperity is not the result of violating principles or sacrificing truth and honesty but by following the instructions found in God’s word.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to be free from the beliefs you hold that prevent the Lord from working a great work in you that includes prosperity?

Is it your decision to hold fast to these and other promises the Lord gives you to thrive in living out the calling He has for you?

Today’s Offer:

If you would like to devote your talents to the Lord’s service in a safe and encouraging environment as a small group leader, please consider enlisting at: Thearmyofyouth.com/leaders

If you would like to give back to the Army of Youth ministry by donation, please visit: Thearmyofyouth.com/outreach

1 What law has God spoken to His children that desire an abundant life? Psalm 100:4
Note: Appreciation and thanksgiving is a command or law of God. Temporal and spiritual prosperity are made conditional upon obedience to the law of God. But we do not read God’s Word, and thus become familiar with the terms of the blessing that is to be given to all who hearken diligently to God’s law and teach it diligently in their families. (See Deuteronomy 6:6-11 – opens in new tab due to long verse) Obedience to God’s Word is our life, our happiness. The law of Appreciation states the very act of appreciating what you have will appreciate, (as in raise in value or price), what you have. What is Gratitude? The appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to you.

2 What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you expressed gratitude for today? Psalm 26:7
Note: If you woke up tomorrow with only the relationships, resources, opportunities, and skills you had you expressed gratitude for today, how different would your life be? Who would be missing in your life and how would that affect you? The Law of Focus states that what you focus on you find (Matthew 7:7), What you focus on changes you (2 Corinthians 3:18), What you focus on grows (Galatians 6:7), and What you focus on you feel (Acts 17:27). That being said, what you appreciate you’ll see more of. Express gratitude to God for anything that you want to see more of in your life.

3 Why is it so important to appreciate our God-given treasure? 2 Kings 4:1-2 (opens in new tab due to long verse), 2 Kings 4:7
Note: Learning to appreciate her treasure led to a financial transformation for the woman in 2 Kings 4. Many times, we don’t appreciate our value but we do see the value of others. Elijah asked her what was in her house and she said “thine handmaid hath not anything in the house save a pot of oil.” Was she appreciating what she had or was she depreciating it? she wasn’t putting the value upon the oil. We tend to devalue what we have but once she learned to appreciate her God-given treasure, that pot of oil which is a talent, she was able to use it’s as an income-producing asset once the man of God helped her to appreciate her treasure and her talents. That was when God was able to bring her a financial transformation through selling and through paying her debts and then living and sustaining that transformation.

4 What will happen if we focus on what’s missing rather than what we’re grateful that we have? Matthew 25:28-29
Note: If you’re focusing on what’s missing… e.g. “I don’t have enough money to…” then what you have will be taken away. Recognize that you have money for what you make money for. The slothful servant thought he didn’t have enough, and so he didn’t use it, so the master took it from him and gave it to someone else who would do something with it. If you don’t use it, you lose it. One way to start using what you have is by appreciating your treasure.

5 In how many things of our life does expressing gratitude tend to enrich? 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: All throughout scripture there is a theme of what you appreciate will appreciate in value. It comes by thanksgiving that we receive greater abundance in our life that God is seeking to increase in our lives. By Increasing your appreciation, you increase your life. Financially, socially, spiritually, physically. True wealth has less to do with how much you have but has everything to do with how grateful you are for what you have. Appreciation is just a 12-letter word for abundance. Ingratitude and wealth don’t live on the same street. Ingratitude can make a rich man poor, and Gratitude can make a poor man rich. Appreciation is what accelerates you to your destination.

6 For what purpose is abundant grace given to us in every area of life? 2 Corinthians 4:15
Note: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude doesn’t cost you any more or take a lot of time. But an attitude of gratitude can lead to abundance in every area of your life (See John 10:10). Attitudes are contagious, so make yours worth catching. You can train your brain and wire your mind to be habitually grateful for the little things in life (See Luke 16:10). Before Jesus fed the 5,000, He gave thanks (See Matthew 15:36). Is it possible that giving thanks for what you have is part of the process of prospering what you possess?

7 What could we do when we find it hard to appreciate difficult situations? 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Note: Would God ask us to be thankful for something that would do us harm or that couldn’t be appreciated? Never. This verse reveals how everything that’s happening in your life and business is happening for you and not to you (See Psalm 119:71). You have a promise; no matter your circumstance, whatever you have, in everything there is something to be grateful for. All upset is because of unmet expectations. If you want to turn your painfulness into joyfulness, practice by trading your expectation for appreciation. When you are facing unmet expectations ask “what do I appreciate about this problem or situation? If that’s difficult to answer, instead of asking “what do I appreciate about this?”, Ask “What could I appreciate about this if I allowed myself to appreciate it?”. Recognizing all you can be thankful for even in the most difficult times of your life fosters resilience. Appreciation can turn the unbearable into the enjoyable.

8 What comes first, being happy, or being thankful? Psalm 69:30, Psalm 69:33
Note: It’s not happy people who are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy. Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express what you’re grateful for, the more you will have to express gratitude. The Power of Gratitude wires our brain for Peace, Productivity, Performance, and prosperity. The quality of your life comes down to the quality of appreciation you express.

9 What does God say is the cure for anxiety? Philippians 4:6
Note: Be anxious for nothing. You could be grateful or you could be fearful, but you can’t be both at the same time. If you want to be truly wealthy, start by appreciating all the things you have that money can’t buy.

10 Did Jesus only thank God for what He had or also what God was going to provide for Him in the future? John 11:41-43 (opens in new tab due to long verse)
Note: We see here that Lazarus was dead but Jesus is thanking God in advance for answering His prayers. He’s thanking God for the blessing before He has received it. Christ is not waiting until Lazarus is alive to say thank you for answering my prayers. Likewise, we can thank God in advance for the blessings that He has promised. We have previously learned that both temporal and spiritual prosperity are made conditional upon obedience to the laws of God and when we obey His laws, blessings follow. When we disobey, consequences follow. When we ask for the things God has promised, we can thank Him in advance because we know it’s according to His will (See 1 John 5:4). God has promised that if we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our sanctified heart (See Psalms 37:4). It’s not selfish to ask what you desire when God has promised it; and when you ask for those things that God has promised, you are more than a conqueror in Christ as Romans 8:37 says. You can thank God for the victory, the provision, and for what God has promised before you ever see it taking place. When we understand this, it really changes the way that we pray and perceive life. We’re no longer victims of circumstances but we’re victorious. The law of appreciation is one of the laws of prosperity and one of the laws of finding true divine success in the calling that God has placed for us.

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to appreciate all that the Lord has given you in value so you can learn how to appreciate the things that God desires to give you in the future?

Is it your decision today to apply the law of appreciation to every area of your life even in the hardest times and fulfill the will of God for your life?

Today’s Offer:

If you would like to be surrounded by a supportive community of gospel entrepreneurs just like you, consider joining our private Facebook group at: Thearmyofyouth.com/community

If you have been blessed by The Army of Youth ministry and would like to show your appreciation by giving, please visit: Championofyouth.com

1 How can we be certain that receiving more money will not corrupt who we are? Luke 16:10
Note: Your finances are like a magnifying glass. It magnifies who you already are. It doesn’t corrupt or change you. It doesn’t modify who you are, it amplifies. If I am selfish when I’m poor, I’m going to be selfish when I’m rich. If I am greedy, when I’m poor, I’ll be greedy when I’m rich. Are the rich the only people that are in danger of being covetous or greedy or selfish? No. What God is showing us is if we’re faithful with little finances, we will be faithful with greater finances. If we are selfish with little finances will be selfish with greater finances. Money is a magnifier, it allows you to take who you are, what you do, and what you stand for and accelerates that at a higher level. This fear of becoming corrupt and being changed because of having more is not found in the scriptures.

2 What test of character does God give us on earth to see whether he could trust us with gifts of eternal value? Luke 16:11
Note: The test is being faithful here on this earth with whatever we have. If we’re not faithful here with all of the entrustments that we have, what makes us think that we will be faithful in heaven when we have true riches? What we find here is that all of us are developing our character after how we use our entrusted gifts. You’re revealing with every dollar whether you love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself, or, if you love yourself, and your cares are in this world. Both the rich and the poor are by their financial choices, deciding their eternal destiny and proving whether they will be fit subjects for the eternal inheritance of the saints for eternity. Those who use their God entrusted finances for selfish purposes in this world are revealing character traits that show what they would do if they had greater advantages. Regardless of the amount that we have, if we’re unfaithful with the money we have at any phase or any stage of our financial journey, then we prove ourselves to be unfaithful stewards of God’s gifts. If that is the case, why would He trust you with greater and eternal gifts?

3 What can money buy? Ecclesiastes 10:19
Note: If you thought that money equals trouble, then what are you going to want nothing to do with? The story that we tell ourselves about finances will largely influence how much funds we have in our bank account. When you look at a lot of problems that exist, there are many problems that finances can solve. An example is that money buys you speed by allowing you to do things faster than you could without it. As a poor missionary, I thought money was worth more than time, so I would often save money. I would spend time so I can save money. I would spend 10 hours doing something that would cost me $40. That’s like $4 an hour trying to try to fix something. Now I realized that it’s better to spend money so I could save time because time is a limited resource. In Ephesians 5:16 we are encouraged to redeem the time. While it’s true that money cannot buy happiness, broke can’t buy anything. Money in the hands of God’s people can do many things for good. Sometimes we focus so much on what money can’t buy. and we don’t realize what money can buy. When you realize what you can do with money, you start seeing that It’s a tool that you can use for good, for God, and for eternity. It shifts the priority.

4 What does God say you will have when you make the principles of God’s word the message of your mouth, the meditation of your mind, and the movement of your muscle? Joshua 1:8
Note: What two things has God promised in this verse? Prosperity, and success. Do you realize that everything God created He created to succeed including you? When we follow the principles of prosperity, the principles in God’s word, then success is the result. If you truly believe that having an abundance of God’s gift will corrupt you and therefore want to remain poor, this is the fear of success. The fear of success is the fear of having abundance that would corrupt or change a person. Being afraid to succeed means that you will be trapped in a cycle of defeat and perpetual failure in many things that you set out to do for the Lord. But what happens is you subconsciously sabotage the success that God has promised, because you believe that there’s something wrong with succeeding. The fear of success comes really from the ignorance of the law of magnification. My encouragement is to go and take the word of God and trust that if, you follow God’s plan and His principles, He promised prosperity and success.

5 What will be in the house of him who greatly enjoys God’s commandments? Psalm 112:1-3
Note: We need to understand that principles produce prosperity. It is Satan I believe, who wants God’s people to believe that by having money, it will corrupt and change the righteous. But this is a Satanic doctrine. This is not a scriptural doctrine. This is where, when you understand that money and the law of magnification, then you know that if you have a character that’s surrendered to God that is generous, kind, and caring, then having more will only allow you to amplify and expand that generosity, and kindness that you have to contribute. Your opportunities to contribute will be plentiful; and, I believe Satan is afraid of that. That’s why he wants to whisper in your ears to be weary of finances, by tempting you to believe it’s going to corrupt you.

6 Who is the most selfless and loving person in the universe? 1 John 4:8
Note: Now, who is the wealthiest person in the universe? God. it’s also God in Haggai 2:8 that says “all the gold and silver is mine saith the LORD of hosts”. God owns the cattle upon the hills, but He owns the hills also (See Psalms 50:10. If it is selfish and greedy to be rich, or if it is the act of being wealthy that corrupts individuals, then the most loving and selfless person in the universe wouldn’t be the wealthiest person as well. On the contrary, we see that it is selfless and loving, like God to be wealthy. There are many beliefs, ideas, and concepts that float around that make us afraid and fear finances, but you don’t have to fear them. When you fear God, you realize that He is the author and the source who brings these things about. He’s the one who will keep you on the straight and narrow. It is the motive, the thoughts, the intent, it’s who we are that corrupts us. The point here is that when we have more, we’re just going to be more of what we already are. It’s Christ alone who can purify and cleanse and ennoble and sanctify our motives. It’s not about how much you have, but the motives behind having or the motives for accumulating. That’s what makes it right or wrong.

7 Why has God given us richly all things? 1 Timothy 6:17
Note: God’s original design God’s current design is that our temporal blessing could be there to encourage and strengthen and help us often people solely focus on the first part of this verse, and the entirety entirely ignores the last part, showing why God gives us simple blessings. God has given us all things to enjoy richly. God isn’t saying that it’s wrong to be rich. God is saying that is wrong to trust in riches because our trust should be in God. The Bible doesn’t condemn the rich man because he is rich. It does not declare that the acquisition of wealth or acquiring money is a sin. Nor does it say that money is the root of all evil. On the contrary, the Scripture says that it is God who gives the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). This ability, this power to get wealth, is a precious talent. The Bible does not condemn genius, art invention, because these things also come from the wisdom of God (Proverbs 812). We cannot make the heart purer or holier, by closing the body in sackcloth, or by depriving the home of all that ministers of comfort, taste or convenience. This isn’t what makes us pure and holy. It is God and His righteousness; these alone are what is able to bring us closer and purer to him. If you are staying connected to the vine, then the pursuit of profit, purposeful profit, the pursuit of finances doesn’t have to corrupt, change, or distract you. God alone can bring true, lasting success. Financial wealth is only there one day, and then gone the next; but trusting in God will give you that true and lasting wealth.

8 If it really was the act of having a lot of money that corrupts your character then how could we have so many examples in sacred history of the righteous being extremely rich? Proverbs 15:6
Note: “It is the love of money that the word of God denounces as the root of all evil. Money itself is the gift of God to men, to be used with fidelity in His service. God blessed Abraham, and made him “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” [Genesis 13:2] And the Bible states, as an evidence of divine favor, that God gave David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, very much riches and honor.”

9 What had the Lord required of those examples of the righteous wealthy and of the righteous wealthy today? Matthew 25:27, Matthew 25:30
Note: Abundance was the blessing of the faithful; and scarcity, poverty, and even taking away what little they had were the consequences of the corrupt. Having more didn’t corrupt the faithful. They were blessed with more. But the one who had less, and was hoarding their master’s talent was taken and given to those who were increasing what they had. The whole parable of Matthew 25 of the 10 talents, is showing the principle of development. Your first duty to God and your fellow man is to develop in all areas of life. That money is a symbol of not just finances, although it’s included, but it also represents the talents of your thinking faculties, expanding influence, your loving communication, etc. These talents are gifts from God that He expects you to increase. Grow your talents to the highest degree that is possible for you so you could do the greatest amount of good. We have a moral obligation to increase and not be unprofitable servants. We don’t want to waste the Lord’s funds. We want to increase in every area of our life so that we can be more and more like Christ.

10 Why would it be good to make as much money as possible and use it for advancing the kingdom of God? Matthew 6:21
Note: Money will strengthen our affections towards whatever object we use it for. “When rightly employed, wealth becomes a golden bond of gratitude and affection between man and his fellow men, and a strong tie to bind his affections to his Redeemer.” What really matters is the motives. Why do you want to be rich? simply so that you can satisfy your desires? or is it so you can serve others more. Many understand the verse 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (opens in new tab due to long verse) and say, See, that is why it’s good to not have a lot of means. But read it carefully and compare scripture with scripture and then come to your conclusion.(See 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – opens in new tab due to long verse)

In Light of God’s Word…

Is it your desire to break the limiting belief of not obtaining more means for fear of being changed and corrupted?

Is it your decision to multiply the talents of which money is a part to do a greater good in the service of God for others?

Today’s Offer:

If you have been blessed by any of the things we have to offer in the Army of Youth Ministry, please consider giving at: Thearmyofyouth.com/outreach

If you’re interested in knowing more about some of what are the financial laws that are governing your results in this area of life and how can you saturate your mind with the truth on this matter, and be drawn closer to Christ not just as a way to be able to earn more without being corrupted, but a way that you can earn more and serve more, give more and do more, then I encourage you to go to the website, Thearmyofyouth.com/financial and you can sign up for this gift that I have for you.