Last week we discussed ways the Kingdom grows “all by itself.” If we’re really going to “change the world” we have to leverage our activities so we operate beyond our human strength.
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain — first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29 NIV
Natural Examples – The creativity that spawns great inventions or business concepts finds “workable” ideas; “Why didn’t I think of that” is our usual response to the obvious genius of a great idea. When we hear it we can see that it will work easily… “all by itself the soil produces.” Here are few examples.
Hydroelectric power – We build a dam and get free electricity. There are many in the Northwest and our power is less expensive than other areas because of it. Nuclear power is similarly easy. Just put fuel rods together and heat is generated that will also produce electricity.
Wine country – Wine growers in our area have discovered that our part of Washington is at the same latitude as the wine country in France. Vineyards and wineries are springing up everywhere in the last 20 years. In other areas its very difficult to grow wine grapes. Here its really easy.
Starbucks – originated in Seattle and recently announced a plan for 40,000 new stores. Now I wouldn’t have guessed a cup of coffee that cost $3.75 would be a big hit. However, it’s a treat that nearly everyone can afford. It works!
Ranching – Cows are like employees. The rancher gets to ride his horse, live in beautiful country, and watch babies being born. Each cow faithfully has a calf every spring that grows during the summer (even while the rancher is sleeping) and sells in the fall. They just have to live someplace where grass grows so all those “employees” and their calves get plenty to eat. If you own a business with employees you’re reproducing yourself and multiplying your effectiveness. You can be on vacation and your company will still be performing it’s mission.
The main ingredient – When we see others prosper under the favor of God its very natural to ask, “Can something this good happen to me.” The answer is yes. Wealth and fruitfulness in blessing others are God’s will for you. God has not singled out certain people to bless at the expense of the rest of us. They have just discovered a few simple keys that we need to discover too.
Note: Making your life “flow” is a very Biblical principle. It’s also the envy of the new age movement and every other counterfeit spirituality out there. You can find a 1000 false ways to hook up with “cosmic awareness.” They all lead to “self” instead of Jesus.
1. Do What the Father’s Doing – The greatest power in the universe you can take advantage of is simply to do what the Father is doing. There are subtle changes in seasons and different emphasis in different areas. If you can pick up on the movement of the Holy Spirit in “your” hour and location and ministry gifts and you’ll be amazed at the number of divine appointments you’ll run into. For me, it’s obviously marketplace ministry. I run into people all the time that resonate with the great move that’s going on around the world. Once you find the theme of your calling and map it in with what the Holy Spirit is already doing, things start to come together and adversity won’t stop you.
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:12-14 (see Jn 5:19-21)
2. Ability to Produce Wealth – If you want to translate God’s favor to ministry, you have to navigate the harsh reality that it costs money. Instead of grieving we need to celebrate. God is all about life and life more abundantly. He’s not afraid to show us how to “produce” wealth. It won’t fall out of heaven. You have to get creative and find the idea that will produce it; part of your spiritual maturity as a King.
He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut 8:15-18
3. It’s more blessed to give – It is fun to give. Of course, you have to have something before you start – learn to receive from the Lord first. In fact, when we make disciples we don’t just give them ministry and money; we teach them to prosper so they too can minister spiritually and naturally. Paul didn’t depend on or covet the wealth of others. He created wealth with a good idea (tents in his case) and taught is disciples to do the same. He used that wealth to pull others up to his level.
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:32-35 NIV
Part of the reason people gain the favor of God to produce wealth is because God blesses generosity. Helping others is really an investment in the Kingdom that pays a dividend – even in the natural. People that already have wealth seem to understand that better than those in poverty.
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Prov 19:17 NIV
I’m excited about coupling ministry, missions, and micro-business ideas around the world. Imagine the strategy; a crusade to reach the lost and break the strongholds; church planting to mature the disciples; micro-businesses to send them back into the marketplace to produce wealth and ministry of their own. Sounds viral doesn’t it? We’re working with Mark Charles to connect the ideas, the Kings, the finances, and the opportunities. We’ve listed 10 business ideas on his interview site. Our goal is 1000’s of ideas and 1000’s of working examples of how to implement them. We’re breaking poverty at the level of the welfare mentality and inviting God’s people to pursue their heart’s desires right into an abundant life. You’re invited too.
Life is an adventure. People are a blessing. God is amazing. We’re winning.
