Although well meaning, we as believers need to be careful not to confuse persistence/determination and faith as the same thing. There is nothing wrong with being blessed with riches, but as well, covetousness is a sin to flee from.
I would say the apostle Paul was faithFULL. So why was he poor? He honestly believe Jesus would return in his day (1Thess 4:17), but he died before then; was he of little faith? He was poor, persecuted, beaten, and once prayed that the thorn in his flesh would be removed, but God didn’t give it to him (1Cor. 12:7-9). Did all these things mean that Paul didn’t believe hard enough? NO!
We need to return to the basics and remember that God’s strength is made complete in weakness. As John said, “He must increase, and I must decrease”.
We are to do “all things to the Glory of GOD” (1Cor 10:31). My faith should be that he can provide even when I am not “successful” the world’s standards.
When I pray, I may not “beg” for things, but am what I am asking for really going to glorify HIM, or is it primarily for me and then He gets the glory later. I would not surprise me if God decided to make me poor in order that He can use me in a miraculous way. And still my faith would be made stronger. BECAUSE IT IS HIS WILL!
Although well meaning, Mr. Hill missquoted scripture. It’s not “as you believe you will reap”, but it’s as you Sow. Am I sowing for the benefit of God’s glory, or am I robbing myself of Joy and Happiness by robbing Him of Glory? Do I trust God (have faith in HIM) to meet my needs, or is it all in what I MUST DO?
Ok. I will end here. I know my view may not be popular, but its what I see over and over again in the Bible.
Psa 141:8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute
Pro 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
For me, in my needed daily habit…it is actually threefold….pray as soon as I wake, read the Word and pray before I sleep.
As for what I pray when I pray, I give thanks, pray for God’s Will and for guidance, stregnth and understanding from His Spirit.
Now I am going to go train my “action” muscle and do what I just said!
@ Kevin- Way to hit it out of the park, I couldn’t agree with you more! There is nothing wrong with clarification and expounding, in fact, If I understand correctly, that’s what this forum/thread is for, sharing of one’s understanding and knowledge of God’s Word.
Lastly, I’d like to say, although I too don’t fully agree with N. Hill, I don’t think anyone’s intent was to misinform or mislead, but rather to motivate.
I feel like when I accompany habits with my relationship with God, I gradually turn religious (not good). Like having guilt from missing reading the word or not completing my daily “duties”. Putting God first, giving thanks and praying, reading scripture and pressing into Jesus are some of the things I try to do to live my life accordingly.
I think that some good habits that I’ve not done too much that might be positive or having a positive, faithful mindset as much as possible and getting into the habit of praying as soon as I start to worry about something. I’m gonna try to do this more often. God Bless.
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March 29, 2011 at 8:20 am
Kevin Marshall
Although well meaning, we as believers need to be careful not to confuse persistence/determination and faith as the same thing. There is nothing wrong with being blessed with riches, but as well, covetousness is a sin to flee from.
I would say the apostle Paul was faithFULL. So why was he poor? He honestly believe Jesus would return in his day (1Thess 4:17), but he died before then; was he of little faith? He was poor, persecuted, beaten, and once prayed that the thorn in his flesh would be removed, but God didn’t give it to him (1Cor. 12:7-9). Did all these things mean that Paul didn’t believe hard enough? NO!
We need to return to the basics and remember that God’s strength is made complete in weakness. As John said, “He must increase, and I must decrease”.
We are to do “all things to the Glory of GOD” (1Cor 10:31). My faith should be that he can provide even when I am not “successful” the world’s standards.
When I pray, I may not “beg” for things, but am what I am asking for really going to glorify HIM, or is it primarily for me and then He gets the glory later. I would not surprise me if God decided to make me poor in order that He can use me in a miraculous way. And still my faith would be made stronger. BECAUSE IT IS HIS WILL!
Although well meaning, Mr. Hill missquoted scripture. It’s not “as you believe you will reap”, but it’s as you Sow. Am I sowing for the benefit of God’s glory, or am I robbing myself of Joy and Happiness by robbing Him of Glory? Do I trust God (have faith in HIM) to meet my needs, or is it all in what I MUST DO?
Ok. I will end here. I know my view may not be popular, but its what I see over and over again in the Bible.
Psa 141:8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute
Pro 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
March 29, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Michael
For me, in my needed daily habit…it is actually threefold….pray as soon as I wake, read the Word and pray before I sleep.
As for what I pray when I pray, I give thanks, pray for God’s Will and for guidance, stregnth and understanding from His Spirit.
Now I am going to go train my “action” muscle and do what I just said!
@ Kevin- Way to hit it out of the park, I couldn’t agree with you more! There is nothing wrong with clarification and expounding, in fact, If I understand correctly, that’s what this forum/thread is for, sharing of one’s understanding and knowledge of God’s Word.
Lastly, I’d like to say, although I too don’t fully agree with N. Hill, I don’t think anyone’s intent was to misinform or mislead, but rather to motivate.
God Bless All
March 29, 2011 at 6:15 pm
DDA
I feel like when I accompany habits with my relationship with God, I gradually turn religious (not good). Like having guilt from missing reading the word or not completing my daily “duties”. Putting God first, giving thanks and praying, reading scripture and pressing into Jesus are some of the things I try to do to live my life accordingly.
I think that some good habits that I’ve not done too much that might be positive or having a positive, faithful mindset as much as possible and getting into the habit of praying as soon as I start to worry about something. I’m gonna try to do this more often. God Bless.
willing to suffer.