“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

The saying is true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work).  1 Timothy 3:1 AMP

If anyone wants to participate in building God’s kingdom – that is a good thing. However, there are some qualities you need to have, and some requirements that need to be met, that qualify you for leadership, for the good and benefit of all concerned.

Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher.  1 Timothy 3:2

A person, who wants to be a leader, must lead the way by setting a good example and giving no grounds for accusation. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says that we must abstain from all appearance of evil. You must abstain from evil and the appearance of evil. Those who want to be in leadership must conduct themselves in such a way that they are above reproach; that no one could have a valid reason to accuse them of anything at all because they avoid even the appearance of evil. Those who want to be in leadership must obey God’s word and truly live a godly life, not just pretend to do it. God does not expect us to be perfect – He knows we are dust – but He does expect us to be righteous – to walk in the righteousness for which His Son paid so high a price!

Leaders must be faithful to their spouse and take care of their marriage. They must unconditionally love their spouse; they must protect them; and, at the same time, speak the truth in love to them. Husbands and wives should protect each other – not covering sin, but preventing it if possible, and if it’s not possible – working together to repent, forgive and restore.

Those who want to be in leadership must bring their flesh under subjection to the word of God and the Holy Spirit. They must be courteous. They must not be selfish, but they must walk the love walk and they must be generous and hospitable, not being a respecter of persons. They must also have an anointing to preach or teach and to minister to others. This is not something that you can just decide to do, but it is a gift only God can give.

Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means].  1 Timothy 3:3

Those who want to be in leadership must not yield their bodies to temptations of the flesh. When your body is addicted to a substance, whether it is alcohol, drugs, or nicotine, those things control you and your mind. They impel you to do things you wouldn’t normally do. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be yielded to Him alone. The devil uses addictions to control you and destroy you and your loved ones, but God will only bless you as you yield your body to Him. Proverbs 31:4-5 AMP says, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted.”

The Holy Spirit is your helper to free you of any controls that the devil tries to put on you. 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).”

Those who want to be in leadership must not be quarrelsome, because that is a sign of someone who is spiritually immature. A spiritually mature person walks in the love of God and is at peace with others. Those who want to be in leadership must definitely not be greedy or covetous! Covetousness has a corrupting influence – it makes money and selfish ambition more important than people and than God’s will and His word. Luke 16:11 AMP says, “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches?” God knows that if you are not faithful with money, you won’t be faithful with the anointing of God, or the presence of God, or the Gifts and callings of the Holy Spirit – so be faithful with money! Be a cheerful, generous giver yourself!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Thoughts on Stewardship Lessons from Genesis

Blessed to be a Blessing
Foundation Scriptures: Genesis 12 verses 1-3 and Genesis 13 verses 1-2

Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:1-3 NKJV

Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. 2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. Genesis 13:1-2 NKJV

1. In order for God to bless Abram, He had to take him out of where he was and He also had to take where he was out of him! God had a great plan for Abram and his descendants and in order to fulfill this plan, God had to take Abram out from his current surroundings. Sometimes we are limited by our circumstances and by the people around us. We are stuck in the same old rut and we need to be shaken up and our eyes opened to all the possibilities that are available to us in the Lord. If we want to walk in the blessings of God, we may have to make some defining choices. We will need to leave the influence and company of those who are negative and destructive and who are leading us away from the plans and purposes God has for us, and press into God for His will for our lives.

God separated Abram from his kinsmen and their gods so that Abram could come to know the true God and serve Him alone. God had a plan to bless Abram and to make him a great blessing to ALL the families of the earth!

2. God’s promises to Abram:

a. I will make you a great nation.

b. I will bless you.

c. I will make your name great.

d. You will be a blessing.

3. God will bring you out in order to bring you in—He will bless you to be a blessing:

a. You were born to be blessed.

b. You were born to be a blessing.

c. You cannot be a blessing if you are not blessed.

d. There is MORE than enough blessing to go around so that EVERYONE can be blessed.

Pastor Adonica’s Thoughts:

The Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills—He has more than enough provision for everyone on the earth—He has more than enough for you. You need to change the way you think and believe so that you can start to see yourself as God sees you. In Psalms 21:6, David says that God made him (David) to be blessed and a blessing forever and that applies to all those who love and obey God. Begin to expect God’s blessing in your life. Thank God for His blessings—rejoice and praise Him for them. SEE yourself as a blessing. BE a blessing wherever you are every day. Don’t wait until you have what you think you need to be a blessing. Just do what you can and give what you have right now. Be a blessing to everyone who crosses your path. Watch the Lord transform your life!

Pastor Rodney’s Thoughts:

I purposed in my heart many years ago that I wanted my life to count for eternity and that I wanted to be a blessing. I was blessed with godly parents and I had been raised in a godly home, so I had a good foundation in my life that ought to have brought blessings to me. However, I knew that God was calling me out and that I had to move to obey the call of God. God called me to America even as a young boy. I knew that I would go to America and that all I needed was God’s perfect time and the open door. I had to get up from where I was, take my family—my wife and three children—and travel to the United States of America and obey heaven’s call to be a missionary. Adonica and I climbed aboard the 747, with our three children and $300 cash, and when we landed in America in December of 1987 we had an excitement and an expectation in our heart. We knew that the Lord had promised not only to bless us, as we obeyed Him, but also to make us a blessing unto many!

God blessed Abram and he paid tithes to Melchizedek. Abram was a generous person. Look at how kind he was to Lot. Remember, that the Word of God declares that if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). You were born to be a blessing and you were born to be blessed! God has blessings for you that cannot be contained, and it all begins with a seed.  We purposed in our hearts to give our way into God’s blessings, and it worked! Open your heart as you sow seed today.

Confession and prayer:

I was born to be a blessing and I was born to be blessed! Father, teach me your ways and I promise you I will be a giver and be a blessing to the world.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Thoughts on Stewardship – Lesson 25 from Deuteronomy

The Law of the Tithe
Foundation Scriptures: Deuteronomy 14 verses 22 – 29

You shall surely tithe all the yield of your seed produced by your field each year. 23 And you shall eat before the Lord your God in the place in which He will cause His Name [and Presence] to dwell the tithe (tenth) of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstlings of your herd and your flock, that you may learn [reverently] to fear the Lord your God always. 24 And if the distance is too long for you to carry your tithe, or the place where the Lord your God chooses to set His Name [and Presence] is too far away for you, when the Lord your God has blessed you, 25 Then you shall turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go to the place [of worship] which the Lord your God has chosen. 26 And you may spend that money for whatever your appetite craves, for oxen, or sheep, or new wine or strong[er] drink, or whatever you desire; and you shall eat there before the Lord your God and you shall rejoice, you and your household. 27 And you shall not forsake or neglect the Levite [God’s minister] in your towns, for he has been given no share or inheritance with you. 28 At the end of every three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29 And the Levite [because he has no part or inheritance with you] and the stranger or temporary resident, and the fatherless and the widow who are in your towns shall come and eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do. Deuteronomy 14:22-29 AMP

1. The tithe was to be brought as an act of worship, to honor God, by all those who feared His Name

a. It was to be brought with joy – not with sadness or with reservations. It was a time to feast and rejoice and give thanks.
b. The whole family was involved – you and your house. God continually emphasizes the importance of His people personally obeying His word and also teaching these principles to their children and establishing them as a way of life so that every generation would love and serve the Lord. Joshua says, “As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b)

2. Give according to the increase.

a. You are to tithe and give, according to the blessing of the Lord. As He has blessed you – give.
b. You are supposed to bring a tithe to God off of your increase. You are expected to increase – not decrease. God expects you to increase. You are to expect increase in your own life. God tells us to bring a tithe of that increase.

3. Every one doing their part – taking responsibility – this is how the kingdom of God functions.

a. Don’t forget the Levites – the priests – the ministers of the Gospel. Don’t forget to bless and support them. The Body of Christ is responsible to take care of their own. Bring your tithe to your local church. Pray and give offerings as the Holy Spirit leads you. This is God’s way of taking care of ministers and the ministry. God does not want us to forget those who labor in the ministry.
b. God says that those who labor in the ministry are worthy of double-honor. When Jesus sent the disciples out to preach and minister, He told them not to make provision for themselves, because “the workman deserves his support (his living, his food). (Matthew 10:10 AMP) Also, 1 Timothy 5:17 AMP says, “Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor [and of adequate financial support], especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching.”
c. Today, so many people are totally focused on themselves and their own needs and they forget the stranger, the fatherless (orphans), and the widows. Hebrews 13:2 NIV says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” James 1:27 NIV says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Bless them as God blesses you.

4. If you obey God in this, He promises to bless you and to bless all the work of your hands.

Pastor Adonica’s Thoughts:
Every one of us, in the Body of Christ, has a responsibility toward God and His Kingdom. God’s plan for His people is blessing and more blessing. Some of us are called to ministry; some of us are called to business; ALL of us are called to support the Gospel and each other. God does not want us to fearfully sit on what we have – He wants us to spread the blessing around. As the blessing is spread around, the Lord increases it. The more we give, the more increase comes to our life.

Pastor Rodney’s Thoughts:
There are many people, in the church world today, who want to be blessed even though they are disobedient to the word of God. With every one of the promises, there is a condition. If we meet the condition, we receive the promise. The tithe is Holy – it tells God you love Him, and fear Him, and put Him first, above all. Take care of God’s servants, the stranger, the orphans, and the widows. These are the basics of our financial responsibility in and to the Kingdom of God. If you don’t get this, then, as far as spirituality goes – you are still in pre-school!

Prayer and Confession:
Father, thank you today that I have the privilege of blessing You, even as You have blessed me. I honor you and covenant with You to obey Your word. I expect the increase and I thank and praise You for it.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. Matthew 11:29-30 AMP

Jesus offers rest for our souls, a yoke that is easy, and a burden that is light—if we will be prepared to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him. That means that we submit ourselves to His guidance, that we learn about Him and also come to know Him personally. We cannot experience the blessing of truly knowing Him unless we will humble ourselves to submit to Him, to His word and His Spirit.

For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands.
Isaiah 66:2 AMP

So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. James 1:21-22 AMP

If we want to be successful in life, we must have a deep respect for the authority of God’s word in our lives; we must be teachable; we must acknowledge that we don’t know everything and that we have something to learn. We must believe that God is speaking to us personally and receive it as such. Being teachable requires that we also receive and even welcome discipline and correction with a good attitude. This requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to change. When you come to a place in your life that you think you’ve arrived and you know everything—you have just proved that you know absolutely nothing. Be open to learn something new every day that you live! Know, and always remember this: God will pay attention to the man who pays attention to Him and honors Him—the man who trembles at His word and reveres His commands—and is a doer of them!

He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way. Psalms 25:9 AMP

The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33 AMP

Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor. Proverbs 18:12 AMP

The humility to receive instruction brings wisdom and wisdom brings honor. Haughtiness and an un-teachable attitude will lead to disaster.

I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): 2 Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; 3 Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). 4 And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:1-4 AMP

The Lord speaks to those who are called as teachers and leaders to have a humble attitude as they tend the flock that is their responsibility. They are not permitted to be domineering or manipulative or selfish, but must rather be a godly example to the congregation.

Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:5-6 AMP

God requires that we all humble ourselves to respect and receive from those in authority over us. Many people have gone astray because they would not listen to the godly counsel of those who are older and wiser. It is foolishness for you to have a know-it-all, you-can’t-tell-me-anything attitude. You demonstrate wisdom in your own life, by your willingness to listen to and receive counsel.

Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. James 3:13 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne

1. Salvation is NOW – the believer is saved and delivered from sin now.

Luke 19:9-10 (KJV) – “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ERV) – “God says, “I heard you at the right time, and I gave you help on the day of salvation.” I tell you that the “right time” is now. The “day of salvation” is now.
Romans 10:9 (KJV) – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.“
Today is the day of salvation! The moment you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, believing that He died and rose again for you, you are saved. It is not a future event – it happens instantaneously! You are not a sinner, saved by grace. You were a sinner – now you are the righteousness of God in Christ! Galatians 3:13 says that, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having been made a curse for us.” Sin loses its power over us and the fear of death and judgment has been erased.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (NKJV) says, “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are sanctified and made righteous in God’s eyes, by the Holy Spirit. It is a supernatural thing precipitated by faith in the truth of God’s word.
1 John 1:9 (KJV) says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Once we are born again, all sins are forever forgiven and washed away and our place in heaven has been assured. It is up to us to walk in the light of God’s word from then on. Thank God – when we sin – we can go back to God to ask and receive forgiveness and continue to walk in fellowship with Him.

2. The believer is being kept from sin as he walks in the light.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV) – “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Without faith in God, there is no salvation. No good works of your own can save you. However, once you are saved by His grace, you have an obligation to yourself to walk it out in your own life. Your spirit man is a new creation and the Holy Spirit has come to live in you, but your mind and body must learn to be submitted to the Word and the Holy Spirit so that you can continue to grow in Him and see His life and blessing and peace manifested in your body and mind.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 NKJV – “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.“
Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV) – “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
We choose to walk in the righteousness, already purchased for us, because we have received and understood the great things God has done in us and how we are His purchased possession. We do not belong any more to ourselves, but to Him. We are washed in His blood; we are His peculiar people; His special treasure. We know that we will see Him again, so we live and conduct ourselves like people who are living, even now, in His very presence.
Hebrews 2:1-4 (NKJV) – “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”
1 John 1:7 (NKJV) – “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

3. The believer will eventually be saved from all the fall.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (KJV) – “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 5:9 (KJV) – “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Hebrews 9:28 (KJV) – “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
1 Peter 1:5 (KJV) – “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:9 (KJV) – “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:13 (KJV) – “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
When Adam and Eve fell in sin, they lost everything. We who are born again walk in the light, but are subject to the results and products of sin and death. There is coming a time when we will be restored to God exactly as Adam and Eve were before the fall. Except this time, we will never, ever be plucked from His hand for all eternity! Hallelujah!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24 KJV

For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances. Philippians 3:3 AMP

The name, Christian, means “Christ-like” or “little anointed one” — a worshipper, a follower and an imitator of God. You are not a Christian because you call yourself one; you are not a Christian because you are better than the next person; you are a true Christian because you know that you don’t deserve the free gift offered and given to you — the gift of God in Jesus — and you have humbled yourself to accept Him as YOUR Lord and Savior. You have put no confidence or dependence on what you are in the flesh or on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances. You know that there is no advantage to you to be proud and boastful of your own accomplishments, for they mean nothing in the presence of God. You know that your only value is in how HE feels about you; what HE thinks about you. Because HE loves you and sees you as valuable and precious; because HE died and rose again for you; you have value and worth. Without Him, you are nothing. You can’t even worship Him without the Holy Spirit, but by and through the gracious work of the Spirit of God, you can worship Him. You must worship Him and exult and glory and pride yourself in Jesus Christ and Him alone.

As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe]. 14 For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children — 18 To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts]. Psalms 103:13-18 AMP

Again — we must recognize our frailty and complete dependence on God and His grace and mercy. Thank God — He remembers how weak and frail we really are and He is gentle and merciful with us. We are the ones who need to remember that we are not “all that” and we desperately need Him every day that we live!

Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. Proverbs 3:7 AMP

Someone who is arrogant and self-confident cannot or will not recognize and acknowledge how much they need God’s help and intervention — neither will they worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Don’t be a know-it-all, because you will prove yourself to be a fool. It takes humility to reverently fear God; it takes humility to worship Him and Him alone. The humble person understands that sin is not something to be trifled with. They recognize its power to separate them from God and so they are wise enough to keep their distance and humble enough to run to God for His strength to overcome sin. The fear of the Lord is a deep, reverential sense of our accountability to Him!*

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before and reverently fear Him, all the earth.
Psalms 96:9 AMP

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation and adorn the wretched with victory. 5 Let the saints be joyful in the glory and beauty [which God confers upon them]; let them sing for joy upon their beds. Psalms 149:4-5 AMP

But as for me, I will enter Your house through the abundance of Your steadfast love and mercy; I will worship toward and at Your holy temple in reverent fear and awe of You. Psalms 5:7 AMP

I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify Him with thanksgiving, 31 And it will please the Lord better than an ox or a bullock that has horns and hoofs. 32 The humble shall see it and be glad; you who seek God, inquiring for and requiring Him [as your first need], let your hearts revive and live! Psalms 69:30-32 AMP

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalms 34:1-3 AMP

The humble worship God, love to see and hear others worship God, and experience the presence of God in worship. Anyone who is proud and arrogant cannot stand to hear the Father, Son and Holy Spirit being worshipped, but the humble love to worship Him and also to hear others worship Him.

*Darlene Zschech – Extravagant Worship

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

As many are searching, and so many it seems, looking for God and using every means. Some bow to the east; and some to the west; some have their very own guru and they believe the very best; some worship a rat; others worship the cow; others have to pay big money to find out how. Ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Some only look when they are old; others look in their youth.

Religion is frustrating—man’s vain attempt to reach God­—the burden is heavy and many are tired. Stumbling around in the darkness, you can truly lose your way. Lost, following another man’s theory; crying out night and day. Over the centuries, men separated, castrated and amputated; all trying to get close to a god in the sky; waiting for their deliverance in the sweet by and by. Camels and virgins; promises are made; to sit at the right hand; or so it’s been said.

History repeats itself—religion takes on many forms—like a chameleon it changes to whatever it’s on. It comes to bind up, to kill and destroy, for no matter what man does he cannot fill the void. Some read the Bible; the Koran; the Torah too; some read the book of Bhagavad Gita; looking for interpretation and following a system; wondering how it will all end and how it all began. Some are Methodist, Buddhist or Islam; some are Baptist and some just live on a farm; Presbyterian, Charismatic and Pentecostal as well. Some believe in a heaven; others believe in a hell; others believe you have to pay penance; others believe you are okay; others believe all will go to God and all will be well. Some will come back and live a few more lives, so that they can find that place of karma—that place in their mind.

Heaven is what you make of it; there is no place called hell; if there was a God, He would not send you there: religion will tell. Many ways have been tried throughout history—from crucifying oneself to mutilation; people have starved themselves and lived without speaking for years; lived in seclusion in remote places; prayed and chanted and wrote many pages; gave their money to the poor and their body to be burned; but when they died, they all died alone. Some went on a Great Crusade; others a Holy War; their muscles ached and their body was sore; some were tortured and some were killed; some were sawn in two and others fled. Many a quest for the Holy Grail, or the Ark of the Covenant, and many would fail to find the fountain of so-called youth.

Futility of futilities, all would lose the battle of life, would come to an end and they would die alone, with not even a friend. As they breathed out their last breath, with great uncertainty of what lay ahead and what of eternity—where would they go and what was the truth that had been looking for all of their youth? The truth of the matter, some would say, “Well who is right and who has the way?” Many never knew the truth was in one book—all they had to do was find it and look! For it is written in God’s Holy Word, according to the scripture, He sent His Word and the Word became flesh and came to the earth, born of a virgin, to give us New Birth. He, the Son, came to show us the Father, that we could live eternally in the hereafter. What many did not understand—it was not about religion, but about God reaching man—He, only Jesus, is the only way for man. It’s not what we can do that makes the difference, for He has done it all and that’s not religion.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP

The Father loves us and He wants to take care of us — He wants us to be dependent on Him for everything — He wants to be our provider and protector. It takes humility not to worry. It takes humility to trust God and not the arm of the flesh. It takes humility to look to the Father and to wait on Him for everything. The proud and arrogant are self-contained, self-enriched and self-supported — at least they think they are. They believe that they don’t need God. They don’t know that it is He who rains on the just and the unjust and provides for all His creation.

Sometimes God’s people look at the sinners and think that they have it better than them, as in Malachi 3:13-15 AMP: “Your words have been strong and hard against Me, says the Lord. Yet you say, What have we spoken against You? 14 You have said, It is useless to serve God, and what profit is it if we keep His ordinances and walk gloomily and as if in mourning apparel before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we consider the proud and arrogant to be happy and favored; evildoers are exalted and prosper; yes, and when they test God, they escape [unpunished].” However, the Lord assures us in Malachi 4:1 AMP that, “For behold, the day comes that shall burn like an oven, and all the proud and arrogant, yes, and all that do wickedly and are lawless, shall be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.”

Proverbs 18:11-12 AMP says that, “The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit. Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.” And Proverbs 16:18-19 AMP tells us that, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the meek and poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:2 that in the last days, people will be selfish, greedy and arrogant (among other things). In order to walk in integrity, Christians will have to resist the temptation to follow the crowd and do what they do. Don’t ever be tempted to compare your situation unfavorably with that of a sinner. Material wealth is not the greatest gift in life, for what will it profit you if you gain the whole world, and lose your own soul? (Mark 8:36) On the Day of Judgment, you will stand alone before God. As Proverbs 11:4 AMP tells us, “Riches provide no security in any day of wrath and judgment, but righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) delivers from death.” The choices we make here on earth affect our own eternity and that of others, so let’s make good ones! Anyone, who wants to be used by the Lord, must set a Biblical standard in and for their own life. Titus 1:7 says that the person who wants to be in authority must not be self-willed or arrogant or presumptuous nor grasping and greedy for filthy lucre or financial gain. Some of the things that will make Christians stand out as never before in these last days are their generosity, graciousness and hospitality — even as the darkness encroaches on us more and more, our light shines brighter!

Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation [as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God], 10 And the rich [person ought to glory] in being humbled [by being shown his human frailty], because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits. James 1:9-11 AMP

As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. 18 [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], 19 In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 AMP

The Lord has a special message for the rich: Humble yourself to acknowledge God as your source and supply and use your blessing to be a blessing. The Lord also has a special message for the not so rich: Rejoice in what you do have in Christ. Whatever God gives ANY of you — appreciate ALL of it and be content with what you have — because your life is short and eternity is forever!

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array. 30 Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth’s peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns! 1 Chronicles 16:29-31 AMP

Humble yourself to be faithful to bring your tithe and your offering before the Lord. Always acknowledge Him as your source and supply.

The curse of the Lord is in and on the house of the wicked, but He declares blessed (joyful and favored with blessings) the home of the just and consistently righteous. Proverbs 3:33 AMP

The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 AMP

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

The mission of the local church is: Preaching and teaching; Making disciples; Fellowship; Worship; Missions and evangelism; Maturity of the believer; Ministry in the home; Ministry to material needs.

Ministry to material needs:

Many people religiously think of the Church merely as an institution, however, the Church is you and me; the believers; the Body of Christ. Some people seem to think that the Church’s primary and only job is to give hand outs, to feed people and fix their roofs after a hurricane, but Jesus told us first to preach the Gospel, save, heal and deliver. Jesus preached and demonstrated the Gospel, by saving, healing and delivering. When they needed food, He multiplied what they had and fed a multitude. He did this out of compassion for people. We, too, are obligated to one another in the love of the Lord. We are not responsible FOR each other, but we are responsible TO each other. We are responsible to be hospitable to the Church first and then to the world. The Church is not responsible for lazy people, but out of love for humanity, they lend a helping hand to those who are struggling as a result of circumstances beyond their control. They do this out of love, not because they are forced to do it.

1. The Early Church, motivated by the Holy Spirit and by compassion, were hospitable and gracious to one another. They cared for one another like family and shared what they had with everyone who had a need.

Acts 2:44-45 NKJV – Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
Romans 15:25-27 NKJV – But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

2. Everyone is responsible to meet the needs of their own family first. The Church may step in to help those who truly have no family and no help and no way to earn a living themselves. Those receiving the Church’s help, should, in turn, be serving others in the Church — not staying home and/or getting into trouble.

1 Timothy 5:3-16 NKJV – Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

3. Faith or true religion is not in pretending to be Holy, but in ministering to the needs of others, spirit, soul and body as we have capacity to help.

James 1:26-27 AMP – If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren). 27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
James 2:15-17 NKJV – If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
2 Corinthians 9:9 AMP – As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!

4. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:34-46, that whatever good we do, whatever kindness we show, to others in Jesus Name, it’s as if we have done it to Him. Our kindness and generosity toward others, is a demonstration of God’s love and goodness toward them, causing them to repent and turn to Him. Jesus said in verse 40, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” And in verse 45, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.”

5. The account of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, lets us know that Jesus wants us to care for our neighbor as best we can and also that everyone is our neighbor, not just certain people.

6. The disciples concentrated their efforts on prayer, preaching the Gospel and ministering to people’s spiritual needs. In Acts 6:1-6, they appointed anointed, responsible men to minister to the material needs. Two of these men were Stephen and Philip who later did extraordinary things themselves.

I being changed as I deal with unmet expectations…things I expected or were even promised,but did not happen.To trust in Jesus in his timing,not leaning on my own understanding, he will protect us and prompt us.