Ministry Resources

Kingdom Provision Management

Kingdom Provision Management

It is evident in scripture in both the Old and New Testament that God intends for His Kingdom citizens to be well provided for. God knows us so well that He knew what would happen to us if He did not give us instructions about how to deal successfully with the increase of wealth when it occurs in our lives.

It is common to need instruction when entering in to a new realm of activity and responsibility. Before we allow a 15-year old to drive a car, we require instruction in the laws governing our roads and the actual skills of driving the car. Athletic teams don’t just take a student out of Geometry class and put them in at quarterback. There are hours spent in physical training and practice of skills that are done before the opening game.

God is extremely careful to prepare us for the purpose for which we were created. Consider King David’s life as an example. He was raised in a large family, was given jobs to do that required bravery and skills to protect his father’s flocks. Undoubtedly, he was instructed in the covenants of his people because this was evident when he relied on being a “covenant person” as he faced Goliath, the giant. Even though anointed early in life to be king, he endured years of betrayal, danger, and rejection as he fled from King Saul who was trying to kill him. He was a warrior who later used all these experiences and skills to rule Israel and defeat all surrounding enemy armies. Besides his own physical and spiritual strength, he maintained a close relationship with his God, and even when he sinned, he was quick to repent and turn back to God.

Provision Management for Israel and Believers

Point No. 1 – Stay in Love with God and Others

When God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, the first five were about how the people were to relate to God. He was to be their only god, they were not to make or bow down to any man-made images/gods, and they were to not “take the name of the Lord their God in vain”. Finally, they were to love God and keep His commandments.

The amazing promises made to Israel in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, begin with instruction to listen to God’s voice and to obey His commandments. Similarly, Jesus instructed the people to love God and to keep His commandments. The New Covenant was a relationship based on love rather than strict obedience to rules and regulations.

Matthew 6:33 New King James Version (NKJV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

In God’s Kingdom, we are to treat others the way we want to be treated. This is known as the Golden Rule. (Matthew 7:12) In other words, love is to be the ruling force in God’s Kingdom. That is not hard to comprehend as the scripture states that God IS love. (I John 4:8)

When Jesus was asked by a lawyer, a Pharisee, what is the greatest commandment, he gave the following reply.

Matthew 22:37-40 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Jesus taught the interrelationship between the love we express to him and the love He and Father God show to us. We show our love by keeping the commandments. God manifests His love to us by being with us (His presence), giving us favor, grace, mercy, salvation, protection, health, and provision.

John 14:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and [a]manifest Myself to him.”

John 14:21 Amplified Bible (AMP)

The person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him [I will make Myself real to him].”

As stated earlier, when we become a follower of Jesus, we need to renew our minds to think the way God thinks. Rarely do self-help success programs list loving God and others as the top priorities. In God’s Kingdom all actions are evaluated on the motive of showing love to Him and to other people.

As I meditated on these scriptures, Holy Spirit spoke to me about loving God. Our concern or focus is not a matter of doing the “do’s” and not doing, the “don’ts” but rather we ask, “How do I show God my love for Him today? How do I show the people around me my love for them today? How do I love myself today?” We obey out of our love for God, not out of a spirit of fear or a sense of duty

Point No. 2 – Have Faith in What God Says

God promised the Jewish people a promised land that would be flowing with milk and honey. When the twelve spies went in to view the land, it truly was an outstanding place with massive provisional benefits. However, people were already living there, and some of them were giants.

Simply speaking, there were large obstacles between the people and their promised provision. They chose to not believe God who had said the land was theirs. This unbelief cost that generation the privilege of living in the land of promise. In Hebrews, we are cautioned to not “fall after the same example of unbelief”.

Point No. 3 – Success Comes Gradually

In Deuteronomy, God makes many promises to Israel about what blessings He will bring to them. One is how He will deal with their enemies who are living in the land that is to be theirs.

Deuteronomy 7:21-22 Amplified Bible (AMP)

You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. 22 The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for [if you did] the [a]wild animals would become too numerous for you.

God’s plan was for the Israelites to gradually conquer the inhabitants of their promised land and then take possession of it, piece by piece. We have learned it is better for a business to have gradual growth rather than rapid expansion. Patience is needed to sustain growth and development over an extended number of years. Gil says, “It takes 20 years to be an over-night success!”

Point No. 4 – Stay Humble

There is a temptation that comes after the battle has been won, things are going well, and you are in a comfortable place physically and financially. This temptation stems from a spirit of pride in your own accomplishments. You were the one who worked 18 or more hours a day. You were the one that closed the big contract. You are the one who invented the product that sold thousands and made millions. You are the one who stood in faith, believed the promises, and faithfully fought the battle for success. In success, you can be tempted to think, “I can take it from here, God.” This is a dangerous way to think.

Proverbs 16:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before [a]a fall.

Like a good father who instructs his children and warms them of danger before they face life’s challenges, God gave His chosen people cautions about the need to maintain the right attitudes when they achieved success.

Deuteronomy 8:13-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)

and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have increases, 14 then your heart will become lifted up [by self-conceit and arrogance] and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember [with profound respect] the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore (solemnly promised) to your fathers, as it is this day.

John 15:5 New King James Version (NKJV)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Our talents, intellect, physical strength, and every breath we take are from God and are sustained by His grace in our lives.

Point 5 – Focus on Kingdom Purposes for Wealth

There are definite instructions in the Bible about how we are to use the money and possessions we acquire. When you read these scriptures, you may be surprised by the message because it is so different from the thinking of most people who are not following Jesus.

Ephesians 4:28 New King James Version (NKJV)

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

1 Timothy 6:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

2 Corinthians 9:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Ephesians 2:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Giving to others is a vital part of living in the pattern of Jesus. God himself gave mankind Jesus and Jesus spent his life of ministry doing good to those in need. He fed multitudes, healed the sick, brought deliverance to those in bondage, brought sight to blind eyes, and forgiveness to all.

The last instruction Jesus gave his disciples is what is called the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:19-20 New King James Version (NKJV) 19

Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen.

In order to fulfill this command, funds are needed for travel expenses, food, lodging, Bibles, TV time, radio time, digital devices, training resources, and facilities. Missionaries, pastors, and evangelists often must be trained in Bible schools and colleges. This is not a complete list, but you get the idea that funds are needed to take the gospel message to the nations.

One of the gifts given to believers is the gift of giving. This is a gift Gil and I received from Holy Spirit many years ago. Because of this particular gifting, it is a profound pleasure for us to be able to give to various ministries and individuals.

In the early days of our company, Dust Free, Inc. we were impressed to give to a ministry that was started by a former elder at Church on the Rock in Rockwall, TX. Dr. David Shibley had a dream of going to third-world countries to train and equip native pastors to evangelize their respective countries. We did not know until many years later that the money we gave in the beginning weeks and months to Global Advance was what made it possible for that ministry to grow and fulfill its purpose. Today that ministry has trained over 800,000 pastors, church leaders, and business leaders in 200 countries.

We have been blessed to be able to give to various missionary efforts as well as local church ministries. This is not a matter of pride in what we have done and continue to do. It is simply the fulfillment of the gifting God planned for us to have. As we give, we have the joy of knowing we are living out the purpose God has for our lives. We enjoy His blessing on our business and we enjoy sharing our resources as Holy Spirit directs.

Point 6. – Stay Focused on Your Purpose

God has a plan for each person’s life. These plans were made by Him before anyone was born. In fact, the Bible states that He wrote a book about our lives before the foundation of the world.

The life of David, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel, is a wonderful example of a purpose driven life. The exploits of David are a fascinating study. Many trials and hardships characterized much of his life when King Saul was trying to kill him. However, God’s will for David prevailed and he did become King of Israel. It was King David’s desire to build a fabulous temple for God. Throughout his years, he accumulated

untold amounts of wealth for the building of this temple. However, God did not allow him to realize this dream because of his warrior life-style.

1 Chronicles 28:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’

It was God’s will for King David’s son, Solomon, to build the beautiful temple, but the divine purpose for David’s wealth was accomplished.

I Chronicles 29:2-3 Amplified Bible (AMP)

So with all my ability I have provided for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, silver for the things of silver, bronze for the things of bronze, iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, as well as onyx stones and stones to be inlaid, stones of antimony (a brittle, silvery-white metal) and stones of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones and alabaster in abundance. Moreover, because I delight in the house of my God, the [personal] treasure that I have of gold and silver, I give to the house of my God, in addition to all that I have already provided for the holy house:

King David was wise in his understanding of the source, purpose, and ownership of the massive amount of wealth he gave for the building of the temple.

1 Chronicles 29:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

“O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.

Our wealth is from God and is to be used for His purposes. We do not own it and have only acquired it by His blessing and grace on our lives. This understanding is critical to us maintaining what we have received from God.

Point 7. – Be Mindful of Your Enemy

One of the foundation scriptures for our lessons for the adult Sunday school class at Coffeyville First Assembly has been John 10:10.

John 10:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Satan, the devil, has been in rebellion against God, Jesus and now followers of Jesus since the time when he was the beautiful angel in heaven who was expelled by God for his attitude and actions.

The Apostle Peter cautioned Christians about the devil’s activities in their lives comparing him to a stalking, roaring lion. This is not an enemy to be ignored.

1 Peter 5:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

Be [a]sober, be [b]vigilant; [c]because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

The Apostle Paul gave instruction to Ephesian Christians concerning things they were to do as followers of Jesus in order to keep themselves from the influence of the devil.

Ephesians 4:24-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give [a]place to the devil.

Other scriptures that follow these address stealing, working to have resources to give to those in need, evil speaking, edifying others, avoiding attitudes and actions that grieve Holy Spirit such as bitterness, wrath, anger and clamor. Rather he encouraged walking in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. I believe it can be concluded that these negative attitudes and actions are ways the devil acquires a place in our souls.

In his letter to the twelve tribes of Israel, the Apostle James discussed devilish wisdom that was not from God.

James 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then

peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

The King James Version states “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

James also taught about the importance of humility, submitting to God, which I interpret to mean, be an obedient follower, and resisting the devil.

James 4:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

It is encouraging to understand that living in God’s ways rather than our self-centered ways causes the devil to get away from us. When Jesus resisted Satan, we are told he left him “for a season”. Today’s victory does not insure that the devil will not try another of his tricks on us tomorrow or on into the future. This is why Peter’s instruction is important. Satan does not seek once and quit.

The qualities James highlights correlate with King David’s explanation of the result of brethren living in unity rather than selfishness, envy, and strife.

Psalm 133:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

Verse 3b, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

In the account of Jesus’ life as recorded by Matthew, the temptations of Jesus are given. At each of the three temptations, Jesus answered the devil with a testimony of His beliefs. “It is written” was his response followed by a scripture from the Old Covenant that refuted Satan’s temptation. This example is valid for us today. Satan cannot stand against the Words of God.

In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John explains three ways to overcome the devil.

Revelation 12:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

1 John 1:7 New King James Version (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.

No accusation of the devil can stand against the on-going, cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Guilt and shame must bow to the power of His blood. Our confession of our belief in this power and function of the blood is our testimony that brings us victory. This along with our commitment to the will of God rather than our own will makes it possible for us to live in fellowship with Holy Spirit and enjoy a fruitful, victorious life.

Written by Gil and Jane Burnett