City Life Starter

I. The Word:

“When you set your eyes on wealth, it is [suddenly] gone.

For wealth certainly makes itself wings

Like an eagle that flies to the heavens.”  –Proverbs 23:5 (Amplified)

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” –Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV)

II. Reflection Questions

1. How do you know your money is being put to good use?
2. What are some of the things you consider when making a charitable donation?
3. What motivates you to pursue your dreams?

Last Sunday, Pastor Chris shared an amazing message about Spirit-empowered finances. The idea that we can be Spirit-led in our financial decisions is a game-changer not only for our own personal well being but also for advancing God’s Kingdom purposes here on earth.

As I was praying recently, I instantly thought about this scripture from Proverbs 23:5 about wealth: “When you set your eyes on wealth, it is [suddenly] gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies to the heavens.”

Immediately upon thinking of the above scripture, I mentally saw a picture of an eagle flying and remembered something I heard that eagles in the Bible are symbolic of “vision.” And then this revelation hit me: vision attracts wealth.  

In other words, if you view wealth as the end goal, then it will always elude you. However, if you are focused on God’s vision for your life, you will attract the funds to bring that vision to fruition.

Money is not stagnant. I think the term “currency” for money gives an accurate depiction of the fluidity of money and how it flows from one source to another. If you are walking for God’s purposes and want to honor Him with your finances, I 100% believe He will empower you to get wealth.

I’m sure there are people with big dreams and empty bank accounts scoffing at this idea, but I really do believe the Lord empowers His people to get wealth so they may establish His covenant on earth (Deuteronomy 8:18). I have heard testimony after testimony in my own experience and others who have experienced God’s supernatural provision when they were walking in obedience to Him and seeking to advance His purposes.

One of the names of God in the Bible is “Jehovah-Jireh,” which means “Lord, my Provider.” I have depended on the Lord as my Provider, in good times and bad, both when I have been making money and when I was in between jobs, and God’s provision has always been more than enough to meet my needs.

I don’t think that money is evil in and of itself, but it is simply a tool to be used for God’s purposes. People may use the money for other purposes which can be evil, but money itself is not evil.

That being said, the Lord wants to empower people to get wealth for His covenant purposes. What can that mean exactly? How can you be empowered to get wealth? I think He does so through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you in your decisions, not just in finances, but in every aspect of life, will open doors for you and cause you to bring about the good plans He has for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

If you have been under the influence of so much other noise, it can be challenging to hear the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit, however, it is not impossible even in our fast-paced, jam-packed lifestyles.

You ultimately make time for the things you want to do and the people you want to interact with. It’s no different with the Holy Spirit. In order to hear from Him, we must spend time cultivating a relationship with Him in order to hear His voice. This can be done in numerous ways, from reading His word with a cup of coffee every morning, to going on a prayer walk and just delighting in His creation and spending the quality time with Him.

Even while you are working and going about your daily routine, you can rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and connect with Him on a personal level. When you are cultivating a relationship like this, it will be difficult not to listen to Him when He whispers to your heart.

God wants to be fully integrated into all aspects of our life, not just one day a week. By seeking Him prayerfully and being flexible by allowing Him to guide your daily decisions, you will be empowered not only to get wealth but to establish His covenant wherever you go.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your provision and giving me what I need to fulfill Your purpose for me. Forgive me for not honoring You with my finances in the past. I want to make a change. I want everything I do to honor You. Truly, You are worthy of it all. In Jesus Name, Amen.