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| | The Christian Millionaire Mindset Mentors Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Outrageous Favor - It's no Secret! | Views: 1012 | | Jun 12, 2007 3:45 am | | Outrageous Favor - It's no Secret! | # | 
Jack Weinzierl | | I had the honor to share the following Sunday morning with our congregation.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that we live in a country that allows us to freely come together to worship you, thank you for the hedge of protection and refreshing you place on pastor Stan and his family as they travel, we thank you for the tireless sacrifices they make every day for your Kingdom and we thank you for giving us insight this morning, it’s ALL about you Lord, Holy Spirit fill this place, in Jesus precious name we pray, amen.
Some of you asked where I was last week and I appreciate that by the way. This church is filled with so much love. Well, I traveled last weekend to surprise my brother in Detroit at the Grand Opening of their new ministry center in Sterling Heights, MI. It was awesome to see the vision that God gave him a little over two years ago, now realized. It was just about two years ago when my brother went to his church board to let them know he was directed to possess the land and they only had $800 in their building fund. They all saw the vision with no naysayers and last weekend they opened up their new $15 million ministry center. You know they could have made a 100 excuses to not more forward in the natural, but you can make excuses OR make a difference, BUT you cannot make both. They had incredible favor with financing, the city council, the Wal-Mart that had just purchased the building in the same center, and with the community. Praise God.
And we are going to talk about Favor this morning. Not just Favor, but Outrageous Favor.
God gets all the glory and lives will be forever changed in Detroit that by the way, has one of the largest concentrations of Muslims in the world outside of the Middle East. I was honored to surprise my brother by singing several songs with their praise team and they had 1600 people at their first service with 7 people accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Praise God and you each had a part in that as well, as we, as a church have sowed into their ministry and they have sowed into Oasis. I have to tell you that my mic was shaking a bit that morning singing, but I had to remind myself that I was truly singing to an audience of ONE.
So, I am excited that I get to use the headset here at Oasis, so if you see my head shaking, then we have a problem.
A quick headset story to share, I was getting ready to speak to a group of about 100 Christian entrepreneurs last year at the Dolphin Resort at Disney and I was all miked up. I had a few minutes and needed to use the restroom. Let’s just say about midway through that experience, I realized that my mic was turned on still. I was mortified and I thank God that I later found out that I was out of range.
OK, back to my brother’s church in Detroit.
Folks, that church started in a basement about 23 years ago with only 20 people and you be interested to know, that my wife Stephanie, then about 16, was in charge of the children’s ministry—OK that may be a stretch as there were about 4 kids and she was babysitting back then. VBS stood for “Very Bored Stephanie” back in those basement church days.
I am so thankful for the strong Christian heritage in my family. In fact, at this grand opening I met a gentleman that was praying for my brother to get saved 30 years ago.
I was blessed to have married an incredible woman of God 18 years ago, after being setup on a blind date through their church in Detroit. She is also quite a dancer as you saw this morning and overall, just a great goofball—and I mean that with the utmost affection.
I married very well and I thank God for Stephanie every day.
We had been married almost 15 years and I can openly share that we gave of our finances, but I was not a cheerful giver as is instructed in 2 Corinthians 9:7. I knew what the Word said, but I was not living it. In fact, we attended Life Changers with Pastor Gregory Dickow for several years and I always cringed when he talked about money and giving every week. I am so grateful for that stewardship training and the seeds that were planted.
I want to encourage some of you this morning if you begin to get a little uncomfortable, always look at the Word and one thing I have found with the successful people in my life is they all have one key trait, they have gotten comfortable being uncomfortable….that is where the growth typically occurs.
With that said, if I share something that does not line up with the Word, spit it out.
Now more than ever, the Body of Christ is learning that there are a lot of benefits when we serve the Lord.
For example, when you look for employment, do you take a job solely on how much it pays? Of course not! Not only do you look for good pay and fair treatment, but you also keep in mind the quality of the benefits offered to you. It's the total package that often determines where you decide to work. The same is true in the spirit realm.
Psalm 103:2 says,
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." You see, God's benefit package includes a blood-bought right to wealth, divine health, wisdom and preferential treatment. Don’t believe it? Look what the Word says about it in (Ps. 112:3; Is. 53:5; and Prov. 3:4).
These benefits began as an everlasting covenant with Abraham, and extends to his seed, meaning you and me (Ps. 105:8-10; Gal.3:29). Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we would forever be eligible to walk in these heavenly benefits daily. In fact, when you received Jesus Christ, the Anointed One and His Anointing, as your Lord and Savior, you became the seed of Abraham. You now have a covenant right to the blessings that God promised him in Genesis 12:3 and Deuteronomy 28.
Due to a lack of clear understanding about our covenant and covenant rights, many Christians have not received the benefits that are theirs as children of God.
To understand simply means "to piece together, to comprehend, or to grasp." When you have understanding, it enables the Word to take root in your heart. In other words, it becomes "rhema," or real to you. Therefore, when you fully understand that YOU are the seed of Abraham, you can stand on that Word and expect your inheritance to manifest itself in your life.
Think of it this way: When your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents die, as a family member, you are an heir to their estate. You have the right to receive their possessions as your own. Their houses, land, jewelry, money and everything else they may own will be passed on to you. Likewise, as the seed of Abraham, you have a right to inherit the blessings that were bestowed on him.
Birthright alone, however, does not qualify you to receive your inheritance. God also requires your obedience. In Deuteronomy 28:1-14, the Word describes the blessings that come from obedience. In fact, God promised to set you above all nations of the earth. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. Everything you do will prosper.
Some people might say, "That's all in the Old Testament. We live by the new covenant now." When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you became an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ (Rom. 8:14-17). And since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), it's safe to say the Old Testament blessings still apply.
You see, we were adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:4-5). And since we are His children, we have a right to all of the promises in the Bible. We have a right to have all of our needs met, be free from worry, and live an abundant life (Phil. 4:6, 19; John 10:10). That's what Jesus came to earth for - to set us free from the bondage of sin and death and usher us into the land of more than enough.
We also have a right to the wealth of God. Psalm 112:3 says, "Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever." And The Amplified Bible tells us, "Prosperity and welfare are in his house." As a born-again Christian, you have inherited houses, riches, and eternal life (Is. 65:21; Ps. 112:1-3; John 3:15). In addition, you have inherited a right to God's power, His anointing (Eph. 1:19).
Everything you could ever want or need has been provided for you; however, you must receive your inheritance. Proverbs 5:10 says, "Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger." In other words, if you don't receive, or walk in your inheritance, someone else will try to cash in on it. That someone is the Devil. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that "Satan comes only to steal, kill and destroy."
Don't let him have what is yours! You are a child of God (1 Pet. 2:9). Don't let someone who is a stranger to the covenant take what belongs in the family! For example, if an attorney called a meeting for the reading of your relative's will, everyone in your family would probably show up because they'd want to know what they had inherited. However, if a stranger - someone who has no relationship with the family - showed up, everyone would ask, "Who are you? What are you doing here? What makes you think you have a right to anything?" You wouldn't sit by and let someone take what belongs to you. You'd run them out of there! So, put the thief on notice once and for all! Say, "Devil, in the name of Jesus, God's Word says you must restore everything you've stolen from me. I want my stuff now!"
Thank God for the blood of Jesus! Now that you are a member of His body, you can partake of His covenant blessings. You see, God has always purposed for you to live in abundance.
It's hard to understand why people have a problem with Christians enjoying the fruit of their labor. In fact, some folks here this morning might be thinking, Jack is sounding a lot like those prosperity teachers out there. And to that I say, Amen. If the Word says it, that settles it. In fact, many have seen the bumper sticker that reads, God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Actually, that is incorrect. God said it, that settles it, whether you and I CHOOSE to believe or not.
Many people seem to take offense when you live well. Trust me on this one. I am attacked on a website daily because of our success. But the Word says wealthy living is good. In fact, it's part of your divine inheritance. God gave you the riches, wealth and power to enjoy. It's all part of His covenant with you. That is good news folks, but you have to CHOSE it.
There is much more to your salvation than just eternal life. The Greek word for salvation is translated "soteria," which includes deliverance, victory, health, wholeness and prosperity. Yes, eternal life is a big part of it, but it's not the sum total of the experience. There is nothing wrong with being prosperous. As a child of the King, you're supposed to live abundantly. In fact, the Old Testament makes clear that people who were in covenant relationship with God were recognized by their wealth. Now, however, people tend to think and say all kinds of evil things about you when you enjoy the blessings of God.
Since I began putting Christ first and boldly proclaiming the Good News in my business two years ago, horrendous and evil things have been said about me….some of which you wouldn’t even believe.
Well, they're going to have to change their thinking, because God is raising up millionaires to show the world that it pays to serve Him. They are living in scarcity or what I like to call “scared city.” God rewards the obedience of His people with bountiful blessings! You see, you can't bless anyone when you're broke or just barely getting by. And you can't show someone what it's like to be in covenant with God when you're in debt or in poverty. But by living in abundance, we prove the goodness and faithfulness of God. You may think, "I don't need to be a millionaire. I don't require that much." Well, Child of God, it will take all of that and more, because He has called you to be a blessing to others. We are not called to be us 4 and no more. That’s really a selfish view when you get right down to it.
God wants you to experience all of the wonderful benefits that come from His covenant relationship with you. You will be able to supply the needs of those around you, promote the gospel, and bring others into an intimate covenant relationship with Him.
On a personal note, I invested the first 17 years in corporate America chasing the almighty dollar. And a little over Two years ago, I was faced with a decision where my wife and I spent time in prayer seeking His purpose for us. I was the president of a company that was all about the almighty dollar, with no Almighty in the equation.
I needed God in our finances, our business and my daily walk. So after much prayer and an indescribable peace, I resigned from that secular corporate position as president of an online dating business—of all things, to become a Christian entrepreneur and mentor. The Lord was directing me to be a difference maker and to lean on Him and the Word vs. the world. I have been able to put Christ first in my business and my life. I have been mentored by Christian millionaires and the example provided by these godly men and women has forever changed my walk.
The Lord has blessed me with gifts and talents in the marketplace, but He was waiting until I trusted Him and that He could trust me to pour out more blessings, not so I could hold tightly onto them, but so these finances could flow through me. I firmly believe He will get it to us, when He can get it through us.
When we began to “live” His Word 2 years ago, the blessings have been amplified. That was a major shift for me. Taking the focus off me and onto others was the key. Being a cheerful giver was truly an outward manifestation of getting my heart right. It started with our finances and it opened my heart to one of service. And as 2 Corinthians 8:7 states, “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38. Since we have been obedient with our finances and focused on serving Him first, He has opened up opportunities and supernatural favor in our finances entrusting us with so much more. I give God all the glory, honor and praise. We are also able to reach more people with the Good News as finances are simply a tool to equip ministries locally and globally.
When you seek Him first, your desires begin to change from worldly desires to desires that are aligned with the Word. We have been blessed and prosperous with our business over the past two years and one lesson that I have learned is just because you can buy something, does not mean you should. Having grown up around wealth, but never experiencing it in my family while growing up, I had some worldly desires that I pursued. If we are all honest, all of us have been there or are still there. The more time we spend in the Word of God, in prayer and in praise, those desires begin to change and get in alignment with God's purpose for our lives.
During the first two months of 2007, I took a long hard look at those things that we have prioritized in our lives. We are in the process of seeking the Lord on all areas that need to be transformed from world to Word. It comes down to a matter of good stewardship. In fact, it was during this time that we made the decision to move from our current home—this Tuesday in fact, to be better stewards. Don't get me wrong, things are not the issue, but it's when some of those things have us, that it is an issue. I realized that I am entrusted with the assets that the Lord has given us the keys for.
I turned 40 years old a few weeks ago and I am so thankful for the wisdom and discernment that the Lord has given me. For many years, He was my Savior, but now He is Lord of my life. It is never too late to repent and seek Him first, beginning today. Simply ask, “here I am Lord, use me.” And be ready to do what the world will tell you cannot be done. Remember, you have to attempt the impossible to do the impossible. When you are willing to get out of the boat and go where God wants you to go, get ready to do the impossible. Give outrageously of your love, give outrageouslyof your finances, give outrageously time, gifts and talents. I believe it is the ultimate reflection of Christ in us.
Now, I want to shift gears with some keys to experiencing that favor in our lives.
Do you begin your day in prayer and in the Word? This is an area that is often a challenge for me. I want to get into the “to do” list for the day and for those wired the same way, simply add that at the top of your “to do” list.
Do you have a spirit of thankgiving every morning. It does not have to be a long song or a long prayer, just Thank you, Lord.
Are you praying and believing for the Lord to direct your steps, your family, your business? Are you praying about where you sit at a restaurant, Starbucks, who you connect with every day?
Are you believing and expecting Divine appointments in your life and business?
--Believe for divine appointments and favor
--Let His appointments and schedule become yours
--He can open doors you can’t open in the natural
--we need to stop focusing on the horizontal and go vertical—look up
--The Holy Spirit can lead you to someone to bless; connect you with the one person who can change the results.
Are you believing for Divine solutions?
--God has everything you need
--Be willing to trust what God can do more than what you can do! This is a tough one for me.
Are you believing for Divine favor?—Grace on steroids
--Divine favor will compel people to help you
--magnetic power, not through the Universe that the new agers are crediting these days, but through the power of the Holy Spirit within you.
Are you believing for Divine power?
--He will empower your words, actions, phone calls, meetings, presentations and anything else His breath touches for His Holy purposes.
Are you believing for Divine results?
--His results multiply. A lot of us say, Lord, you’re in control, but we are still in control. We have to surrender. We have to make Him Lord, not just savior.
When we look at prosperity in the Bible— we are not just talking money folks, it translates to:
--nothing lacking
--wholeness
--having everything you need, abundance
God created each of us for Greatness! Not so we can hold tightly to it and show people what we did, but so we can reflect Him and be a blessing to others. Please make sure when you have that favor, that you give Him the glory.
Ask the Lord, what is it that you have for my life? We each need to ask ourselves what we are trading the days of our lives for. That is exactly what we are all doing and we are not here to be space takers, but to be difference makers.
1) Seek that vision for your life and He will begin to open your eyes
2) Bigger than what we could ever think
He has plans to bless and prosper you.
Some folks in here this morning have a poverty mentality and some people hold onto that so they don’t have to perform. It is easier to stay in your comfort zone.
A couple other things I wanted to share with you this morning. We all know that everything is fruit from our thought life—out thoughts lead to our actions, leading to our habits, leading to our character, then leading to our end results or success or lack there of;
But here is a great way to share that.
What you allow to come on your life, it will come in your life, and it will come out of your life. It is critical to get in God’s Word and keep your mind right. You have control over your mind and then you begin to speak out.
Be Doers of the Word! Don’t try, DO and DO seek the Lord’s divine direction and connections every day.
I want to encourage you this morning. I am going to ask the ushers to pass out something that I read most every morning. Make it your own. As we close this morning, I want to confess this together and Tricia and the praise team will bless us as we close.
OK, are you ready?
Be Encouraged TODAY:
I set the course of my life today with my words:
I declare today that I will not be defeated, discouraged, depressed or disappointed.
I am the head, I have insight, I have wisdom, I have ideas, I have authority.
I exercise my authority today with my words and I decree a thing and it is so.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)…the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in me… (Romans 8:11)
As I speak words today, they come to pass (Job 22:28); they go before me, they bring the things to pass that I desire; and they stop all attacks, assaults, oppression, and fear from coming to my life.
God is on my side today and, therefore, I cannot be defeated.
His favor surrounds me today as a shield. (Psalm 5:12). I expect favor today from heaven and from the earth.
Jesus had favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), and as He is so am I on this earth. (1 John 4:17)
Therefore, I have favor today with God and man.
I expect and receive favor in my home, favor in my job, favor in my business, favor in my ministry, favor with my finances, favor in every deal I am involved in.
I have the wisdom of God today. I will think the right thoughts, say the right words and make the right decisions in every situation I face today.
My mouth speaks wisdom and my heart is filled with understanding. (Psalm 49:3)
I ask for, and receive, an abundant supply of wisdom and understanding today from God (James 1:5)…wisdom from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, unwavering, willing to yield, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
Wisdom and understanding are better than silver and gold and nothing I desire can compare with them; therefore, I make it my ambition and desire to have understanding and wisdom; therefore I know I will have all of the other desires of my heart. (Proverbs 8:10-11)
My words go before me in securing my divine health and healing…
I will not be sick today; I will not be sad today; I will not be broke today; I will not be confused today.
I have health today; I have joy today; I have all the money I need in the name of Jesus.
My steps are ordered by the Lord… (Psalm 37:23)
I have a covenant with God and by the blood of Jesus I release my divine protection and divine provision.
I expect to have divine appointments today, to run into the right people, and to be delivered from the wrong people.
Any adversity, attack, accidents and tragedies that were headed my way are diverted right now in Jesus’ name.
Now I speak to:
every mountain of fear
every mountain of discouragement
every mountain of stress
every mountain of depression
every mountain of lack and insufficiency
And I say, “Be removed and cast into the sea in Jesus’ name!” (Mark 11:23) I expect the best day of my life spiritually, emotionally, relationally and financially today in Jesus’ name.
Those are powerful confessions. Make them your own. Don’t just sit here this morning and then go on with life as usual. Make these confessions every morning and you and your results will be changed.
Today is the start of oceans of blessings and fruitfulness in your life. Thanks be to God in advance for what He is doing and will be doing throughout the next week and the rest of your life. It begins here. It begins today. It begins with your commitment to receiving and believing in His great abundance. Thank you, Lord Jesus. You are worthy and holy and we lift You up and praise Your Holy Name today. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
We cannot end this service without giving someone an opportunity to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. With heads bowed and eyes closed, if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please raise your hand. If you are feeling a nudging, get a little uncomfortable as today is YOUR day.
Please pray this prayer with me. Dear Heavenly Father, I need you in my life, I know that you sent your son Jesus to die on the Cross for my sins and that He rose again, and that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved and have everlasting life. Thank you Lord for saving me, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
Have a blessed week and expect incredible things in your life this week. Love outrageously, give outrageously and Live OUTRAGEOUSLY.
Let’s go out and change lives this week, amen?
Private Reply to Jack Weinzierl | | |
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