"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" Philippians 4:11
Contentment is an interesting concept in an entrepreneur's world since all entrepreneurs are looking for more business, more customers, and more money.
How do we remain content in a process that rewards the pursuit of more and views lack as defeat and failure? We find ourselves in a market place environment that rewards the pursuit of more and puts no limitation on how to achieve it except to not get caught. The reality is that in order to understand godly contentment, we must first change our paradigm of business. It is impossible for us to be content with the world's approach to business because it uses discontentment as a tool to motivate people to be innovative and productive.
A new Biblical Entrepreneur Certified Instructor told me that his supervisor in a company he once worked for took him to a dealership to finance a brand new car in order to motivate him to increase his sales. TV advertisements are full of images that are designed to cause us to be discontent with our current circumstances so that we want more. Contentment is not something we are born with, nor does it come automatically with the born again experience. It is a learned behavior. I read of a Quaker who placed a sign on his house that stated, "I will give this house to any man who can prove to me that he is content." After some time, someone came knocking at the door and said he saw the sign and wanted to claim the house, he stated that he was perfectly content. The Quaker asked what he meant. He said, "I have everything I want, all the money I need, everything in life that could satisfy me. I am perfectly content. "The Quaker said, "Friend, if thee so content what does thee want with my house?" Many of us are like that man; we claim to be content while still seeking for more.
What does it really mean to be content? Contentment is the Spirit-led ability to accept God's will for our lives no matter what our circumstances may be. It is a learned behavior that gives us the ability to achieve great gain in Christ. I love the definition Ray C. Stedman gives; he defines contentment as only wanting what you have. This is a great way to view contentment. Since most of us are always looking to get what we do not have, Stedman reverses it and gets our focus on what we do have. How do you achieve godly contentment? How do you get to the point where you only want what you have and no longer focus on trying to keep up with the Jones' or the Gates', especially as an entrepreneur.
To achieve godly contentment you must keep the following seven things in mind:
1. Recognize that you have brought nothing into this world and you will carry nothing out. I Timothy 6:7, Job 1:21
2. Recognize that both riches and poverty are from God. 1 Samuel 2:7
3. Learn the lessons taught in the times of lack. James 1:2-4
4. Master the art of stewardship. I Corinthians 4:2, Luke 16:1-13
5. Learn to appreciate every blessing no matter how great or small. I Thessalonians 5:18
6. Put your trust in Christ and not your resources. Mathew 6:33
7. Guard against the love of money. I Timothy 6:10, Luke 12:15-21
Recognize that implementing these things cannot be done by might, but must be done by the Spirit. You cannot will yourself to be content; Christ must empower you and give you the grace to achieve contentment. The dangers of not aspiring towards this virtue are great. I Timothy 6:9-10 explain it best: "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Therefore, pursue contentment, and with it, godliness, and you are assured to avoid great failure and have great gain in Christ.
Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDScripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ramadan 2009
Just a reminder to all--Ramadan is here. Let's pray for those who are seeking God during this time, that He would reveal Himself to many. Also pray for those living and doing business in lands where Ramadan is observed: that each person would have wisdom to know whether or not to participate and how to conduct themselves courteously and discreetly, even if they are not fasting.
May the Name of the Lord Jesus be lifted up!
Resource pages:
http://www.30-days.net/category/ramadan/
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/ramadan.htm
May the Name of the Lord Jesus be lifted up!
Resource pages:
http://www.30-days.net/category/ramadan/
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/ramadan.htm
The Faithful
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Faithfulness is a steadfast allegiance or affection toward God's Word and God's eternal will no matter what the circumstances. It is a spirit-led determination to do God's will no matter what. Those who are faithful do not quit in the face of trials. Faithfulness is time-tested and requires perseverance.
To be faithful to God's will you need faith. To have faith you need a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Faithfulness requires a revelation of God's will for your life. Without knowledge of God's will for your life, you can become discouraged along the journey. The question becomes, "Why am I doing all this?" I call this the "so-what" factor. The "so-what" factor is our need to have a clear revelation of God's will and his purpose for our lives. A revelation of God's will gives you perspective and insight beyond the circumstances that you see with your natural eyes.
The assurance of eternal life and heavenly rewards also keeps us full of faith. "For he who comes to God must believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrew 11:6b). Our assurance of God's character as a rewarder keeps us looking upward and keeps us enthusiastic no matter what we face now. Hebrews 11 profiles some of the biblical heroes who were faithful in spite of very difficult and challenging circumstances. Let us reflect on these passages:
By faith Abel offered God a more excellent sacrifice then Cain (verse 4).
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death and was not found because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God (verse 5).
By faith Noah being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (verse 7).
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going (verse 8).
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past age because she judged Him faithful who had promised (verse 11).
By faith Moses when he was born was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command (verse 12).
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days (verse 30).
By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace (verse 31)
And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthat, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. (verses 32-38).
What are you facing right now? How is it compared to what these early heroes of the faith went through? Can God count you among the faithful?
Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2a).
Copyright © 2008 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Faithfulness is a steadfast allegiance or affection toward God's Word and God's eternal will no matter what the circumstances. It is a spirit-led determination to do God's will no matter what. Those who are faithful do not quit in the face of trials. Faithfulness is time-tested and requires perseverance.
To be faithful to God's will you need faith. To have faith you need a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Faithfulness requires a revelation of God's will for your life. Without knowledge of God's will for your life, you can become discouraged along the journey. The question becomes, "Why am I doing all this?" I call this the "so-what" factor. The "so-what" factor is our need to have a clear revelation of God's will and his purpose for our lives. A revelation of God's will gives you perspective and insight beyond the circumstances that you see with your natural eyes.
The assurance of eternal life and heavenly rewards also keeps us full of faith. "For he who comes to God must believe that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrew 11:6b). Our assurance of God's character as a rewarder keeps us looking upward and keeps us enthusiastic no matter what we face now. Hebrews 11 profiles some of the biblical heroes who were faithful in spite of very difficult and challenging circumstances. Let us reflect on these passages:
By faith Abel offered God a more excellent sacrifice then Cain (verse 4).
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death and was not found because God had taken him; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God (verse 5).
By faith Noah being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (verse 7).
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going (verse 8).
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past age because she judged Him faithful who had promised (verse 11).
By faith Moses when he was born was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command (verse 12).
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days (verse 30).
By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace (verse 31)
And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthat, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. (verses 32-38).
What are you facing right now? How is it compared to what these early heroes of the faith went through? Can God count you among the faithful?
Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2a).
Copyright © 2008 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The More Abundant Life (part V)
The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
We began this series by defining the more abundant life as an existence in Christ that is overflowing with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. We then stated that there are three attributes for walking in the more abundant life: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
So far, we learned that righteousness is living your life in line with God's will by His power and not our own. We also learned that peace is the inner tranquility and poise of the believer whose trust is in God through Jesus Christ. This peace is not an absence of trouble, but rather a result of trusting Him in a way that gives us comfort and courage to face trouble.
Now we will conclude our series with how to experience joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy in the Holy Spirit is an emotion of profound happiness that comes from the Spirit of God. Jesus came to bring joy to the world, especially to those who would believe in Him. Because of a deep, inward excitement about the blessings of God, joy produces outward expressions of praise. Sincere expressions of joy, along with God's righteousness, are the outward evidence of the abundant life.
Why is this joy important? The Bible states in James 1:2, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." And Hebrews 12:2 states that "For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame." Joy is important because it gets us through the difficult moments of life.
Joy is the outward expression of an internal assurance of God's ability to see me through. It is confidence that the challenge I now face is not in vain, but that there are great rewards that await me as a result of my obedience. I possess joy when I believe He sees me and intimately knows my needs in this situation. He is with me and on my side even when circumstances are beyond my control. He promises to work all things for my good, and He is faithful. What great happiness and joy to have confidence in His nearness and promises!
A lack of joy says that I am not confident that I will make it and that there is no reward for my suffering. You cannot lack joy in the Holy Spirit and experience the abundant life at the same time. This is critical, since the more abundant life is a blessed life; it is an exciting life; it is a life that is completely dependent on the Vine, Jesus.
How do you experience joy in the Holy Spirit?
- Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit
- Seek God's wisdom to handle trials with joy and hope
- Choose obedience to God's Word
- Assure yourself of His promises, even during difficult times
As a kingdom business steward, how do you know you have joy in the Holy Spirit?
- You exemplify the fruit of the Spirit in times of pressure.
- You persevere through trials and challenges.
- You rejoice in the midst of difficulties.
- You choose obedience to God's instructions no matter the cost.
There is no greater moment than now to walk in this attribute. While the world is anxious, angry, and afraid of the current economic meltdown, kingdom business stewards allow the limitation of credit, the loss of contracts and clients, the cash flow challenges, and the reduction in our investments to cultivate patience in us. Patience produces godly character. In times like these, we are challenged to conform to God's Word like never before. We spend more time drawing near to Him and experience deeper fellowship with Him. As a result, our faith, trust, and joy increase and mature. We rejoice because we know that "our light affliction which is for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
My prayer for you is that the Lord will cause you to walk in the more abundant life this year like never before, that you will be immune from the ups and downs of the economy, that your business will prosper in the midst of lack, that He will work everything together for your good, and your existence will always be found in Him. May He give you wisdom to manage any crisis or challenge that comes your way, and may He prosper the works of your hands. I pray that He will show you favor with your customers, vendors, creditors, and employees. Above all, I pray that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit will be the evidence and testimony-to you and others-of the abundant life of Christ in you.
Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDScripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
We began this series by defining the more abundant life as an existence in Christ that is overflowing with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. We then stated that there are three attributes for walking in the more abundant life: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
So far, we learned that righteousness is living your life in line with God's will by His power and not our own. We also learned that peace is the inner tranquility and poise of the believer whose trust is in God through Jesus Christ. This peace is not an absence of trouble, but rather a result of trusting Him in a way that gives us comfort and courage to face trouble.
Now we will conclude our series with how to experience joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy in the Holy Spirit is an emotion of profound happiness that comes from the Spirit of God. Jesus came to bring joy to the world, especially to those who would believe in Him. Because of a deep, inward excitement about the blessings of God, joy produces outward expressions of praise. Sincere expressions of joy, along with God's righteousness, are the outward evidence of the abundant life.
Why is this joy important? The Bible states in James 1:2, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." And Hebrews 12:2 states that "For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame." Joy is important because it gets us through the difficult moments of life.
Joy is the outward expression of an internal assurance of God's ability to see me through. It is confidence that the challenge I now face is not in vain, but that there are great rewards that await me as a result of my obedience. I possess joy when I believe He sees me and intimately knows my needs in this situation. He is with me and on my side even when circumstances are beyond my control. He promises to work all things for my good, and He is faithful. What great happiness and joy to have confidence in His nearness and promises!
A lack of joy says that I am not confident that I will make it and that there is no reward for my suffering. You cannot lack joy in the Holy Spirit and experience the abundant life at the same time. This is critical, since the more abundant life is a blessed life; it is an exciting life; it is a life that is completely dependent on the Vine, Jesus.
How do you experience joy in the Holy Spirit?
- Ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit
- Seek God's wisdom to handle trials with joy and hope
- Choose obedience to God's Word
- Assure yourself of His promises, even during difficult times
As a kingdom business steward, how do you know you have joy in the Holy Spirit?
- You exemplify the fruit of the Spirit in times of pressure.
- You persevere through trials and challenges.
- You rejoice in the midst of difficulties.
- You choose obedience to God's instructions no matter the cost.
There is no greater moment than now to walk in this attribute. While the world is anxious, angry, and afraid of the current economic meltdown, kingdom business stewards allow the limitation of credit, the loss of contracts and clients, the cash flow challenges, and the reduction in our investments to cultivate patience in us. Patience produces godly character. In times like these, we are challenged to conform to God's Word like never before. We spend more time drawing near to Him and experience deeper fellowship with Him. As a result, our faith, trust, and joy increase and mature. We rejoice because we know that "our light affliction which is for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).
My prayer for you is that the Lord will cause you to walk in the more abundant life this year like never before, that you will be immune from the ups and downs of the economy, that your business will prosper in the midst of lack, that He will work everything together for your good, and your existence will always be found in Him. May He give you wisdom to manage any crisis or challenge that comes your way, and may He prosper the works of your hands. I pray that He will show you favor with your customers, vendors, creditors, and employees. Above all, I pray that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit will be the evidence and testimony-to you and others-of the abundant life of Christ in you.
Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDScripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Spiritual Buffalo
(posted by Skye at RCE)
Sara Groves on her Spiritual Buffalo...
There is a scene in the movie Dances with Wolves where the Sioux are on a much anticipated buffalo hunt. As they come up over a hill, they are shocked to see a field full of buffalo carcasses. The tragedy of that moment is that where the Sioux use every piece of the buffalo—the bladder holds water, the bone makes a tool, the skin is a covering for a tent- whoever has done this has taken the best part of the buffalo for himself and has left everything else to waste. There is no way to make good use of all that is lying in this field.
I was so convicted when I went to Africa that I am not using all of my spiritual buffalo. I have developed this one side of my personal relationship with God. I go to church, I have incredible worship, and I listen to incredible speakers. I have money to buy devotionals, and leisure time to do those devotionals. I have spent a lifetime grooming a personal faith in Christ, but have I been taking the best piece of the buffalo for myself? There has been a joy in discovering the good use of my life. There is a reciprocal redemption that happens when we enter into stories of helping our neighbor—not just around the world, but in our own communities. When I came home from Africa, instead of feeling guilty for my life, I began to hear God in a very clear way say, ‘that thing carries water, that thing makes a tool, that is covering for a tent.’
There is a beauty to the good use of a life, and to the acknowledgment that everything you have and do has a Kingdom purpose.
Sara Groves on her Spiritual Buffalo...
There is a scene in the movie Dances with Wolves where the Sioux are on a much anticipated buffalo hunt. As they come up over a hill, they are shocked to see a field full of buffalo carcasses. The tragedy of that moment is that where the Sioux use every piece of the buffalo—the bladder holds water, the bone makes a tool, the skin is a covering for a tent- whoever has done this has taken the best part of the buffalo for himself and has left everything else to waste. There is no way to make good use of all that is lying in this field.
I was so convicted when I went to Africa that I am not using all of my spiritual buffalo. I have developed this one side of my personal relationship with God. I go to church, I have incredible worship, and I listen to incredible speakers. I have money to buy devotionals, and leisure time to do those devotionals. I have spent a lifetime grooming a personal faith in Christ, but have I been taking the best piece of the buffalo for myself? There has been a joy in discovering the good use of my life. There is a reciprocal redemption that happens when we enter into stories of helping our neighbor—not just around the world, but in our own communities. When I came home from Africa, instead of feeling guilty for my life, I began to hear God in a very clear way say, ‘that thing carries water, that thing makes a tool, that is covering for a tent.’
There is a beauty to the good use of a life, and to the acknowledgment that everything you have and do has a Kingdom purpose.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The More Abundant Life (part IV)
The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Once you reject your own righteousness and put on the righteousness of God, the second attribute to the more abundant life is peace. Peace is the inner tranquility and poise of the believer whose trust is in God through Jesus Christ.
The world sees peace as a lack of external conflict or trouble; however, in God's kingdom, peace can be present in the midst of conflict and trouble. Peace gives you the internal comfort and courage to face difficult situations and external problems. Without God's internal peace, you cannot address problems effectively nor can you obtain external peace.
The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as the Prince of Peace. A prince is the son of a sovereign ruler; so Prince of Peace means that Jesus is the bearer, or ambassador, of peace. When Jesus talks about giving us the more abundant life, He is talking about a life that will allow us to experience peace with God, with ourselves, with nature, and with those who choose peace. This peace is not the empty promises that the world offers through materialism, false religions, and false treaties. It is a godly peace that passes all earthly understanding.
This peace is beyond the world's comprehension. In the midst of an economic meltdown, you have peace; in the midst of bad news from the doctor, you have peace; in the midst of limited cash flow, you have peace; and in the midst of uncertainty about the future, you have peace. This peace is not circumstantial, but rather it is based on a complete trust in God through Jesus Christ. As a kingdom business steward, how do you achieve this peace? You achieve it by abiding in Christ.
Here are five things that keep you abiding, or finding your existence, in Him:
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which gives you peace with God
Keeping your mind on Him
Being spiritually-minded no matter the circumstances
Prayer - drawing near to Him with your worship and expressing your needs to Him
Keeping the Word of God in your heart
This peace disappears the minute you take your eyes off Jesus and begin to focus on yourself or your situation and not on His perspective and promises.
Why is this peace so necessary? It is a peace that the world cannot take away, and it guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This peace is a spiritual shield around your heart and your internal nervous system to protect you against sudden heart attack or mental breakdown.
Many people in business have experienced heart failures and mental breakdowns as a result of bad news that they received about their businesses. This news can range from market changes, loss of contracts, loss of investments, or lawsuits. Remember, the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy; he uses people, things, and information to achieve his goal. But Jesus came that you may have life abundantly.
What are you facing right now? Are you experiencing the abundant life? Do you have a peace that passes all understanding? If not, seek the Prince of Peace, set your mind on Him, remain spiritually-minded, pray, and put His Word in your heart. Before you know it, peace will start coming over you. Although your problems may not disappear, this peace will give you comfort and the courage to face your problems; this is what it means to walk in the more abundant life.
Next week, we will discuss the final and most critical attribute of the more abundant life; joy in the Holy Spirit.
Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDScripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Links for researching grants...
I'm just doing a little web searching, and posting my results here. This way I'll have the info all in one place for when I have time to look into it further (and, in the meantime, it might be useful for someone else too!).
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1073791553
www.grants.gov
http://www.strategycorporatefinance.co.uk/grant-funding.html
http://search.business.gov/startLoans.html
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/learning/Pages/grantee-technoserve-business-training-coffee-farmers-africa.aspx
www.gatesfoundation.org
http://guides.wsj.com/small-business/funding/how-to-get-government-grants-for-training/
from: http://www.business.gov/
Financing Your Business
Federal and state government agencies do not provide grants to minorities for starting a business. However, there are a number of low-interest loan programs that help individuals obtain startup financing. Some non-profit and local organizations provide a small number of grants to help minorities and those in economic disadvantaged communities to start and expand businesses. Visit the Loans and Grants Search Tool to get a full list of grant, loan, and venture capital programs for which you might qualify.
ACCION USA Small Business LoansOffers flexible loans (up to $50,000) to small business owners who have limited or no access to traditional business credit, including women and minorities.
U.S. Dept of the Interior - Indian Loan Guaranty and Interest Subsidy Program Financing for Indian-owned businesses that significantly contribute to a Tribe's economy.
USDA Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and RanchersMakes and guarantees loans to approved socially disadvantaged applicants to buy and operate family-size farms and ranches.
Delaware Access ProgramLow collateral loan program geared to small businesses, including minority and women owned businesses.
Hawaii Consumer Micro-Loan ProgramProvides low cost loans up to $7,500 to Native Hawaiians who are experiencing temporary financial hardship due to unforeseen events, or who wish to enhance their careers.
Illinois Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan ProgramSmall businesses that are 51 percent owned and managed by persons who are minorities, women, or disabled, with loans up to loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
Iowa Target Small Business Assistance ProgramProvides loans, loan guaranty, and equity grants of up to $50,000 to help women, minorities and persons with disabilities start and expand their businesses.
Massachusetts BDC Capital Community LoansFinancing programs for women-owned, minority-owned businesses.
Mississippi Capital Access Loan ProgramProvides financing for borrowers who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in obtaining conventional loans. Borrowers must apply for a loan through a lending institution.
Mississippi Minority Business Enterprise Loan ProgramAssists new and existing minority businesses in gaining access to needed capital in the form of direct low-interest loans.
Montana Indian Equity FundA grant to assist a current Native American business or a new Native American business owner. The funds are available only to enrolled members of Montana’s federally recognized tribes in Montana and to enrolled members of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.
Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan FundLoans to help start-up and expansion of Native Hawaiian owned businesses.
Nebraska: Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation Small Business LoanMicrolans available to any new or existing business or community development project that is located on or near the Winnebago Indian Reservation.
New Jersey Urban PlusProvides financial support to small, women- or minority-owned businesses, manufacturers, redevelopers and non-profit organizations in the following endorsed New Jersey municipalities: Camden, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, East Orange, New Brunswick, and Atlantic City.
New Mexico Community Development Loan FundAssists businesses and non-profits that provide positive social benefits, meet other special requirements, and are unable to access loans from traditional sources, such as banks. Particular emphasis is placed on helping low-income people, women and minorities.
New York State Micro Loans for Minority and Women Owned BusinessesListing of organizations that provide micro loans to businesses who often do not qualify for bank loans as well as one-on-one counseling and business development assistance to facilitate credit-readiness. Funds are provided by the state's Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program.
Ohio Mini-Loan Guarantee ProgramProvides loan guarantees for fixed assets for small business (start-up or existing business expansion) for projects of $100,000 or less. The state has targeted 50 percent of the guarantee funds for allocation to businesses owned by minorities and women.
Ohio Minority Direct Loan ProgramProvides direct loans for businesses locating or expanding in Ohio that demonstrate they will create new jobs for Ohio citizens.
Pennsylvania Minority Business Development AuthorityLow-interest loan financing to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities. Funds may be used for fixed assets including land and building acquisition; building, construction and renovation; machinery and equipment acquisition and installation; and working capital.
Tennessee Small and Minority-Owned Business Assistance ProgramFinancial assistance for new, expanding and existing businesses in Tennessee that do not have reasonable access to capital markets and traditional commercial lending facilities.
Wisconsin Linked Deposit Loan SubsidyProvides an interest rate subsidy on lender financing to women or minorities who start-up or expand a business.
The following programs are specifically for women entrepreneurs. Use the Loans and Grants Search Tool to get a full list of programs for which you might qualify.
ACCION USA Small Business Loans Offers flexible loans (up to $50,000) to small business owners who have limited or no access to traditional business credit, including women and minorities.
California: Women's Economic Ventures Small Business Loan Fund Low interest business loans available to women-owned businesses in Santa Barbara or Ventura County that are unable to meet traditional bank lending criteria.
Delaware: Delaware Access Program Low collateral loan program geared to small businesses, including minority and women owned businesses.
Illinois: Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan Program Small businesses that are 51 percent owned and managed by persons who are minorities, women, or disabled, with loans up to loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
Iowa: Target Small Business Assistance Program Provides loans, loan guaranty, and equity grants of up to $50,000 to help women, minorities and persons with disabilities start and expand their businesses.
Massachusetts BDC Capital Community Loans Financing programs for women-owned, minority-owned businesses.
Mississippi: Capital Access Loan Program Provides financing for borrowers who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in obtaining conventional loans. Borrowers must apply for a loan through a lending institution.
New Jersey: Urban Plus Provides financial support to small, women- or minority-owned businesses, manufacturers, redevelopers and non-profit organizations in the following endorsed New Jersey municipalities: Camden, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, East Orange, New Brunswick, and Atlantic City.
New Mexico: The Loan Fund Assists businesses and non-profits that provide positive social benefits, meet other special requirements, and are unable to access loans from traditional sources, such as banks. Particular emphasis is placed on helping low-income people, women and minorities.
New York: Micro Loans for Minority and Women Owned Businesses Listing of organizations that provide micro loans to businesses who often do not qualify for bank loans as well as one-on-one counseling and business development assistance to facilitate credit-readiness. Funds are provided by the state's Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program.
Wisconsin: Linked Deposit Loan Subsidy Provides an interest rate subsidy on lender financing to women or minorities who start-up or expand a business.
Wisconsin: Women's Business Initiative Corporation Small Business Loans Offers small business loans with a maximum loan amount of $100,000. Loans can be used for expenses associated with starting or expanding a business, including machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, inventory, supplies and working capital
For Non-profits (from http://www.snpo.org/):
Nonprofit Links: Fundraising & Grant Writing
Funding Alert - Monthly e-mail with current funding opportunities sorted by category. Published by the Society for Nonprofit Organizations.
Nonprofit Auctions - CMarket - cMarket is the leading provider of charitable online auction services to nonprofit organizations raising funds for worthy causes.
Resource Development Course - Distance education course in resource development taught by an expert in the field - Jimmie Alford.
About.com: Grant Proposals - Links to tips and techniques compiled by About.com.
American Association of Fundraising Counsel - Since 1935, AAFRC Member Firms have served clients of every size and purpose-from local to international-in the arts, culture, and humanities; health; education; human services; religion; advocacy; public/society benefit; the environment and wildlife; and international affairs-in cities, suburbs and rural areas-virtually every type of nonprofit organization. Each year, the Association publishes, Giving USA to provide the latest facts and figures on philanthropic giving (Some of the charts from this publication are available on the web site).
Aspen Institute: Nonprofit Sector Research Fund - The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund supports and disseminates relevant, high quality research to improve the operations of nonprofit organizations and inform public policies affecting them.
Association of Fundraising Professionals - For more than 40 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 25,000 members in 165 chapters throughout the United States , Canada and Mexico , working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.
Carnegie Library Foundation Center - The Foundation Center is a resource for nonprofit organizations and individuals seeking information about grants and grantmaking organizations.
Council on Foundations -- Looking for a Grant or Grant Funding? - The Foundation Center is an independent national service organization established by foundations to provide an authoritative source of information on foundation and corporate giving.
DonorDigital.com - Donordigital, LLC, was founded in October 1999 by Nick Allen and Mal Warwick. Donordigital is a company that helps nonprofits use the Internet for fundraising, marketing, advocacy, and e-commerce. Based in San Francisco , California , Donordigital develops Internet strategies and membership and fundraising programs, builds Web sites, helps organizations arrange sponsorships with major Internet sites, and runs online promotions.
Environmental Grant Makers Association - The EGA exists as a voluntary association of foundations and giving programs concerned with the protection of the natural environment.
Foundation Center: Finding Funders - The Center's mission is to foster public understanding of the foundation field by collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating information on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects.
Fund$Raiser Cyberzine - A FREE digital magazine dedicated to bringing the world the latest and most complete news and ideas in fundraising.
Funding Opportunities database - Maintained by the Community of Science Web Site (Subscription Required)
Fundsnet - Grantwriting Resources - Fundsnet is a privately owned Web site created in 1996 to assist nonprofit organizations find funding resources on the Internet.
Fundsnet Online - Fundsnet Online Services provides parents, teachers and non-profit organizations with hundreds of quality resources available on the World Wide Web. This Web site provides you with one of the most comprehensive directories of foundations and funders in existence on the Internet.
Grant Getting Page - Maintained by the University of Illinois at Chicago .
Grant Seeker's Page - Resources and tips designed to help an organization find funding and connect with some Internet resources that were compiled by a private consultant.
Grant Sources for Educators - Sources of educational grants maintained by Kathy Schrock
Grants Information Center - The Grants Information Center is located in Memorial Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It is one of a network of approximately 200 collections established by the Foundation Center , an independent national service organization in New York , to provide an authoritative source of information on foundation and corporate giving for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations looking for grants will usually want to begin at our site, Resources for Nonprofit Organizations. Elizabeth Breed offers free seminars for nonprofit organizations on the topic "Researching Funding Opportunities."
IRIS (Illinois Researcher Information Service) - This service also contains about 7,000 funding entries.
Justgiving Online Personal Fundraising Pages - Justgiving provides easy, affordable and powerful web-based tools to help you raise more money and simplify administration. Your supporters set up their own pages where they tell their story and describe their passion for your cause with their own pictures and text. They invite their family, friends and colleagues to visit their page and support them by making a secure online donation.
Marquette University - Memorial Library - Funding Information Center - Marquette University's Funding Information Center is one of over two hundred worldwide cooperating collections of the Foundation Center in New York City. A Resource for Nonprofit Organizations, Grantseekers and Fundraisers
Michigan Comnet -- Grants & Funding - Michigan Comnet is an online community and information sharing network for non-profit public service organizations in Michigan .
Neighborhood Fundraising Network - A nonprofit organization that provides hands-on, customized professional resource development and technical assistance to community-based nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000 at below-market rates.
Office of Minority Health - Resource Center Funding Database - OMH-RC has also developed both a Funding Guide as a source of information for grantseekers.
Proposal Writing: Internet Resources - Maintained by the Grants Information Center at U.W. - Madison . The Center also has an annotated list of print resources related to the topic of proposal writing. Some of the links and references at these sites have a bias towards funding research.
Raising More Money: Free On-Line Course - An interesting free course (non-interactive) that focuses on approaches that build individual giving.
SchoolBench.com, LLC - Fundraising consultants and makers of the Compleat Angler free fundraising software.
SPINPlus - Sponsored Programs Information Network (InfoEd) - The #1 Source of Funding Information. It is a computer database with detailed and up-to-the-minute information about thousands of Federal and Non-Federal funding opportunities. (Click on Pre & Post Award)
The Grantsmanship Center - "The nonprofit sector's leading source of training and funding information."
http://www.npguides.org/
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1073791553
www.grants.gov
http://www.strategycorporatefinance.co.uk/grant-funding.html
http://search.business.gov/startLoans.html
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/learning/Pages/grantee-technoserve-business-training-coffee-farmers-africa.aspx
www.gatesfoundation.org
http://guides.wsj.com/small-business/funding/how-to-get-government-grants-for-training/
from: http://www.business.gov/
Financing Your Business
Federal and state government agencies do not provide grants to minorities for starting a business. However, there are a number of low-interest loan programs that help individuals obtain startup financing. Some non-profit and local organizations provide a small number of grants to help minorities and those in economic disadvantaged communities to start and expand businesses. Visit the Loans and Grants Search Tool to get a full list of grant, loan, and venture capital programs for which you might qualify.
ACCION USA Small Business LoansOffers flexible loans (up to $50,000) to small business owners who have limited or no access to traditional business credit, including women and minorities.
U.S. Dept of the Interior - Indian Loan Guaranty and Interest Subsidy Program Financing for Indian-owned businesses that significantly contribute to a Tribe's economy.
USDA Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and RanchersMakes and guarantees loans to approved socially disadvantaged applicants to buy and operate family-size farms and ranches.
Delaware Access ProgramLow collateral loan program geared to small businesses, including minority and women owned businesses.
Hawaii Consumer Micro-Loan ProgramProvides low cost loans up to $7,500 to Native Hawaiians who are experiencing temporary financial hardship due to unforeseen events, or who wish to enhance their careers.
Illinois Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan ProgramSmall businesses that are 51 percent owned and managed by persons who are minorities, women, or disabled, with loans up to loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
Iowa Target Small Business Assistance ProgramProvides loans, loan guaranty, and equity grants of up to $50,000 to help women, minorities and persons with disabilities start and expand their businesses.
Massachusetts BDC Capital Community LoansFinancing programs for women-owned, minority-owned businesses.
Mississippi Capital Access Loan ProgramProvides financing for borrowers who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in obtaining conventional loans. Borrowers must apply for a loan through a lending institution.
Mississippi Minority Business Enterprise Loan ProgramAssists new and existing minority businesses in gaining access to needed capital in the form of direct low-interest loans.
Montana Indian Equity FundA grant to assist a current Native American business or a new Native American business owner. The funds are available only to enrolled members of Montana’s federally recognized tribes in Montana and to enrolled members of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.
Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan FundLoans to help start-up and expansion of Native Hawaiian owned businesses.
Nebraska: Ho-Chunk Community Development Corporation Small Business LoanMicrolans available to any new or existing business or community development project that is located on or near the Winnebago Indian Reservation.
New Jersey Urban PlusProvides financial support to small, women- or minority-owned businesses, manufacturers, redevelopers and non-profit organizations in the following endorsed New Jersey municipalities: Camden, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, East Orange, New Brunswick, and Atlantic City.
New Mexico Community Development Loan FundAssists businesses and non-profits that provide positive social benefits, meet other special requirements, and are unable to access loans from traditional sources, such as banks. Particular emphasis is placed on helping low-income people, women and minorities.
New York State Micro Loans for Minority and Women Owned BusinessesListing of organizations that provide micro loans to businesses who often do not qualify for bank loans as well as one-on-one counseling and business development assistance to facilitate credit-readiness. Funds are provided by the state's Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program.
Ohio Mini-Loan Guarantee ProgramProvides loan guarantees for fixed assets for small business (start-up or existing business expansion) for projects of $100,000 or less. The state has targeted 50 percent of the guarantee funds for allocation to businesses owned by minorities and women.
Ohio Minority Direct Loan ProgramProvides direct loans for businesses locating or expanding in Ohio that demonstrate they will create new jobs for Ohio citizens.
Pennsylvania Minority Business Development AuthorityLow-interest loan financing to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities. Funds may be used for fixed assets including land and building acquisition; building, construction and renovation; machinery and equipment acquisition and installation; and working capital.
Tennessee Small and Minority-Owned Business Assistance ProgramFinancial assistance for new, expanding and existing businesses in Tennessee that do not have reasonable access to capital markets and traditional commercial lending facilities.
Wisconsin Linked Deposit Loan SubsidyProvides an interest rate subsidy on lender financing to women or minorities who start-up or expand a business.
The following programs are specifically for women entrepreneurs. Use the Loans and Grants Search Tool to get a full list of programs for which you might qualify.
ACCION USA Small Business Loans Offers flexible loans (up to $50,000) to small business owners who have limited or no access to traditional business credit, including women and minorities.
California: Women's Economic Ventures Small Business Loan Fund Low interest business loans available to women-owned businesses in Santa Barbara or Ventura County that are unable to meet traditional bank lending criteria.
Delaware: Delaware Access Program Low collateral loan program geared to small businesses, including minority and women owned businesses.
Illinois: Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan Program Small businesses that are 51 percent owned and managed by persons who are minorities, women, or disabled, with loans up to loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
Iowa: Target Small Business Assistance Program Provides loans, loan guaranty, and equity grants of up to $50,000 to help women, minorities and persons with disabilities start and expand their businesses.
Massachusetts BDC Capital Community Loans Financing programs for women-owned, minority-owned businesses.
Mississippi: Capital Access Loan Program Provides financing for borrowers who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in obtaining conventional loans. Borrowers must apply for a loan through a lending institution.
New Jersey: Urban Plus Provides financial support to small, women- or minority-owned businesses, manufacturers, redevelopers and non-profit organizations in the following endorsed New Jersey municipalities: Camden, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, East Orange, New Brunswick, and Atlantic City.
New Mexico: The Loan Fund Assists businesses and non-profits that provide positive social benefits, meet other special requirements, and are unable to access loans from traditional sources, such as banks. Particular emphasis is placed on helping low-income people, women and minorities.
New York: Micro Loans for Minority and Women Owned Businesses Listing of organizations that provide micro loans to businesses who often do not qualify for bank loans as well as one-on-one counseling and business development assistance to facilitate credit-readiness. Funds are provided by the state's Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program.
Wisconsin: Linked Deposit Loan Subsidy Provides an interest rate subsidy on lender financing to women or minorities who start-up or expand a business.
Wisconsin: Women's Business Initiative Corporation Small Business Loans Offers small business loans with a maximum loan amount of $100,000. Loans can be used for expenses associated with starting or expanding a business, including machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, inventory, supplies and working capital
For Non-profits (from http://www.snpo.org/):
Nonprofit Links: Fundraising & Grant Writing
Funding Alert - Monthly e-mail with current funding opportunities sorted by category. Published by the Society for Nonprofit Organizations.
Nonprofit Auctions - CMarket - cMarket is the leading provider of charitable online auction services to nonprofit organizations raising funds for worthy causes.
Resource Development Course - Distance education course in resource development taught by an expert in the field - Jimmie Alford.
About.com: Grant Proposals - Links to tips and techniques compiled by About.com.
American Association of Fundraising Counsel - Since 1935, AAFRC Member Firms have served clients of every size and purpose-from local to international-in the arts, culture, and humanities; health; education; human services; religion; advocacy; public/society benefit; the environment and wildlife; and international affairs-in cities, suburbs and rural areas-virtually every type of nonprofit organization. Each year, the Association publishes, Giving USA to provide the latest facts and figures on philanthropic giving (Some of the charts from this publication are available on the web site).
Aspen Institute: Nonprofit Sector Research Fund - The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund supports and disseminates relevant, high quality research to improve the operations of nonprofit organizations and inform public policies affecting them.
Association of Fundraising Professionals - For more than 40 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 25,000 members in 165 chapters throughout the United States , Canada and Mexico , working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.
Carnegie Library Foundation Center - The Foundation Center is a resource for nonprofit organizations and individuals seeking information about grants and grantmaking organizations.
Council on Foundations -- Looking for a Grant or Grant Funding? - The Foundation Center is an independent national service organization established by foundations to provide an authoritative source of information on foundation and corporate giving.
DonorDigital.com - Donordigital, LLC, was founded in October 1999 by Nick Allen and Mal Warwick. Donordigital is a company that helps nonprofits use the Internet for fundraising, marketing, advocacy, and e-commerce. Based in San Francisco , California , Donordigital develops Internet strategies and membership and fundraising programs, builds Web sites, helps organizations arrange sponsorships with major Internet sites, and runs online promotions.
Environmental Grant Makers Association - The EGA exists as a voluntary association of foundations and giving programs concerned with the protection of the natural environment.
Foundation Center: Finding Funders - The Center's mission is to foster public understanding of the foundation field by collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating information on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects.
Fund$Raiser Cyberzine - A FREE digital magazine dedicated to bringing the world the latest and most complete news and ideas in fundraising.
Funding Opportunities database - Maintained by the Community of Science Web Site (Subscription Required)
Fundsnet - Grantwriting Resources - Fundsnet is a privately owned Web site created in 1996 to assist nonprofit organizations find funding resources on the Internet.
Fundsnet Online - Fundsnet Online Services provides parents, teachers and non-profit organizations with hundreds of quality resources available on the World Wide Web. This Web site provides you with one of the most comprehensive directories of foundations and funders in existence on the Internet.
Grant Getting Page - Maintained by the University of Illinois at Chicago .
Grant Seeker's Page - Resources and tips designed to help an organization find funding and connect with some Internet resources that were compiled by a private consultant.
Grant Sources for Educators - Sources of educational grants maintained by Kathy Schrock
Grants Information Center - The Grants Information Center is located in Memorial Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. It is one of a network of approximately 200 collections established by the Foundation Center , an independent national service organization in New York , to provide an authoritative source of information on foundation and corporate giving for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations looking for grants will usually want to begin at our site, Resources for Nonprofit Organizations. Elizabeth Breed offers free seminars for nonprofit organizations on the topic "Researching Funding Opportunities."
IRIS (Illinois Researcher Information Service) - This service also contains about 7,000 funding entries.
Justgiving Online Personal Fundraising Pages - Justgiving provides easy, affordable and powerful web-based tools to help you raise more money and simplify administration. Your supporters set up their own pages where they tell their story and describe their passion for your cause with their own pictures and text. They invite their family, friends and colleagues to visit their page and support them by making a secure online donation.
Marquette University - Memorial Library - Funding Information Center - Marquette University's Funding Information Center is one of over two hundred worldwide cooperating collections of the Foundation Center in New York City. A Resource for Nonprofit Organizations, Grantseekers and Fundraisers
Michigan Comnet -- Grants & Funding - Michigan Comnet is an online community and information sharing network for non-profit public service organizations in Michigan .
Neighborhood Fundraising Network - A nonprofit organization that provides hands-on, customized professional resource development and technical assistance to community-based nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets under $500,000 at below-market rates.
Office of Minority Health - Resource Center Funding Database - OMH-RC has also developed both a Funding Guide as a source of information for grantseekers.
Proposal Writing: Internet Resources - Maintained by the Grants Information Center at U.W. - Madison . The Center also has an annotated list of print resources related to the topic of proposal writing. Some of the links and references at these sites have a bias towards funding research.
Raising More Money: Free On-Line Course - An interesting free course (non-interactive) that focuses on approaches that build individual giving.
SchoolBench.com, LLC - Fundraising consultants and makers of the Compleat Angler free fundraising software.
SPINPlus - Sponsored Programs Information Network (InfoEd) - The #1 Source of Funding Information. It is a computer database with detailed and up-to-the-minute information about thousands of Federal and Non-Federal funding opportunities. (Click on Pre & Post Award)
The Grantsmanship Center - "The nonprofit sector's leading source of training and funding information."
http://www.npguides.org/
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The More Abundant Life (part III)
The thief does not come except to steal, kill and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Now that we understand the importance of having our existence in Christ, as we seek to achieve the more abundant life, let us discuss walking in the abundant life. Three attributes set apart the abundant life: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Today we will discuss righteousness.
As we stated before, the more abundant life is not about achieving material prosperity, though it does not preclude it. Jesus states in Matthew 6:32b that He knows that we have need of things. After stating this, Jesus says, "...but in order to acquire these things, you must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness," and then the material things you need will follow.
What does it mean to be righteous? You are righteous when you live your life in line with God's will. None of us lives completely without sin while on this earth, but once saved, we can live by His power in such a way that He is pleased. His righteousness in us causes us to please God through our actions, thoughts, and behavior. This righteousness is a manifestation of having an existence in Christ. When we move in Him and have our being in Him, the fruit that we bear is a righteous lifestyle.
There are two types of righteousness: a righteousness which is of God, and our own standard of righteousness. Unfortunately, many of us who have a zeal for the Lord and are serving Him in the marketplace fall prey to walking in our own standard of righteousness. The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 3:9 that he wants "to be found in Jesus, not having his own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; a righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
He also states in Romans 10:2-3, speaking of the Israelites, that they had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. In their zeal, they established their own righteousness because they were ignorant of the righteousness of God.
What is this righteousness that is "of the law"?
It is actions and behaviors that are based on the letter of the law but ignorant of the spirit of the law. This zealous self-righteousness is using God's word to realize one's own will and desires without taking into account the effect on others. It is a stubborn pursuit of one's rights based on scripture at the expense of love. Without any regard to the spirit of the law, it is a defense of one's rights based on scripture. It is void of faith.
Those who have their own standard of righteousness may not be involved in immoral acts such as murder, adultery, and so forth, but their actions do not please God because they are based on their own sense of righteousness rather than God's.
How do I know if I am walking in my own righteousness?
1. I always justify my position.
2. I do not operate out of love.
3. I seek more to be understood than to understand.
4.I fight for my rights rather than for what is right.
5. I am not led by the Spirit.
6. I lack compassion.
7. I am presumptuous.
Unfortunately, some of us Christians have earned a reputation of self-righteousness. This means that we have fallen into our own standards of righteousness, not God's. As a result, our message of the Good News has at times been lost and often falls on deaf ears because we are perceived to be more concerned about our agenda than caring for people.
As a Kingdom Business steward, if you are not careful, you may fall into this trap. This trap of self-righteousness will impact the success of your business. Or even if your business succeeds financially, you will lose your ability to transform the marketplace because of your self-righteousness.
How then do I ensure that I operate in God's righteousness?
1.I should not always justify myself.
2. I should operate in love.
3. I should seek to understand.
4. I should focus on what is right and not on who is right. (Ignore your rights; you have none.)
5. I should be led by the Spirit.
6. I should be compassionate.
7. I should not assume.
As Paul emphasizes in Philippians 3:9, to be found in Jesus is to operate in God's righteousness through faith. God's gift of faith enables us to lay aside worldly righteousness based on performance, self-sufficiency, maneuvering, and conniving. Instead, by faith we trust God and His goodness to justify and cover us. We rest in the love of Jesus Christ.
Walking and resting in God's righteousness demonstrates that your existence is in Christ. Once you have established the foundation of your existence in Christ, and add to that God's righteousness in your life, you are ready to build toward the subsequent steps of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
In next week's devotional, we will discuss peace, the second attribute of the more abundant life.
Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDScripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Now that we understand the importance of having our existence in Christ, as we seek to achieve the more abundant life, let us discuss walking in the abundant life. Three attributes set apart the abundant life: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Today we will discuss righteousness.
As we stated before, the more abundant life is not about achieving material prosperity, though it does not preclude it. Jesus states in Matthew 6:32b that He knows that we have need of things. After stating this, Jesus says, "...but in order to acquire these things, you must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness," and then the material things you need will follow.
What does it mean to be righteous? You are righteous when you live your life in line with God's will. None of us lives completely without sin while on this earth, but once saved, we can live by His power in such a way that He is pleased. His righteousness in us causes us to please God through our actions, thoughts, and behavior. This righteousness is a manifestation of having an existence in Christ. When we move in Him and have our being in Him, the fruit that we bear is a righteous lifestyle.
There are two types of righteousness: a righteousness which is of God, and our own standard of righteousness. Unfortunately, many of us who have a zeal for the Lord and are serving Him in the marketplace fall prey to walking in our own standard of righteousness. The Apostle Paul states in Philippians 3:9 that he wants "to be found in Jesus, not having his own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; a righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
He also states in Romans 10:2-3, speaking of the Israelites, that they had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. In their zeal, they established their own righteousness because they were ignorant of the righteousness of God.
What is this righteousness that is "of the law"?
It is actions and behaviors that are based on the letter of the law but ignorant of the spirit of the law. This zealous self-righteousness is using God's word to realize one's own will and desires without taking into account the effect on others. It is a stubborn pursuit of one's rights based on scripture at the expense of love. Without any regard to the spirit of the law, it is a defense of one's rights based on scripture. It is void of faith.
Those who have their own standard of righteousness may not be involved in immoral acts such as murder, adultery, and so forth, but their actions do not please God because they are based on their own sense of righteousness rather than God's.
How do I know if I am walking in my own righteousness?
1. I always justify my position.
2. I do not operate out of love.
3. I seek more to be understood than to understand.
4.I fight for my rights rather than for what is right.
5. I am not led by the Spirit.
6. I lack compassion.
7. I am presumptuous.
Unfortunately, some of us Christians have earned a reputation of self-righteousness. This means that we have fallen into our own standards of righteousness, not God's. As a result, our message of the Good News has at times been lost and often falls on deaf ears because we are perceived to be more concerned about our agenda than caring for people.
As a Kingdom Business steward, if you are not careful, you may fall into this trap. This trap of self-righteousness will impact the success of your business. Or even if your business succeeds financially, you will lose your ability to transform the marketplace because of your self-righteousness.
How then do I ensure that I operate in God's righteousness?
1.I should not always justify myself.
2. I should operate in love.
3. I should seek to understand.
4. I should focus on what is right and not on who is right. (Ignore your rights; you have none.)
5. I should be led by the Spirit.
6. I should be compassionate.
7. I should not assume.
As Paul emphasizes in Philippians 3:9, to be found in Jesus is to operate in God's righteousness through faith. God's gift of faith enables us to lay aside worldly righteousness based on performance, self-sufficiency, maneuvering, and conniving. Instead, by faith we trust God and His goodness to justify and cover us. We rest in the love of Jesus Christ.
Walking and resting in God's righteousness demonstrates that your existence is in Christ. Once you have established the foundation of your existence in Christ, and add to that God's righteousness in your life, you are ready to build toward the subsequent steps of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
In next week's devotional, we will discuss peace, the second attribute of the more abundant life.
Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDScripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
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