Many Christians are living each day struggling with problems. They are worried about the bills, worried about their children, worried about everything!
Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).

Any time you hear a teaching on "prosperity," Matthew 6:33 is usually a key verse, if not the text. It's a good verse and it is true. After all, they are the words of Jesus Himself. But why stop at verse 33. What does verse 34 have to say?

Before you look it up, consider this. In 1611, when the Bible was translated from Greek to English for King James, chapters and verses were marked in order to make finding scripture texts easier. That has been a great asset in finding passages and for study; however, sometimes it causes us to stop reading before a thought is complete. Matthew 6:33 is an example.

Without opening your Bible, you may be able to quote Matthew 6:33 by memory. But what about Matthew 6:34? Can you quote even the first few words? Well here it is. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow…." This is very important. Why? Because worry will destroy your faith.

Many Christians are living each day struggling with problems. They are worried about the bills, worried about their children, worried about everything! Under so much stress their only spiritual contact with God is prayers of desperation. This ought not to be. God gave us the key for overcoming stress and worry.

All through the Bible, He tells us over and over again how to live stress free. We, as Christians, CAN live each day in peace, totally set free from worry and stress. Even in the midst of trials, even in the midst of great hurts, God has given us the plan to live completely stress free. God's plan is to live by faith.

Faith And Prosperity
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous" (Prov. 13:22).

"For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner, He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God…" (Eccl. 2:26).

"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go" (Isaiah 48:17).

If you are a Christian and in business, then you should know that God said He would "teach you to profit." What greater counselor could there be in all your business dealings than the counsel of God?

Let's say that you needed advice in your business. After considering the options, you thought it might be best to retain a lawyer and get his opinion. After making an appointment, you would be foolish to sit and complain about your problems, continually asking questions and never listening. What kind of counsel could you get without listening to the counselor?

Unfortunately, that is the way most Christians are with God. He promised in His Word he would prosper us and that He, personally, would teach us to profit. But how can we follow his advice if we never listen?

God gave us a manual, The Holy Scriptures, that when followed will produce prosperity. And remember, prosperity is more than money.

Larry Ollison Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.