ELENETH!
Think of a community of believers who made it to Heaven but were not really rich in God during their earth life. They never particularly spent time witnessing while going through life, but nominally believed in Him, so they ended up in a beautiful part of the New Jerusalem in a slightly lower place, full of churchy Christians. One day I met these people during my prayer and meditation Word-Time in Harbin China back in 2006 to 2007 and as I daily sought the Lord and was confronting ghosts around my bed hungry for the Word, I asked for some kind of reinforcements to help witness to the departed spirits (in my actual physical life as these encounters were regular). So the next few weeks I went and got prayer and prophecy, often on the rooftop of an apartment complex nearby Dragon Tower while we were doing all kinds of missions there, and I received a message that an angelic megacraft called StarLion was going to help transport a literal slice of Heaven, this group of believers who wanted to get more experience witnessing and serving God on the field, right to me and wherever I was going to go. I didn't really understand completely the message and as usual ran out of time to ask for any more details. But the years went by and I found myself going from city to city and country to country after that, so much so that I lost track of how many airplane flights and adventures took place between 2007 to 2010. And every time I prayed I would get some kind of update on the StarLion and the Heavenly town that it carried with it somehow, bringing the River of Life with it.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
JOH.7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
JOH.7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Having worked with countless great missionaries I saw the burnout, the loss of vision and the micromanagement of little details. Having the StarLion at my beck and call nomatter where I went either in prayers or on travels was incredibly useful. The whole ship is full of every kind of Heavenly wonder and the top of it now has a bubbled atmosphere that feels almost exactly like Earth with a River running through the middle of the town, and has many functions of a normal idylic beautiful place you might find on earth, except zero curse.
Back at "Home Base" Space City New Jerusalem I was shown a beautiful lake where the town used to be. This is the parking spot for StarLion to come and set down and get recharged in the perfect atmosphere of Heaven between missions. The purpose of carrying an entire town from Heaven to and fro is simple, to provide a sample of the love and atmosphere and perfect everything of God's Kingdom. The inhabitants, meanwhile, are free to come and go but most of them like to keep the operation running including schools, places of prayer and huge fields for horses to run in, suburban areas and markets, you name it... we've done a lot together.
Finally in 2010 I decided to write a novel about this wonderful place from the perspective of someone they'd picked up and begun to show about the ways of Heaven. To write the story I gave the name Eleneth to the town but it's stuck, I think! Whenever I'm having a bad day I think of just this tiny slice of thew New Jerusalem God sent me, full of volunteers thrilled to get a chance to witness the Gospel on this darkening Earth. It surpasses any aircraft carrier by thousands as far as size, and often people we bring on board topside, or Eleneth-Side just think they're in a nice beuatiful place, not realizing where they even are, but getting healing and being around loving and kind people of Heaven they usually come to accept Jesus.
Think of a community of believers who made it to Heaven but were not really rich in God during their earth life. They never particularly spent time witnessing while going through life, but nominally believed in Him, so they ended up in a beautiful part of the New Jerusalem in a slightly lower place, full of churchy Christians. One day I met these people during my prayer and meditation Word-Time in Harbin China back in 2006 to 2007 and as I daily sought the Lord and was confronting ghosts around my bed hungry for the Word, I asked for some kind of reinforcements to help witness to the departed spirits (in my actual physical life as these encounters were regular). So the next few weeks I went and got prayer and prophecy, often on the rooftop of an apartment complex nearby Dragon Tower while we were doing all kinds of missions there, and I received a message that an angelic megacraft called StarLion was going to help transport a literal slice of Heaven, this group of believers who wanted to get more experience witnessing and serving God on the field, right to me and wherever I was going to go. I didn't really understand completely the message and as usual ran out of time to ask for any more details. But the years went by and I found myself going from city to city and country to country after that, so much so that I lost track of how many airplane flights and adventures took place between 2007 to 2010. And every time I prayed I would get some kind of update on the StarLion and the Heavenly town that it carried with it somehow, bringing the River of Life with it.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
JOH.7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
JOH.7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Having worked with countless great missionaries I saw the burnout, the loss of vision and the micromanagement of little details. Having the StarLion at my beck and call nomatter where I went either in prayers or on travels was incredibly useful. The whole ship is full of every kind of Heavenly wonder and the top of it now has a bubbled atmosphere that feels almost exactly like Earth with a River running through the middle of the town, and has many functions of a normal idylic beautiful place you might find on earth, except zero curse.
Back at "Home Base" Space City New Jerusalem I was shown a beautiful lake where the town used to be. This is the parking spot for StarLion to come and set down and get recharged in the perfect atmosphere of Heaven between missions. The purpose of carrying an entire town from Heaven to and fro is simple, to provide a sample of the love and atmosphere and perfect everything of God's Kingdom. The inhabitants, meanwhile, are free to come and go but most of them like to keep the operation running including schools, places of prayer and huge fields for horses to run in, suburban areas and markets, you name it... we've done a lot together.
Finally in 2010 I decided to write a novel about this wonderful place from the perspective of someone they'd picked up and begun to show about the ways of Heaven. To write the story I gave the name Eleneth to the town but it's stuck, I think! Whenever I'm having a bad day I think of just this tiny slice of thew New Jerusalem God sent me, full of volunteers thrilled to get a chance to witness the Gospel on this darkening Earth. It surpasses any aircraft carrier by thousands as far as size, and often people we bring on board topside, or Eleneth-Side just think they're in a nice beuatiful place, not realizing where they even are, but getting healing and being around loving and kind people of Heaven they usually come to accept Jesus.
Now I don't know much about purgatory but I do know the spirit realm is dark and full of dangers, and the Chinese culture is full of trying to keep Grandpa Wang alive with spirit money and spirit food. That's like a bandaid on a major life-threatening wound, though. The Jesuit Figurists of the 17th century found immense success in China ministering to even the Emporer saying they could pray for the dead to be saved and released from their prisons through the Gospel. Pope whatever during that time put an end to this controversial yet exceedingly effective practice and the Emporer sent all the missionaries home and closed China for like 100 years.
When God sent me to China I had no intention of any sort of noteriety or anything but this concecpt of ministering to lost spirits and calling down HEaven to help us received some attention from even very famous Buddhist monks and I had a chance to have an audience in private with one of these people. She told me that the Christians in Taiwan were completely against the notion of praying for the dead and I was the first one to talk about this.
The government of Eleneth has changed hands often but remains a very useful place of service for those of us who care about lost souls getting healed. I've seen many of my friends and family show up and had some vivid dreams of the city topside, and I think the lower decks which are very futuristic and high tech and full of storage and garages and everything you'd need on such a mission in the Spirit.
This is all personal prophetic revelation and you don't have to believe it! But I think I've barely scratched the surface with Eleneth/StarLion and that there will be many more towns and craft that will join in the battle of Spirit!
When God sent me to China I had no intention of any sort of noteriety or anything but this concecpt of ministering to lost spirits and calling down HEaven to help us received some attention from even very famous Buddhist monks and I had a chance to have an audience in private with one of these people. She told me that the Christians in Taiwan were completely against the notion of praying for the dead and I was the first one to talk about this.
The government of Eleneth has changed hands often but remains a very useful place of service for those of us who care about lost souls getting healed. I've seen many of my friends and family show up and had some vivid dreams of the city topside, and I think the lower decks which are very futuristic and high tech and full of storage and garages and everything you'd need on such a mission in the Spirit.
This is all personal prophetic revelation and you don't have to believe it! But I think I've barely scratched the surface with Eleneth/StarLion and that there will be many more towns and craft that will join in the battle of Spirit!
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;
he will save,
he will rejoice over thee with joy;
he will rest in his love,
he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
In the multitude of my thoughts within me
thy comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19
This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
neither shall fruit be in the vines;
the labour of the olive shall fail,
and the fields shall yield no meat;
the flock shall be cut off from the fold,
and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments,
and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 15:11
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth:
and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Proverbs 15:23
Thou art my hiding place;
thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 32:7
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Romans 15:32
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Psalm 119:111
I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 9:2
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people:
he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Psalm 149:4
But godliness with contentment is great gain
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;
he will save,
he will rejoice over thee with joy;
he will rest in his love,
he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
In the multitude of my thoughts within me
thy comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19
This is the day which the Lord hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Although the fig tree shall not blossom,
neither shall fruit be in the vines;
the labour of the olive shall fail,
and the fields shall yield no meat;
the flock shall be cut off from the fold,
and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments,
and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 15:11
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth:
and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Proverbs 15:23
Thou art my hiding place;
thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 32:7
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:15
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Romans 15:32
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:
but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever:
for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
Psalm 119:111
I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 9:2
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people:
he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Psalm 149:4
But godliness with contentment is great gain
SUPPLY
1. God can supply all our needs:
A. He has promised to supply our needs:
Phi.4:19 God shall supply all your need according to His riches
Mat.6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God...& all these things shall be added unto you
Psa.23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack)
Psa.34:10 They that seek Lord shall not (lack) any good thing
Psa.37:25 I (have) not seen righteous forsaken...begging bread
Mat.7:7-11 Every one that asketh receiveth...your Father (shall) give good things to them that ask Him
Rom.8:32 He that spared not His Own Son...shall He not also freely give us all things?
(See also Deut.2:7 ; Psa.68:19 ; 81:10 ; Mal.3:10 ; Mat. 6:8,25-34 .)
B. God is the source of all supply:
Psa.145:15,16 Thou openest Thine hand, & satisfiest the desire of every living thing
1Chr.29:14 All things come of Thee, & of Thine Own have we given Thee
Psa.104:13-15 He causeth...herb (to grow) for man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth
Jam.1:17 Every good gift...is from above, & cometh from (God)
(See also Psa.65:9-13 ; Gen.1:29 ; 9:3 .)
C. He owns the entire world:
Exo.19:5 All the earth is Mine
Psa.24:1 The earth is the Lord's, & the fulness thereof
Psa.50:10,11 Every beast is Mine...& the cattle upon a thousand hills
Psa.89:11 The earth is Thine: the world & the fulness thereof
2. God can do miracles to supply:
Num.11:21-23 [God promised meat for a month, Moses doubted it, so] the Lord said, `Is the Lord's hand waxed short?'
2Ki.4:1-6 [The prophet's widow borrowed vessels & they miraculously filled with enough oil to pay her debts]
A. Food:
Exo.16:12-15 [God miraculously supplied quail & manna in desert]
Num.11:18-20 [God sent a month's supply of quail ] (See vs.31,32)
Psa.78:23-29 He opened the doors of Heaven, & rained down manna ...corn of Heaven...angel's food...meat to the full (See also Psa.105:40 )
Psa.132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread
1Ki.17:4 I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there
1Ki.17:16 The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail [during the 3-1/2 year famine]
1Ki.19:5-8 An angel said unto (Elijah), "Arise & eat"...& behold, a cake baken on the coals, & a cruse of water
2Ki.4:42,43 [Elisha fed 100, multiplying 20 loaves & some corn]
Mk.6:34-44 [Jesus fed 5,000, multiplying 5 loaves & 2 fishes. 5,000 men, besides women & children-- Mat.14:21 ]
Mk.8:1-9 [Jesus fed 4,000, multiplying 7 loaves]
Rev.12:6,14 [Church "fed, nourished" 3-1/2 years in wilderness]
(See also Psa.23:5 ; Lk.5:4-7 ; Jn.21:5,6,11 .)
B. Water:
Gen.21:14-19 [Hagar dying of thirst, God showed her a well]
Exo.17:1-6 [At Horeb, the Lord brought water out of a rock]
Num.20:2,7-11 [At Meribah, God again brought water from a rock]
Judg.15:15-19 [God supplied water from a jawbone for Samson]
2Ki.3:9,17,20 [God miraculously supplied water for an army]
(See also Psa.78:15,16 ; 105:41 ; Isa.41:17,18 .)
C. God can even purify impure food & water:
Exo.15:23-25 [Bitter waters of Marah miraculously made sweet]
2Ki.2:19-22 [Undrinkable waters of Jericho healed]
2Ki.4:38-41 [Poisonous gourd in the pottage rendered harmless]
(See also Mk.16:18a )
D. Clothing & other necessities:
Deut.29:5 I have led you 40 years...your clothes are not waxen old...thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot
Mat.6:25,26, 30 If God clothe the grass...shall He not...clothe you?
(See also Gen.3:21 )
1. God can supply all our needs:
A. He has promised to supply our needs:
Phi.4:19 God shall supply all your need according to His riches
Mat.6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God...& all these things shall be added unto you
Psa.23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack)
Psa.34:10 They that seek Lord shall not (lack) any good thing
Psa.37:25 I (have) not seen righteous forsaken...begging bread
Mat.7:7-11 Every one that asketh receiveth...your Father (shall) give good things to them that ask Him
Rom.8:32 He that spared not His Own Son...shall He not also freely give us all things?
(See also Deut.2:7 ; Psa.68:19 ; 81:10 ; Mal.3:10 ; Mat. 6:8,25-34 .)
B. God is the source of all supply:
Psa.145:15,16 Thou openest Thine hand, & satisfiest the desire of every living thing
1Chr.29:14 All things come of Thee, & of Thine Own have we given Thee
Psa.104:13-15 He causeth...herb (to grow) for man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth
Jam.1:17 Every good gift...is from above, & cometh from (God)
(See also Psa.65:9-13 ; Gen.1:29 ; 9:3 .)
C. He owns the entire world:
Exo.19:5 All the earth is Mine
Psa.24:1 The earth is the Lord's, & the fulness thereof
Psa.50:10,11 Every beast is Mine...& the cattle upon a thousand hills
Psa.89:11 The earth is Thine: the world & the fulness thereof
2. God can do miracles to supply:
Num.11:21-23 [God promised meat for a month, Moses doubted it, so] the Lord said, `Is the Lord's hand waxed short?'
2Ki.4:1-6 [The prophet's widow borrowed vessels & they miraculously filled with enough oil to pay her debts]
A. Food:
Exo.16:12-15 [God miraculously supplied quail & manna in desert]
Num.11:18-20 [God sent a month's supply of quail ] (See vs.31,32)
Psa.78:23-29 He opened the doors of Heaven, & rained down manna ...corn of Heaven...angel's food...meat to the full (See also Psa.105:40 )
Psa.132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread
1Ki.17:4 I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there
1Ki.17:16 The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail [during the 3-1/2 year famine]
1Ki.19:5-8 An angel said unto (Elijah), "Arise & eat"...& behold, a cake baken on the coals, & a cruse of water
2Ki.4:42,43 [Elisha fed 100, multiplying 20 loaves & some corn]
Mk.6:34-44 [Jesus fed 5,000, multiplying 5 loaves & 2 fishes. 5,000 men, besides women & children-- Mat.14:21 ]
Mk.8:1-9 [Jesus fed 4,000, multiplying 7 loaves]
Rev.12:6,14 [Church "fed, nourished" 3-1/2 years in wilderness]
(See also Psa.23:5 ; Lk.5:4-7 ; Jn.21:5,6,11 .)
B. Water:
Gen.21:14-19 [Hagar dying of thirst, God showed her a well]
Exo.17:1-6 [At Horeb, the Lord brought water out of a rock]
Num.20:2,7-11 [At Meribah, God again brought water from a rock]
Judg.15:15-19 [God supplied water from a jawbone for Samson]
2Ki.3:9,17,20 [God miraculously supplied water for an army]
(See also Psa.78:15,16 ; 105:41 ; Isa.41:17,18 .)
C. God can even purify impure food & water:
Exo.15:23-25 [Bitter waters of Marah miraculously made sweet]
2Ki.2:19-22 [Undrinkable waters of Jericho healed]
2Ki.4:38-41 [Poisonous gourd in the pottage rendered harmless]
(See also Mk.16:18a )
D. Clothing & other necessities:
Deut.29:5 I have led you 40 years...your clothes are not waxen old...thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot
Mat.6:25,26, 30 If God clothe the grass...shall He not...clothe you?
(See also Gen.3:21 )
3. Supply during famine:
A. Sore famines predicted in the last days:
Mat.24:3,7 [In] the end of the world...there shall be famines...in diverse places
Mk.13:8b There shall be famines & troubles
B. The Lord promises to feed us during famines:
Job 5:19,20 In famine He (God) shall redeem thee from death
Psa.33:18,19 The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him...to keep them alive in famine
Psa.37:18,19 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright...in the days of famine they shall be satisfied
Pro.10:3 The Lord will not suffer (allow)...the righteous to famish
Ezk.36:29b,30 I will increase (the corn), & lay no famine upon you. I will multiply the fruit of the tree, &...of the field
C. He usually warns His people so they can make preparations:
Gen.41:25-36, 47-49 [God showed Joseph & Pharaoh that a famine was coming & they prepared for it by storing away food
Acts 11:27-30 [God warned that a dearth was coming, & believers sent relief money to their affected brethren]
(See also Amos 3:7 )
4. Conditions to God's supply:
A. We must please God & be obedient:
Mat.6:33 Seek first...& all things shall be added unto you
2Chr.1:7-12 [God gave King Solomon fabulous riches & wealth when he sought the good of the kingdom first]
Psa.34:9 There is no want (lack) to them that fear Him
Psa.34:10 They that seek Lord shall not (lack) any good thing
Psa.37:3 Do good...& verily thou shalt be fed
Psa.37:18,19 The Lord knoweth...the upright...in the days of famine they shall be satisfied
Psa.37:25 I have been young, & now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken...begging bread
Psa.84:11 No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly
Pro.13:25 Righteous eateth to satisfying... wicked shall (lack)
Isa.1:19 If ye be willing & obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land
1Jn.3:22 Whatsoever we ask, we receive...because we keep His commandments, & do...things...pleasing in His sight
(See also Deut.11:10-15 ; 29:9 ; Psa.111:5 .)
B. Examples of obeying & doing our part first:
1Ki.17:2-5 Get thee hence...& hide by the brook Cherith...ravens feed thee there. So he went
1Ki.17:9,10 Arise, get thee to Zarephath. So he arose & went
2Ki.4:1-6 Go borrow...of all thy neighbours empty vessels, borrow not a few. So she went & (did)
Mat.17:27 Go cast an hook, & take up the fish...thou shalt find a piece of money (in his mouth)
Lk.5:4-6 Launch out into the deep, & let down your nets
Jn.2:1-10 Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them
Jn.11:39 Take (roll) ye away the stone
Jn.21:5,6 Cast the net on right side of the ship...They cast
C. Pray, believe God's Word & depend on Him to supply:
Mat.7:7 Ask, & it shall be given; knock, & it shall be opened
Mat.21:22 All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive
Heb.11:6 He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him
(See also 2Chr.26:5 ; Isa.45:11 ; Mat.9:29 .)
D. Remember to thank Him for supplying:
Psa.68:19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits
Psa.116:12-14,17,18 What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits? I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving
A. Sore famines predicted in the last days:
Mat.24:3,7 [In] the end of the world...there shall be famines...in diverse places
Mk.13:8b There shall be famines & troubles
B. The Lord promises to feed us during famines:
Job 5:19,20 In famine He (God) shall redeem thee from death
Psa.33:18,19 The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him...to keep them alive in famine
Psa.37:18,19 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright...in the days of famine they shall be satisfied
Pro.10:3 The Lord will not suffer (allow)...the righteous to famish
Ezk.36:29b,30 I will increase (the corn), & lay no famine upon you. I will multiply the fruit of the tree, &...of the field
C. He usually warns His people so they can make preparations:
Gen.41:25-36, 47-49 [God showed Joseph & Pharaoh that a famine was coming & they prepared for it by storing away food
Acts 11:27-30 [God warned that a dearth was coming, & believers sent relief money to their affected brethren]
(See also Amos 3:7 )
4. Conditions to God's supply:
A. We must please God & be obedient:
Mat.6:33 Seek first...& all things shall be added unto you
2Chr.1:7-12 [God gave King Solomon fabulous riches & wealth when he sought the good of the kingdom first]
Psa.34:9 There is no want (lack) to them that fear Him
Psa.34:10 They that seek Lord shall not (lack) any good thing
Psa.37:3 Do good...& verily thou shalt be fed
Psa.37:18,19 The Lord knoweth...the upright...in the days of famine they shall be satisfied
Psa.37:25 I have been young, & now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken...begging bread
Psa.84:11 No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly
Pro.13:25 Righteous eateth to satisfying... wicked shall (lack)
Isa.1:19 If ye be willing & obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land
1Jn.3:22 Whatsoever we ask, we receive...because we keep His commandments, & do...things...pleasing in His sight
(See also Deut.11:10-15 ; 29:9 ; Psa.111:5 .)
B. Examples of obeying & doing our part first:
1Ki.17:2-5 Get thee hence...& hide by the brook Cherith...ravens feed thee there. So he went
1Ki.17:9,10 Arise, get thee to Zarephath. So he arose & went
2Ki.4:1-6 Go borrow...of all thy neighbours empty vessels, borrow not a few. So she went & (did)
Mat.17:27 Go cast an hook, & take up the fish...thou shalt find a piece of money (in his mouth)
Lk.5:4-6 Launch out into the deep, & let down your nets
Jn.2:1-10 Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them
Jn.11:39 Take (roll) ye away the stone
Jn.21:5,6 Cast the net on right side of the ship...They cast
C. Pray, believe God's Word & depend on Him to supply:
Mat.7:7 Ask, & it shall be given; knock, & it shall be opened
Mat.21:22 All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive
Heb.11:6 He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him
(See also 2Chr.26:5 ; Isa.45:11 ; Mat.9:29 .)
D. Remember to thank Him for supplying:
Psa.68:19 Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits
Psa.116:12-14,17,18 What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits? I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving
5. Reasons why we sometimes lack:
A. Because of sin or disobedience:
Jer.5:25 Your sins have withholden good things from you
(See also Psa.81:15,16 ; Jam.4:3 .)
B. Lack of faith or failure to ask the Lord:
Jam.4:2 Ye have not, because ye ask not
Jam.1:6,7 [Wavering & not asking in faith]
C. Laziness:
2Thes.3:10 If any would not work, neither should he eat
Pro.13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, & hath nothing
Pro.20:4 Sluggard will not plow...therefore shall have nothing
Pro.21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour (See also Pro.23:21 )
D. To keep us dependent upon God & His supply:
Deut.31:20 When they...have eaten & filled themselves, & waxen fat; then will they turn to other gods
Pro.30:8,9 Give me (not) riches...lest I be full & deny Thee
(See also 1Tim.6:10,17 ; Rev.3:17-19 .)
E. To show us that it's time to move:
1Ki.17:7-9 [When the brook dried, it was time for Elijah to move]
(See also Gen.26:1-3 ; 45:6-11 ; Ruth 1:1-6,16-18 ; 2Ki.8:1,2 .)
6. God loves you & wants to supply:
A. He knows what you need & is looking after you:
Mat.6:8 Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him
Mat.6:25,31, 32 Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or drink ...(God) knoweth that ye need all these things
B. If God provides for the unbelieving World...
(See Mat.5:45 ; Acts 14:15b-17 .)
C. If He even provides the needs of animals...
(See Gen.1:30 ; 6:14-22 ; Psa.104:21,26-28 ; 147:8,9 .)
D. ...Won't He much more care for you?
(See Mat.6:26,30 ; Psa.34:10 ; 145:15,16 ; 2Cor.9:8 .)
7. Doing what we can do to supply:
A. Our responsibility to provide:
1Tim.5:8 If any provide not for...those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, & is worse than an infidel
B. Working for our needs:
Acts 20:35 How that labouring ye ought to support the weak
Eph.4:28 Let him labour, working w/ his hands thing which is good
1Thes.4:11,12 Work with your own hands...that ye may lack nothing
2Thes.3:10-12 Some work not at all...If any would not work, neither should he eat
Tit.3:14 Let ours learn to maintain good works (profess honest trades) for necessary uses
(See also Gen.41:39-44 ; Dan.2:48,49 ; 6:1-3 ; 8:27 .)
C. Missionaries occasionally take on secular jobs:
Acts 18:1-3 [Paul temporarily made tents to support himself] (See also Acts 20:34 ; 1Cor.4:12 .)
D. God blesses diligent, hard work:
Gen.31:38-40 [Jacob's sample of diligent shepherding]
Gen.39:1-6 [God blessed Joseph's hard work] (See also vs.20-23 )
Pro.10:4 The hand of the diligent maketh rich (See also Pro.13:4 ; 22:29 ; 21:25 ; Eccl.5:18 .)
Pro.28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread, but he that followeth vain persons...poverty
Mat.25:14-30 [The reward of the diligent servants who increased their talents]
A. Because of sin or disobedience:
Jer.5:25 Your sins have withholden good things from you
(See also Psa.81:15,16 ; Jam.4:3 .)
B. Lack of faith or failure to ask the Lord:
Jam.4:2 Ye have not, because ye ask not
Jam.1:6,7 [Wavering & not asking in faith]
C. Laziness:
2Thes.3:10 If any would not work, neither should he eat
Pro.13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, & hath nothing
Pro.20:4 Sluggard will not plow...therefore shall have nothing
Pro.21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour (See also Pro.23:21 )
D. To keep us dependent upon God & His supply:
Deut.31:20 When they...have eaten & filled themselves, & waxen fat; then will they turn to other gods
Pro.30:8,9 Give me (not) riches...lest I be full & deny Thee
(See also 1Tim.6:10,17 ; Rev.3:17-19 .)
E. To show us that it's time to move:
1Ki.17:7-9 [When the brook dried, it was time for Elijah to move]
(See also Gen.26:1-3 ; 45:6-11 ; Ruth 1:1-6,16-18 ; 2Ki.8:1,2 .)
6. God loves you & wants to supply:
A. He knows what you need & is looking after you:
Mat.6:8 Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him
Mat.6:25,31, 32 Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or drink ...(God) knoweth that ye need all these things
B. If God provides for the unbelieving World...
(See Mat.5:45 ; Acts 14:15b-17 .)
C. If He even provides the needs of animals...
(See Gen.1:30 ; 6:14-22 ; Psa.104:21,26-28 ; 147:8,9 .)
D. ...Won't He much more care for you?
(See Mat.6:26,30 ; Psa.34:10 ; 145:15,16 ; 2Cor.9:8 .)
7. Doing what we can do to supply:
A. Our responsibility to provide:
1Tim.5:8 If any provide not for...those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, & is worse than an infidel
B. Working for our needs:
Acts 20:35 How that labouring ye ought to support the weak
Eph.4:28 Let him labour, working w/ his hands thing which is good
1Thes.4:11,12 Work with your own hands...that ye may lack nothing
2Thes.3:10-12 Some work not at all...If any would not work, neither should he eat
Tit.3:14 Let ours learn to maintain good works (profess honest trades) for necessary uses
(See also Gen.41:39-44 ; Dan.2:48,49 ; 6:1-3 ; 8:27 .)
C. Missionaries occasionally take on secular jobs:
Acts 18:1-3 [Paul temporarily made tents to support himself] (See also Acts 20:34 ; 1Cor.4:12 .)
D. God blesses diligent, hard work:
Gen.31:38-40 [Jacob's sample of diligent shepherding]
Gen.39:1-6 [God blessed Joseph's hard work] (See also vs.20-23 )
Pro.10:4 The hand of the diligent maketh rich (See also Pro.13:4 ; 22:29 ; 21:25 ; Eccl.5:18 .)
Pro.28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread, but he that followeth vain persons...poverty
Mat.25:14-30 [The reward of the diligent servants who increased their talents]
8. When God uses others to supply His workers' needs:
A. Well-off supporters often helped God's messengers:
Gen.47:1-6 [Pharaoh gave the best land in Egypt, Goshen, to Joseph's father & brothers]
1Ki.18:3,13 [Governor Obadiah risked his life to save & feed 100 of the Lord's prophets]
2Ki.4:8-11 [Rich woman of Shunem supplied food & lodging for Elisha & his servant]
Neh.2:7,8 [King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah permission to take as much timber as he needed from the king's forest]
Jer.37:15-21 [King Zedekiah defied Jeremiah's enemies & commanded Jeremiah be given bread continually]
Dan.2:48,49 [King Nebuchadnezzar gives Daniel power & "many great gifts", & gave his friends high positions]
Lk.8:1-3 [Joanna & other wealthy women helped support Jesus]
(See also Rom.16:23 ; Phlm.1,2,7,22 .)
B. Don't abuse others' generosity:
1Cor.7:31 They that use this world, as not abusing it
C. God's workers to be supported by those to whom they minister:
Mat.10:9,10 Provide neither gold, nor silver in your purses...for the workman is worthy of his meat
1Cor.9:7-14 The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel
2Ki.4:42 A man...brought (Elisha) bread of the firstfruits, 20 loaves & corn [to feed his 100 disciples]
Lk.22:35 When I sent you without purse...lacked ye any thing? And they said, "Nothing."
1Tim.5:18 Shalt not muzzle ox that treadeth the corn. The labourer is worthy of his hire (See Deut.25:4 ; Lk.10:7 .)
(See also Acts 28:7-10 )
D. Staying as a guest at someone's house:
Mat.10:11 In whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who is worthy; & there abide
Lk.10:7,8 In the same house remain, eating (what) they give
(See also 1Ki.17:8-16,24 ; Acts 10:5,6 ; 16:14,15 ; 17:5,7 ; 18:2,3,7 ; Rom.16:23a ; Phlm.22 .)
E. But don't overstay your welcome:
Pro.25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee; & so hate thee
F. Accepting invitations to a meal:
Mat.9:9,10 [Jesus & disciples ate with Matthew] (See also Lk.5:29 )
Lk.7:36 One of the Pharisees desired that He would eat with him
Lk.19:1-6 [Jesus invited Himself to eat at Zacchaeus' house]
1Cor.10:27 If any (unbelievers) bid you to a feast, & ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat
G. Refusing invitations to a meal:
1Ki.13:7-9,15-17 [Young prophet ordered by God to refuse invitations] (See also vs.18-24 )
Pro.15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than (steak) & hatred therewith (See also Dan.1:5,8,12-16 )
Pro.23:6-8 Eat not the bread of him that hath an evil eye
H. Share amongst yourselves what God has already given you:
Acts 2:44,45 (They) parted them to all men, as every man had need
Acts 4:32 They had all things common
Acts 4:34,35 Distribution was made unto every man...as he had need
Acts 11:29 Every man according to his ability...(sent) relief
2Cor.8:12-14 That...your abundance may be a supply for their want (lack)...that there may be equality
2Cor.8:15 He that gathered much had nothing over; & he that gathered little had no lack (See Exo.16:18 )
A. Well-off supporters often helped God's messengers:
Gen.47:1-6 [Pharaoh gave the best land in Egypt, Goshen, to Joseph's father & brothers]
1Ki.18:3,13 [Governor Obadiah risked his life to save & feed 100 of the Lord's prophets]
2Ki.4:8-11 [Rich woman of Shunem supplied food & lodging for Elisha & his servant]
Neh.2:7,8 [King Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah permission to take as much timber as he needed from the king's forest]
Jer.37:15-21 [King Zedekiah defied Jeremiah's enemies & commanded Jeremiah be given bread continually]
Dan.2:48,49 [King Nebuchadnezzar gives Daniel power & "many great gifts", & gave his friends high positions]
Lk.8:1-3 [Joanna & other wealthy women helped support Jesus]
(See also Rom.16:23 ; Phlm.1,2,7,22 .)
B. Don't abuse others' generosity:
1Cor.7:31 They that use this world, as not abusing it
C. God's workers to be supported by those to whom they minister:
Mat.10:9,10 Provide neither gold, nor silver in your purses...for the workman is worthy of his meat
1Cor.9:7-14 The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel
2Ki.4:42 A man...brought (Elisha) bread of the firstfruits, 20 loaves & corn [to feed his 100 disciples]
Lk.22:35 When I sent you without purse...lacked ye any thing? And they said, "Nothing."
1Tim.5:18 Shalt not muzzle ox that treadeth the corn. The labourer is worthy of his hire (See Deut.25:4 ; Lk.10:7 .)
(See also Acts 28:7-10 )
D. Staying as a guest at someone's house:
Mat.10:11 In whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who is worthy; & there abide
Lk.10:7,8 In the same house remain, eating (what) they give
(See also 1Ki.17:8-16,24 ; Acts 10:5,6 ; 16:14,15 ; 17:5,7 ; 18:2,3,7 ; Rom.16:23a ; Phlm.22 .)
E. But don't overstay your welcome:
Pro.25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee; & so hate thee
F. Accepting invitations to a meal:
Mat.9:9,10 [Jesus & disciples ate with Matthew] (See also Lk.5:29 )
Lk.7:36 One of the Pharisees desired that He would eat with him
Lk.19:1-6 [Jesus invited Himself to eat at Zacchaeus' house]
1Cor.10:27 If any (unbelievers) bid you to a feast, & ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat
G. Refusing invitations to a meal:
1Ki.13:7-9,15-17 [Young prophet ordered by God to refuse invitations] (See also vs.18-24 )
Pro.15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than (steak) & hatred therewith (See also Dan.1:5,8,12-16 )
Pro.23:6-8 Eat not the bread of him that hath an evil eye
H. Share amongst yourselves what God has already given you:
Acts 2:44,45 (They) parted them to all men, as every man had need
Acts 4:32 They had all things common
Acts 4:34,35 Distribution was made unto every man...as he had need
Acts 11:29 Every man according to his ability...(sent) relief
2Cor.8:12-14 That...your abundance may be a supply for their want (lack)...that there may be equality
2Cor.8:15 He that gathered much had nothing over; & he that gathered little had no lack (See Exo.16:18 )
9. Giving to God's work:
A. God can even use unbelievers to give to His people:
Job 27:16,17 Though he heap up silver...innocent shall divide (it) ...prepare raiment...but the just shall put it on
Psa.2:8 Ask...I shall give the heathen for thine inheritance
Pro.21:1 King's heart is in hand of the Lord...He turneth it
Psa.105:44 (He) gave them lands of the heathen: & they inherited the labour of the people (heathen)
Pro.13:22 The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just
Eccl.2:26 To the sinner He giveth travail, to gather & to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God
Isa.23:18 Her merchandise shall be...for [servants of] the Lord, to eat sufficiently, & for durable clothing
B. Examples of the need to ask:
1Sam.25:2-8 [David sent men to ask Nabal, a great & rich--but wicked--man, to donate food to him & his men]
1Sam.25:7,8 [David explained the good work his men have done]
1Sam.27:5-7 [David asked for place to stay for 16 months]
Mk.11:1-7 [Jesus' disciples requested a donkey for Him to ride]
Mk.14:12-16 [Jesus' disciples asked for the use of an upper room, already furnished & prepared]
Lk.5:1-3 [Jesus asked for the use of a boat to preach from]
Jn.4:6,7 [Jesus asked for a drink of water]
10. God promises to prosper our work & businesses:
A. Financially:
Deut.28:1-13 [Mighty promises of prosperity to the faithful]
Psa.112:1,3 Blessed is the man...that delighteth greatly in His commandments...wealth shall be in his house
Pro.10:22 Blessing of the Lord maketh rich, He addeth no sorrow
B. Other ways God prospers His people:
(See Gen.39:2 ; Lev.26:3-13 ; Deut.29:9 ; 30:9 ; 2Chr.26:5 ; Psa.107:35-38 ; 127:3-5 ; Isa.3:10 ; Ezk.34:26 ; Acts 14:17 .)
11. God supplies our needs, not always our wants:
A. Be content & do not desire more than you need:
Lk.12:15 Beware of covetousness, for a man's life consisteth not in abundance of things which he possesseth
1Tim.6:6-8 Godliness with contentment is great gain...having food & raiment let us be therewith content
Phi.4:11 I have learned, in whatever state I am...to be content
Heb.13:5 Let your (life) be without covetousness; & be content with such things as ye have
Psa.37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked
Pro.15:16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure & trouble therewith
Pro.30:8 Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me
2Cor.6:10 As poor...having nothing, & yet possessing all things
(See also Psa.62:10b ; Psa.119:36 ; Pro.17:1 ; 23:5 .)
B. Dangers of discontent & murmuring:
Exo.16:3 [Longing for fleshpots of Egypt, & complaining that God will let them die of hunger]
Num.21:5,6 [The people complained against & loathe the manna & were attacked by fiery serpents]
1Sam.15:3,9 , [Saul disobeyed God's orders to utterly destroy, saving the best of the goods. God rejected Saul as king]
22,23
Psa.73:3-20 [Warning not to envy the prosperity of worldly wicked]
Psa.78:15-21 [Israelites miraculously received water, then doubtingly murmured for meat. God angrily judged them]
Copyright (c) 1997 by The Family
A. God can even use unbelievers to give to His people:
Job 27:16,17 Though he heap up silver...innocent shall divide (it) ...prepare raiment...but the just shall put it on
Psa.2:8 Ask...I shall give the heathen for thine inheritance
Pro.21:1 King's heart is in hand of the Lord...He turneth it
Psa.105:44 (He) gave them lands of the heathen: & they inherited the labour of the people (heathen)
Pro.13:22 The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just
Eccl.2:26 To the sinner He giveth travail, to gather & to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God
Isa.23:18 Her merchandise shall be...for [servants of] the Lord, to eat sufficiently, & for durable clothing
B. Examples of the need to ask:
1Sam.25:2-8 [David sent men to ask Nabal, a great & rich--but wicked--man, to donate food to him & his men]
1Sam.25:7,8 [David explained the good work his men have done]
1Sam.27:5-7 [David asked for place to stay for 16 months]
Mk.11:1-7 [Jesus' disciples requested a donkey for Him to ride]
Mk.14:12-16 [Jesus' disciples asked for the use of an upper room, already furnished & prepared]
Lk.5:1-3 [Jesus asked for the use of a boat to preach from]
Jn.4:6,7 [Jesus asked for a drink of water]
10. God promises to prosper our work & businesses:
A. Financially:
Deut.28:1-13 [Mighty promises of prosperity to the faithful]
Psa.112:1,3 Blessed is the man...that delighteth greatly in His commandments...wealth shall be in his house
Pro.10:22 Blessing of the Lord maketh rich, He addeth no sorrow
B. Other ways God prospers His people:
(See Gen.39:2 ; Lev.26:3-13 ; Deut.29:9 ; 30:9 ; 2Chr.26:5 ; Psa.107:35-38 ; 127:3-5 ; Isa.3:10 ; Ezk.34:26 ; Acts 14:17 .)
11. God supplies our needs, not always our wants:
A. Be content & do not desire more than you need:
Lk.12:15 Beware of covetousness, for a man's life consisteth not in abundance of things which he possesseth
1Tim.6:6-8 Godliness with contentment is great gain...having food & raiment let us be therewith content
Phi.4:11 I have learned, in whatever state I am...to be content
Heb.13:5 Let your (life) be without covetousness; & be content with such things as ye have
Psa.37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked
Pro.15:16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure & trouble therewith
Pro.30:8 Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me
2Cor.6:10 As poor...having nothing, & yet possessing all things
(See also Psa.62:10b ; Psa.119:36 ; Pro.17:1 ; 23:5 .)
B. Dangers of discontent & murmuring:
Exo.16:3 [Longing for fleshpots of Egypt, & complaining that God will let them die of hunger]
Num.21:5,6 [The people complained against & loathe the manna & were attacked by fiery serpents]
1Sam.15:3,9 , [Saul disobeyed God's orders to utterly destroy, saving the best of the goods. God rejected Saul as king]
22,23
Psa.73:3-20 [Warning not to envy the prosperity of worldly wicked]
Psa.78:15-21 [Israelites miraculously received water, then doubtingly murmured for meat. God angrily judged them]
Copyright (c) 1997 by The Family