“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
1 John 5:14-15 AMP

The Bible tells us that if God hears our prayers that He also answers them. How can you have confidence that He will hear your prayers and therefore answer them?

For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but one Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].  Hebrews 4:15-16 AMP

Only the righteous can come into God’s presence to ask for help and be heard. If you are washed in the blood of Jesus and if He is your High Priest, you can have confidence to come into God’s presence to ask boldly for what you need. The guilty are not bold to come into God’s presence, but God expects the righteous to be bold! Boldness is a manifestation of faith —faith in God’s grace and His promises—and God always honors faith.

You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3[Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.  James 4:2-3 AMP

If you want an answer, you need to first ask. If you don’t ask God for what you need, how can He give it to you? Also, if you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives, with the intention of satisfying your carnal desires, then God will not answer you then either.

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.  Psalms 66:18 AMP

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.  Isaiah 59:1-2 AMP

God is not powerless or unwilling to help you, neither is He deaf so that He cannot hear, but if you are disobedient and if you sin willfully, then He will not hear your prayers, because your sin has separated you from Him and His presence.

What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it! 15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 18 The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.  Psalms 34:12-18 AMP

The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, but the eyes of the Lord see the uncompromisingly righteous and His ears are open to their cry. The righteous are those who have humbly received the grace of God and who know that they are made righteous only by the grace and mercy of God. They work daily to keep their heart right with God. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord pays attention to them, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.

The Lord is [rigidly] righteous in all His ways and gracious and merciful in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desires of those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them.  Psalm.s 145:17-19 AMP

When you reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord and when you call upon Him sincerely and in truth, He will hear your cry and will save you and fulfill not only your needs, but also your desires.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

FOUNDATIONS OF MY FAITH
MY ABSOLUTES–THINGS I CANNOT COMPROMISE

Foundation Scriptures: Matthew 26:28-29

The Blood of Jesus Redeems us from sin.

1. Redeem—to clear by payment; to buy back or pay off; to recover; to exchange; to save from sins; to restore the honor or worth of; to recover ownership of by paying a specified sum; to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom; deliverance by payment of a price; to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.
2. In the New Testament, redemption refers to salvation from sin, death, and the wrath of God by Christ’s sacrifice.
3. We are redeemed from our own works. We are redeemed from religion and tradition and the Curse of the Law.
4. 1 Peter 1:18-19 AMP – You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, 19 But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.
5. Our sins are forgiven and no longer held against us.
6. Ephesians 1:7
7. We are purchased by the Blood of Jesus.
8. Acts 20:28

Blood has to be shed or there can be no remission of sins.

1. Hebrews 9:22 AMP – [In fact] under the Law almost everything is purified by means of blood, and without the shedding of blood there is neither release from sin and its guilt nor the remission of the due and merited punishment for sins.
2. Under the Old Covenant, blood sacrifices had to continually be made for sin.
3. Hebrews 10:1-4 Under the old Covenant the blood of animals was shed to atone for sins. The blood of these animals only covered people’s sin. The Father looked at the blood and counted them as righteous. The animals were a type of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus became our “Sacrificial Lamb” (1 Peter 1:19). The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin and cleanses our conscience from dead works.
4. Hebrews 9:12-15
5. Under the New Covenant, the Blood of Jesus completely washes away our sin.
6. Colossians 1:14 AMP – In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.
7. Isaiah 43:25
8. Psalms 103:12
9. Revelation 1:5
10. Since Jesus shed His Blood, no more blood needs to be shed.
11. Hebrews 10:18

The Blood of Jesus reconciles us to the Father.

1. We cannot stand before God on our own merits. Our righteousness is like filthy rags.
2. Isaiah 64:6
3. Romans 3:23 NKJV – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
4. Through the Blood of the Cross, God has made peace, reconciling all things to Himself, once and for all.
5. Colossians 1:19-22
6. We are reconciled back to the Father.
7. Ephesians 2:13 NKJV – But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

1. The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL sin—the sin we committed before and after we were saved. If we make a mistake and repent, His Blood cleanses us every time.
2. 1 John 1:7 NKJV – But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
3.  As the old song says, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.”
4. The Blood of Jesus gave us a new and better covenant.
5. Hebrews 8:6

The Blood of Jesus allows us to come boldly before the Father.

1. When you come to God, you come boldly by the Blood of Jesus. You don’t enter by your own name. You don’t enter by your good works. You are bold because you know that His Blood gives you the right to come into God’s presence to ask for help.
2. Hebrews 10:19-23
3. We have a new and living way. We draw nigh unto God boldly, by the blood, with faith and a clean conscience.
4. Hebrews 4:15-16

The Blood of Jesus gives us the power to overcome.

1. Revelation 12:11 NKJV – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
2. Talk about what God has done for you. Your testimony is a living thing—when you share it, you relive it.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:57

The Blood of Jesus is held in honor in heaven.

1. We reign as kings and priests on the earth through the blood of Jesus.
2. Revelation 5:9-10 NKJV – And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
3. No one is left out. The Blood of Jesus paid the price for every man, every woman, every tribe, every tongue, every people, and every nation!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

The mission of the local church is: Preaching and teaching; Making disciples; Fellowship; Worship; Missions and evangelism; Maturity of the believer; Ministry in the home; Ministry to material needs.

Preaching and teaching:

In Mark 16:15, Mark records that Jesus commanded the Church to preach the Gospel and in Matthew’s account, He emphasizes the teaching mission of the church (Matthew 28:19-20).

We can see in the book of Acts that the Church did what Jesus told them to do – to both preach and teach:
• Acts 5:42 NKJV – And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
• Acts 2:42 Kenneth S. Wuest – And they were giving constant attention to the teaching of the apostles and to that which they held in common with them, and to the breaking of the bread and to the gatherings where prayers to God were offered.
• Acts 11:25-26 NKJV – Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
• Acts 15:35 NKJV – Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
• Acts 18:11 NKJV – And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
• Acts 20:20-21 NKJV – How I kept back nothing that was helpful, buts proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Acts 28:30-31 NKJV – Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Preach means to herald; to proclaim; to publish. Preaching serves to both recruit and motivate the hearer. Through preaching, new babes are born into the family of God. Teach means to disciple, to instruct; to impart skill, knowledge or comprehension to. Teaching is the maturing ministry of the Church. Through teaching, the babes grow up and are matured from drinking milk to eating strong meat.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?  1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NKJV

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV

Making disciples:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

The Greek word translated “teach” is matheteuo, from mathetes, which means “disciple.” The Church is commanded by Jesus to teach – or disciple – all nations. Discipling involves teaching, but is more than just teaching – it is setting and leading by example. You can tell someone how to do it, but showing them is so much more effective. People learn a little by what you say, more by what you do and the most by who you are! Those who merely teach, have pupils, but those who disciple, make followers.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.  1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 NKJV

The Church must teach God’s word, live God’s word and demonstrate God’s word. This requires that they personally submit themselves to the Word and the Spirit and allow God to do a work in them and through them. Always point people to God and His word, not to yourself; lift Jesus up; glorify the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Disciple by word and deed:
• 1 Timothy 4:12 AMP – Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP – Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).  
• Ephesians 5:1 AMP – Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].  
• Philippians 3:17 AMP – Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you.  

The local church will be strong when its members – under a Spirit-filled ministry – learn from one another, grow together and strengthen one another.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.  1 John 5:14-15 NKJV

You cannot attach your faith to anything that God hasn’t already promised you. When you do attach your faith to God’s promise and you pray in faith, then you will receive all the blessings of His will and His promise.

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, 8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].  James 1:5-8 AMP

If God is a giving God, who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, then why don’t people have all that they need from Him? Obviously God is not our problem!  God gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly! The key that opens the door to God’s blessing of wisdom, or anything we ask God for, is to ask in faith. If you are wavering, hesitating, and doubting – you are double-minded. When you are double-minded, you are not operating in faith. Faith is single-minded and laser-focused! Faith is resolute – faith’s mind is made up. If you ask in faith – you’ll receive from God what you ask Him for, but if you do not ask in faith, then you will not receive what you’ve asked for. The key is FAITH!

And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done. 22 And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.  Matthew 21:21-22 AMP

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  Mark 9:23 NKJV

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.  23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.  Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

These scriptures clearly show how important faith is. They promise that you can have WHATEVER you have the faith for. Scripture puts no limits or qualifications on the known needs of this life – so do not limit them! These scriptures show us that whatever you desire in life – faith is absolutely necessary to get it. You should not expect to get anything from God, if you refuse to have faith. Jesus commanded us to, “Have faith in God”; therefore, we should have faith in God. It’s not impossible to have faith; it’s not God’s responsibility to give you faith; you can’t pray for faith. Operating in faith is your choice and responsibility!

It is all-important to have faith, because:
No prayer will be answered without faith
You cannot please God without faith
You will not get anything from God without faith
And – without faith you will be disobedient to God.

If God commands us to have faith, then to break the commandment, with doubt and unbelief, must be sin. Romans 14:22b (K.S. Wuest) says, “Moreover, everything which is not of faith is sin.” The Amplified says, “For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].”  Believers should be as concerned about not breaking this law as they are about breaking any other of God’s laws! If believers realized that it’s a sin to have unbelief and to doubt God and His word, it would motivate them to change and to do something about it! The problem is, that people just think that doubt and unbelief are “normal” and to be expected and part of the human experience. Most people – even believers – are just indifferent about it. If you don’t think there’s a problem, or if you don’t think it can be helped, then you don’t look for an answer or a solution.

When people pray, if they’ve believed the devil’s lies that not all people can believe God and have faith, then they’ll think that it’s perfectly alright to live in doubt and unbelief and that it’s normal to waver in your believing and asking. And when prayer isn’t answered, they take it for granted that it must not be God’s will. Some people even pray prayers that begin with, “If it be Thy will”! We know what God’s will is! His will is His word! So their defeat is all blamed on God, and considered His will, without question. The truth is that believers are surrendering to the devil and his cohorts who are opposing the answer to their prayers! Defeat becomes such a habit to the average believer that they don’t even think about it. In fact, they are way more surprised when a prayer does get answered than if it doesn’t!

If God does not answer a prayer, it doesn’t mean that it was not His will, or that He is unfaithful – it simply means that the prayer was prayed in doubt and unbelief. What does the Bible say? If it says that God always answers faith – then the lack of an answer simply shows our unbelief. When the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast a demon out, Jesus’ answer was, “Because of your unbelief” (Matthew 17:14-21). There is not one scripture that says that prayer remains unanswered for any other reason. If we excuse our unbelief and blame the failure on God, then we are sinning against Him. Doubting God is a sin! If no one would doubt God, there would be no failure to get answers to prayer every time we prayed for anything that is already covered by the promises of God.

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

When we started the week taking the Matters of the Heart classes I was excited. I wanted to come away from that week of classes changed, and I am thankful for what was imparted into us by the Holy Spirit from Pastor Adonica. I know I’m not even close to being perfect, I know that there are still “kinks” in me that need to be right and that the Holy Spirit is burning away, but I also know now that we are all being “perfected”. He is working in us giving us the desire to do what pleases Him, and He will complete the good work that He has begun.

One of the main things that spoke to me during those classes was the spiritual principle of guarding our hearts. Everything we are, the very core and spirit of who we are springs from the heart. We are not our soul or our body, and it is so vitally important to guard your heart and not just leave it open for the enemies junk to infiltrate. One of the quotes from Pastor Adonica that I loved was this: “You are the Keeper of your own heart…keeping your heart is like keeping a garden. Attentively put work into guarding your heart.” We are not to be ones who “wear our hearts on our sleeves” or be swayed by our emotions, but we are to be ones who renew our minds with the Word, guard the precious gift that God has entrusted to us, and be filled only with that which is true, right, pure, and of a good report.

I also loved this quote from Pastor Adonica: “You may have thoughts come to you, but it’s your heart that speaks the truth…God speaks to my heart, but the devil tries to speak to my head. Trust what God has spoken to your heart.” So many times before I would battle with thoughts in my head. I would alway struggle with making decisions, second guessing if it was me or God that had that idea. But I know that since my spirit has been made new and one with God, He will speak to my heart, not my head, and give me His peace with every turn/decision that He leading me.

There was a lot more that I could say, but I am thankful for the time that we had in this class. And even though it was only one week, I believe what was imparted into the students was much more than that. I”m learning how to love, how to guard my heart, and operate with the anointing to the full potential that God has placed in me, and I’m so excited to see what’s going to happen in the days ahead.

We, believers, must cooperate with and contribute toward the advancement of the Gospel:

In every prayer of mine I always make my entreaty and petition for you all with joy (delight). 5 [I thank my God] for your fellowship (your sympathetic cooperation and contributions and partnership) in advancing the good news (the Gospel) from the first day [you heard it] until now.  Philippians 1:4-5 AMP

Paul is writes this letter to the Philippians and tells them that he thanks God for their fellowship – sympathetic cooperation and contributions and partnership – with him in the Gospel. The Greek word translated “fellowship” is “koinonia”, which means: fellowship; partnership; participation; communion; communication; distribution; contribution; to communicate; (financial) benefaction. Their partnership and contributions helped to advance the Gospel.

Don’t advance your own interests – advance the Gospel:

For the others all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 22 But Timothy’s tested worth you know, how as a son with his father he has toiled with me zealously in [serving and helping to advance] the good news (the Gospel).  Philippians 2:21-22 AMP

Many Christians are no better than the heathen, when it comes to advancing the Gospel; because they are so busy serving themselves and advancing their own interests that the Gospel is neglected. As believers, we have a responsibility toward the Gospel – to advance the Gospel. No one else is going to do it. If we don’t do it, it won’t be done. We have to lay aside all selfishness and self-promotion and make God’s plans and will and desires, our priority.

Rejoice in the Lord and let your genuine unselfishness be seen by all:

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].  Philippians 4:4-5 AMP

Do not fret or worry about one thing – but tell your Father what you want and need – and His peace will garrison your heart and mind:

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

Fix your mind only on positive, godly, good things; model your way of life on the word of God and God’s peace will be with you:

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. 9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9 AMP

Make sure that you do not neglect the Gospel or those who preach the Gospel – be a partner in advancing the Gospel with your resources of time, abilities and substance:

I was made very happy in the Lord that now you have revived your interest in my welfare after so long a time; you were indeed thinking of me, but you had no opportunity to show it.  Philippians 4:10 AMP

But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs and to share my difficulties with me. 15 And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time. Philippians 4:14-16 AMP

Learn how to be content in any and all circumstances – be self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency:

Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 12 I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].  Philippians 4:11-13 AMP

Your offering is a sweet smell to the Father and results in a harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account:

Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]. 18 But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.  Philippians 4:17-18 AMP

When you participate in advancing the Gospel with your finances, there is fruit that accumulates to your account – a harvest of blessing. Your offering and your sacrifice is a sweet smell that rises up to the throne of God and which He welcomes and in which He delights.

And the Father will liberally supply your every need – according to HIS riches in glory:

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 AMP

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1-26 KJV

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

The repetitive theme of this psalm is God’s mercy – His mercy, His loving kindness and His faithful love – that endures forever! This psalm might have been a responsive reading, where the congregation repeated the phrase together at the end of each sentence. The repetition makes this important lesson to sink in and become real to the worshipers. God is a God of love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness. Obviously God wants us to know that He IS good and that His love for us and toward us will never run out; it is a river – a well, springing up – that never will run dry.

O give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

He is the God – Elohiym – over all other gods. Elohiym is actually “Gods” and refers to the Trinity – three in one.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

He is the Lord – Adoniym – of lords. He is the Sovereign of sovereigns; Master of masters; and Ruler of rulers.

Because of His mercy and loving kindness:

-He does great wonders

He is always working on our behalf with signs and wonders and miraculous answers.

-By wisdom and understanding, He made the heavens, He stretched out the earth upon the waters, and He made the great lights – the sun, moon and stars.

All creation is a testament to God that He is our creator and that He is in charge and in control.

-He delivers His people – saves and protects them.

He smote (struck) Egypt’s firstborn; He brought out Israel from among them with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm; He divided the Red Sea into parts and made Israel to pass through the midst of it, but shook off and overthrew Pharaoh and his host into the Red Sea; He led His people through the wilderness. He can deliver YOU from ANY situation, no matter how impossible the situation.

-He defeated great kings and gave their land to Israel and to their descendants.

He smote great kings; He smote great kings, Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan; and gave their land as a heritage, even a heritage to Israel His servant. No man – no matter how powerful – can prevail against God’s obedient children. Who can stand against you if God is for you? Whatever God gives you, He means for you to keep and to pass down to your children’s children. God does not give and then take away. He gives it to us and expects us to administer it wisely, in the fear of God; but if we do not remain committed to Him, we could potentially lose all He has given. Stay in God’s will and don’t allow the enemy to rob from you. God’s blessing is a blessing that remains.

-He earnestly remembered us in our low estate and imprinted us on His heart, and rescued us from our enemies.

Even if we don’t know it, God is always watching over us. He never leaves us; never forgets about us; is always working on a plan of deliverance. How awesome is it that He has imprinted us on His own heart! He is the one who rescues us from our enemies. Look to Him; trust in Him; He will not fail you. He will not allow the enemy to win. When Israel was between the Red Sea and Pharaoh and his armies, they were terrified, but God split the Red Sea and took them through it – then He drowned the whole Egyptian army in it. The three Hebrew boys were thrown into the fire, but only those who threw them in were burned up. They came through without even the smell of smoke on their clothes.

-He gives food to all flesh.

God feeds all His creation. He rains on the just and the unjust. He provides for all. How good and merciful He is!

O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Proverbs 3:13-26  (NAS)
13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. 14For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold. 15She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. 19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. 20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies drip with dew. 21My son, let them not depart from your sight; keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22So they will be life to your soul, and adornment to your neck. 23Then you will walk in your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25Do not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; 26For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.

The Lord created everything we see by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. God’s wisdom is His Word. The first place for us to go for wisdom is His Word.

It is better for you to seek after wisdom, knowledge and understanding, rather than riches – gold, silver and jewels – because riches can be gained and lost. However, if you seek wisdom, it will result in blessing that remains. Riches in the hands of a fool bring destruction, but riches in the hands of a wise man are blessed and a blessing.

Proverbs 1:32   (KJV)
32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

The gaining of wisdom and understanding is better than the gaining of silver and gold. Wisdom will be, to you, more precious than jewels and nothing on this earth that you could possibly desire, compares with her. When you gain wisdom, you gain long life, riches and honor and peace. Wisdom is a tree of life, and every one who finds her, finds true happiness.

Wisdom brings security, because it destroys fear in your life. You can walk in confidence and peace, because your confidence and trust are in God who protects you and who keeps you from stumbling.

I Kings 3:11-13  (NAS)
11And God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, 12behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. 13″And I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days.

God offered Solomon anything he asked for. He asked for an understanding heart in order to govern wisely. The Lord was pleased with his request and granted it, adding to it both riches and honor.

When we seek God’s wisdom above all other earthly things – He gives us wisdom – and above all that, He blesses us with peace and prosperity. What a wonderful, awesome God we serve! Be sure that your priorities are right and you will find the blessing of God.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation scripture: I John 4:7-12  (KJV)

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

I John 4:19-21  (KJV)

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Everybody that knows God has God living on the inside. God is love and when He lives in you, His love lives in you. If His love lives in you, it will be manifested to everyone. They will see God’s love in you and they will see it flow through you towards others. When you are born of God and you know Him, you will love Him and you will love others. The more you know him, the more you will walk in, and manifest, love.

If you say that you are a child of God and that you love God, but you do not show love towards others, then the Bible calls you a liar! We have a commandment to love. The entire law is fulfilled in two commandments – love God, love your neighbor. Love enables you to keep the Ten Commandments.

Matthew 22:37-40  (KJV)

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Think about that – you will not break one of God’s commandments if you love Him and you love others! If you love God, you will not do anything, which will affect the fellowship that you have with Him and if you love people, you will do nothing to hurt them because love is incapable of hurting in any way.

Matthew 7:16-23  (KJV)

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Love is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22&23). If you know God, you will produce the fruit of love. People will see God’s love in you – they will feel God’s love through you. You can do all kinds of wonderful works, prophesy and cast out devils, but the love manifest in you and through you is the true fruit of whether you are a godly person or not. Some people seem to think that as long as the power of God is manifest in their lives, they don’t need to walk in love, but they are mistaken. How terrible to waste your life, doing all the right actions, with all the wrong motives – and in the end be rejected by God.  The only true way that everyone will know that we are Christians – followers of Christ – is by the love we show to others.

John 13:34-35  (KJV)

34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

 

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:12-17 NKJ

The devil does not have free rein to come in and destroy your life. God has given you ways to protect yourself. The armor of God is not something that God puts on you – it is something that youput on yourself with His help. You protect yourself with the truth, with righteousness (integrity), the Gospel, faith, salvation and the Word of God.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 NKJ

You must love and desire the truth even if the truth means you have to change. The truth protects your vulnerable belly and righteousness protects your heart. You must have a humble and repentant heart and God will clothe you in His robe of righteousness. You continue to walk in righteousness when you walk in honesty and integrity in your own heart. You must be ready to share the Gospel freely. You are ready for any situation when you are equipped with the Gospel of peace. You must be full of faith. Faith is a shield of protection for your whole body. You need to bring your mind into subjection to your spirit and the Spirit of God. Your thought life is sanctified as you allow the Word to wash your mind and the Spirit to teach you and lead you. The Word of God needs to be in your heart and in your mouth – a two-edged sword – cutting through the lies of the enemy.

You will notice that the shield of faith does not just prevent the enemy’s arrows from reaching your soft, vulnerable flesh, but it actually quenches the fiery darts and flaming missiles he sends your way. The devil may try his best, but your faith in God not only completely stops his arrows, but it thoroughly destroys them. God does not just do it for you – you do it with your faith in God. If faith quenches arrows then fear will allow them to penetrate your flesh and hurt and destroy you. Faith does not prevent the arrows from leaving the devil’s bow, but it will not allow them to touch you! You must press on in faith.

Faith believes that God will do what He said He would do. The Amplified Bible describes faith as “believing in God/Jesus with a personal trust, a confident surrender and firm reliance” and “the leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness.”  It is only when you trust God completely that the enemy will get nowhere in his attacks on you. People who do not trust in God fall to pieces at the first sign of an attack, but a person of faith says, “I don’t care what you try, devil, I know that God is on my side and I trust Him to take care of you!” The person of faith knows what the Word says and uses it on the devil just like Jesus did. “It is written!” You can have faith, not only in God’s power to help you, but in His goodness too and the fact that you know that He will help you. When you know that not only can God help you, but that He will help you – your faith in Him will be unshakable and the enemy’s attack in vain!