Dear Fellow Christian

Dear Fellow Christian,

Many Christians have the belief that to be a Christian they must be poor. Because this is such a prevailing belief, I present some commentary below followed by all of the “POOR” scriptures that most Christians base their belief upon.

I advise you to do as we are commanded in Philippians 2:12, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”.

Peace, love, and blessings!

Commentary:

1 John 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Let me be clear that being a Millionaire For Jesus is about “doing the will of God” and not about loving the world.

Proverbs 31 is God's picture of a Godly woman. Go read it. Is she a poor woman? Psalms 112 is God's picture of a Godly man. Go read it. Is he a poor man? In fact, the Bible says that "wealth and riches shall be in his house". It also says, "his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord". And that my friend is the key! If your heart is fixed on and trusting in wealth - you are in trouble. If however, your heart is fixed on and trusting in God, it is almost always His will to poor out blessings upon you.

It is my perception and belief that it is a special calling to be a wealthy Christian and that it isn’t for everyone.

When we consider the Levitical laws concerning money and when we consider the Apostolic stories and writings, the Bible seems to indicate that it is not generally God’s will for pastors and apostles to have big money.

We see especially in Hebrews 11 that there are some who wrought greatness and others who gave their lives – different callings. There are the Stevens’ whom God will allow to die as martyrs and there are Paul and Silas’s whom God will break open the prison and set free – different callings. There are those who are poor on earth (but rich in Heaven) and there are those like King James who are rich on earth (bringing us the very Bible we hold precious an dear) and who are rich in good works and will receive their reward in Heaven – different callings.

It is my perception and belief that “most” people CANNOT handle having money and God in his great mercy and care for their soul does not give them much of it. The simple truth is that if a person cannot handle money, it is better that they never have much of it.

It is my perception and belief that “most” people want money so that they can “consume it upon their own lusts” as the Bible puts it in James 4:3.

In other words, they want money for what it will do for THEM and the things it will buy for THEM. They want money so that they can buy a car that will get them attention. They want money so they can buy a house that will get them attention. They want money so that they can flash it around and cause people think of them as something super-special. They want money so that they can bring glory to themselves. AND THIS IS COMPLETELY WRONG AND COMPLETELY ANTI-GOD.

It’s not the car, the house, or the things that are wrong, it’s the desire to receive glory that is wrong. Instead, we are commanded to give glory to God.

According to the Bible, we were created to bring and give glory to God and when we try to bring glory to ourselves we are in effect, lifting ourselves up and putting God down. We are exalting ourselves and abasing God. The Bible clearly lets us know lifting up and exalting ourselves over God is wrong.

I happen to own a vending business that sells snacks, chips, pastries, and sodas. But, about the only “sweet” you will ever see me eat is a bowl of ice cream and every great once-in-a-while I might eat a couple of doughnuts. You will virtually never see me eating any candy or junk food. Therefore, there is no problem with me owning my own vending business, wouldn’t you agree? But, if I was the kind of person who constantly and habitually ate junk food and candy and could not control my appetite for sugar then the vending business would probably be a really bad business choice for me to get into, wouldn’t you agree?

In the same vein, if I am a person who constantly and habitually craves the power and attention that money can bring to me then it WOULD NOT make sense for God to give me much of it, wouldn’t you agree?

I personally have NO desire whatsoever to try to impress people with money or possessions. On the other hand, I have a very STRONG desire to be able to help various ministries and works in God’s Kingdom. And, I realize that I can do far more for God’s Kingdom with money than I ever could do personally. Consequently, God has always put a lot of money in my life and He continues to put even more in my life.

Bottom line, it’s where the emphasis is that makes money right or wrong.

The Bible makes it very plain that God is a God of great abundance, wealth, riches, and prosperity. Everything about God is first class and rich. But, no where in the Bible will you find anything about God loving these “things”. What you will find is that God loves people. And that’s what God wants for us – for us to love Him and to love people. If we can love God above all else and love people and handle money, then God will give it to us. If money will cause our love for God to cool and cause us to love people less, then it’s better that we not have a lot of money.

God often gives people the ability to “self-destruct”. So, if someone absolutely insists upon having large amounts of money so that they can consume it upon their lusts, then in many cases God will turn them over to a reprobate mind and let them go their way. Be assured that it never works when we put our own will over God’s will in our lives. When we go our own way instead of God’s way, the Bible tells us that “the end thereof is death” (Romans 6:23).

So, be careful. Let God talk to your heart and lead you according to what He sees as best for you. If money is a snare for you, then it’s better to not have it. For many people, it is a snare. In fact, 1 Timothy 6:9 gives us this warning: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” If on the other hand, you have a strong desire to do something great in God’s Kingdom and your focus is on God and not yourself, then go for it.

To flip the coin over, I will say that it is a shame that more people can’t handle money as they could be so much more useful and effective in the Kingdom of God.

One more thing, I am often asked about debt and leveraging other people’s money so let me just quickly comment on that. I strongly adhere to the Biblical concepts of “owe no man” (Romans 13:8) and the “borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Consequently, I believe in being debt free and I am not a proponent of building wealth through “leveraging” other people’s money. Instead, I have always built my money through either businesses that have a low-startup cost such as direct marketing or through small ventures that built up into bigger ventures such as real estate.

Before we get into the scriptures, let’s see how Webster defines a couple of words:

Covet – To desire enviously that which belongs to another.

Envy – Discontented desire for someone else’s possessions or advantages.

Please note that these are just the “POOR” scriptures and I have not included all of the “WEALTHY” scriptures as I have presented and will continue presenting them in my Blog postings. I make this comment because our Lord Jesus commanded us that we are to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). In other words, we are to live a balanced gospel.

The “POOR” Scriptures:

Lu 12:13	And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
Lu 12:14	And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
Lu 12:15	And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Lu 12:16	And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Lu 12:17	And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
Lu 12:18	And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
Lu 12:19	And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Lu 12:20	But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Lu 12:21	So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Lu 12:22	And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
Lu 12:23	The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
Lu 12:24	Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
Lu 12:25	And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
Lu 12:26	If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
Lu 12:27	Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Lu 12:28	If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Lu 12:29	And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Lu 12:30	For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Lu 12:31	But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Lu 12:32	Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Lu 12:33	Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Lu 12:34	For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Pr 20:21

An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

1ti 6:5	Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1ti 6:6	But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1ti 6:7	For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1ti 6:8	And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1ti 6:9	But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1ti 6:10	For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1ti 6:11	But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1ti 6:12	Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1ti 6:13	I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
1ti 6:14	That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1ti 6:15	Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1ti 6:16	Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1ti 6:17	Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1ti 6:18	That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1ti 6:19	Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Comment: Look at verse 17. Can you say that God doesn't want you to have things that you can enjoy?

Heb 13:5	Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:6	So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

De 15:4	Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it:
De 15:5	Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day.
De 15:6	For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
De 15:7	If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:
De 15:8	But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
De 15:9	Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
De 15:10	Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
De 15:11	For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Comment: How can you open up your hand and help someone else if you are so poor you don't have enough for yourself?

Pr 23:4	Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Pr 23:5	Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Pr 10:16

The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

Pr 28:20

A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Pr 11:28

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Ec 5:9	Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
Ec 5:10	He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
Ec 5:11	When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
Ec 5:12	The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
Ec 5:13	There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Ec 5:14	But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
Ec 5:15	As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
Ec 5:16	And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
Ec 5:17	All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
Ec 5:18	Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Ec 5:19	Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

Comment: Jesus Christ was certainly a gift from God. But, God obviously has other gifts for us as well. Did you see another gift that God has for you in verse 19?

Pr 19:4

Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

Pr 10:15

The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Pr 14:20

The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

Pr 22:16

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Pr 15:16

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Pr 28:6

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Mt 19:16	And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mt 19:17	And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Mt 19:18	He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Mt 19:19	Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mt 19:20	The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Mt 19:21	Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mt 19:22	But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mt 19:23	Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mt 19:24	And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mt 19:25	When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mt 19:26	But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Mt 19:27	Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Mt 19:28	And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Mt 19:29	And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Mt 19:30	But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Mr 10:17	And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
Mr 10:18	And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Mr 10:19	Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Mr 10:20	And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Mr 10:21	Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Mr 10:22	And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Mr 10:23	And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Mr 10:24	And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Mr 10:25	It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mr 10:26	And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
Mr 10:27	And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Mr 10:28	Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
Mr 10:29	And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mr 10:30	But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mr 10:31	But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Comment: He'll receive 100 times in "this" time AND eternal life. This points out a common problem. Many, many people aren't willing to "give up what they've got right now" so that God can put so much more into their lives.

Lu 3:11

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Lu 18:18	And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Lu 18:19	And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
Lu 18:20	Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Lu 18:21	And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
Lu 18:22	Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Lu 18:23	And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
Lu 18:24	And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Lu 18:25	For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Lu 18:26	And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
Lu 18:27	And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Lu 18:28	Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
Lu 18:29	And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
Lu 18:30	Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Comment: It's interesting to note that this is the only instance in the Bible where a person is asked to sell all that they had and give it to the poor (although there are a couple of examples of people who voluntarily did it). I believe that Jesus asked this man to do this because He saw in his heart a love for money that would always be a distraction for him. But, just think what could have happened if this man would have obeyed. Could it be that he would have been the one to take Judas Iscariot's place? This man knew how to make money or he wouldn't have been wealthy. Even if he had of sold everything that he had and gave it to the poor, he could have easily used his knowledge and skill to be an asset to the Kingdom of God.

Lu 10:29	But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Lu 10:30	And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Lu 10:31	And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Lu 10:32	And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
Lu 10:33	But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
Lu 10:34	And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Lu 10:35	And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Lu 10:36	Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
Lu 10:37	And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Comment: If the "Good Samaritan" had of been a poor man, he wouldn't have been able to help his "neighbour" to the extent that he was able to.

Lu 11:41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

2co 9:5	Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up before hand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
2co 9:6	But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2co 9:7	Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2co 9:8	And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2co 9:9	(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
2co 9:10	Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
2co 9:11	Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
2co 9:12	For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
2co 9:13	Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
2co 9:14	And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

Pr 19:17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Pr 22:9

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Pr 28:27	He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Ac 20:35	I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Php 4:5	Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Php 4:6	Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7	And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8	Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Php 4:9	Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Php 4:10	But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
Php 4:11	Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Php 4:12	I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Php 4:13	I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Php 4:14	Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Php 4:15	Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Php 4:16	For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Php 4:17	Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Php 4:18	But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Php 4:19	But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Php 4:20	Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Mt 16:24	Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mt 16:25	For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mt 16:26	For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mt 16:27	For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Ga 5:22	But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Ga 5:23	Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Ga 5:24	And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Ga 5:25	If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Ga 5:26	Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Ga 5:14	For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Ga 5:15	But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Ga 5:16	This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Ga 5:17	For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Ga 5:18	But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Ga 5:19	Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Ga 5:20	Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Ga 5:21	Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Col 3:1	If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2	Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3	For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4	When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Col 3:5	Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Col 3:6	For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Col 3:7	In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
Col 3:8	But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Col 3:9	Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col 3:10	And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:11	Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Col 3:12	Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Col 3:13	Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Col 3:14	And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Col 3:15	And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16	Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Col 3:17	And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Col 3:18	Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Col 3:19	Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Col 3:20	Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Col 3:21	Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Col 3:22	Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Col 3:23	And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col 3:24	Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Col 3:25	But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Tit 2:12	Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13	Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14	Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1pe 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Mic 2:1	Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.
Mic 2:2	And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.

Pr 15:27

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

Lu 19:1	And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
Lu 19:2	And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Lu 19:3	And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Lu 19:4	And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Lu 19:5	And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Lu 19:6	And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
Lu 19:7	And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
Lu 19:8	And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Lu 19:9	And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Lu 19:10	For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Lu 19:11	And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
Lu 19:12	He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
Lu 19:13	And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Lu 19:14	But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
Lu 19:15	And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
Lu 19:16	Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
Lu 19:17	And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Lu 19:18	And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
Lu 19:19	And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Lu 19:20	And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
Lu 19:21	For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
Lu 19:22	And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
Lu 19:23	Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
Lu 19:24	And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
Lu 19:25	(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
Lu 19:26	For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
Lu 19:27	But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Ro 12:11

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Comment: The result of slothfulness is poverty. To be poor means to be slothful.

Joh 12:25

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Ro 8:12	Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Ro 8:13	For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Ro 8:14	For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Lu 9:23	And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Lu 9:24	For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Lu 9:25	For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Lu 9:26	For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Mt 16:24	Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mt 16:25	For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mt 16:26	For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mt 16:27	For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

1ch 29:10	Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
1ch 29:11	Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
1ch 29:12	Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
1ch 29:13	Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Ps 21:13	Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
Ps 34:3	O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Ps 108:5	Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
Ps 118:28	Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

Pr 17:19

He that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

Mt 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Isa 2:11	The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
Isa 2:12	For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Isa 25:1

O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Ho 11:7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Ho 13:6	According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.
Ho 13:7	Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:
Ho 13:8	I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.
Ho 13:9	O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.

Ob 1:3	The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
Ob 1:4	Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

Lu 14:10	But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
Lu 14:11	For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Lu 14:12	Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.
Lu 14:13	But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
Lu 14:14	And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Lu 18:10	Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
Lu 18:11	The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Lu 18:12	I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Lu 18:13	And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Lu 18:14	I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Jas 1:9	Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Jas 1:10	But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
Jas 1:11	For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Jas 1:12	Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Jas 1:13	Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas 1:14	But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15	Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Jas 1:16	Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Jas 1:17	Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1pe 5:6	Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1pe 5:7	Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1pe 5:8	Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1pe 5:9	Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Re 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.