In America, many of us recently took stock of our tax responsibilities as the Internal Revenue Service's filing deadline was on April 17, 2023.
Why do we pay Uncle Sam his taxes? Well, for one thing, our taxes go into a pot from which funds are drawn to pay for everything from potholes to national defense. Our taxes help pay for our public schools, community parks and much more.
Many of us faithfully pay our tax obligations because we also believe that some day we'll have access to a 'safety net' in the form of reduced health care costs and other benefits. Unfortunately, politicians are making it known that a certain generation of citizens will not enjoy any of the social security benefits received by the elderly and retired of years past.
And yet, we continue paying taxes into the systems of the world with a faith that we will benefit from it in someway. And this is scriptural for even Jesus said to give unto Caesar what is Caesar's (Mark 12:17). And He even paid his own taxes (Matthew 17:27).
Dear Christian brother and sister, are you paying your 'taxes' into the Kingdom of God? Are you investing into the things of God so you can draw your benefits now and in the future? Do you consistently give God His tithes and offerings, provide alms to the poor, praise the Lord, fast, pray as well as intercede for others? Are you giving of your time to spread the gospel? Are you teaching your children the word of God and investing in learning it yourself?
All of these are ways to deposit into God's 'safety net' - a treasure trove of goodness for you here on earth. These 'contributions' also help secure your ticket to and your residence in heaven. Unlike the world's systems, this safety net will never run out of resources and is available for you to tap into right now, not just years down the line. Further, there's no shifting of the proverbial goal post as has happened in France and elsewhere, where workers are being told they need to work for even more years if they ever hope to tap into their retirement benefits.
Pay your 'taxes', people, and you can tap into the blessings and benefits that come from God's kingdom at any time. Make this a priority. Psalm 32:10 - Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.
God bless you!
CLOSING PRAYER
Oh Lord our Redeemer, You are all we need in every season of our lives. Thank You for introducing yourself to us. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for allowing us to tap into heavenly benefits despite being mere flesh. We are grateful for Your grace and mercy upon us all.
Father, we appreciate the opportunity to gather in faith to invest into Your kingdom with our praise and prayers. Remember us for having done so and when we come calling, help us to seek according to Your will so that You will grant entitlements to us for Your glory and by Your grace, IJMN Amen.
Hallelujah to the Sovereign Lord!
Lord I pray over Peppers as they pay their spiritual taxes.
It is written that we will reap what we sow. Let them reap blessings for doing good in Your sight.
As they give to the needy, may You also give back to them.
Pressed down, shaken together, and running over!
King Jesus, I touch on all of today's praises, intercessory prayers, and silent prayers and I lift them up before you. May our Father's perfect Will be done in their lives, in Your precious name, I pray, Amen.
From sis OD - Lord thx for this time of fellowship and workship. Thank you for the message. Guide us to repent and align to pay our taxes and honor you first in all we do.
Thanks for giving us another day…
Bless those who are less fortunate, widows and orphans.
Please guide our leaders and your people in the US, Nigerian , Sudan, the 🌎.
Guide our families, friends and relatives. We give all the honor and praise to you. We know all the power belongs to you.
From BI -
LAST 10 MINUTES
Today we learned about investing in God's 'safety net' and the specific things we can do to achieve this.
I spend a lot of time encouraging folks do these things. There's a reason. A relationship with God requires two people. You on one side and the Lord on the other.
We can't expect to reap the benefits of relationship if we don't give God what is His. This is why we must do the things He's told us to as listed in the main post.
Our good sis @Cookie Doe shared that the Lord had placed it on her heart to tithe more. Is there something the Lord has placed a burden on your heart to do more?
If you want to commit to doing more, pick one thing in the list and commit to it for 30 consecutive days. Maybe practice listening to a worship song each day. Or stop at 3pm each day to simply say 'thank You God.' You could write down 30 people you know (family, coworkers, people/issues in the news) and say a short prayer for one person a day.
As long as you have breath in your lungs it is not too late to start investing in God's 'safety net.'
The Lord will help you, IJMN Amen.
So, how will you pay your spiritual 'taxes'?
*From BI* - Lord, the bible says the devil came to steal, kill and destroy but You Lord came so we can have life and have it in abundance. The earth and everything in it belongs to You Lord therefore I come before You Praying that You calm raging minds and bring an end to violence. May peace and love dwell in all nations on earth. I pray You grant strength to Your children to be forgiving and understanding. I pray that love and hope will triumph over hatred and fear. I pray for peace, justice and reconciliation in Sudan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria and all other countries going through war and unrest. I pray for divine visitation for those that are suffering from war, injustice and intolerance. Lord, be their shield and their guide. I pray You grant them safety, guidance and Your transcending shalom peace IJMN Amen.
Great God, the Sovereign Lord, I exalt You. For You are King of kings and Lord of lords. The Upright One who is forever steadfast and faithful.
Lord, You have promised in Your word to not deprive Your righteous ones of any good thing. (Psalm 84:11).
As such, I come before You today praying for Your daughters in whom You have planted the seed of a godly marriage and family. Lord, it is from You the families of the world originate so it is to You I lift this issue (Ephesians 3:15).
The Savior came to destroy the works of satan and thus every stumbling block and obstacle erected by the devil against Your purpose for these women is dismantled and destroyed, IJMN Amen (1 John 3:8).
As to any obstacle created by the choices of these women, I plead for Your compassion and mercy in accord with Exodus 33:19. You are the God for whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). Please show to Your children the changes they need to make in order to receive this blessing into their lives (Psalm 81:8). May they listen and obey You, IJMN Amen.
Lord-who-is-with-us,
Your word says that "My covenant of peace with you cannot be shaken"
Abba, I pray that through the Holy Spirit You have placed in us (Eph 1:13), we will walk around our daily lives full of confidence in You. Give us the grace to walk in the power You have given us. It is written "if God is for me, who can be against me"
"I will contend with those who contend with You and I will save Your children"; "Greater works than these shall you do"; "truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, And of justice and might"; "greater is He that's in me than he who's in the world"
In Jesus name, I thank You for answering this prayer -- amen!
From sis OD - Lord thank you for helping me find a church home. Guide me to be an example and a leader you expect. Guide me to focus on my goal to honor you and no one else. Teach me to be apply todays message into your ministry and my life. Amen
Almighty God. A man can only receive what is given him from heaven. Thank You for being Provider of all good things.
Psalm 107:9 - for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Heavenly Father, many are lacking food in this season. I call on You great King to remember Your word and give to the thirsty and hungry. Fill their stomachs oh Lord. That they shall hunger no more, IJMN Amen.
Psalm 22:26 - The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever!
EL Rapha, I plead for your supernatural healing power upon my prayer subjects. Deliver them from all health alignments, discomfort, and pain. Eliminate the spirit of fear and fill them with Your transcending peace. Strengthen and heal all systems, cells, bones, organs, tissue, nerve endings, and vessels. Bless them with easy access to quality healthcare and guide the hands and minds of the medical team entrusted with their care. Please grant them a healing victory for Your almighty glory! In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Thank You Abba for leading me to my church and for TMA/P&P ministry lead by @P L U N D E R E R I lift up both ministries in prayer before You and ask that they continue to be filled with the truth, knowledge, and power of the Holy Spirit. May L church and TMA/P&P fulfill Your will and desire, and please you in every way, bearing good fruit and advancing Your kingdom and may You bless the work of @P L U N D E R E R and all that she does for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Lord, my mighty One,
I submit to You all Your children and every vessel You are using to achieve Your will.
You oh Lord, are mighty, what You have made straight cannot be crooked. He who formed the eyes can see, and He who formed the ears can hear.
Great King, I declare that the words You have spoken cannot fall to the ground. It will accomplish what it has been sent for. In the same way, I declare that the destinies of Your people will not be wasted, but by Your grace they will live their lives in a way that is pleasing to You. The callings over their lives will be fulfilled and not destroyed, in Jesus mighty name I have prayed, amen.
Praise God!
He rescued me from a funk and restored my joy.
"For thou oh Lord art a shield for me, my glory You lift my head" (Psalm 3:3)
Heavenly Father, glory be to Your Holy Name. You depose kings and raise up others because all power belongs to You.
2 Kings 22:2 - He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.
Lord, we pray for leaders like King Josiah who will do what is right in Your eyes and strive to obey you. We cry our for leaders who fear You and humble themselves before You. Leaders who will tear down the high places, and remove the representation of satan in their nations. Leaders who will always turn to You with all their heart and strength.
Take all the glory, IJMN Amen.
PRAYER TIME
The next step is to pray for people. Don't worry about your own needs, this is the time to give so you yourself will receive.
So, pray for someone - 2-4 someones/issues, in fact. Share your prayer in a post and someone will join you in agreement if led to by the Lord.
God bless you
From sis OD -
Lord, thanks for the opportunity to fellowship with this group and praise and honor you.
From sis OD - Thank you God for my confidence in you
Thank You Lord for the blessings of revelation and understanding.
Thank You for Your grace and kindness.
Thank You for answering prayers.
Glory to You my King.
*From BI* - I thank You Lord for CS, JO and CE and all You are doing in their lives. Thank You for sustaining them. Thank You King of kings for allowing us to approach Your throne of grace. May my lips never cease to praise You.
Psalm 77:14 - You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
Miracle Worker I am grateful. Thank You for allowing me to witness Your mighty hand at work. Thank You for revealing Yourself.
I praise You Almighty Father!
From sis OD - Great message. So grateful I am able to tab into the benefits of God and I have my own part to do.
Psalm 77:13 - Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?
Nobody!! Hallelujah to the Lord God Almighty!
Father, I bless Your Holy Name!
I am grateful for today's lesson @P L U N D E R E R . Thank you for reminding us to sow into the Kingdom of God, in Spirit (Galatians 6:8) and with our actions and deeds. May the Lord lead us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Mighty God, thank You for this day that You have made, every day in Your presence is an honor. Thank You for Your steadfast love and Your mercy and grace which renew each morning. How great is Your faithfulness! All adoration belongs to You Abba! In Jesus' precious name, I give You praise. Amen.
https://youtu.be/cLOMz1ybYQg
*From BI* - Thank You Lord for spoiling me with Your mercy, provisions, shelter, grace, favour and so much more. Thank You Lord for being a wonderful Father whose words are Yes and Amen. A million tongues will never suffice. To You belong all honour, glory and adoration. Thank You Adonai.
*From IA84* - Good morning everyone, blessings and well wishes to you. I ask today that you lift me up in prayer, as I continue to have my struggles with depression and anxiety. Today is a work day, so I will be heading out shortly. I wanted to stop in and thank everyone here for having me. Thank you for your kindness and support. Today, I call upon the Lord to hear my cries and wipe away all my tears. For he knows what I've been going through, and I ask that my troubles, my burdens, my worries and my struggles be taken away. I ask the Lord to gift me peace, prosperity and genuine happiness. My heart has been in a struggle, and without question, it needs healing. May the Lord bless me with mental, physical and emotional healing, so I overcome my struggles. I give thanks and show gratitude for life itself and every blessing the Lord has ever gifted me. Thank you Lord, for a new day. And thank you to everyone lifting me up in prayer. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you!
*From CD* - Ouch, Imma just say ouch because they say "if you can't say Amen, say ouch!"
*From BI* - Thank You my Abba Father for waking me up to see this great day that You have made. Thank You Lord for Your mercy which renews every morning. I am so thankful to be loved, forgiven and sheltered by You.
Thank you for today’s word sis @FFJ. May we set our sights on things that are above where Christ is seated. May we begin to store up treasures in heaven. May the Holy Spirit guide us to not conform to the ways of the world but rather align with God’s Word and Will IJMN Amen.
*From ec* - Amen and good morning ladies!
From MM - Very good message tonight. Thank you!
The Lord wants you to become born again in Jesus Christ. Indeed, the only way any of us will make it to heaven is to be born again. These aren't my words they are from the Lamb of God Himself in John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Good deeds, kindness and the hallmarks of a well-lived life aren't enough. You have to realize that you can't do life without Him. You need Him to get you out of the messy entanglements you're in. You have to put your pride aside and ask Him to get you there.
Now is your opportunity to do just that and get baptized in the Spirit (John 3:5).
Don't worry about not being perfect enough for God. He will take your hand right where you are and lead you to the improved you. Jesus hardly hung out with perfect people. It was prostitutes, fornicators, tax collectors, the poor and the sick that made up His crew. His job is to take your sins away when you choose to be born again. To make you brand new and free from past shame and guilt.
If you are willing, why don't you say the following prayer?
Lord Jesus I am a sinner. I confess my sins right now to you. And I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you came , you died, your rose again, and you paid the price for my sins. Today, I accept the new life, today I accept the Holy Spirit. Come dwell in me, make Your home in me. I will never be the same again. In Jesus's name, Amen.
Praise God and welcome to the household of the Lord. Please let the Lord transform you. He loves you as you are and welcomes you just that way but He will change you. I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't let you know. My recommendation is that you let Him have His way and bow to the beautiful changes He will bring your way.
Now that you are born again in the Spirit, I strongly recommend that you get born again with water for we are told in John 3:5 - Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Find a church that is led by the Holy Spirit and get water baptized. The Lord will guide you, IJN, Amen.
To learn more about the faith and find answers to some questions you might have, check out this handy page - ! How to have a stronger relationship with YHWH God!
The Lord bless you!