Increase Your Faith

The one who deals wisely in a matter will find success, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 (NET)

Pastor’s Commentary:

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT)

How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust…Psalm 40:4 (NASB)

The Blessing of the Lord is released in our lives when we completely trust in Him, not the other way around. In other words, we cannot obtain the Blessing, and based on the results thereof, determine that we can trust God. So many people think that’s the way to success and prosperity. They believe they can live any kind of morally deficient life, rebel against God and His Word, and still enjoy the fruits of the Blessing.

But, trust (faith) comes by continually hearing the Word of God until we have confidence to obey and act on it. It’s the acting on or obeying of His Word that is, in essence, the Blessing. Moses said, “Carefully obey the Lord your God, and faithfully follow all his commands that I’m giving you today. If you do, the Lord your God will place you high above all the other nations in the world. These are all the blessings that will come to you and stay close to you because you obey the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 GWT)

Determine today that no matter what you feel, see, or hear that is contrary to God’s promises, you will completely trust in the Lord. For the Scripture says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NASB) Selah!

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The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on those who are evil and those who are good. Proverbs 15:3 (NET)

Pastor’s Commentary:

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15 (NKJV)

“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB)

People say, “God can see everything”, and rightly so. He can. The question is, do most people truly believe that? Behavior is the best indicator of what one believes. If a person really believes that God’s eyes are on him or on her all the time, how should they act at all times?

How should the righteous act based on this knowledge? The righteous should be as bold as a lion, fearless, and indomitable! Why? Because, the Lord’s eyes are upon him. Consequently, she knows that wherever she goes, she is NEVER alone, NEVER without covering, NEVER without help, NEVER without favor. He knows that the Jehovah-Jireh is with him. Jehovah-Jireh literally means “God sees and He WILL provide”. Glory to God! How do I know that God will provide? I know He sees me, and since I know that God, who is Love sees me, He will not leave me without His powerful help and provision.

As believers, we often say that God loves us, and yet we tolerate the most horrendous of situations. We need to get the revelation that He sees us and that He will not leave us as helpless orphans.

Look at what the Apostle John said: This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And IF WE KNOW that He hears us in whatever we ask, WE KNOW that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. (1 John 5:14, 15 NASB, emphasis added) The source of our confidence is that we know He hears us, or we could say we know that He sees us. Therefore, you can boldly say, “I know I have what I have requested of God because I know He sees and hears me. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, that’s me! And, His ears are open to my cry.” Amen!

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The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but the one who accepts reproof is honored. Proverbs 13:18 (NET)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Some things simply take a long time to develop. The outcome of life is one of those things. As I have gotten older, I have developed a greater perspective on life, in general, and on how things usually turn out over and over again. I think back to people I knew 10 or 20 years ago who seemed to have it all even though they were on the wrong road. It seemed as though they had broken the code, so to speak, for success in life. But, in the final analysis, things turned out badly for each and everyone of them.

Listen to the wisdom of Solomon. He said, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly,…the hearts of the sons of men…are given fully to do evil.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 NASB) In other words, because the outcome of bad decisions is not immediately apparent, people keep making even worse decisions, somehow thinking that they are getting away with something. They are not! The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame every single time.

Don’t get weary in well doing. You will reap, if you don’t faint. Don’t let foolishly rebellious people talk you into giving up on the God-kind of life. Their demise is coming sooner than they think, but your breakthrough is imminent!

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Bind them [the commandments] on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you. Proverbs 6:21-22 (NET)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Therefore I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold. Psalm 119:127 (NASB)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3 (NASB)

Many people think of God’s commandments as antiquated and arbitrary rules that stifle individuality, creativity, and happiness. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Moses told the nation of Israel, “…to keep the LORD’S commandments and His statutes which…[are] for your good.” (Deuteronomy 10:13 NASB)

The Lord’s commandments are never burdensome; they are always given for our benefit. When we walk about, they guide us; when we lie down, they watch over us; when we wake up, they talk to us. The wisest thing we can do is to strictly adhere to His directives. They are life in and of themselves.

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There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don’t let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. Proverbs 30:7-8 (CEV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV)

The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22 NKJV)

Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NASB)

Many people look to Proverbs 30:7-8 as both the model and appropriate prayer in regards to financial wealth. They fail to realize that although these verses are in Scripture, they are merely the personal preference of one man. This prayer request is NOT inspired by God. We know this because it is inconsistent with the plans expressed by the Lord in Scriptural verses such as Deuteronomy 8:18.

The purpose of wealth, which is given by God, is for the establishment His covenant in the earth, specifically He said: I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing… and in you all the families (nations) of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3 NKJV)

Augur’s prayer says, “Give me just what I need.” On the other hand, God’s says, “I have empowered you to possess such a financial superabundance that you will have more than enough to meet your needs and the financial needs of others, thereby establishing my plan in the earth.” The choice is yours: Align yourself with Augur’s way of thinking and have just enough for you and your family or align yourself with the plan of God and feed nations.

Certainly, we should desire enough provision to meet our own needs. God has given us authority to eat from the wealth and riches He so graciously provides. Additionally, however, He demands that we provide for orphans, widows, the disabled, and the local church. To do all of these things, we must have more than just enough for ourselves.

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If you won’t help the poor, don’t expect to be heard when you cry out for help. Proverbs 21:13 (CEV)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:27 NASB)

The God of Heaven and earth has a heart that is easily touched by the suffering of the vulnerable on this planet. Time and time again, He commands those of us with the financial wherewithal to aid those who are poor and destitute. In other words, we are required to help those who cannot, in their own power, affect their economic or financial situation.

Faith begins where the will of God is known. Clearly it is the will of God to feed, clothe, and house the needy. When we obey, it is an act of absolute faith and the Lord honors the faithful. When we contribute to the welfare of the poor, God obligates Himself to taking care of us. He promises to answer our every cry for help.

Remember what the Scripture says: Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10, 11 NKJV)

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Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good. Proverbs 18:1 (MSG)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27 NASB)

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4 NASB)

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7 NASB)

God never intended for loners to exist, prosper, and dominate the earth. As a matter of fact, one day the Lord God looked at the solitary Adam and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18 NASB)

Loners are selfish people who resist the will of God for their lives. It is His perfect will that we collectively operate as a body of believers who work with each other for the common good. We must resist the urge to separate ourselves from the Body of Christ. Satan brings disappointments and interpersonal conflicts to cause division because he knows a house divided against itself cannot stand. In other words, he knows to defeat the church he has to eliminate the unity of care, love, and effort among us.

Don’t let hurts from your past, present, or future at the hands of your brother or sister cause you to withdraw from the Body. Do what the Scripture says: So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NASB)

By remaining in unity, we become an undefeatable force in the earth!

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Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. Proverbs 2:2 (MSG)

Pastor’s Commentary:

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2 NASB)

The Wisdom of God actually originates from another realm, another world; it is from above, not from the earth. God’s Wisdom will certainly work on earth, but the Source is God Himself. That’s why looking to any other source is frustrating and a thorough waste of time.

Although the Wisdom of God is available to all people, one can only tap into it as an act of will. God will not force His Wisdom on anyone. Scripture tells us, “…if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)

Today’s Wisdom verse says, “Tune YOUR ears…and set YOUR heart…” These are acts of will on our part. In other words, the person who desires Godly Wisdom MUST do something to receive it. We must place a demand on Him for His Wisdom to be downloaded.

This may seem like a very simple thing, and it is, but many fail to embrace this very simple principle. Therefore, they struggle in life trying to guess their way through it. Guessing is absolutely unauthorized in the Kingdom of God! Jesus said, “…you will KNOW the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32 NASB) [emphasis added].

Beloved, let’s make a quality decision to “tune our ears to the world of Wisdom and set our hearts on a life of Understanding.” It’s the only way we can live the abundant life God has in store for us.

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New Members Orientation Notes

WMM & SACCI Vision Statement

Each and every one of us should know the vision for the ministry & church. These two aspects of the vision statement articulate our purpose for existence. In other words, they explain why we were founded and what the Lord expects of us. Our vision statement articulates the Lord’s mandate and commandment to us as a body of believers. All of our resources: personnel, financial, etc. are focused on fully supporting each aspect. Additionally, all of our corporate prayers and confessions must be in line with our vision as follows:

1. To make disciples of unbelievers & the unchurched, redeeming them to Christ: Spirit, Soul, Body, Socially, & Financially in Sierra Vista, the surrounding areas, & around the world. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15 NASB)

2. To teach the Body of Christ how to submit to & effectively apply the Word of God (Truth), so that each member will experience success in every aspect of the abundant life. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:2 NASB).

Our motto: “Walk in the Blessing!” (Galatians 3:13-14; 29 KJV)

o When the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse is inevitable.

This is my mandate in your life:

1. To be a Shepherd to You

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV)

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11 NLT)

2. To Provide Pastoral Care for You

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. (1 Peter 5:2-3 NLT)

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. (Acts 20:28 NLT)

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. (Hebrews 13:17 NLT)

3. To Preach the Word

Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. (2 4:2 AMP)

4. To Pray for You and Get a Rhema Word for You

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4 NASB)

5. To be a Spiritual Father to Some of You

For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. (1 4:15 NLT)

Serving Christ by serving You,

WILLIAM J. McDUFFIE Founding Pastor & Overseer, Seed of Abraham Christian Center International & William McDuffie Ministries

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29

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The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. Proverbs 19:23 (ESV)

The fear of the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger. Proverbs 19:23 (HCSB)

The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)

Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Proverbs 19:23 (NLT)

The fear of the Lord leads to life, and such a person will rest easy without suffering harm. Proverbs 19:23 (GWT)

Pastor’s Commentary:

The fear of the Lord, also known as reverential fear, is complete and utter honor, respect, and reverence for God and for His Word. A person who fears the Lord is one who refuses to veer from the commandments, statutes, and ordinances of God no matter what the earthly consequences may be. Such a person has more reverential fear of God than he or she has fear of man.

Proverbs tells us over and over that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge. This means it is impossible to even begin a study of the Word of God without first establishing that whatever we discover in it, we must do; we are obligated to perform every Word without question. Then and only then can we begin to understand God’s Holy Word.

Sadly, one of the things most lacking today is a fear of God. I personally believe that is why so many Christians can sin readily without the ability to discern between that which is holy and that which is defiled. Some folks think nothing of going days without rendering prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord. I also believe one of the key reasons we don’t experience the move of God as frequently as we see in Scripture is due to a lack of reverential fear for God, His Word, and for His set men or women. Consequently, contemporary Christians understand less and less about Scripture and as a result have little confidence and trust in God’s Word.

Today’s Wisdom verse says, “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” In other words, whoever possesses reverential fear for God will be satisfied in their life and will be able to rest without any concerns for their safety. They know and understand how much God loves them and rest assured that all of Heaven’s might and authority is available to them. No evil shall befall them!

Without reverence for God, however, such confidence is impossible to develop. Where the fear of God is lacking, natural and spiritual fear fills that void. Learning to honor God gives us the ability to boldly withstand every onslaught of darkness.

Make it your primary purpose today and everyday to honor God from your heart. When natural fear ceases to control you, you’ll know you have achieved the correct honor and reverence for the Lord in your life.

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