Title: *Meaningful Contribution

Title: *RED ADVENTURINE* Light Orb /Spiritual Gift Box - from Set painted by Rev.Bola

I do not have to change jobs to do my life's work. 

I can make a meaningful contribution in any job I have, in whatever role I play, for in any job I can focus on how I am helping people; I can spread good feelings and touch everyone I contact with my inner light. 

I do not need to have a job or even be in business to be doing my life's work. I can express my life's work through community activities or hobbies. I may be raising a family as my life's work, helping to guide my children's life-force energy into a higher order. When I fill my life with meaningful activity, I radiate joy and love and I am magnetic to abundance.

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Posted by Rev.Bola

Title: *Satisfying Work

I can have fulfilling, satisfying work. 
I can feel alive every day of my life and make money in the process. 
I can work in a supportive environment, around people I enjoy, doing what I love. As I use my special skills and talents, 
I can draw to me the opportunities to make money in ways that allow me full self-expression, ways that challenge and stimulate me. As I do what I love, I enrich the lives of the people around me and add more light to the world. In doing my life's work I am accomplishing what I came to earth to do.
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Posted by Rev.Bola

Tltle: *Wealth Keys - Set 1

Money does not come just to special people, 
people with a given talent or an inborn skill. 
Within me are all the answers and talents I need to create unlimited abundance for myself, to have what I need both physically and spiritually in every area of my life.

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Posted by Rev.Bola
Christians Victorious Fellowship - Int

Title: 'Financial Stewardship'

Title: 'UNLIMITED SUPPLY'/C.Penc - Visual Prayer Art by Rev.Bola A.

As a born again Christian, I believe that financial stewardship is a vital issue for all Christians, for the Church, her leaders and all her membership. Without proper understanding and practice of the principles of financial stewardship a Church may find itself stalling, where it should be bearing much fruit. 

In my experience as a minister of the gospel, over several years I have found much confusion amongst the Church brethren, on what constitutes right Spiritual conduct and practice, concerning our financial affairs. I personally take the matter of Financial Stewardship very seriously for a number of reasons:-

1. My own personal prosperity and peace of mind.
For many years before I was a born again Christian, I struggled greatly with money. It was a source of frustration and confusion for me. As even though I had spent 5 years studying at University to Post graduate level and passed all my exams, the true nature of money, wealth, prosperity and how to achieve these in life, seemed to always escape me. 

I had studied Economics and Management accounting in my University years. I had also majored in Sales and Marketing, of both the private sector for business, and in the public sector for Church and Charitable concerns. Yet I constantly felt that an important part of the puzzle concerning money was missing from my education on the subject, so I needed to do my own learning and research.

One of the major stumbling blocks that I needed to overcome was the 'Spirituality versus Materialism' ideology, which has been extensive even amongst Christian believers. The belief that the Spiritual world and the Material world are in opposition to each other. Therefore a believer could not be both spiritual and materialistic at the same time. Further added to this belief is the idea that money itself, is not spiritual, but materialistic. And so having material or financial desires, goals, and intentions was a somewhat 'un-spiritual' undertaking.

Beliefs like: 'it is more spiritual to be poor than rich'; or 'money is the root of all evil' or 'you can't serve two masters, both God and money'; meaning that you had to choose between money and spirituality...etc..etc....

This practice of mis-quoting the bible, or quoting it out of context, in relation to material prosperity, has been very confusing, and no doubt has created a great deal of upset and dis-empowerment amongst Christians. 

My personal  belief is that this has all been instigated by Satan to confuse and undermine the body of Christ and the work of the Church. Which leads to the second reason why I have taken this matter so seriously.

2. Christian financial stewardship is an integral part of discipleship, that impacts our lifestyles, and also resources God's mission in the world. 

Money is needed to spread the Gospel, and to minister to a world in need of healing. We cannot adequately minister to the world if we are poverty stricken. Is God poor? We only need to look around at the abundance supplied by nature alone, to know the answer to that. God is not poor, nor does He expect us His children to be poor. Money is simply a necessary medium of exchange, to carry out the will of God on earth.

As Christian believers, we are required by our faith to refrain from all evil doing.  So if we accept the belief that 'money is the root of all evil', then it not surprising, when we do not have much money, or cannot adequately handle money. Because of course we don't want to dirty our own hands by handling so much of this 'root of all evil'. 

This is the false belief, that in the past has kept me, and so many Christian believers in poverty. If you look at that bible quote closely, it is not money that is the root of all evil, but greed for money. It is greed of any sort, and  for anything at all, including money, that is sinful, and not money itself.

When I came to this personal realisation about the nature of money, my own financial circumstances made a remarkable improvement. I began to see money for what it really is...  a medium for the exchange of good and services, a tool that can be used, as a means to bless the world around me. That's all money is, a resource, a tool. It is neither to be worshiped or maligned as evil. 

Having realised that truth, the next question to ponder is, how then can money be managed as a tool or resource, for blessing ourselves and our world?

Let me say I believe the act of financial stewardship, managing money, and material possessions wisely, to be an incredibly spiritual activity. Earning money is a spiritual activity. Spending money is also a spiritual activity. So is saving and investing wisely. 

Greed on the other hand isn't spiritual. Neither is hoarding, debting, living above one's means, or earning one's money by abusing, undermining or hurting others. Yes, money is involved in all these activities, but it is really how we use it, and for what purposes, that matters to God. I have come to understand, that in this world, the devil uses money for his purposes, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ uses money for His Glory. 

So what does the Word of God (Scripture) say about money? 
There is no shortage of Biblical material on money. There are over 2,300 verses in the Bible on money, wealth and possessions. It's mentioned frequently in both the Old and the New Testament, and Jesus talked about it in his parables. Here are just a few examples to look up:-

1.Money as Priority

Deut 26: 2-3

 ² take some of the first fruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name ³ and say to the priest in office at the time, “I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come to the land the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.

1Cor16:2
² On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

2Cor 8:5

⁵ And they gave in a way that we did not expect: They gave themselves to the Lord and to us before they gave their money. This is what God wants.

2. Money as an Act of Worship

1Chron 29:10-14
David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
¹¹ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, you are exalted as head over all. ¹² Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.¹³ Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.¹⁴ “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

3.Money - Planned, and allowing generosity

2Cor 9:7
⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

  4. In Community

Acts 2:42-47
⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

2Cor8:13-14

¹³ We don’t want you to have troubles while others are comforted. We want everything to be equal. ¹⁴ At this time you have plenty and can provide what they need. Then later, when they have plenty, they can provide what you need. Then everyone will have an equal share.

5.Money - Sacrificial

Luk 21:1-4
21 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
 
2Cor8: 2-4
² These believers have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But their great joy caused them to be very generous in their giving. ³ I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do this. It was their idea. ⁴ But they asked us again and again—they begged us to let them share in this service for God’s people.

6. Money - Cheerful Giving

2Cor9: 7-8
⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

7. Money - Tithing

Mala 3:8-10

⁸ “People should not steal things from God, but you stole things from me.“You say, ‘What did we steal from you?’
“You should have given me one-tenth of your things. You should have given me special gifts.

Pro 3:9
⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first part of your harvest.

  8. Debting

Pro 22:7
⁷ The rich rule over the poor. The one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends.

Rom 13:8
⁸ You should owe nothing to anyone, except that you will always owe love to each other. The person who loves others has done all that the law commands.

  3. Now my third reason for taking financial stewardship so seriously is this: The scope of  Christian life includes how we use the money, time, talents, and possessions that God has entrusted to us, while we are alive. For example:

Generous giving for a Christian is to be second nature.
So is applying are gifts and talents in service to the body of Christ, and for those to whom we are responsible, without wasting them.
Managing our time, possessions and resources wisely, and sharing them with others, in such a way as to resemble the overflowing generosity of God.

These are all important reasons why I believe that correct, scripturally based information, concerning financial stewardship must be taught, learned and practiced by every Christian believer, and in every Christian Church.

The purpose of this site is to provide as much scriptural teaching and encouragement as possible on matters of financial stewardship.  I will continue to write and post Bible based articles and lessons concerning Money, wealth, prosperity, and financial freedom, to help edify the believer and the Church body, as led by the Holy Spirit. 

You are welcome to keep coming back for this FREE information, and to send us your comments, testimonies, questions and insights. We are also able to support you with more in-depth assistance and  life coaching concerning these matters. You may send your comments or enquiries to Pastor Bola:-
bolaamail-church@yahoo.co.uk


*My Prayer
May you be forever free of poverty and lack.
May all your financial needs be adequately met.
May your cup of abundance run over.
May all your financial sins and errors be forgiven.
May your God given skills and abilities be wisely employed.
May you find favor and merit in your vocation and career. 
May the Almighty God continue to favor you and yours with financial abundance, prosperity, peace, health and joy in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Peace and Love
Rev.Bola.
(copyright: 9April13 -ARR)
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Title: 'Ready For Change'

Title: 'CHANGE'   -    Visual Prayer Art by Rev.Bola A.

Dear Brethren,
Change is inevitable.
Nothing ever stands still.
Someone is either moving forward or going backward. 

It's the end of another financial year,
and the beginning of a new one.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has just published the new budget for our nation. 

It's time to take stock, and review the current financial situation.
I am grateful to God for all the improvements.
So many blessings, so many lessons.

Dear Lord,
What parts of my financial life do I need to focus on more closely right now?
Where do I need to give more?
Where do I need to cut back?
What resources do I have for valuable exchange?
How can I make better use of my talents, skills and abilities?
Who or what do I most need to serve?
Who or what is blessing me most right now, both spiritually and financially?

Lord, thank you for helping me hear your answers and for granting me the courage to make healthy changes in my financial life. Money is an important part of my life. help me to manage mine fairly and wisely for the greatest good of all. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

Peace and Light
Rev.Bola 
Christians Victorious Fellowship - Int
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Title: 'Prosperity and Being In The Moment'

 

Title: 'FINANCIAL VICTORY'/Mx - Visual Prayer Art by Rev.Bola A

I was recently listening to an amazing presentation by 'The World Transformation Movement'
when a life transforming cognition caught my attention. I found myself asking why it was that I could not be completely content with my entire lot in life, right now in the present moment. I began to look around my home at all of my possessions. How many beautiful objects I had accumulated, and how each and everyone of these items had served me. I became acutely aware that I had so many treasures; some of them I had not even touched for months, they needed to be dusted off. There were books, CDs, dresses, shoes, all sorts of gadgets, electrical and electronic equipment, TV sets, CD players, computers, lamps, fans, heaters. Then there was my dresser covered in make up, lotions, potions, perfumes, creams of all kinds.

Then I looked at my accessories, jewellery of all kinds, belts, ribbons, hair decorations, hats, scarves, stockings, etc the list was endless. I owned so much great stuff. I had a whole house all to myself. A kitchen full of utensils, a fridge and freezer full of food. I looked over at all the different musical instruments I owned; keyboards, drums of all shapes, guitars, various percussion instruments, even a beat box I recently bought. then my eyes went to my home altar with all my sacred objects on it. Then the thought struck me. 'How could I possibly believe that I was lacking in anything, or unsatisfied in any way owning all these beautiful things?

How could I not know I was rich, prosperous and very blessed? How could I not be completely and utterly satisfied with everything that I had accomplished so far? How could I not feel myself incredibly wealthy? I mean all my bills were paid, I had only recently been out for dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, and had stopped at my local shopping mall to buy myself a whole new set of personal gifts including my favourite color mascara, and some brand new music sheets and CDs. As I considered all this I began to understand who truly rich and wealthy I already was. I did have everything I needed materially to live well and more. How could I not feel rich, how could I not feel content. It was an amazing realisation.

I had been giving myself such a hard time lately comparing my life to celebrities constantly in the news, and wondering why I didn't have the millions in the bank and all the success that they had. God knows I deserved it just as much as any of them. But as I looked around at what I did have, I began to really appreciate how wealthy I actually was. There is a constant sense of peace and tranquility that permeates my home, which is constantly filled with prayers and loving gestures. I realised that all my prayers for prosperity were and had been answered. I was and I am indeed very prosperous. I even had the lovely little garden I had once prayed for.

It really dawned on me, just how easy it can be to lose sight of how blessed one is by shuffling along with the herd collective agreement about lack and poverty, or not being good enough, or rich enough, or successful enough, etc..etc.. But the real question for me is 'enough for who exactly'? The Loving Creative Source of the Universe has always provided for my every need, and has been doing so non-stop all the days of my life. I began to consider carefully and deliberately, all of my varied life experiences, the different ways I had been enjoying myself whether alone or in the company of others. I thought of the people I'd known who had made a difference in my life, the places where I'd been with their endearing tales attached. More recently I even had the good fortune of travelling by first class fares on a number of occasions, and getting VIP treatment.

Yes there had been challenges in my life, some of them painfuln and I would not want to relive them, but lessons were learnt and great opportunities for growth, for me as a conscious being, were also encountered. Right then, I could not even remember the last time I had a major altracation or argument with anyone, because most of my recent communications with people were extremely entertaining, and so much of my life was and is very emotionally rewarding. I thought that, 'here I was in the present, surrounded by so many positive things, and experiences, how could I not feel rich, prosperous and wealthy?'

So what was really going on here? What hidden standard was I attempting to appease?
I had a moment of enlightenment, an acute realisation indeed, that I did not have to own millions of pounds in the bank tofeel wealthy, and to be rich financially, I actually only needed to have less going out than was coming in, and to have more assets than liabilities, and to tithe regularly.  And I had already achieved all that for myself. It was really that simple, and anything else was just added unnecessary complexity.  I realised that I had actually reached a state of prosperity, but I had questioned it by buying into other people's notions, and society's myths about financial wealth, which were not true for me and my own life.

Whose definition of prosperity was I living by? Whose definition of satisfaction was I living by? Wow! I suddenly realised that I had been granted the contentment and satisfaction I had requested prayerfully. I had already been granted prosperity. I had been given all that I really needed to have a great life. I am so sorry I didn't see it that clearly before now. I do already have a great life. I am already very rich and prosperous. I have already been healed by God on many levels. My prayers have all been answered. I am dearly loved. I do have all the support I need for my life. I have no lack. I guess maybe I just needed to have that more fully acknowledged. I don't need to ever go back into feeling insecure or not wealthy enough in life ever again. I am totally blessed, and therefore I am nothing but a blessing to others, and I hold myself firmly now to that awareness. Praise the living God! Praise the living God!

Peace, Love and Light
Rev.Bola

Title: 'It struck me like a bolt of lightning'

I discovered that I was not getting what I want because of the limitations I had set on my mind. My self-sabotaging attitude and limiting beliefs about money were hindering me from achieving my financial goals.

You too might probably have one of these common, but dangerous, beliefs about money. Look at the list below and see if you do:

	Money is the root of all evil.
	Only dishonest people get rich.  /  Only poor people can be trusted.
	It takes money to make money.
	Unless you have the right connections, you'll never succeed.
	The best way to wealth is to get a high paying job and work hard.
	You have to get good grades in school in order to succeed.
	There's only so much money in the world, and the rich have most of it.
	You can only expect to improve your situation a little at a time.
	You can either do a good job, or a fast one.  You can't do a good job fast.
	If you're rich, you have to worry about everyone taking advantage of you.
	Don't spend any more than you have to.  /  Free stuff is as good as stuff you have to pay for.

If you "checked" on one or more of the items above, that could be the reason(s) why you're not earning as much money as you want.

I've met many people in my life who don't want to get rich because they have the wrong and limiting belief that money can either make them more greedy or cause arguments in families. Some even think that it's immoral to be wealthy. How mistaken!

The truth is, money can only magnify whatever qualities you already have. So if you're selfish right now, you could become more selfish. But if you're always lending a helping hand, money could only make you a better person.

In fact, money allows you to contribute more to society. This art of giving to others (and especially if you're being appreciated) can give you much more happiness than any other things in this world.

But that's not all...

For Many, The 'Golden Rule' Means: 
"He (or She) Who Has The Gold Gets To Make The Rules."

There's nothing wrong with having money.  
In fact, when you have plenty of money, most problems go away. 

You don't have to worry about how the bills will be paid,  or about creditors calling you to collect on insurmountable debts.

If you see something you want, you just buy it --  without looking to see if you have enough in your bank account to cover it.

You never have to work at a job you hate.

Once you have money, it's a lot easier to make even more money.

You can take extended vacations anywhere in the world, as often as you want.

Everyone enjoys being around you because you have the magic touch.

Any health problems get treated by the best medicine money can buy It is your birthright to live abundantly, so enjoy it. -------------------------------------------------- THIS IS THE TRUTH FOR ME NOW!  - With Peace and Love - Rev.Bola -------------------------------------------------------

Peace and Love Rev.Bola