5th APRIL, 2015

INTRODUCTION: The true secret of enduring success in business endeavour is more than a step by step application of human principles and wisdom. While the importance of these principles when rightly applied cannot be underemphasized, as Christians, we must realize that the real power that governs the affairs of this world (businesses, careers, family etc) is more than meets the eye. (Heb.11:3). We are a kingdom of kings and priests (Rev 1:6), the influence of God's Spirit upon us is not limited to the church (Rom 8:11) as we are anointed as kings to reign, rule and dominate in every sphere of life including business (Rom 5:17). Today as we share communion, our focus is on how to leverage on the operations of the Holy Spirit to achieve and sustain business success.

POINTS TO NOTE:The manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is for the profit of all (1 Cor. 12:7). As kings, these gifts enhance our ministries and equip us with the supernatural backing to make exploits beyond the church setting. Below are tips to aid you become more effective and successful in your business endeavours:

a. Maintain intimacy with the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:9 -11)b. Be ready to follow His guidance in your decision making e.g. in

recruitment, firing, training and empowerment etc. 1 Samuel 16:1-13c. Seek unusual insight, wisdom and knowledge from God through the Word

and Prayer Luke 21:15d. Be courageous and act in faith as this will aid your maturity Josh 1:9,Gal.

4:1 – 2e. Develop self-control and look out for the interests of others for God's

anointing is not to meet self needs but impact the world for good (1Tim 6: 6 -19)

f. Be obedient to God's instructions so He can entrust you with more responsibilities and power (Lk. 16:10 – 12). Prayer is not a substitute for obedience

g. Be a giver to the Church, the poor and needy, for the common good, etc Luke 6:38

ConclusionFor a Christian business owner, building a sustainable business that transcends generations should not depend solely on strategies taught in business schools, because it has been proven worldwide that some of these strategies and permutations have failed many experts. Therefore as those aspiring to build long lasting organizations, it is critical that we go beyond natural strategies and depend on the instructions of our ultimate CEO. This requires that we develop an attitude to constantly hear and take instructions from Him daily as we operate our businesses. As you make up your mind to depend on Him and Know Him in all your ways you will succeed in Jesus name.

Power To Make Wealth Deuteronomy 8:18

6th - 11th April, 2015

The Entrepreneur is a Minister

1 Tim. 6:17-19; Rev 1:5-6; 2 Cor. 3:6a

To minister is to meet needs or be of service to others. Rev. 1:5-6, tells us that Jesus has made us kings and priests. Consequently, we ought to fulfill these roles in order to maximize our potentials in Christ. However, it appears that more attention has been given to our priestly role which is supported by the evidence that more emphasis is being given to ministry within the church. While this is important, we need to give equal attention to operating as kings in the spheres of business that God has placed us. This is because it is out there in the market place that we encounter those most in need of the love and wisdom of God and our impact is most felt by the unsaved. This is the subject of our discussion in this outline.

1. Given that God has called every Christian 'entrepreneur' into kingly ministry in their different spheres of influence, how can a Christian practitioner/entrepreneur connect to the spiritual power in Christ to make a difference in his or her area of calling?

2. The gifts of God are administered by the Holy Spirit for the profit of all (1 Cor. 12:7). These gifts enhance our ministry and equip us with the supernatural backing to make exploits either as priests or as kings. Below are tips to aid you to become a more effective minister in your business calling:

a. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to teach you (Jn. 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:9 -11)b. Pursue the wisdom of God in all your decisions (Prov. 3: 5-6)c. Be courageous, act in faith as this will aid your maturing(Josh. 1: 9, Gal. 4 v 1 – 2)d. Develop self-control and look out for the interests of others - God's anointing is not to meet

self needs but impact the world for good. (1Tim 6: 6 -12; 17-19)e. Be obedient to God's instructions so He can entrust you with more responsibilities and

power (Lk. 16:10 – 12)

The power and gifting of God is needed outside the four walls of the church building as much as within. Our Lord Jesus Christ exemplified this by often deploying His gifts outside the synagogue, and doing good everywhere He went. In our world today, there are many more needs outside the church thanwithin. The church fulfils its mandate when it changes society, not when confined within a building. The kingdom of God must therefore be established in workplaces, government, entertainment, businesses and other spheres of influence. Never forget this: you are a Minister, a king in your area of influence and have been empowered to minister to the needs of others wherever you find yourselfand with the works of your hands. As you continually strive for the fulfilment of these according to God's purpose for your life, You will succeed in Jesus name.