Holy Spirit Prosperity

Are you enjoying Holy Spirit prosperity? We don't often associate the Holy Spirit with the word "prosperity", but interestingly enough, we find that the Holy Spirit and prosperity are associated with one another on several occasions in God's Word.

What do you think of when you think of prosperity? Fame and fortune? Does the Word of God talk about God pouring out fame and fortune on His people? Or does the Word of God talk about God pouring out blessing on His people? In Romans 8:28 we have God's promise that He works all things out for the good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. The word prosperity actually means to 'turn out' or 'work out' well, so in a sense, this verse is saying that God will prosper those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. Do you think God considers things to be going well in your life when you have fame and fortune, or do you think God considers things to be going well in your life when you are filled with the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)?

Let's look at a few interesting places in the Old Testament where the Hebrew word 'tsä·lakh' is used, which means to do well, or to prosper:

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8

And the Spirit of the LORD came 'prosperously' upon him [Samson], and he rent him [a young lion] as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
Judges 14:6 (14:19, 15:14)

And the Spirit of the LORD will 'prosper' upon thee [Saul], and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
1 Samuel 10:6

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long.
Psalm 35:26-28

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.
Proverbs 28:13

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

The above passages have an interesting thing in common. They all talk about God accomplishing His purposes through His Word and His people. When God is accomplishing His purpose in your life you are being watered by His Spirit and being fruitful; i.e., you are being prospered. When you are not fulfilling God's purpose in your life you are dry and barren, and lacking the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Holy Spirit.

BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT AND BE PROSPEROUS!
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.