“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

There is an unscriptural message that has been preached to the Church for generations – that Father God is against His children having material wealth and that being wealthy is not compatible with salvation. This is not biblical at all! The Bible is full of records of God blessing His children with prosperity.

Abram was extremely blessed of the Lord! The Bible tells us that Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. He and his nephew, Lot, had flocks and herds and tents – so much so that the land was not able to nourish and support them all so they could all live in the same valley – their possessions were too great for them to live together. (Genesis 13:2 & 5-6)

Isaac was extremely blessed of the Lord! Genesis 26:12-14 says that, “Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings. And the man became great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished; He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants, and the Philistines envied him.” Even kings and whole nations were afraid of his wealth, power and influence. Abimelech told Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we are.” (Genesis 26:16)

Jacob was extremely blessed of the Lord! Even though Laban tried to cheat Jacob, and changed his wages ten times, he still prospered. Genesis 30:43 says that Jacob, “increased and became exceedingly rich, and had many sheep and goats, and maidservants, menservants, camels, and donkeys.”

Joseph was extremely blessed of the Lord! His brothers may have sold him into slavery, but because of the blessing of God on his life, he became successful and prosperous even as a mere slave in Potiphar’s house. Genesis 39:2-5 AMP says, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. So Joseph pleased [Potiphar] and found favor in his sight, and he served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge. From the time that he made him supervisor in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the Lord’s blessing was on all that he had in the house and in the field.”

Even though Potiphar’s wife lied and framed him and he was thrown into prison, they couldn’t keep him down. Even in prison, he had blessing and favor and was put in authority over the whole prison under the warden. Genesis 39:21-23 AMP says, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison. And the warden of the prison committed to Joseph’s care all the prisoners who were in the prison; and whatsoever was done there, he was in charge of it. The prison warden paid no attention to anything that was in [Joseph’s] charge, for the Lord was with him and made whatever he did to prosper.”

Then God gave Joseph favor with Pharaoh, himself. Pharaoh made Joseph second in command under him in all of Egypt! Everyone had to obey Joseph – no one but the king was higher in rank, authority, influence and wealth than Joseph. (Genesis 41:39-44)

King Solomon was extremely blessed of the Lord! The Queen of Sheba can to visit Solomon and declared to him, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard.” (1 Kings 10:6-7 NKJV)

The Lord told Solomon, “Because this was in your heart and you have not asked for riches, possessions, honor, and glory, or the life of your foes, or even for long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may rule and judge My people over whom I have made you king, Wisdom and knowledge are granted you. And I will give you riches, possessions, honor, and glory, such as none of the kings had before you, and none after you shall have their equal.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12 AMP) Solomon was so wealthy, prosperous, and blessed of the Lord that silver and gold became as common as stones! (2 Chronicles 1:15 and 2 Chronicles 9:22-28).

King Hezekiah was extremely blessed of the Lord! 2 Chronicles 32:27-29 AMP says that, “Hezekiah had very great wealth and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of attractive vessels, Storehouses also for the increase of grain, vintage fruits, and oil, and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. Moreover, he provided for himself cities and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions.”

God has promised, in the Old and the New Testaments, abundance of riches and blessings to those who will serve and obey Him. How can blessing be wrong or sinful if God is the one who gives us the power to be wealthy? (Deuteronomy 8:18). God Himself is the richest person in the whole universe, so if it is a sin to be rich then He would be the greatest sinner of all. In heaven, He has paved His own streets with gold, the foundations are made of layers of jewels and precious stones, every house is a mansion and the gates are made out of huge pearls! (John 14:1-3 & Revelations 21). If God has promised these things to us in heaven, why would it suddenly be wrong to have blessings here on earth? Having wealth is not a sin. However, if God’s children are not blessed, it’s because they either do not know that blessing is their covenant right and/or they are disobedient and covetous. It is time for the Church to walk in the blessing of God!