I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me and my family. I do not take that lightly. We need prayer cover as the battle is intense. My wife and I deeply appreciate your care and love for us. We returned safely from Costa Rica and I am pleased to inform you that the manuscript for The Best Business Model on the Planet, based on the rainforest as a business model, is now in the publisher’s hands. It is scheduled for release October 7^th.

While I was away, I heard from Pastor Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian born, Russian trained, Ukrainian pastor who now pastors the largest church in Europe. He shared this with me, “There are a lot of opportunities that God is giving to the Body of Christ these days; it is not the time anymore when we only give and then wait for elevation. He is opening people’s eyes, and we are training them to become champions in the market place.”

Pastor Sunday knows a little about training folks to be champions in the marketplace. He told me they have something they call Club 1000 which is, “…a practical club that encourages and opens doors of business for it members. We have a goal to make people millionaires between 2 - 5 years, and in one year over 200 members of the club have already accomplished this goal.”

I believe we could all benefit from what this man has to share and he has agreed to make himself available for a teleseminar when he comes to the States later this month. Keep watching for details. In the meantime, find a bookstore that has his book, Church Shift, and order it today. Then read it.

Today’s message is a guest entry from David G. Johnson of Epiphany Marketing, LLC.

“AND THERE was a famine in the land… 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.” (Genesis 26:1a,12-14)

We said in my last message that the instructions Isaac received from God contradicted reason. He was to stay in the land despite the difficult conditions. What followed is a beautiful example of what happens when we partner with God to bring His covenant and His influence to bear on our circumstances.

“For we are laborers together with God….” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

Isaac planted at least one crop (maybe more!) when all around him farmers were failing. As he did, God put his “super” on Isaac’s “natural,” multiplying the results. Notice that Isaac didn’t “camp” in the land and do nothing, waiting for God to miraculously provide. Instead, he “occupied” the land and engaged in business. This, my friend, is how to partner with God.

Isn’t it fun that after it says he received a multiplication of results, the Scripture then says, “…and God favored him with blessings…”?! Most of us would’ve been happy with great business results, but God’s plan was bigger than that. By making Isaac a person of great influence, God was able to get the attention of the neighbors. Later in the chapter we find out that they came begging for partnership with Isaac because they saw that God was with him.

Friends, in every so-called “downturn” there are those who excel. If you’re under pressure today, make God your partner. Allow the pressure to increase your capacity. God wants to bring His influence to bear on your circumstances and on your sphere. It’s time for believers to occupy the “mountain” of business. This may very well your season for it!