“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” (Matthew 13:31 - 32)

Yesterday we talked about how dogs never catch seagulls on the beach and how that is similar to the futility of us chasing after riches. The question I left you with was, how do we attract the birds (riches) if we are not supposed to chase after them? (It’s not just that we are not supposed to chase after them, it’s also an exercise in futility!)

Before I give you the answer I will tell you that in 1960, a study among graduating college students was begun. They were asked whether they would pursue money, get themselves established and then pursue their dream or pursue their dream and not worry about the money. 83% of the students chose what seemed like the more responsible choice to take care of finances first. Twenty years later there were a total of 101 millionaires out of the two groups. All but one came from the 17% in the group that pursued their dream instead of chasing finances. Selah.

So here’s the deal… What dream has God put in your heart? What business idea has He given you? Think of it as a tree you are responsible for. Cultivate it well. Prune it. Water it. Care for it. The birds (riches) will come and lodge in it. A well run business with a strong value proposition will attract birds so you never have to chase them. Focus more on developing the tree than on trying to catch the birds with a stick you broke off a tree.

And here’s another thought… the tree that Jesus said would grow up and be the greatest among the herbs and attract the birds, was a mustard tree. Why is that significant? Because He compares the mustard seed to faith. (This is not about the size of our faith!) So, are you growing a business (tree) rooted in faith or did you simply choose it because you heard you could make a pile of money in it? “Whatever is not of faith is sin.” (Rom 14:23).  Selah again.

Friends, success in business has so much to do with what we focus on, what we are chasing, whether or not we are building in faith or building on covetousness. If you would like to see what 29 top Christian leaders have to say about this topic, get one of the last copies of How to Manage a Million Dollars or Less for just $7 now.

“Labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom. Will you set your eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)

Have you ever seen a dog on the beach spotting some seagulls on the sand and chasing after them? Of course, by the time he gets there, they have flown out of reach. Undeterred, he goes after another, then another, then another, never catching them, but always believing he will catch the next one. We smile as we watch him in complete futility endlessly chase the birds. We know it’s futile, but the dog doesn’t. Every once in a long while, a dog may actually catch one of those birds, though I’ve never seen it happen and the odds are very much against him.

We think it is silly for the dog to chase the bird, yet so many of us are like that dog on the beach. We are not chasing birds, but we are chasing riches and Solomon (who knew more than a little about money) compared the pursuit of riches to chasing a bird. Think of Solomon as Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and the president of the United States all rolled into one, only wiser and wealthier. He tells us not to labor to be rich. It’s the wrong motivation. Wrong approach. Doomed to failure. But like the dog, we are sure it will work this time or next time, or the one after. We are wrong, but cannot be convinced of that because we heard about some guy who did run after riches and caught them.

If riches are like birds and chasing them only scares them away from us, how do we attract the birds to land on us, so that we don’t have to chase them after all? I believe God gave me an answer for that which I will elaborate on tomorrow. In the meantime, if you have less than a million dollars and want to make the most of it, I urge you to get one of the few remaining copies we have left of How to Manage a Million Dollars or Less. Dave Ramsey, myself, Dennis Peacocke, Peter Lowe, John Mason, Paul J, Meyer and 23 other contributors submitted their best advice inside this book. You can save over 50% as they are now on sale for Christmas for just $7. There are several other items there for up to 90% off.

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the armor of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of bronze, and cut asunder the bars of iron: And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isa 45:1-3)

Did you know that God has riches hidden in secret places? And these are riches He is eager for you to possess. Am I saying that God wants you rich? I don’t know what God wants for you with respect to tangible riches. I don’t know your character, your calling or your capabilities. What I do know is that there are great riches hidden in secret places and the kind of riches I am speaking of cannot be seen with the eye.

Take for example the rainforest. People with limited vision see only with their natural eye and cut it down to obtain temporal, tangible riches. They sell the timber and create pasture land for cows. But people with great vision who have spent time in the secret place of God know that God made the systems that make the rainforest the most productive and fruitful system on the planet producing tremendous abundance out of relative scarcity.

In spending time with the Father, they learn the systems. They discover the ways of God. They obtain great wealth of wisdom as they inherit His heart for the created order and in the process they can be trusted with the power that wisdom gives them. It is the unseen riches that produce the visible riches. Most folks chase the visible, corruptible, temporal riches. Wise ones chase the unseen eternal riches and in apprehending them, have everything else they need.

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the armor of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of bronze, and cut asunder the bars of iron: And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isa 45:1-3)

As we begin this year, I want us all to be on the lookout for those things, those opportunities, those ideas, those riches God has hidden in secret places and which He is quite willing to reveal to those who carry His heart. It seems to me that it is paramount that we discover and carry God’s heart before we begin looking for His riches. In fact, finding His heart and carrying it is perhaps the greatest treasure of all and it prepares us with the wisdom to carry greater responsibility. If we were to find His riches without finding Him we have gained nothing and risked everything.

Jesus said “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Think of it is this way, when you find His kingdom, discover His ways and lay hold of His righteousness, you will have the keys to everything that pertains to life and godliness. When we grasp the laws of the kingdom and operate within them, “all these things shall be added to us.” So the first treasure to be sought is the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He will lead us into everything else we need that is directly tied to our calling. If you are called to business, get ready to learn witty inventions. Get ready to innovate. Get ready to see that which you have previously missed. Get ready to hear the whisper of God.

Some years ago my wife and I were having lunch and the Holy Spirit directed me to immediately go and make a particular investment. Without knowing the current price, the past history or the projected future, we followed the Lord’s leading. The person we dealt with asked if we were “in the know” because the price had just begun to move off its low where it had been for awhile. I just smiled. Smiled more later when it increased by over 350% in an environment where other investments were failing all around. Get ready folks… Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the armor of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of bronze, and cut asunder the bars of iron: And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isa 45:1-3)

Did you know God has secrets? He does. In fact, “the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him and He will show them His covenant.” (Ps 25:14) He also has secret places which He invites us into. When you find Him in the secret place, you have also found the hidden riches He stores in secret places. The beauty of it is this… the secret place is not accessible to all. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” The only people who find their way into the secret place with God and have access to the hidden riches, have purified their motives and been cleansed from all unrighteousness.

The treasures of God including the tangible riches He owns without end, are guarded by virtue and purity and wisdom. When we approach the living God and become transformed by the renewing of our mind. When we have discovered the heart of God towards all of His creation, we are on the path to becoming excellent stewards of every resource He has. I believe God is interested in putting men and women who carry His heart for others in control of the hidden riches of secret places. These riches will lay dormant until we as His children have been trained by the things we suffer. Then we will not be enamored with riches nor deceived by them. They will be a tool for accomplishing a higher purpose.

I am on that journey of pursuing Him, to have a heart that pulses with His love, to have a mind that thinks the thoughts of God, to have a soul through which courage courses every day. I want to apprehend the thing for which I have been apprehended and for me that lays in the marketplace. It is my honor to walk with you my dear brothers and sisters and to share with you such as I find that you too may enter into all that He has for you through the gate of ‘08 and beyond!

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the armor of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of bronze, and cut asunder the bars of iron: And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isa 45:1-3)

We stand at the gate looking at 2008 and wondering what it will hold. I believe there are many treasures hidden in darkness waiting for you and me to discover. They are not lying on the path but rather in the hidden places, requiring light and diligence to find. The treasures are not dark in and of themselves, but are hidden in darkness until someone brings them to light. Furthermore, we are not speaking of a single treasure, though that would be blessing enough, but treasures, expressing an incalculable amount, more than can be expended.

Two things I will solemnly tell you this year. The first is that there is great treasure lying undiscovered all around us, hidden in darkness, waiting for the light to come and reveal it. Will you be the light? It could be something like the great diamond find in Canada that rivals Africa. It could be an invention, a cure for cancer, alternative fuels, a software product, a book, a song or a new way of doing an old thing. I promise you this year, they will be found. That is beyond contestation. The question is… Will you be one who finds it?

That brings me to my second solemn point… I believe God wants to entrust those treasures to His children. But we have to be seekers, searching early for wisdom, watching daily at His gates. As we grow in Him and in His wisdom, we can be trusted with the treasures and they will be used to bless the world, not merely fill our bank account. Are you ready this year to receive the treasures of darkness? Then seek Him first and foremost. Pursue Him diligently. You will find along the way the treasures hidden in darkness reserved for such a time as this.

Today is the last in our series of entries from our special guest, John Muratori. Read through to the end to find out how you can hear more from John…

12 Biblical Laws of Wealth Creation

Like the law of gravity, The Twelve Biblical Laws of Wealth Creation just exist. They are the most universal set of directives on prosperity — trans-cultural, trans-generational, not bound by economics. Regardless of your age, environment, or financial situation, these 12 laws will stop the lack and shape your financial destiny. While I did not make up these 12 laws, I did spend a lifetime discovering them. It has been a journey of difficulty, trial, success and failure.

In “Rich Church Poor Church,” I devote a full one-third of my book to the study of these 12 laws. There isn’t space here for even an executive summary so I will share with you just one law — the most critical to your future wealth and well-being. It is the Law of the Brand. It is the foundation on which the other eleven laws are firmly established. It’s also the linchpin that holds them all together.

Businesspeople will recognize the brand as a company name or product name. Corporations spend millions of dollars defining themselves through their names, symbols and identities, then even more keeping that brand name in front of the public.

Your name is your brand and you should give priority to establishing a good name for yourself. Most people will never get to know you intimately, so your character is only known by the name and reputation that precedes you.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1 KJV)

A good name carries with it a high perceived value. If you have a reputation of honesty and integrity, you’ll find more doors opened to you, more acceptance into circles of influence and more resources given to you. If you have a reputation of getting the job done, of cutting costs or producing wealth, you are worth more in compensation to an employer or client. But it’s not just about business.

Your family relations weigh heavily on your good name. Do you keep the promises you make with your spouse and children? Or do you repeatedly miss that little league game, the piano recital or the chance to just hang out together? When our names no longer symbolize integrity and justice, businesspeople will no longer trust us with their resources and family members will no longer trust us with the secrets in their hearts.

“…[Jesus] increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

Even in his youth, Jesus had a good name before many. Ultimately, the religious and political establishments would come to despise that name as many do to this day. But to the hurting, sick, and needy, His name is matchless in its ability to bring comfort and hope. What does your name say about you?

Coming This Thursday: Details on How You Can Receive Your FREE Copy of John Muratori’s Best Selling Book, Rich Church, Poor Church
This 300 + page hardback book is crammed with insight and revelation that can revolutionize your world. John Muratori demystifies spirituality and prosperity so you can be wealthy - God’s Way. John blends decades of business experience, intensive research and proven leadership to present you with the specific laws that govern the entire spectrum of wealth generation. As a subscriber here at Selling Among Wolves, you’ll have an advance opportunity to take advantage of this special opportunity. Check your inbox tomorrow for a limited offer you won’t want to miss.

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As I mentioned in Monday’s blog, I have asked John Muratori, author of the ground breaking book, Rich Church Poor Church, to guest host my blog for a few sessions. His insights are valuable and come from a deep understanding of Scripture and practical, experiential wealth creation. Now, here’s John…

The Consequences of a Poverty Mentality

From a business perspective, a Poverty Mentality presents a major stumbling block. No business can grow without generating sufficient profits. But from a spiritual perspective, this problem is much more profound.

Whether people believe it or not, there is a battle raging between good and evil. If we as Christians do not prosper financially, who do you think will prosper in our place? When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for the third time, satan’s offer was for all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. What could possibly be the glory satan spoke of other than the prosperity and financial riches under his dominion? Do you think he was concerned about aesthetics or power?

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“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will (1) loose the armor of kings,(2) to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; (3) I will go before you, and (4) make the crooked places straight: (5) I will break in pieces the gates of bronze, and (6) cut asunder the bars of iron: And (7) I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isa 45:1-3)

God takes Cyrus (his anointed) by the hand to subdue nations and He promises seven things to Cyrus. We will look at all of them over time, but I want to draw you to something significant. We are the anointed of Christ. (2 Cor 1:21) We are called to the marketplace, but not as mere merchants or fatherless ones who must fend for themselves and operate on the world’s terms. Regardless of our gender we are called to something higher… We are called to be sons in the marketplace, and that gives us a distinct advantage, for a higher purpose.

Read the rest of this entry »

“Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the armor of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; Remember the picture. Babylon had impregnable walls 75 feet thick, 200 feet tall with 100 gates of solid brass which were surrounded by a wide ditch of flowing water from the Euphrates. But the Babylonians had been enjoying a night of feasting and some fool left the gate open affording Cyrus the opportunity to march right in take over with barely a fight.

There is a powerful lesson here. You can have every outward sign of strength. You can go to church every time the door is open and do all manner of good works. But if you have left a gate open, you are vulnerable to attack. Consider for a moment the eye gate… What do you allow your eyes to look upon? Job made a covenant with his eyes so that his thoughts would not be upon a maiden. (Job 31:1) Do you set your eyes upon riches which certainly take flight like the eagle? (Pro 23:5) There are many things clamoring for the focus of our eye gate but to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple (Psa 27:4) surpasses them all.

Your life may be a fortress of good works and good intentions, but if you leave your gate open… if you feast upon the wrong things, you may find one day, your city, your life has been taken over by hostile forces and you were unable to put up any serious resistance. What have you been feasting on?