Derek Prince - The Promise of Provision: Living and Giving from Gods Abundant Supply

Provision , abundance and prosperity are loaded terms in the worlds vernacular today, and especially so in most Christian circles. If you were to ask any believer in Jesus Christ what comes to mind at the mention of these terms, the wide variety of responses you would receive might be amazing to you. In fact, those responses would probably include more than a few heated and reactionary remarks.

The truth is that the topics of prosperity and abundance have sparked a great deal of distorted and imbalanced teaching in the attention given to them. The spectrum ranges from the extremes of the prosperity gospel and name-it-and-claim-it proponents to the view held by many devout believers that poverty is a virtue and a sign of deep spirituality.

Which is correct? Is there validity somewhere between the boundaries of the two extremes? Is there a balanced approach to be found? Christians need solidity and balance in this area because, in many instances, tremendous confusion has been loosed upon the Christian community. Regrettably, from the worlds viewpoint, great dishonor has also come to the Church because of our ambivalence and ignorance about the purpose of Gods provision as well as our use (and frequent abuse) of financial resources.

Would you agree that we all need balanced teaching from the Word of God to help us find our moorings in this sensitive area?

Check yourself out on this matter. Have you struggled in your own experience to find equilibrium in regard to the use of Gods resources? Have you asked questions like the ones that follow?

• Is wealth a worldly temptation or a useful tool?
• Is poverty a blessing or a curse?
• Have I been jaundiced by a distorted view of prosperity?
• Am I properly stewarding what God has given me?
• Is my attitude toward finances pleasing to Him?
• Have I installed material acquisition as a goal in my life?
• If so, what is my motivation for seeking abundant resources?
• What is the real purpose for the resources God has given me?

These are just a few of the questions that easily come to mind when we are addressing the matter of Gods provision and abundance. Frankly, it is absolutely appropriate to ask ourselves the hard questions. Indeed, it is especially healthy to do so in the context of some down-to-earth, practical teaching from the Word of God.

Enter The Promise of Provision by Derek Prince. We believe you will find this book refreshing, enlightening and, we hope, life-altering. Let us say right up front, however, that this book is not intended to be the last word regarding abundance. As helpful as it will be for you, we dont regard it as the ultimate or final word on how you should regard and steward the resources God provides. Much helpful material in the way of manuals and instruction books has already been published on these topics. A great deal of that information is certainly worthy of your ongoing attention and consideration.

But if you are looking for one volume that will give you clear insight, a reasoned approach, renewed motivation to handle resources properly and a solid biblical foundation in this important area, you are holding the right book in your hands.

One signature trait of all of Derek Princes teaching during his sixty years of ministry (he passed away in 2003) was his resolute focus on the Bible as the authoritative source of guiding principles for life and experience. We have drawn from the archives of Dereks teaching on the topic of finances and abundance to give you an encouraging and helpful resource. We believe it will allow you to clear away some of the fog you may have encountered in this area of your life.

For example, here are some unique categories Dereks teaching offers in the book you are about to read:

• Clear definitions of what abundance is and what it is not
• An enlightening perspective on prosperity in the ministry of Paul
• The reality of the poverty curse and how to be released from it
• The amazing exchange that Jesus accomplished on the cross
• The clear promises of the Bible regarding Gods provision for us
• The conditions we must meet to walk faithfully in this arena
• A grasp of the real reasons God gives us resources
• How to put your finances to practical and fruitful use
• Our mandate to invest Gods provision in people

You may not agree with everything Derek has stated in this book. In fact, what you read here may stimulate further thinking and spark some additional questions for you to consider. (Thats actually a good result of reading any book.)

But here are a few results we can promise if you read this book through to the end. First, you will be enlightened by what you have learned. Second, you will have a much better grasp of what the Bible mandates for you in this important, yet sensitive area you have to handle. Third, you will be equipped with some clear guidelines and action steps for improving your use of the resources God gives younot only in the present, but far into the future as well. Fourth, and possibly most importantly, you will be motivated by a renewed vision and commitment to the steps God expects you to take in the world around you with the abundance He provides.

In the final analysis, when we ultimately stand before the Lord to give an account of our stewardship here on earth, each of us wants to be in a position to hear the Lord say, Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master (Matthew 25:23, RSV ).

Our prayer is that The Promise of Provision by Derek Prince will help to better prepare you for that eternal moment.

The International Publishing Team of Derek Prince Ministries