We repeat a section of part 1 for context. Empire spirituality is promoted by empire gods and thrives on the small self’s narrow, self-interested visions and life goals. There is need for the believer to be rid of empire spirituality and its temptation to live according to force, power, and control.

You see in the image above another rendition of empire thinking that drives the common saying that money rules the world! One has heard some believers rant that we demonize wealth, and that we still need money to live! The present money crisis ought to at least attest to the true believer the reality and validity of Isaiah 55:1,2; and produced below are two translations that describe for each of us what is most needed in such a time as this!

• Isaiah 55:1,2 (AMPC)—Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessing]. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your earnings for what does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [the profuseness of spiritual joy]. 
• Isaiah 55:1,2 (MSG)—Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyway—buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. Buy without money—everything’s free! Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words

There is a superior currency that functions in God’s economy that every true child of God must learn and apply! That currency is not money as we know it! God’s economy spends faith; you either learn to use it or you will run outside of the boundaries of righteousness and out of God’s kingdom principles with murmuring and complaints!

Have you gone without food or clothing since these things started? Have you considered that for you as a child of God, these circumstances could be development training to face what may yet come? Think about Proverbs 24:10 but more Jeremiah 12:5 which speaks to us—

So, Jeremiah, [brother, sister] if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood? Jeremiah 12:5 (MSG)

[But the Lord rebukes Jeremiah’s impatience, saying] If you have raced with men on foot and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses? And if [you take to flight] in a land of peace where you feel secure, then what will you do [when you tread the tangled maze of jungle haunted by lions] in the swelling and flooding of the Jordan? Jeremiah 12:5 (AMPC)

So dearly beloved, let us quit as men, lifting up drooping hands and feeble knees. God will not fail you but mammon can and will fail! Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele