Moment of Encounter Devotional

By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida

WEALTH IS A DEFENSE — STOP APOLOGIZING FOR PROSPERITY

Scripture Reading

> "The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty."
— Proverbs 10:15 (KJV)

> "Money answereth all things."
— Ecclesiastes 10:19 (KJV)

> "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
— 3 John 2 (KJV)

Introduction

One of the strangest theological mistakes in our generation is the belief that poverty is a sign of holiness while prosperity is a sign of carnality.

Some Christians behave as though heaven is impressed by empty pockets. They quote scriptures against money with great enthusiasm but become unusually spiritual only until school fees are due, hospital bills arrive, or rent expires.

Let me ask a simple question.

If money is truly evil, why do you have a bank account?

Why do churches receive offerings?

Why do missionaries need sponsorship?

Why do you pray for salary alerts?

Why do you negotiate your salary instead of telling your employer, "Please don't pay me too much because I want to remain holy"?

The truth is simple.

Money is not evil. Poverty is not a virtue. Wealth is a tool, and God expects His children to use it for His glory.

Wealth Is God's Idea

Proverbs 10:15 declares that the wealth of the rich is their city of defense.

In ancient Israel, a fortified city protected its inhabitants from enemies. Solomon compares wealth to such protection.

Money cannot buy heaven, but it can buy medicine.

Money cannot guarantee long life, but it can pay for treatment.

Money cannot purchase salvation, but it can build churches, sponsor missionaries, print Bibles, feed widows, educate children, and rescue the oppressed.

Many believers have discovered that "God will provide" does not exempt them from paying transport fare.

Even Elijah, who was fed by ravens, still had food to eat. God's miracles usually produce provision—not excuses.

Does God Hate Poverty?

God has always demonstrated His desire for His people to flourish.

Abraham was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2).

Isaac became exceedingly prosperous until the Philistines envied him (Genesis 26:12–14).

Jacob increased greatly (Genesis 30:43).

David left enormous treasures for the temple (1 Chronicles 29).

Solomon became the wealthiest king of his generation (1 Kings 10:23).

Job lost everything but God restored him with twice as much (Job 42:10).

None of these men were rebuked for being wealthy.

Throughout Scripture, poverty is often presented as a condition to relieve, not a lifestyle to celebrate.

God repeatedly commanded Israel to care for the poor because poverty brings hardship—not because poverty is a badge of spirituality.

Then What Did Paul Mean?

Many people misquote 1 Timothy 6:10.

The Bible does not say:

> "Money is the root of all evil."

It says:

> "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."

Notice the difference.

Money is neutral.

Love of money is dangerous.

Money is a servant.

Love of money makes it a master.

Money in your pocket is a blessing.

Money in your heart becomes an idol.

The problem has never been money.

The problem is greed.

Judas did not betray Jesus because money existed.

He betrayed Jesus because he loved money more than Christ.

Ananias and Sapphira did not die because they owned property.

They died because greed produced deception (Acts 5:1–10).

Poverty Is Not Holiness

Some people have become so accustomed to lack that they defend it theologically.

They say,

"Money is worldly."

Yet they gladly collect transport reimbursement after preaching.

They condemn prosperity while secretly praying for promotion.

That is like criticizing food while eating three plates of jollof rice.

There is nothing spiritual about unpaid bills.

There is nothing holy about preventable suffering.

God does not receive greater glory because His children cannot afford school fees or medication.

Rather, He delights when His people prosper in righteousness and become channels of blessing.

Wealth Carries Kingdom Responsibility

God blesses His people so they can become a blessing.

Kingdom wealth is not for pride.

It is for purpose.

Not for showing off.

But for showing Christ.

God can trust believers who understand that every financial increase carries greater responsibility.

When God places resources in your hands, He is asking whether He can trust your heart.

Prophetic Insight

The spirit of poverty is not merely the absence of money.

It is a mindset that believes increase is impossible.

Today, God is breaking every mentality that celebrates lack and fears abundance.

May the Lord give you wisdom to create wealth, favour before men, profitable opportunities, open doors, and financial discipline.

May your prosperity never replace your devotion.

May your wealth become a weapon for advancing God's Kingdom.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You because You are the Owner of silver and gold. Deliver me from every spirit of poverty, laziness, greed, wastefulness, and financial ignorance. Give me wisdom to work diligently, manage resources faithfully, and prosper according to Your will. Let my life become a channel of blessing to Your Kingdom and to humanity. May I never worship money, but may money continually serve Your divine purpose through my life. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen.

Food for Thought

Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant. Let Christ rule your heart, and let wealth serve your assignment.

Your Brother,

Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
CAC IBUDO ONA ABAYỌ
Email: cacsolutioncenter@outlook.com
Phone: 08058140045