HOW TO PROSPER IN THE EMBER MONTHS

HOW TO PROSPER IN THE EMBER MONTHS

Text: Philippians 4:19;  1 Kings 17:8-16

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION:
The ember months—September through December—are often a time of reflection and transition as the year draws to a close. For many, these months can be challenging, but for believers, it’s an opportunity to experience God’s prosperity and favour. This sermon explores how we can prosper in the ember months through divine principles, supported by biblical references and examples.

1. TRUST IN GOD’S PROVISION:

   - Scripture Reference:
Philippians 4:19** – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
   - Prosperity begins with trusting that God is our ultimate provider. Regardless of the season, God promises to meet our needs. By placing our trust in His provision, we position ourselves to experience His abundance, even during the ember months.

   - Biblical Example:
Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16):
Elijah was provided for during a time of drought and famine through a widow’s obedience. Her provision didn’t run out because of her faith and trust in God’s word.

2. SEEK GOD’S GUIDANCE AND WISDOM:
   - Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 3:5-6** – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
   - Seeking God’s guidance is crucial for making decisions that lead to prosperity. In these months, dedicate time to prayer and seeking God’s wisdom for direction in your personal and professional life.

   - Biblical Example:
Solomon’s Request for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-14): Solomon chose wisdom over riches when given the chance, and God granted him not only wisdom but also wealth and honour.

3. WORK DILIGENTLY AND RESPONSIBLY
   - Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
   - Prosperity involves our active participation. Being diligent and responsible in our endeavours aligns with God’s principles of hard work leading to success. Use the ember months to diligently work towards your goals and projects.

   - Biblical Example:
Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39-41):
Joseph’s diligence and integrity led him from being a slave to becoming the second-in-command in Egypt, demonstrating how God blesses hard work and faithfulness.

4. BE GENEROUS AND SOW SEEDS:
   - Scripture Reference:
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

   - Generosity is a key to prosperity. The ember months are an excellent time to sow seeds of generosity and kindness. Your giving and support to others create avenues for blessings to flow back to you.

   - Biblical Example:
The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44):
The widow’s small but generous offering was commended by Jesus. Her act of giving, despite her poverty, exemplifies how God values and blesses generous hearts.

5. REFLECT AND ALIGN YOUR GOALS WITH GOD’S WILL:
   - Scripture Reference:
Jeremiah 29:11** – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

   - Reflect on your goals and ensure they align with God’s will. Use the end of the year to reassess and align your objectives with His purpose for your life.

   -  Biblical Example:
Nehemiah’s Vision to Rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-2): Nehemiah’s clear vision and prayerful planning led to the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, illustrating the importance of aligning our goals with God’s vision.

CONCLUSION:
Prospering in the ember months is about trusting in God’s provision, seeking His guidance, working diligently, being generous, and aligning our goals with His will. By embracing these principles, we open ourselves to experience God’s prosperity and blessings.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Trusting God’s Provision:
   - "Lord, I trust in Your promise to provide for all my needs. As Your Word says, ‘And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:19)."

2. Seeking Wisdom and Guidance:
   - "Father, grant me wisdom and direction in all my decisions. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault’ (James 1:5)."

3. Working Diligently:
   - "Lord, help me to work diligently and responsibly. ‘Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth’ (Proverbs 10:4)."

4. Being Generous:
   - "God, give me a generous heart to bless others. ‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously’ (2 Corinthians 9:6)."

5. Aligning Goals with God’s Will:
   - "Heavenly Father, help me to align my goals with Your will. ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you’ (Jeremiah 29:11)."

6. Protection and Guidance:
   - "Lord, protect me and my loved ones from harm. ‘The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore’ (Psalm 121:8)."

7. Gratitude and Thanksgiving:
   - "Thank You, Lord, for Your continued blessings. ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18)."

8. Seeking Divine Favour:
   - "Father, grant me favour in all my undertakings. ‘Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us; establish the work of our hands upon us’ (Psalm 90:17)."

9. Strength and Endurance:
   - "Lord, give me strength and endurance to face challenges. ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians 4:13)."

10. Peace and Assurance:
    - "God, grant me peace and assurance in this season. ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7)."

FINAL PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promises and faithfulness. As we navigate the ember months, help us to trust in Your provision, seek Your wisdom, work diligently, and be generous. Align our goals with Your will and bless us as we strive to honour You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION FOR PROSPERITY IN THE EMBER MONTHS

"I declare over your life that as we enter these ember months, you will experience an extraordinary outpouring of divine blessings and prosperity. May the God of abundance open new doors of opportunity and favour for you.

In the name of Jesus, I speak that you will receive all that God has promised you, for His Word says, 'And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19). May you be guided by divine wisdom in all your endeavours, as promised in James 1:5, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.'

I declare that your work will be blessed and fruitful. 'Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth' (Proverbs 10:4). As you sow generously, may you reap abundantly, for 'Whoever sows generously will also reap generously' (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Align your goals with God’s perfect will and watch His plans unfold, for ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you’ (Jeremiah 29:11).

May you walk in divine protection and favour, as promised in Psalm 121:8, 'The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.'

I decree that you will have a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of peace, knowing that 'The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:7).

Receive this prophetic blessing, and may you prosper abundantly in the ember months and beyond, in Jesus’ name. Amen."