I received an image this morning, and I wish I could have found a proper photo to depict what I saw. But if you can imagine it with me, it was that of hands, giving money, while reaching out through prison bars to give it. That is a picture that I believe shows the condition of what currently is amongst many of God’s children. But I’m glad I found the above photo for this post because I believe it captures what is to come and what can be: an opening of prison bars in the area of financial freedom.
We have been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Keys that are meant to release us into freedom in every area of our lives. Keys that release the captives (those who have been imprisoned because of what has been done to them) and keys that also release those who are bound (those who are behind bars because of what they have done).
“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound…” Isaiah 61:1b NKJV
Keys are meant to take us from the position of slaves to the position of authority as rulers. You can tell who’s in authority by who holds the keys. And the sad truth is that when it comes to the area of finances, many of God’s children are still not holding the keys. Many are simply not experiencing His freedom in this area. As a result, there is very little spiritual authority in the body of Christ to proclaim freedom in the area of financial bondage because far too many are still bound or captive themselves.
While many have gotten the revelation of the meaning of the tithe and have even given offerings joyfully and sacrificially in the past, they have done so reaching through their own prison bars of debt; while doing nothing to lay hold of the keys that bring about their freedom. While still remaining in the perpetual cycle that pushes them further into the prison. Debt unfortunately, by many, is no longer seen as a snare. It is no longer seen as captivity. It is simply a way of life. It is something that we seek to manage instead of eradicate.
This must not be.
Come, let us reason together friends. How can one who is trapped behind the prison doors of massive financial debt pray for freedom in the finances of others?
We simply cannot operate in authority in areas in which we are still dominated ourselves.
Care for My sheep, the Lord says. Feed my lambs. “My people are ruined because they don’t know what’s right or true.” Hosea 4:6 MSG
As I quieted myself to listen more, I heard the Lord say, “This (meaning giving through prison bars) shall no more be.” The giving that has come in the past is not worthy to be compared to what will be. But it will no longer be done through a spirit of poverty and from behind prison bars. It will be from a place of authority, given by those who have conquered in this area.
Oh, how much more the Lord has in store for us! If we would only lay aside every weight and sin which has for far too long so easily ensnared us. If we would crucify the flesh with it’s passions and desires and TURN. If we would allow Him to “gather us as His children around Him, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…if we would only seek and know the things which make for peace.” (Matthew 23:37 and Luke 19:42)
Yes, the good news is that for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear – for those who no longer wish to continue in the ways of bondage – freedom is coming:
“For He Looked down from the height of His sanctuary; From heaven the Lord viewed the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner…” Psalm 102:19-20a NKJV
To those who will turn and give themselves to seek the kingdom principles that are meant to govern our finances, tremendous breakthrough and spiritual authority in this area will be given.
I saw crowns being issued to those who were once enslaved – and crown upon crown for those shepherds who cared for His sheep, teaching them, training them the ways of the Kingdom and leading them to safe, wide open, green pastures. In fact, God will be redirecting many into the care of these faithful shepherds.
Lastly, I will only add, this freedom will not come by way of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. It will not come through harsh disciplines or taking on yokes of bondage – no, those things would only glorify man’s efforts. This breakthrough is going to come from the tree of life! Spiritual breakthrough will be experienced first that will free people from the bonds, the patterns, the behaviors, the desires that have bound them. Desires will change – supernaturally. All three areas of the soul will be healed first: the mind, the will and the emotions. (Please notice, I said healed. Healing must come for financial breakthrough to take place.)
And then, a wave of new financial strategy will be released. Prudence, wisdom and understanding will rise up. Joy will come and flood these people’s hearts and they will begin to experience the joy of freedom – even while they are in the process of recovery.
Those who seek (the answers) will find them. A new level of revelation awaits.
To those who knock, the door will be opened.
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
May it be so,
Linda G. Riddle
Linda G Riddle 