Understanding the Benefits of Mankind

1. Understanding the Benefits of Mankind By: Jimi Akanbi Published by Jimi Akanbi Copyright 2014 Jimi Akanbi Edited by Sandra Alfred

2. Table of Content Introduction Chapter 1: Understanding the Principles of Money Chapter 2: Understanding the Priciples of Marriage Chapter 3: Understanding the Principles of Time Chapter 4: Understanding the Principles of Sex Chapter 5: Understanding the Principles of Power Chapter 6: Understanding the Principles of Materials Chapter 7: Understanding the Principles of Life Bibliography About the Author Other Books by Jimi Akanbi

3. Introduction GOD has endowed man with many benefits in life. However, misuse or misapplication of these privileges can lead to sorrow, pain, sin, sickness, diseases, poverty, divorce and death. There are reasons why GOD says, “My people perish because of lack of knowledge.” You do not need to be part of that statistic. In this book the author takes you on a journey which would help you understand seven principles given to man by GOD. Chapter One discusses “Understanding the Principles of Money”. Money was designed by GOD to be good, but the enemy deceives man into the “love of money”. This becomes like a habit or addiction which hooks an individual and has control over one’s thoughts, behaviors and actions. Avoiding this evil trap is one reason Paul prayed in the following Scripture: And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,…(Philippians 1: 9-10, NKJV) That is, we must pray for moral discernment in order to maintain our Christian morals and values. One major challenge in life which robs people of their Blessings is “security for tomorrow” or “uncertainty of tomorrow”…I mean from a financial standpoint. In this scenario, people try to hoard or multiply their money at any cost, whether it is legal or illegal. This occurs because they are uncertain of where they will financially stand in the future. This single act results in greed, embezzlement, stealing, stinginess, cheating, murder and so on. When you make anything or anyone other than GOD your financial source, this may result in the tragic events listed above. We can see in the following Bible verses how Isaac depended on GOD during a terrible famine in the land. He sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundred fold. He prospered in the midst of lack.

4. There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Then the LORDappeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’” And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.”

5. So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26: 1-14, NKJV) {Note: “GIVING” not taking is the key to financial security. You give sparingly…you reap sparingly.} Chapter Two discusses “Understanding the Principles of Marriage”, thus leading to a fulfilled relationship and family. Marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman. It stemmed from the creation of “Adam and Eve”. The beginning of a good and long-lasting marriage occurs when a person finds his or her bone of bone and flesh of flesh. Oftentimes, marital separation and divorce happen because of partner mismatch. All marriages experience challenges, but those ordained by GOD not only experience peace in the midst of the storm, they also grow closer and stronger. Married couples must pray together on a daily basis, even if it is for five to ten minutes. Just this act alone can cut down the issues which occur in marriages by over seventy percent. When the following elements are missing in a married couple’s life: bone of bone and flesh of flesh, salvation and daily prayer life…it is very easy for the enemy to come into that union. Then anger, depression, disconnection, malice, arguments, infidelity and ultimately divorce occur. As you read Chapter Two, you will see how the author discusses that in the “eyes of theworld” in

6. order for a marriage to be successful…man needs to have ambition and at least a certain amount of funds to meet the basic needs of the family until GODELEVATES him. Now, what do you understand by the word “TIME”? Is it the “period of an event” or a “process”? “TIME” can be used only in two ways. That is, either as a “GOD-GIVEN benefit” or “a curse from the pit of hell”. When you engage in events such as spreading the gospel, loving others, giving, caring, praying for one another, dwelling on GOD’s Word and diligently performing your job duties; you are using “TIME” as a Blessing from GOD. Otherwise, “TIME” spent gossiping, stealing, fornicating, committing adultery, cheating, lazing around and killing is “a curse from the pit of hell”. The author explains that anyone who genuinely walks with GOD must have a lot of patience. A prime example…Our Messiah, Jesus Christ was patient for thirty years…after which He started His ministry and performed Miracles. Chapter Four discusses “Understanding the Principles of Sex”. Although GOD established sex for man’s good, if practiced outside of His principles, it can be a tool of the enemy. When this occurs we have challenges such as terminal diseases, divorce, sin, spiritual death and so on. We can see that sex executed in GOD’s way produces a two-part blessing: Pleasure and production of offspring. The power of the mind has a great influence on our sex life. That is, the same way FAITH Gives Birth to Manifestation; sexual thoughts produce a craving for sex. Most acts of cheating in marriages may be stemming from a terminology called, “The Coolidge Effect.” This is when a person gets bored with the sex partner and explores other options outside of marriage. You do not combat sexual immorality with physical weapons such as therapy or divorce. These are “temporary” ways of escape. Moreover, the act is backed by a spiritual force that is more potent than man’s natural wisdom or ability. You war against it by applying “The Whole Armor

7. of GOD”(Ephesians 6: 10-18, NKJV)and clearly understanding what it reads in Romans 13: 11-14, NKJV. These Scriptures read as follows: The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6: 10-18, NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Put on Christ (Romans 13: 11-14, NKJV) And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

8. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Chapter Four further gives you insight on how to break free from infidelity. The author further goes on to explore one’s “Understanding the Principles of Power” in Chapter Five. When you think of “Power”, do you view it as something positive, negative, or neutral? Well, it depends on how the virtue is used…for good or for evil! Anyone who is considered to be a leader is said to have “Power”. Since Jesus through Salvation has given us the same virtues He exhibits…us as Christians are leaders who possess the “Power of GOD” within that does not come from the world. The author believes, “Power”, if abused, can be a strong catalyst to pride; as vice-versa pride can also be a catalyst to demotion or dethronement from “Power”. This chapter further explores how we should handle “Power” the way GOD intends. Chapter Six is about “Understanding the Principles of Materials”. Materials can be seen as a GOD-GIVEN benefit, which make life more comfortable and enjoyable for us. It can also be a tool of the enemy when wrongly used. The author provides ways materials and properties should be handled in order to please GOD. Lastly, Chapter Seven expounds on “Understanding the Principles of Life”. What do you understand by the word “Life”? Is it an event, a process, journey, race, happening by chance or destiny? The Best Life anyone can have is to “Live Life to the FULLEST” while here on earth and be placed in a High Hierarchy in Heaven. Understanding the following can help touch GOD’s Heart: 1.Understanding the Principles of Money 2.Understanding the Principles of Marriage

9. 3.Understanding the Principles of Time 4.Understanding the Principles of Sex 5.Understanding the Principles of Power 6.Understanding the Principles of Materials 7.Understanding the Principles of Life

10. Chapter 1 Understanding the Principles of Money You should not like money more than yourself and you must not LOVE yourself more than GOD. This also means you shall not love money more than God. The “love of money” is likened to a habit or addiction that hooks you and takes control over your thoughts, behaviors and actions. Most times there is a correlation between the “love of money” and greed or stinginess. Money can be seen as a tool for good or evil. That is, GOD designed money for man’s benefit, but the enemy has deceived man into the “love of money”. As it states in 1 Timothy 6:10 (KNJV) - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Also, this is one reason why Paul prayed in the following Scripture: And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, (Philippians 1: 9-10, KNJV) What this means is we should pray for “moral discernment” in order to maintain our Christian morals and values. In this present era, many people go through the challenge called “security for tomorrow” or “uncertainty of tomorrow”…the author is referring to one’s financial standpoint. In this scenario, individuals try to hoard or multiply their money at any cost, whether it is legal or illegal because of the uncertainty of one’s financial standing in the future. This single act causes greed, embezzlement, stealing, stinginess, cheating, killing and so on.

11. Let me shed some more light. Imagine you currently have a net worth of $400,000 and do not know what tomorrow holds for you. For example, you may lose your job, business, royalties, investments, properties and more. Each of these scenarios is robbing many people of their TRUE Blessings and Prosperity from GOD. For example, if you identify with one of the above scenarios and I ask you to loan me $10,000, you may have reservation honoring this request because you fear that your source of money can cease at anytime. However, when you make GOD your financial source by depending on Him rather than on your job, business, royalties, education, investments, position…He will terminate every fear and uncertainty of where the next dollar will come from. Moreover, it is written in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) – “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Of further importance, you will see in the following scripture where Jesus says, “Why do you worry about tomorrow?” “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

12. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6: 25-34, KNJV) A person who is a hundred percent dependent on GOD would not be concerned about the next day because GOD alone holds the future. We can see in the following verses how Isaac depended on GOD during a terrible famine in the land. Follow me closely…Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundred fold. He became very prosperous even during a season of famine as seen in the scripture below: There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Then the LORDappeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;

13. because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’” And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26: 1-14, KNJV)

14. One reason for GOD’s GRACE upon Isaac is because of the obedience of his father “Abraham” to GOD. As you can see “giving not taking” is the key to financial security…when you “give sparingly, you also receive sparingly”. There was a profound sermon once preached by my Pastor. In the message he likened “giving” to “restrooms and food”. That is, “food” is the money and its’ excretion is “giving”. Let me expound on this: When you eat “food” and get full, do you not need to excrete the food in order to empty your stomach, so you may have room to eat more food? In the same manner, you need to visit the “financial restroom” in order for more money to flow into your hands. That is, as you amass money, riches and wealth and do not give a part of it to GOD and the needy therefore allowing one’s “self” to be obstructing the flow of money you will have what the author calls “financial constipation”. This will continue until you offload by “giving”. Is it not logical to say that when you feel constipated…you are not only full of food, but also uncomfortable? Likewise, a person who keeps on amassing money without giving will at some point not only have no space for more, but will also experience an unfulfilled life. Yes, you can be the wealthiest person here on earth and still be empty. JOY brings genuine happiness, not money. Note: GOD says in His Word…there is JOY in “giving” not in hoarding. Let us look at some Scriptures on “Giving and Receiving”: There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.(Proverbs 11: 24-25, NKJV)

15. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”(Luke 6: 38, NKJV) I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”(Acts 20: 35, NKJV) But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13: 16, NKJV) “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. (Matthew 6: 1-4, NKJV) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

16. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? (James 4: 1-5, NKJV) Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. The desire of the righteous ends only in good; the expectation of the wicked in wrath. One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. (Proverbs 11: 20-26, NKJV) Let us look at a worldly scenario which validates the Biblical messages. I have heard of many celebrities and superstars amassing several hundreds of millions of dollars, only to lose it all in a matter of a few years and file bankruptcy. Perhaps, they hardly or never gave of one’s finances. You can see in the following Bible verse that money has wings and can fly away if not used appropriately: Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. (Proverbs 23: 5, NKJV)

17. The same way companies and organizations have their financial principles; GOD has His own principles for man’s money management. You can find some in the above verses. When you follow GOD’s principles concerning money, He gives you uncommon favor and wisdom. For example, He will teach you how and where to invest your money. And when God leads you… the sky is your limit. One last note: If you seek money before seeking GOD, you may experience riches followed by challenges; but if you seek GOD before seeking money, you will experience challenges followed by riches. Which scenario do you prefer? I hope the second! When you follow GOD’s principles of money; your latter shall be GREATER than your past!!! Click Here to Purchase Full eBook Email Sign up “To hear about new books first; sign up to my New Release Mailing List.” http://eepurl.com/3tsi1