October 15, 2026 | Resources
"The first 40 hours of work don't mean anything. It's not until you get into overtime that you start making some respectable money."
A man I knew from church once told me that.
He wanted to be rich.
So he worked 80, 90, even 100 hours a week.
Now, I'm all for hard work. I’m big on that.
But working harder isn't the secret to becoming wealthy.
The good news?
God has shown us how His blessing works.
Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich."
And He's told us what He expects us to do.
God honors His part when we honor ours.
It’s a contract.
A covenant.
Today, I want to show you five simple steps to put this covenant to work in your life.
Step #1: Put Love For God Ahead Of Pursuing Wealth
A person with a lot of money, who doesn't know Jesus, is really a poor person… with money.
The greatest riches begin with salvation.
What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?
Galatians 3 says Christ redeemed us so Abraham's blessing could come to us – through Him. This includes the financial prosperity that Abraham enjoyed.
But belonging to Jesus isn't the only requirement.
You must sincerely love God with all your heart.
What does that look like?
Consider King Solomon, the wealthiest man who ever lived.
He brought 1,000 burnt offerings to the Lord.
What was behind such an extraordinary gift?
His intense love for God.
It wasn't just the size of the offering.
It was the motivation for giving it… Solomon’s love for God.
That's what God is looking for in your life.
Step #2: Regularly Meet Other People's Needs With Your Giving
You might think giving away money means you'll end up with less.
But Proverbs 11:25 says, "The generous soul will be made rich."
By whom?
By God.
As you meet other people's needs, God opens doors and pours out:
Blessings.
Favor.
Ideas.
When I was younger, there were times I didn't have much money.
I appreciated it when someone bought me lunch.
But I began praying, "Lord, I want to be able to buy meals for other people."
God honored that prayer. Today, my wife Kelly and I have the joy of buying meals for others. We live to give.
Every time you give, you're exercising the covenant.
And just like exercise, you need to do it regularly.
So when you wake up tomorrow, ask, "How can I give today?"
Step #3: Discover And Stay In Your God-Appointed Location
Years ago, I almost made a costly mistake.
My car was packed and I was getting ready to leave Texas.
I was going to California.
I pulled into the church parking lot that morning, and the sanctuary doors flew open.
Out walked Sister Dorothy, a woman of prayer at our church.
She pointed straight at me and said:
"Brother Brooks, I don't know what you're about to do, but God told me to tell you… don't do it!"
As she walked away, she muttered something about the timing not being right.
She was right.
Two years later, the Lord finally told me to go to California.
I didn't know anyone there. I didn't even have a phone number to call.
But God provided everything.
You go on your own, you pay the bill.
But when God sends you, He takes care of you.
Avoid jumping from business to business when things get difficult.
Before a major venture, get the word of the Lord.
A wrong move can cost money, not just time.
If He says go, go.
If He says, "Stay," then put your hand to the plow right where you are.
Step #4: Obey The Money Scriptures
Want to see your barns filled with plenty and your vats overflowing?
Proverbs 3 tells us what God expects us to do.
“Honor the Lord with the firstfruits of all your increase."
This includes tithing.
Kelly and I were full tithers long before we entered the ministry.
Some Christians will argue about tithing, even when shown 100 Scriptures.
They just don’t want to do it.
But it’s a key condition of covenant wealth.
God wants you blessed.
But He wants that blessing to advance His Kingdom, not just your own interests.
Step #5: Praise And Thank God For What He's Already Given You – Daily
To access kingdom prosperity, you must remain grateful.
This doesn't mean accepting lack. It means trusting God knows what you need and will take care of you.
Psalm 67 says, "Let all the peoples praise You." Praise is gratitude.
Then comes the promise: God will bring increase.
Turn grumbling into gratitude.
"Lord, You've given me good friends. Thank You for my vehicle. Thank You that I don't have to walk."
When you step into your home, say, "God, thank You for my home."
Do it every day.
Where Could You Be In Two Years?
"Well, Pastor Steven, when I get rich, then I'll start giving."
That's a deception.
It delays what you can start today.
My friends, start where you are.
Even if you're making 30 cents a day, start there.
Let the Holy Spirit lead you.
Buy someone coffee, cover a meal, or give a $25 gift card.
And if you’re not a tither, begin.
Where could you be in two years if you really exercised this covenant?
Now pray this with me, out loud:
“Father, thank You for showing me that there is a clear covenant path to financial increase.
I don't have to guess how Your blessing works.
Help me put Your Word into practice.
Teach me to love You with all my heart, to give generously, and to honor You with my finances.
Lead me by Your Holy Spirit. Keep me in the place You have appointed for me.
Help me remain grateful for everything You've already given me.
Lord, give me more to give.
Give me wisdom to recognize what You've provided for my needs and what You've provided for me to sow into Your Kingdom.
As I faithfully follow Your Word, increase my ability to bless others and advance Your Kingdom.
In Jesus' name, amen.”
Click to watch the full message: "Five Steps to Covenant Wealth"