Windows of opportunity

Apostle Steve Lyston, Gleaner Writer

Time and seasons are critical to understand in business and in managing a nation's economy. Even the time in which a person seeks to win an election is important. One who merely has a natural perspective cannot predict the outcome of an economy, unless they get a divine revelation from God. The high gas prices and ever-increasing airfares are only some of the indicators that something did not quite line up. Managing nations and economies in this season requires a divine revelation.

Genesis 8:22 and I Chronicles 12:32 speak of times and seasons. The word season is used in the Bible and speaks of both climatic divisions of the year and periods of harvest - which is economic growth. Between May and July there is a window of opportunity open, and it is the greatest period of opportunity for financial turnaround. There are opportunities for networking, healing, debt cancellation and amnesty - whether tax amnesty or immigration amnesty. This is the law of recovery for those that have lost or who have done poorly and have decided to follow and embrace Biblical principles. It begins to take full effect during the 50-day period from the Resurrection to Pentecost. (Leviticus 23, Leviticus 25, Joel 2:23-25 and Deuteronomy 11:14-15)

Each time there is going to be a turnaround in the economy there is a window open. Naturally speaking, a window is a small opening in a wall which lets in light and air. It is something through which we can see from the outside. It deals with access, entrance, opening, upward mobility and elevation.

When a window is opened, it is a test to see what is really going on first before opening the door. Hence, one cannot walk through a door of opportunity unless there is a window opened first.

Now, when a window is opened, it carries a two-fold meaning. (Isaiah 24: First, it signifies blessings and opportunities of every kind. Second, it signifies judgement in various areas - economic, financial or even climatic judgements. (Genesis 7: 11) Further to this, when a window is open, it carries with it two things - a fountain or a wind. It all depends on the decisions we make. Whatever choice we make - obedience or disobedience - it determines whether or not an individual or nation will change for better or worse!

Even if there is going to be a brief change or brief period of prosperity, a window must first be opened. (II Kings 7: 2 & 19)

How To Benefit From Windows Of Opportunity

Tithing opens windows - Malachi 3: 8-10 God challenges man to prove him. Tithing carries seven benefits including expansion, debt write-offs and new doors open.

Price reduction and debt forgiveness - Now is the time that many business persons can benefit.

Restoration of property to owner - particularly.

Reduction in property tax - many properties are already depreciated while the owners still pay the same amount.

Loan modification and interest rate reduction.

Immigration and tax amnesties.

Pardoning of prisoners.

Promotion of faithful workers.

Elimination of charges by banks and such institutions.

Implement term limits for political administrations.

If all individuals and leaders begin to implement these principles and ideas and make use of this 50-day window of opportunity, they will see positive changes in administration, financial matters, personal situations, and health - which includes stress reduction.

The next three months will be critical to businesses, the stock market and political administrations. It means that there will be the need to renew one's mind and be willing to change from the normal modus operandi in relation to how we operate our businesses. Making abstract decisions from behind a desk will not work.

God has extended mercy and compassion to us and so in order to be successful, business and national leaders must extend grace and mercy to others, and particularly the poor.

Even nations that were seemingly untouched by the recession, if they do not change they will begin to feel the effects of the economic downturn.

God is the source of all blessing and we must never take His blessings for granted. He gives us power to get wealth - Deuteronomy 8: 19.

Apostle Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including End Time Finance and The New Millionaire).