Let's partner and make millions!

This story is one of the things that I respect most about my dad... His integrity. While so many in the late 70s fell prey to "prosperity" in the 80s and then failed.. He stood firm on his principles and died one of the wealthiest poor men alive.

There was a time, perhaps mid to late 70s, when things were going great... Good was pouring out his spirit and miracles left and right constantly. Everyone was riding this wave of goodness. Then came the test.

A well known big name preacher was at our house, probably for a series of teaching nights as was common then.  I do not know his name, but remember that he was very successful with a traveling world ministry. After a few nights, before he left, he made my dad an offer:

"Join my ministry... With my preaching and your gift of miracles and healing we can make millions!"

But you see... It had become "his ministry" and even though successful, that was a fatal flaw.  Ultimately dad turned him down. Good was not in it. Yes they would have reached millions of people, saved many, healed many, but... Wasnt gods will.  If god is not behind it... Don't do it. Simple.

So we stayed poor, struggling to get by  financially, but that one act planted my dad at a point of respect and authenticity that never faded. He was the real deal. That was a real offer, it would have worked. But... Dad said no because god was not in it.

Over the next decade many ministries failed with one scandal or another. Their heart had followed the money and they walked from God first. I do not judge then. Just relate what I observed. God pulled his protection from them when they pulled their heart from God first.

The moral here? Be real. Know that true success is not in cash or things, but in doing what god has for you. It's that simple, and that hard.