"But [Christ Jesus] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."
The truth of this verse hasn't really dawned on most people. They mistakenly think that Jesus was able to work wonders, to perform miracles, and to live above sin because He had divine powers that we don't have. Thus, they have never really aspired to live like He lived. "Oh my," they say with great humility, "I could never live like Jesus did. After all, He had an advantage. He was God!"
They don't realize that when Jesus came to earth, He voluntarily gave up that advantage, living His life here not as God but as a man. He had no innate supernatural powers. He had no ability to perform miracles until after He was anointed by the Holy Spirit as recorded in Luke 3:22. He worked wonders, not by His own power but by the power of the Father, saying, "The Father that dwelles in me, he does the works" (John 14:10).
Once you realize that, you'll throw off the shackles of doubt that have held you back. You'll begin to live as Jesus meant for you to live--not as a sin-ridden son of fallen man, but as a reborn child of the Most High God. Then those around you will actually begin to see Jesus--in you.
READ: 1 John 3:1-8
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Colossians 1:27
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Some years back, I was praying and walking the floor of our little house in Unit K, Chitungwiza. I was walking up and down confessing 1 John 4:4, "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." Greater is He.... Greater is He.... Suddenly, revelation knowledge dwelled up in me and I knew, Oh! God is in me!
"As God had said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Cor. 6:16). Jesus is in you. That's the most glorious truth in the Word of God. Let that truth come alive in you today.
READ: Colossians 1:13-27
Some years back, I was praying and walking the floor of our little house in Unit K, Chitungwiza. I was walking up and down confessing 1 John 4:4, "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." Greater is He.... Greater is He.... Suddenly, revelation knowledge dwelled up in me and I knew, Oh! God is in me!
"As God had said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Cor. 6:16). Jesus is in you. That's the most glorious truth in the Word of God. Let that truth come alive in you today.
READ: Colossians 1:13-27
"For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, said the Lord" Jeremiah 30:17
God wants you well! He wants you healthy and strong in every single area of your life. He wants you to be spiritually strong. Strong in faith. Strong in the Word. Strong in redemption. Strong in the love of God. Jesus gave Himself in death so that we could be well. He was raised in life, ever making intercession for us now so that we can be well. And He wants us to be healthy and strong as a witness in these last days to a world that's filled with terror--a witness of His love, His grace, and
His power.
Receive Jesus' healing power in every area of your life. Start applying it by faith right now. Commit yourself to getting well and growing strong in every area of your life today!
READ: Psalm 107
His power.
Receive Jesus' healing power in every area of your life. Start applying it by faith right now. Commit yourself to getting well and growing strong in every area of your life today!
READ: Psalm 107
"I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them... they are fallen under my feet"Psalm 18:37-38
If you've been standing around wringing your hands and worrying about what the devil is doing, it's time you made a switch. It's time you put that devil under your feet!
Jesus has already given you all the power and authority you need to do it. He's given you the keys of the kingdom. He's promised you that whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies (Matt. 16:19).
That means you can speak the Word and bind wicked spirits. You can speak the Word and loose the angelic forces of God to work in your behalf.You hold the keys. Learn to use them and before long the devil will be wringing his hands worrying about you!
READ: Matthew 16:13-27
Jesus has already given you all the power and authority you need to do it. He's given you the keys of the kingdom. He's promised you that whatever you declare locked on earth is locked in heaven and whatever you declare unlocked on earth is unlocked in the heavenlies (Matt. 16:19).
That means you can speak the Word and bind wicked spirits. You can speak the Word and loose the angelic forces of God to work in your behalf.You hold the keys. Learn to use them and before long the devil will be wringing his hands worrying about you!
READ: Matthew 16:13-27
"Is any one among you afflicted - ill-treated, suffering evil? He should Pray." James 5:13
If you're in trouble, you need to pray. That's what the Word says. Notice it didn't say your pastor needs to pray for you or your friends need to pray for you. It says you need to pray. Too often we try to find a quick fix to our problems by asking everyone else to pray for us. There's nothing wrong, of course, with having others pray for you, but you'll never get your life to a place of permanent victory until you begin to pray yourself.
If you have made Jesus your Lord, you have access to the throne of Almighty God. He has every solution to every problem you'll ever have, and He's just waiting for you to come to Him, so He can give you the answer. It may take some private time alone with Him for you to hear it, but He will never disappoint you.
READ: Psalm 5
If you have made Jesus your Lord, you have access to the throne of Almighty God. He has every solution to every problem you'll ever have, and He's just waiting for you to come to Him, so He can give you the answer. It may take some private time alone with Him for you to hear it, but He will never disappoint you.
READ: Psalm 5
"A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."Proverbs 18:7
We have what we say. As believers, we know that's a vital biblical truth. We can see it in Mark 11:23, Matthew 21:21, James 3:2, and many other verses. Yet we often let it slip. We allow ourselves to begin talking like the world instead of talking the Word. And eventually we get what we've been asking for--a big mess.
If you've gotten sloppy about what you say, change your course today by changing your words. Ask God to help you set a watch over your mouth (Ps. 141:3). Put the power that's in your tongue to work for you instead of against you. Stop using it to make messes, and start using it to make miracles. There is a miracle in your mouth!
READ: James 3:1-13
If you've gotten sloppy about what you say, change your course today by changing your words. Ask God to help you set a watch over your mouth (Ps. 141:3). Put the power that's in your tongue to work for you instead of against you. Stop using it to make messes, and start using it to make miracles. There is a miracle in your mouth!
READ: James 3:1-13
Friday, January 14, 2011
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us."1 John 4:16
We've read about God's love. We've heard about it. But I don't think many of us have really believed it. If we did, it would totally change everything about us and everything around us.
Believe the love God has for you. It's already been released in the blood of Jesus.
Believe the love. It's already been released in Jesus' Name.
Believe the love. It's already been released in His Word.
Meditate that scripture over and over. Say it to yourself again and again all day, "I believe the love Jesus has for me." Once it gets down into your heart, you'll never be the same again.
READ: Psalm 139:1-18
Believe the love God has for you. It's already been released in the blood of Jesus.
Believe the love. It's already been released in Jesus' Name.
Believe the love. It's already been released in His Word.
Meditate that scripture over and over. Say it to yourself again and again all day, "I believe the love Jesus has for me." Once it gets down into your heart, you'll never be the same again.
READ: Psalm 139:1-18
Matthew 10:7-8
And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:
freely you have received, freely give."
There are those who've said that some of the diseases that are on the rampage right now, diseases such as AIDS, are God's way of punishing immoral people today. There is absolutely no scriptural basis for that!
God is not responsible for the suffering we're seeing around us. That's just a nasty lie the devil is passing around. And if you and I do our job right, very soon another word is going to start spreading through the streets. The news is going to get out that Jesus Christ is not their captor, He's the One who can set them free!
READ: Matthew 9:18-26
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:
freely you have received, freely give."
There are those who've said that some of the diseases that are on the rampage right now, diseases such as AIDS, are God's way of punishing immoral people today. There is absolutely no scriptural basis for that!
God is not responsible for the suffering we're seeing around us. That's just a nasty lie the devil is passing around. And if you and I do our job right, very soon another word is going to start spreading through the streets. The news is going to get out that Jesus Christ is not their captor, He's the One who can set them free!
READ: Matthew 9:18-26
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Psalm 91:14-15
"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."
God is called by many names. He is the Lord our Healer, our Provider, our Banner, and our Righteousness. He also promises to be our Deliverer. In this troubled world that may very well be what we need Him to be most often.
But there are many believers who never experience God's mighty delivering power because, instead of walking closely with Him day by day, they wait until danger strikes to call upon Him. That just doesn't work. Love and serve God with your whole heart. Walk closely with Him in the good times. Then, when you need Him to be your Deliverer, you'll know without a doubt you can trust Him to care for you!
READ: Psalm 108:1-6
God is called by many names. He is the Lord our Healer, our Provider, our Banner, and our Righteousness. He also promises to be our Deliverer. In this troubled world that may very well be what we need Him to be most often.
But there are many believers who never experience God's mighty delivering power because, instead of walking closely with Him day by day, they wait until danger strikes to call upon Him. That just doesn't work. Love and serve God with your whole heart. Walk closely with Him in the good times. Then, when you need Him to be your Deliverer, you'll know without a doubt you can trust Him to care for you!
READ: Psalm 108:1-6
"Therefore do not worry and be anxious." Matthew 6:31
God is vehemently against worry. Jesus preached against it. Paul preached against it. The whole Bible preaches against worry because it was designed by Satan to produce stress, strain, and death. What are you supposed to do then with all the concerns you have about your problems? In 1 Peter 5:7, God says you should "cast them all upon Him." All. Not 75 percent of them. Not all of them but the ones about
your kids. All of them!
Remember, though, God will not take your cares away from you. You have to give them to Him. Then you have to replace those worries with the Word. You are the one who has to keep your thoughts under control. But you can do it. The Greater One dwells
within you. He is able to put you over. Commit to it. You'll never have to worry again.
SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 55
your kids. All of them!
Remember, though, God will not take your cares away from you. You have to give them to Him. Then you have to replace those worries with the Word. You are the one who has to keep your thoughts under control. But you can do it. The Greater One dwells
within you. He is able to put you over. Commit to it. You'll never have to worry again.
SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 55
"The Lord said to my Lord, Sit here at my right hand, Until I make your foes your footstool." Psalm 110:1
Jesus is the Head of the Church. You and I are the feet. We are the ones who are going to take His authority and power and stomp on sin and sickness and every other demonic thing in this earth. We are the ones God is going to use, as Acts 2:35 says, to make Jesus' enemies His footstool.
READ: Genesis 3:1-14
READ: Genesis 3:1-14
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver,but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour."
2 Timothy 2:20
Are you destined for greatness in the kingdom of God? Ask most believers that question and they'll humbly assure you they're not. "You know we can't all be golden vessels" they'll say. "Like the Bible says, some of us are just called to be little clay pots." Praise God, the Bible doesn't say any such thing!
Certainly there are going to be some golden vessels in the kingdom and there are going to be some clay pots, but we are the ones--not God--who determine which kind we will be. Second Timothy 2:21 tells us that "whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean]--who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences-- will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work"
READ: 2 Timothy 2:15-26
Are you destined for greatness in the kingdom of God? Ask most believers that question and they'll humbly assure you they're not. "You know we can't all be golden vessels" they'll say. "Like the Bible says, some of us are just called to be little clay pots." Praise God, the Bible doesn't say any such thing!
Certainly there are going to be some golden vessels in the kingdom and there are going to be some clay pots, but we are the ones--not God--who determine which kind we will be. Second Timothy 2:21 tells us that "whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean]--who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences-- will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work"
READ: 2 Timothy 2:15-26
Psalm 35:27
"Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad, and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."
If traditional religion has taught you that God wants you poor and oppressed, I have good news for you today. The Bible says, "God takes pleasure" in your prosperity. God wants you to prosper! Not just in the financial realm but in every area of your life...spirit, soul, and body.
He'll do the same for you if you'll become His servant--if you'll lay down your time and your money and your love for those who need it. Become a giver--and God will take pleasure in prospering you!
READ: Genesis 12:1-4,Genesis 13:1-4
If traditional religion has taught you that God wants you poor and oppressed, I have good news for you today. The Bible says, "God takes pleasure" in your prosperity. God wants you to prosper! Not just in the financial realm but in every area of your life...spirit, soul, and body.
He'll do the same for you if you'll become His servant--if you'll lay down your time and your money and your love for those who need it. Become a giver--and God will take pleasure in prospering you!
READ: Genesis 12:1-4,Genesis 13:1-4
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
John 16:33
"I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer...I have overcome the world."
Jesus said as long as you live in the world, you're going to have trouble. But you're not just in the world. You're in JESUS in the world, and that makes all the difference. You're in Him and He's overcome every kind of trouble there is.
When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, you were born into victory... because the Victor came to live in you. Think about it.
Cheer up, my friend. Have "perfect peace and confidence." That's Jesus who lives in you!
READ: John 16:15-33
Jesus said as long as you live in the world, you're going to have trouble. But you're not just in the world. You're in JESUS in the world, and that makes all the difference. You're in Him and He's overcome every kind of trouble there is.
When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, you were born into victory... because the Victor came to live in you. Think about it.
Cheer up, my friend. Have "perfect peace and confidence." That's Jesus who lives in you!
READ: John 16:15-33
"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised." Psalm 113:3
Praise God. Praise Him in the morning. Praise Him at noon. Praise Him at night. If you've never praised God in your life, then get started right now. Praise Him for freedom. Praise Him for healing and Calvary. Praise Him for the Name of Jesus.
When Satan starts shaking your mountain, don't retreat and run for cover. Speak to the mountain with the authority you wield in the Name of Jesus Christ. Then, when you're done with that, start to praise and shout the victory.
READ: Psalm 50:1-23
When Satan starts shaking your mountain, don't retreat and run for cover. Speak to the mountain with the authority you wield in the Name of Jesus Christ. Then, when you're done with that, start to praise and shout the victory.
READ: Psalm 50:1-23
Genesis 6:7-8
"And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
One of the dirtiest, most damaging lies that the devil ever told you was when he said, "You aren't important." Don't you ever believe that. Look in Genesis 6. There you'll see that the people on the earth had gotten so wicked that God had regretted that He'd made them. He was ready to wipe the whole population out--but He didn't. Why? Because of one man: Noah! One obedient man saved the human race.
Next time you're tempted to shrug off the instructions of God and be disobedient, next time you catch yourself thinking, "It doesn't matter what I do"--remember Noah. Consider the fact that, whether you understand it or not, God is counting on you to carry out your part of His plan. Live like you're someone important in the kingdom of God. And sooner or later you'll realize, you are.
READ: Genesis 6
One of the dirtiest, most damaging lies that the devil ever told you was when he said, "You aren't important." Don't you ever believe that. Look in Genesis 6. There you'll see that the people on the earth had gotten so wicked that God had regretted that He'd made them. He was ready to wipe the whole population out--but He didn't. Why? Because of one man: Noah! One obedient man saved the human race.
Next time you're tempted to shrug off the instructions of God and be disobedient, next time you catch yourself thinking, "It doesn't matter what I do"--remember Noah. Consider the fact that, whether you understand it or not, God is counting on you to carry out your part of His plan. Live like you're someone important in the kingdom of God. And sooner or later you'll realize, you are.
READ: Genesis 6
"I beseech you, show me your glory." Exodus 33:18
The word "glory" in today's Bible verse could literally be translated "heavy weight." It refers to the heaviest, biggest, grandest thing about someone. So what Moses was actually saying was, "Lord, I want to see the weightiest thing about You. " What did God say to him in response?
Chapter 34:6-7 tells us, "The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin."
Just think about that! When Moses asked God to show him the most important thing about Himself, God showed him His mercy. That means if you and I are to imitate God (Eph. 5:1) we must major in mercy too. Mercy, goodness, forgiveness and compassion must mark our behavior above all else. Major on mercy and others will see the
glory of God in you.
READ: Exodus 33:7-23, Exodus 34:5-10
Chapter 34:6-7 tells us, "The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin."
Just think about that! When Moses asked God to show him the most important thing about Himself, God showed him His mercy. That means if you and I are to imitate God (Eph. 5:1) we must major in mercy too. Mercy, goodness, forgiveness and compassion must mark our behavior above all else. Major on mercy and others will see the
glory of God in you.
READ: Exodus 33:7-23, Exodus 34:5-10
Monday, January 10, 2011
Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Be not conformed to this world. If you live like the world, you'll be overcome by the world. It's as simple as that. So don't let the world squeeze you into its own mold.
Instead..."be transformed" by the entire renewal of your mind. Overcome the world by having your mind transformed to think like God thinks. In other words, when you see something in the Word, say, "I agree with that. From now on I'm acting on that instead of what I used to think."
For example, when sin calls your name, don't answer. Agree with the Word instead and say, "I'm dead to that, Devil. You can't pull me into it anymore!"
As you do that, you'll find yourself changing. You will find yourself living like a world overcomer!
READ: Romans 6:1-11
Be not conformed to this world. If you live like the world, you'll be overcome by the world. It's as simple as that. So don't let the world squeeze you into its own mold.
Instead..."be transformed" by the entire renewal of your mind. Overcome the world by having your mind transformed to think like God thinks. In other words, when you see something in the Word, say, "I agree with that. From now on I'm acting on that instead of what I used to think."
For example, when sin calls your name, don't answer. Agree with the Word instead and say, "I'm dead to that, Devil. You can't pull me into it anymore!"
As you do that, you'll find yourself changing. You will find yourself living like a world overcomer!
READ: Romans 6:1-11
"Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus sai to him... Until seventy times seven."Matthew 18:21-2
Forgiving someone sounds like a simple thing to do. Yet few of us actually do it. We treat forgiveness as if it were one of life's additional options, something we can take or leave alone. But it's not. It's a basic requirement for every believer. In fact, as far as God is concerned, unforgiveness is wickedness.
Spend time with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to reveal the unforgiveness in you. Then repent and release it. Make this Year more than just a time for remembering. Make it a time to forget.
READ: Matthew 18:21-35
Spend time with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to reveal the unforgiveness in you. Then repent and release it. Make this Year more than just a time for remembering. Make it a time to forget.
READ: Matthew 18:21-35
Joshua 1:8
Be sure that the Book of the Law is always read in your woarship. Study it day and night, and make sure you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Good success is a way of life that comes from being established in the Word of God. It comes from spending so much of your time and your thought life on the Word that it becomes what you and I could call "second nature." It comes from hearing and obeying the Word so consistently that it begins to guide your actions even when
you're not consciously thinking about it.
Practice meditating on the Word so it becomes second nature to you. See yourself obeying it in every possible circumstance. It will guarantee you "good success."
READ: Psalm 1
Good success is a way of life that comes from being established in the Word of God. It comes from spending so much of your time and your thought life on the Word that it becomes what you and I could call "second nature." It comes from hearing and obeying the Word so consistently that it begins to guide your actions even when
you're not consciously thinking about it.
Practice meditating on the Word so it becomes second nature to you. See yourself obeying it in every possible circumstance. It will guarantee you "good success."
READ: Psalm 1
"With long life will I satisfy [you], and shew [you] my salvation." Psalm 91:16
Did you know that it's not God's will for you or anyone to die young? His will for you is to live the full number of your days. You ought to live 70 or 80 years, and if you are not satisfied, live a while longer! The Bible says that when Abraham died, he died at a good old age, full of years. That's the way it ought to be with all of us.
Resist sickness and disease in the Name of Jesus. Stand on God's promise! Then, when you're ready to go on to heaven, go! But go satisfied, healed, and ready! Go in victory shouting the words of that old joy-filled song--"Heaven is near and I can't stay here. Good-bye world, good-bye."
READ: Deuteronomy 34
Resist sickness and disease in the Name of Jesus. Stand on God's promise! Then, when you're ready to go on to heaven, go! But go satisfied, healed, and ready! Go in victory shouting the words of that old joy-filled song--"Heaven is near and I can't stay here. Good-bye world, good-bye."
READ: Deuteronomy 34
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the New Year.Romans 10:13
Yet, for thousands of others, this day will be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year's will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure.
What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you?
How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God had raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours."
What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the New Year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a Happy New Year!
READ: Romans 10:1-13
What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you?
How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if you shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God had raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours."
What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the New Year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a Happy New Year!
READ: Romans 10:1-13
Colossians 2:6-7
"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."
Established in the faith and abounding with thanksgiving. These days it seems that's a rare combination. A lot of people have been taught faith over the last several years, and a lot of people have been taught to abound with thanksgiving. But it's been hard to set the two together.
Put them together in your life. When you run into a challenge, don't just stand around grim-faced and white-knuckled holding onto your faith. Raise your hands high and praise.
READ: Colossians 2:1-10
Established in the faith and abounding with thanksgiving. These days it seems that's a rare combination. A lot of people have been taught faith over the last several years, and a lot of people have been taught to abound with thanksgiving. But it's been hard to set the two together.
Put them together in your life. When you run into a challenge, don't just stand around grim-faced and white-knuckled holding onto your faith. Raise your hands high and praise.
READ: Colossians 2:1-10
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Mark 11:23
"Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."
God doesn't wait for circumstances to line up before He speaks. He causes them to line up because He speaks. You can do the same thing if you'll make your words agree with His and speak them out of your mouth by faith.
"But what if nothing happens right away?" you may ask. "What if the circumstances don't immediately change?" When Jesus spoke to the fig tree in Mark 11:14, He didn't go back and check to see if anything had happened to it. No, once He had spoken it, He considered it done.Follow His example. Let your faith speak. Agree with God's Word!
READ: Mark 11:12-23
God doesn't wait for circumstances to line up before He speaks. He causes them to line up because He speaks. You can do the same thing if you'll make your words agree with His and speak them out of your mouth by faith.
"But what if nothing happens right away?" you may ask. "What if the circumstances don't immediately change?" When Jesus spoke to the fig tree in Mark 11:14, He didn't go back and check to see if anything had happened to it. No, once He had spoken it, He considered it done.Follow His example. Let your faith speak. Agree with God's Word!
READ: Mark 11:12-23
2 Timothy 1:6,9
"Wherefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God.... Who had saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
Are you doing what God called you to do? If you haven't ever thought about it before, that may sound like an odd question to you. You may be tempted to shrug it off and say, "Oh, I'm not really called to do anything. I'm not a pastor or a teacher or a minister of any kind...I guess I'm just what you might call a little finger on the Body of Christ."
Let me tell you something: No matter who you are, God has put a holy calling in you. You may be called to be so successful in business you can finance the gospel worldwide. You may be called to a ministry of prayer and intercession. You may be called to a ministry of healing right there in your own neighborhood. But no matter what that calling is, it's important and you need to follow it!
After all, that calling is vital. It's holy...and it's yours. Don't ever let it
slip away from you.
READ: Acts 9:1-20
Are you doing what God called you to do? If you haven't ever thought about it before, that may sound like an odd question to you. You may be tempted to shrug it off and say, "Oh, I'm not really called to do anything. I'm not a pastor or a teacher or a minister of any kind...I guess I'm just what you might call a little finger on the Body of Christ."
Let me tell you something: No matter who you are, God has put a holy calling in you. You may be called to be so successful in business you can finance the gospel worldwide. You may be called to a ministry of prayer and intercession. You may be called to a ministry of healing right there in your own neighborhood. But no matter what that calling is, it's important and you need to follow it!
After all, that calling is vital. It's holy...and it's yours. Don't ever let it
slip away from you.
READ: Acts 9:1-20
Colossians 3:12-13
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another...even as Christ forgave you."
Living in a home filled with the love and the peace of God Himself is almost like living in heaven right here on earth. We all know that's true. And we long to live in such a home. Yet, time and time again, we shortchange our families. We spend our kindest words and our most winning smiles on those beyond our front door.
Have you ever wondered why?
The answer is simpler than you might suspect. Spiritually speaking, your family is under attack. You see, it is not only one of your most precious gifts, when it's operating in harmony, it's one of your most powerful resources. Satan knows that even if you don't--and he's out to destroy it.
Determine right now not to let the devil have your family. Instead, pray for them, support them and love them. Bring them together, so you can all enjoy a little bit of heaven on earth.
READ: Colossians 3:12-25
Living in a home filled with the love and the peace of God Himself is almost like living in heaven right here on earth. We all know that's true. And we long to live in such a home. Yet, time and time again, we shortchange our families. We spend our kindest words and our most winning smiles on those beyond our front door.
Have you ever wondered why?
The answer is simpler than you might suspect. Spiritually speaking, your family is under attack. You see, it is not only one of your most precious gifts, when it's operating in harmony, it's one of your most powerful resources. Satan knows that even if you don't--and he's out to destroy it.
Determine right now not to let the devil have your family. Instead, pray for them, support them and love them. Bring them together, so you can all enjoy a little bit of heaven on earth.
READ: Colossians 3:12-25
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:2-3
I admit, it's tough to be enthusiastic about going through tests and trials. But can you get excited about being totally supplied in every way, in want of nothing? Well, according to the Word of God, if you'll use your trials to develop patience, you're going to be in precisely that position!
By the power of the Holy Ghost working within you, you can be the same every day no matter what happens. If you'll put your trust in the Word of God and let patience go to work, it won't matter what happens. You won't ever have to accept anything less than victory again.
READ: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
By the power of the Holy Ghost working within you, you can be the same every day no matter what happens. If you'll put your trust in the Word of God and let patience go to work, it won't matter what happens. You won't ever have to accept anything less than victory again.
READ: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Titus 3:4,6-7
"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared...Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs."
A covenant of grace. That's what you and I have with Almighty God. If you could truly grasp the significance of that, you'd never be the same again.
He took your sin to give you His righteousness. He took your sickness to give you His health. He took your poverty in order to meet all your needs according to His riches in glory. Whenever He asks you to do something, He provides everything you need to carry it out.
READ: Luke 4:14-21
A covenant of grace. That's what you and I have with Almighty God. If you could truly grasp the significance of that, you'd never be the same again.
He took your sin to give you His righteousness. He took your sickness to give you His health. He took your poverty in order to meet all your needs according to His riches in glory. Whenever He asks you to do something, He provides everything you need to carry it out.
READ: Luke 4:14-21
"And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any." Mark 11:25
Few people realize just how closely connected faith and forgiveness are. Jesus taught about that connection in His sermon on mountain-moving faith that's recorded in Mark 11:22-26.He said, "What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. And when you stand praying,
forgive."
Unforgiveness clogs the faith channel and keeps you powerless against the mountains in your life! If you've been praying for something and you just can't seem to get an answer, check your heart for unforgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring any grudge
that's hidden there to light. Unclog the channel of faith and you will soon see things you've been praying for come to pass.
READ: Matthew 18:21-35
forgive."
Unforgiveness clogs the faith channel and keeps you powerless against the mountains in your life! If you've been praying for something and you just can't seem to get an answer, check your heart for unforgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring any grudge
that's hidden there to light. Unclog the channel of faith and you will soon see things you've been praying for come to pass.
READ: Matthew 18:21-35
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1
It's happened to all of us. We get a little of the Word of God under our spiritual belts. We have a few victories. Our lives are going great for the first time in years. Then suddenly we slip and it all falls apart. We find ourselves having to start all over again.
Don't get so busy enjoying today's victory that tomorrow ends up in defeat. Look into the things you've learned. Give the Word more of your attention--not less. Keep moving from faith to faith. Instead of trying to trip you up, Satan and his bunch will be crying, "Oh no, that faith man is coming after us again!"
READ: Hebrews 5:11-14, Hebrews 6:1-12
Don't get so busy enjoying today's victory that tomorrow ends up in defeat. Look into the things you've learned. Give the Word more of your attention--not less. Keep moving from faith to faith. Instead of trying to trip you up, Satan and his bunch will be crying, "Oh no, that faith man is coming after us again!"
READ: Hebrews 5:11-14, Hebrews 6:1-12
"And all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if thou shall hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 28:2
Well, brother, in the end I'm sure you'll see these financial problems are actually a blessing in disguise." Have you ever heard anybody say that to someone who's hurting financially? Chances are, you have. It's a popular idea. The problem is, it's a lie used by the devil to keep believers down.
Don't buy into his lies. Get your thinking in line with the Word of God. If you're a born-again child of God, you no longer have to live under the curse of poverty or any other curse for that matter. You've been redeemed!
READ: Deuteronomy 28:1-31
Don't buy into his lies. Get your thinking in line with the Word of God. If you're a born-again child of God, you no longer have to live under the curse of poverty or any other curse for that matter. You've been redeemed!
READ: Deuteronomy 28:1-31
Monday, January 3, 2011
Hebrews 13:7
"Remember your leaders and superiors in authority, [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living...and imitate their faith."
Apart from the Word of God itself and prayer, nothing can do more for you than watching and imitating a real man of faith. Find someone who's operating in more faith and power than you are and learn from him. Watch Jesus in them and then copy Him. Sooner or later, others will start seeing Jesus in you.
READ: 2 Kings 2:1-15
Apart from the Word of God itself and prayer, nothing can do more for you than watching and imitating a real man of faith. Find someone who's operating in more faith and power than you are and learn from him. Watch Jesus in them and then copy Him. Sooner or later, others will start seeing Jesus in you.
READ: 2 Kings 2:1-15
Ephesians 6:13-17
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God."
The Bible teaches that as believers, you and I are to occupy until Jesus comes. Occupy is a military term meaning to hold possession, or control, of conquered troops and territory. If we're to do that effectively, most of us are going to have to change our attitudes. We're going to have to recognize that Jesus has already won the victory.That's right. Satan is already defeated. He was whipped at Calvary.
We're not on the defensive, he is!
READ: Luke 12:35-44
of God."
The Bible teaches that as believers, you and I are to occupy until Jesus comes. Occupy is a military term meaning to hold possession, or control, of conquered troops and territory. If we're to do that effectively, most of us are going to have to change our attitudes. We're going to have to recognize that Jesus has already won the victory.That's right. Satan is already defeated. He was whipped at Calvary.
We're not on the defensive, he is!
READ: Luke 12:35-44
"And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Colossians 3:17
Did you know your name has been changed? It's no longer the same as it was before you were born again. You gave your old name away when you made covenant with Jesus.
You can't call yourself discouraged anymore. That's not your name. You can't answer when the devil yells, "Hey, poor boy." That's not your name. Jesus has taken those old names of yours. They're gone. So meditate on the names of the Lord. They're all wrapped up in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names, and that Name with all
its power and authority has been given to you!
READ: Ephesians 3:16-21
You can't call yourself discouraged anymore. That's not your name. You can't answer when the devil yells, "Hey, poor boy." That's not your name. Jesus has taken those old names of yours. They're gone. So meditate on the names of the Lord. They're all wrapped up in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names, and that Name with all
its power and authority has been given to you!
READ: Ephesians 3:16-21
2 Timothy 1:4,6-7
"Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears.... I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.... For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just don't feel you have the inner resources you need to do it. Somehow you've simply run dry.
Everything you'll ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God Almighty. Faith is in there. Power is in there. Love is in there. Believe that. Speak it out. Say it to yourself now, right out loud:
"In the Name of Jesus, I stir up the gift that's within me by faith. I'm stirring up my faith. I'm not going to wait until I feel stirred up. I'm stepping out by faith and expecting my feelings to follow!
READ: 2 Timothy 1:1-8
There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just don't feel you have the inner resources you need to do it. Somehow you've simply run dry.
Everything you'll ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God Almighty. Faith is in there. Power is in there. Love is in there. Believe that. Speak it out. Say it to yourself now, right out loud:
"In the Name of Jesus, I stir up the gift that's within me by faith. I'm stirring up my faith. I'm not going to wait until I feel stirred up. I'm stepping out by faith and expecting my feelings to follow!
READ: 2 Timothy 1:1-8
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