"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)
When it comes to faith, a lot of believers feel like they have one foot nailed to the ground. No matter how hard they try, they just can't seem to make any progress.
If you'll watch them, you can see why. They literally haven't "gotten themselves together." One minute they'll be telling you, "Oh yes, amen, I believe the Word," and the next minute they'll be spouting unbelief like it's going out of style. "I know God says He'll prosper us, but I'll tell you what, my business is doing so badly, it's about to give me ulcers. I can't sleep at night for worrying."
Dig a little deeper and you may find out that they've pulled their actions out of line with the Word as well. "Well, you understand, brother, I can't possibly tithe with my income like it is. I'd go under!"
Faith just won't work for a person like that.
You see, you're a triune being. You are a spirit. You have a soul, which consists of your mind, will, and emotions. And you live in a body. Each of those areas has a specific role to play in your faith walk. You have to get all three in agreement before you can go anywhere at all!
Start by feeding your spirit on the Word of God. Just like the body produces physical strength when you nourish it with food, the spirit produces spiritual strength when you nourish it with the Word. That spiritual strength is called faith. Develop that faith, and instead of your spirit being dominated by the other two areas, it will be the one in charge.
Next, bring your soul in line. Set your mind on "things above." Meditate on the Word until your thoughts begin to agree with it. Keep your attention on it until even your emotions yield.
Finally, bring your body in line. Once you truly get your spirit and soul established on the Word, that won't be hard. The body is a follower, not a leader. It will do whatever you train it to do. Begin teaching your body to act on the truth you've planted in your mind and spirit, and it will follow right along.
Don't try to walk in faith with your foot nailed to the ground. Get yourself together! Bring your spirit, soul, and body in harmony--and the Word will take you as far as you want to go.
Scripture Study: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Joyce Meyer: "Is Stress About to Get You Down?"
Stress—the dictionary describes it as "mental, emotional, or physical tension; strain, distress." I would add to that "feeling pressured or upset". It is a condition that most of us are all too familiar with. Everyone is under stress—it is a normal part of everyday life, and none of us can get through a day without experiencing it in one way or another.
We live in a fast-paced world that seems to be placing more demands on us with each passing year. People are hurrying everywhere—and often they are rude and short-tempered. Many people are experiencing financial stress, marital stress, and the stress of raising children. There is mental stress on the job, and often, physical stress caused from overwork. Many times, this stressful lifestyle causes health problems, which only adds more stress.
Our bodies were created by God to withstand a certain amount of stress, but when we push ourselves beyond our limitations, then we begin to experience problems. Are you pushing yourself too hard? Many people today are living in a perpetual state of overload—literally on the verge of collapse. They just keep stretching themselves to the limit like a rubber band...until one day they SNAP.
It seems that the very atmosphere or the world is charged with stress and pressure. But the good news is that, as Christians, although we may be in the world, according to John 17, we are not of the world. We don't have to operate on the world's system, reacting like the world. Our attitude and approach should be entirely different. The world responds to difficulties by being upset, but Jesus said in John 14:27 that we should stop allowing ourselves to be agitated, disturbed, and upset.
This verse indicates that we need to have a change of attitude. I have noticed that the right attitude and approach to a situation can completely turn a situation around. If I approach something in dread, I am setting myself up for misery before I begin because dread creates stress. But if I refuse to dread or have a negative outlook, I open the door for God to work supernaturally and help me. The choice is mine.
Jesus didn't promise that we would never have to deal with stressful situations. In John 16:33, He said, ...In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] This verse teaches that we don't have to react to stress the way the world does. Because Jesus has deprived the world of its power to harm us, we should be able to approach the challenges we face in life in a calm and confident manner.
Luke 10:19 says, Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Here Jesus is telling us that He has equipped us to overcome the world's system. Even though we will be faced with trying and stressful situations that will not always be easy to handle, He assures us that nothing can defeat us if we handle things the right way—His way!
An important factor in enjoying a peaceful, stress-free life is to learn to be obedient to the Lord. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit in obedience will always lead you into peace. He will never lead you into stress, because He is the Prince of Peace. Common sense tells us that God is not going to stress us out and lead us to do more than we can do—we often do that ourselves.
It is so important not overcommit ourselves. Do you have too much to do? This seems to be the number one complaint I hear today. "There is just too much to do and not enough time to do it all." This is often the result of not saying "no" often enough. Sometimes we say "yes" and commit ourselves to doing something that we really don't want or need to be doing. We take it on just to keep other people happy. We really need to be careful in this area. We need to be sure that our mouth is not saying "yes", when our heart is saying "no".
We also need to be sure that we're not overextending ourselves by trying to do too many things that we want to do—whether it's a part of God's plan for us or not. If we are doing something He has not approved, He is under no obligation to give us the energy to do it. I believe one of the major reasons why many people are stressed and burned out is because they are going their own way instead of following God's plan. We need to follow the leading of the Spirit as to what we are to be involved in and where we are to use our energy. We must learn to say "yes" when He says "yes" and "no" when He says "no. When we" are obedient to His leading, we will be able to accomplish what He gives us to do and walk in peace.
To be honest, we are not really that capable of running our own lives. That is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us. Romans 8 says we are to be led by the "prompting" of the Spirit. I can remember numerous times when I was tired and the Holy Spirit prompted me to rest, however I would continue to push myself to go out or to have company. Then I would end up exhausted, instead of just being tired. As you know, exhausted people usually get grouchy and impatient, which I became. And this often caused strife in our home ... which even led to more stress. If I had been obedient to the prompting of the Spirit, the entire problem could have been avoided. Obedience is exalting Jesus above our own natural, selfish desires. Are you exhausted ...or is Jesus exalted? I really believe obedience is the key to victorious, healthy, happy and peaceful living.
Another important lesson I've learned is "to bend so I will not break." The Bible says, ...readily adjust yourself to [people, things]and.. if possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:16, 18). Before I made the Word of God a priority in my life and decided to live an obedient life, I had to have my own way. I was not adaptable. I wanted everyone else to adapt to me. Of course, that resulted in more strife and stress. I have now learned to bend. it is not always easy on the flesh to give in and do things differently than we had planned, but it is easier than being upset and miserable.
A prompting is a "knowing" down inside of you that lets you know what you should do. The prophet Elijah referred to it as a "still, small voice". While you may not hear an audible voice, I believe you can sense God's wisdom giving you direction in certain situations.
I remember one time when I had been shopping for several hours, and I was getting very tired. I had only purchased about half of the items I intended to buy, so I kept pressing on. I heard the prompting of the Spirit within me telling me to stop and go home, but because I hadn't accomplished my goal, I didn't do it. Even though the other things I intended to get were not immediate needs, I didn't want to leave until I had accomplished the goal I had set for myself. As I pushed myself beyond the point of being tired, it became difficult for me to think clearly. And then I began to be impatient with other people. Even after I finally went home, I was out of sorts, and it affected my time with my family.
If I had obeyed the prompting of the Spirit and gone home to rest and relieve the stress, I would have felt so much better and the situation at home would have been much more pleasant. We can avoid many stressful situations simply by obeying the Holy Spirit's prompting.
Burnout comes from physical and emotional exhaustion, especially as a result of long-term stress. When stress depletes our body, our immune system becomes weak and sickness (even depression) can set in. Signs of burnout include; extreme fatigue, headaches, insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, tensions. Other manifestations may also be; nerves tied in knots, unable to relax, and the doctor can't find anything wrong. Emotional exhaustion (crying easily), anger, negativity, irritability, depression, cynicism, and bitterness about the blessings of others can still be considered as burnout syndrome.
Burnout causes you to be "out of control" and no longer producing good fruit. Ignoring God's laws causes burnout. You cannot overwork your mind, emotions, or your body and not eventually pay the price for excessive abuse.
Whose pace are you moving at? Are you keeping the pace God has set for you or someone else's pace? Are you stressed out from trying to keep up with everyone else? Are you living under the stress of competition and comparison? Are you a perfectionist with unrealistic goals?
I believe we can live stress-free in a stressful world, but it will require some decisions, which can possibly be radical. Allow God's Spirit to lead you out of a stressful lifestyle and into one of peace and joy. Respect your body. Treat good health and feeling good as a valuable gift. Do not waste the energy God has given you on stress. Save it for living and enjoying life.
Here are some wise instructions from God's Word to make the practice of peace a part of your everyday life. First of all, Be still! Hush. Stop all the rushing around. Psalm 46:10 says, Be still, and know that I am God. (KJV). The creator of the universe wants a word with you, but how can He really talk to you if you're always on the go? Chill and listen!
Second, prepare your heart to receive from Him—to hear His voice on a regular basis. Oh, that they had such a [mind and] heart in them always [reverently] to fear Me and keep; all My commandments, that it might go well with them and with their children forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29). Can you hear the earnestness in God's voice as He makes that statement?
Finally, acknowledge Him in everything you do. Make it a lifestyle to be identified with Jesus Christ and faithfully be a doer of the Word. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, KJV).
Joyce Meyer: "Overcoming Fear"
First, let me remind you that fear is not from God. Fear is from Satan. II Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and a sound mind." Every time you feel fear in your life, it is a manifestation of the kingdom of darkness. Fear is one of the ruling spirits. I often say in my teachings that fear is the "master spirit," or the spirit Satan uses to try to rule God's people and to keep them from coming under the leadership of the true Master, Jesus Christ.
Multitudes of people never fulfill the call of God in their lives, simply because every time they try to go forward, the devil uses fear to stop them. Is he using fear to stop you? Satan uses fear to keep people from enjoying life. Fear brings torment according to I John 4:18, and you surely can't enjoy life and be tormented at the same time.
I want to encourage you to take an inventory in the fear department. What are you afraid of? Are there any areas in your life that are being stifled because of fear? Satan is always going to bring fear against us at various times. It is one of his major weapons—not a minor weapon, not a cap gun, but a cannon. The thing that we all must learn is how to not "fear the fear". The devil brings fear, but you should choose not to bow your knee to it. David said in Psalms, "What time I am afraid I will trust in you". I believe, we can state the fact that, when God leads you to step out in an area to do something new or when He leads you to make a bigger commitment, you may (even probably will) feel fear. However, if you are reasonably sure God told you to do it, put your trust in God and go forward.
I have to apply this same principle to my life all the time. Last year in October, we realized we really needed more office space. At the same time, we needed two more employees, which would require more desks, computer terminals, phones, chairs, etc. We had a choice. We had prayed for growth so we could help more people. Everything had increased, including tape orders, speaking engagements, incoming phone calls, mail, letters to be answered, etc. It was God's timing, and He was moving. We had to make a decision either to stand still in fear, "play it safe" so to speak, or to move with God. If we hadn't been willing to rent more space and hire more people, we could not have maintained the growth. I can tell you for sure that fear tried to stop me. I heard things like, "Joyce, you're getting in over your head." "That's too much money to spend." "What if the increase doesn't continue"? Etceteras, etceteras; I'm sure you know the recording; you've probably heard it also.
We certainly don't want to move in the flesh or out of God's timing, but when God is moving, you must not be afraid to move with Him. In the situation I described to you, I had a choice to be "led by my head" or to follow the leading of my spirit. Satan brings fear to your mind and your emotions. You may even physically shake but listen to your spirit. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Don't fear the fear, and what time you are afraid trust in Him.
Some of the more common fears are the following: Fear of lack, death, loneliness, sickness, people, authority, commitment, fear of heights, germs, closed in spaces, airplanes, driving, dogs, cats, birds, etc. Fear of failure, being wrong, rejected, laughed at, fear of being over-weight, fear of being married, even fear of being attractive, and fear of sinning. Fear of the past and fear of the future. It seems that the list is endless. We went to the library and got a typed list of known phobias. It was four (4) pages long and quite extensive. It even included phobaphobia, which is the fear of being afraid.
It convinced me even more how extensive Satan's work is, in this area. The Bible says, "Fear not for I am with you". I believe God works gently with us in areas to bring us out of bondage and into liberty. For people who have been afraid of something, and desire to be free, the time will eventually come when you will have to face your fear and not run away from it. You can do it. Just take Jesus' hand and acknowledge that He is with you. If you are afraid of people with authority, the time will come when you will have to confront some authority figure and not cower under in fear. God will have arranged the time. He will be there, but you'll have to choose whether to "go through" or to "run".
If you are at one of these crossroads in your life, let me encourage you to go forward. Don't stand still in terror, but take His hand and go forward. Remember, fear torments and God wants to deliver you from all your fears.
Multitudes of people never fulfill the call of God in their lives, simply because every time they try to go forward, the devil uses fear to stop them. Is he using fear to stop you? Satan uses fear to keep people from enjoying life. Fear brings torment according to I John 4:18, and you surely can't enjoy life and be tormented at the same time.
I want to encourage you to take an inventory in the fear department. What are you afraid of? Are there any areas in your life that are being stifled because of fear? Satan is always going to bring fear against us at various times. It is one of his major weapons—not a minor weapon, not a cap gun, but a cannon. The thing that we all must learn is how to not "fear the fear". The devil brings fear, but you should choose not to bow your knee to it. David said in Psalms, "What time I am afraid I will trust in you". I believe, we can state the fact that, when God leads you to step out in an area to do something new or when He leads you to make a bigger commitment, you may (even probably will) feel fear. However, if you are reasonably sure God told you to do it, put your trust in God and go forward.
I have to apply this same principle to my life all the time. Last year in October, we realized we really needed more office space. At the same time, we needed two more employees, which would require more desks, computer terminals, phones, chairs, etc. We had a choice. We had prayed for growth so we could help more people. Everything had increased, including tape orders, speaking engagements, incoming phone calls, mail, letters to be answered, etc. It was God's timing, and He was moving. We had to make a decision either to stand still in fear, "play it safe" so to speak, or to move with God. If we hadn't been willing to rent more space and hire more people, we could not have maintained the growth. I can tell you for sure that fear tried to stop me. I heard things like, "Joyce, you're getting in over your head." "That's too much money to spend." "What if the increase doesn't continue"? Etceteras, etceteras; I'm sure you know the recording; you've probably heard it also.
We certainly don't want to move in the flesh or out of God's timing, but when God is moving, you must not be afraid to move with Him. In the situation I described to you, I had a choice to be "led by my head" or to follow the leading of my spirit. Satan brings fear to your mind and your emotions. You may even physically shake but listen to your spirit. Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Don't fear the fear, and what time you are afraid trust in Him.
Some of the more common fears are the following: Fear of lack, death, loneliness, sickness, people, authority, commitment, fear of heights, germs, closed in spaces, airplanes, driving, dogs, cats, birds, etc. Fear of failure, being wrong, rejected, laughed at, fear of being over-weight, fear of being married, even fear of being attractive, and fear of sinning. Fear of the past and fear of the future. It seems that the list is endless. We went to the library and got a typed list of known phobias. It was four (4) pages long and quite extensive. It even included phobaphobia, which is the fear of being afraid.
It convinced me even more how extensive Satan's work is, in this area. The Bible says, "Fear not for I am with you". I believe God works gently with us in areas to bring us out of bondage and into liberty. For people who have been afraid of something, and desire to be free, the time will eventually come when you will have to face your fear and not run away from it. You can do it. Just take Jesus' hand and acknowledge that He is with you. If you are afraid of people with authority, the time will come when you will have to confront some authority figure and not cower under in fear. God will have arranged the time. He will be there, but you'll have to choose whether to "go through" or to "run".
If you are at one of these crossroads in your life, let me encourage you to go forward. Don't stand still in terror, but take His hand and go forward. Remember, fear torments and God wants to deliver you from all your fears.
Kenneth Copeland: "Let God Do It His Way"
"Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean. But Naaman was angry." (2 Kings 5:10-11, Amp)
So often we miss out on what God wants to do for us because He doesn't do it the way we think He should. We work up an idea in our minds about how He's going to heal us, for instance. We think He's going to send some famous preacher to lay hands on us or that He's going to knock us off our feet with a blast of His power. When He doesn't, we let our faith drop and foul up what He had actually planned to do.
That's what Naaman did. He went to Elisha expecting to be healed in a particular way. When it didn't happen that way, the Bible says, he went away in a rage.
What Elisha told him to do was simple. Dip seven times in the Jordan. Naaman could do that. But it didn't fit his idea of how his healing should take place. He thought Elisha would heal him by waving his hands around and calling on the Name of the Lord.
Naaman stormed away and he would have missed out on his healing if one of his servants hadn't talked him into giving Elisha's instructions a try.
I used to be like that. I wanted spectacular experiences from God so badly I was missing out on the experiences God had planned for me. Once I realized that, I quit looking for feelings and spectacular manifestations and just started expecting God to keep His Word.
I remember I went to a meeting one night with my ankle messed up terribly. The pain was so severe it went from my foot all the way up to my shoulder blades. But I went into that meeting expecting God to heal me.
During the praise service, I ignored the pain in my foot and just sang and worshiped with everyone else. When the preaching started, I got my Bible and got involved in the Word. Sure enough, sometime during that service I was healed. I don't know when it was. I didn't feel anything. I didn't see any sparklers go off. I didn't even realize I'd been healed until after the service. I got about halfway to the door and thought, "Glory to God, my foot's well."
Don't let your own ideas of how God's going to work rob you of your healing or your deliverance or your prosperity. Just trust Him and let Him do things His way. He will work mightily in you.
Scripture Study: 2 Kings 5:1-14
So often we miss out on what God wants to do for us because He doesn't do it the way we think He should. We work up an idea in our minds about how He's going to heal us, for instance. We think He's going to send some famous preacher to lay hands on us or that He's going to knock us off our feet with a blast of His power. When He doesn't, we let our faith drop and foul up what He had actually planned to do.
That's what Naaman did. He went to Elisha expecting to be healed in a particular way. When it didn't happen that way, the Bible says, he went away in a rage.
What Elisha told him to do was simple. Dip seven times in the Jordan. Naaman could do that. But it didn't fit his idea of how his healing should take place. He thought Elisha would heal him by waving his hands around and calling on the Name of the Lord.
Naaman stormed away and he would have missed out on his healing if one of his servants hadn't talked him into giving Elisha's instructions a try.
I used to be like that. I wanted spectacular experiences from God so badly I was missing out on the experiences God had planned for me. Once I realized that, I quit looking for feelings and spectacular manifestations and just started expecting God to keep His Word.
I remember I went to a meeting one night with my ankle messed up terribly. The pain was so severe it went from my foot all the way up to my shoulder blades. But I went into that meeting expecting God to heal me.
During the praise service, I ignored the pain in my foot and just sang and worshiped with everyone else. When the preaching started, I got my Bible and got involved in the Word. Sure enough, sometime during that service I was healed. I don't know when it was. I didn't feel anything. I didn't see any sparklers go off. I didn't even realize I'd been healed until after the service. I got about halfway to the door and thought, "Glory to God, my foot's well."
Don't let your own ideas of how God's going to work rob you of your healing or your deliverance or your prosperity. Just trust Him and let Him do things His way. He will work mightily in you.
Scripture Study: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Jesus Can Set Them Free"
"And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:7-8)
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 does not bring disease on the human race. In fact, if there's anybody in heaven and earth who hates it, it's Jesus. The devil is the one who's trying to tell us otherwise. He's promoting a lie, trying to get us to believe God is the one who's inflicting these diseases on people because he knows that if the victims believe that, it will drive them further from God than ever. And that's his aim.
It's time you and I as believers put a stop to that lie. Some time ago, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me so. He said, "Reach out to those who are suffering. Let them know I didn't do this to them. Let them know I'm their Deliverer!"
That word was not just for me, it was for the whole Body of Christ. We need to tell people who've been afflicted with AIDS or any such disease that Jesus is Lord over it. We need to tell them that God loves them dearly, and He has the desire and the power to heal them.
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!
Scripture Study: Matthew 9:18-26
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 does not bring disease on the human race. In fact, if there's anybody in heaven and earth who hates it, it's Jesus. The devil is the one who's trying to tell us otherwise. He's promoting a lie, trying to get us to believe God is the one who's inflicting these diseases on people because he knows that if the victims believe that, it will drive them further from God than ever. And that's his aim.
It's time you and I as believers put a stop to that lie. Some time ago, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me so. He said, "Reach out to those who are suffering. Let them know I didn't do this to them. Let them know I'm their Deliverer!"
That word was not just for me, it was for the whole Body of Christ. We need to tell people who've been afflicted with AIDS or any such disease that Jesus is Lord over it. We need to tell them that God loves them dearly, and He has the desire and the power to heal them.
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!
Scripture Study: Matthew 9:18-26
Monday, January 15, 2007
Matthew 11:28-30 (MESSAGE)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Joyce Meyer: "Everything's Going to Be All Right!"
Did you know that God wants to make a trade with you? He has a standing offer every minute of every day and it's amazing how few of us actually take Him up on His offer. He wants you to give Him all your cares, your problems, and your failures. In return He will give you His peace and joy. On top of that, He promises to protect and take care of you.
God really does want to take care of us, but in order to let Him, we've got to stop trying to take care of ourselves and worrying about every little thing we can't control. Many people would like for God to take care of them, but they insist on worrying or trying to figure out an answer on their own, instead of waiting for God's direction. They wallow around in puddles of their own worry, wondering why God doesn't give them peace. God will give us peace, but we must first give Him our worries.
We give God our worries by trusting that He can and will take care of us. By trusting God, we are able to rest in Him, knowing that He has the situation well under control. Worry, on the other hand, is the opposite of trust. Worry steals our peace, wears us out physically and can even make us sick. If we are worrying, we are not fully trusting God, and we'll never be able to experience His peace.
What a great trade! We give God our worry—He gives us His peace. We give Him all our cares and concerns, and He gives us His protection, stability, and joy. That is the privilege of being cared for by Him.
Because He cares for us, He wants us to live in peace and not all tied up in knots of worry. He has ways of guiding us toward peace, if we are alert enough to sense His direction.
Imagine that you are driving down a road. Along the way, there are roadside signs that provide direction or give warning. If you pay attention to the signs and follow the words, you will be able to drive on that road and safely reach your destination.
In the same way, on the road of life there are spiritual signs along the way. In order to stay under God's protection, you must obey these signs that tell you to trust Him and not to worry. Don't be afraid, have courage. If you'll pay attention to these signs, you'll find that it's easy to stay on course. You will experience the protection, peace and joy that only God can provide.
However, if you fail to heed the signs, you may notice that the road seems a little bumpier than usual and you're not as confident in your ability as you once were. You may become anxious about the unknown things waiting around the corner, and you may even veer off the road.
Anxiety affects us like a double portion of worry. It's an uneasy feeling that lingers like a haze, even after we think we have dealt with it. Once we disregard the signs and go our own way, we are moving in the direction of fear--especially fear of tomorrow and fear of the unknown. The result is anxiety.
Anxiety is like putting on a heavy coat on a hot summer day. It weighs you down. It's difficult to move, and it's stifling to wear. According to Webster's Dictionary, anxiety is "a state of being uneasy, apprehensive, or worried...." Sometimes this uneasiness is really vague—something we just can't put our finger on. All we know is that we are uneasy.
You and I don't need to be anxious about tomorrow when we have all we can handle today. Even if we manage to solve all our problems today, we will just have more to deal with tomorrow...and even more the next day.
Why waste time worrying when it is not going to solve anything? Why be anxious about yesterday, which is gone, or tomorrow, which hasn't arrived yet? Trade your worries in today for God's peace. Remember, everything's going to be all right!
God really does want to take care of us, but in order to let Him, we've got to stop trying to take care of ourselves and worrying about every little thing we can't control. Many people would like for God to take care of them, but they insist on worrying or trying to figure out an answer on their own, instead of waiting for God's direction. They wallow around in puddles of their own worry, wondering why God doesn't give them peace. God will give us peace, but we must first give Him our worries.
We give God our worries by trusting that He can and will take care of us. By trusting God, we are able to rest in Him, knowing that He has the situation well under control. Worry, on the other hand, is the opposite of trust. Worry steals our peace, wears us out physically and can even make us sick. If we are worrying, we are not fully trusting God, and we'll never be able to experience His peace.
What a great trade! We give God our worry—He gives us His peace. We give Him all our cares and concerns, and He gives us His protection, stability, and joy. That is the privilege of being cared for by Him.
Because He cares for us, He wants us to live in peace and not all tied up in knots of worry. He has ways of guiding us toward peace, if we are alert enough to sense His direction.
Imagine that you are driving down a road. Along the way, there are roadside signs that provide direction or give warning. If you pay attention to the signs and follow the words, you will be able to drive on that road and safely reach your destination.
In the same way, on the road of life there are spiritual signs along the way. In order to stay under God's protection, you must obey these signs that tell you to trust Him and not to worry. Don't be afraid, have courage. If you'll pay attention to these signs, you'll find that it's easy to stay on course. You will experience the protection, peace and joy that only God can provide.
However, if you fail to heed the signs, you may notice that the road seems a little bumpier than usual and you're not as confident in your ability as you once were. You may become anxious about the unknown things waiting around the corner, and you may even veer off the road.
Anxiety affects us like a double portion of worry. It's an uneasy feeling that lingers like a haze, even after we think we have dealt with it. Once we disregard the signs and go our own way, we are moving in the direction of fear--especially fear of tomorrow and fear of the unknown. The result is anxiety.
Anxiety is like putting on a heavy coat on a hot summer day. It weighs you down. It's difficult to move, and it's stifling to wear. According to Webster's Dictionary, anxiety is "a state of being uneasy, apprehensive, or worried...." Sometimes this uneasiness is really vague—something we just can't put our finger on. All we know is that we are uneasy.
You and I don't need to be anxious about tomorrow when we have all we can handle today. Even if we manage to solve all our problems today, we will just have more to deal with tomorrow...and even more the next day.
Why waste time worrying when it is not going to solve anything? Why be anxious about yesterday, which is gone, or tomorrow, which hasn't arrived yet? Trade your worries in today for God's peace. Remember, everything's going to be all right!
Joyce Meyer: "The Cause and Cure for Worry"
Worry, feeling uneasy or troubled seems to plague multitudes of people in our world today. It is human nature to be concerned about the bad situations in our world and in our personal lives but if we're not careful, the devil will cause us to worry beyond what is reasonable. Worry is like a rocking chair, it is always in motion, but it never gets you anywhere. So why do we struggle with it...and what good does it do? Worry is the opposite of faith, and it steals our peace, physically wears us out, and can even make us sick. When we worry, we torment ourselves—we're doing the devil's job for him! Worry is caused by not trusting God to take care of the various situations in our lives. Too often we trust our own abilities, believing that we can figure out how to take care of our own problems. Yet sometimes after all our worry and effort to go it alone, we come up short, unable to bring about suitable solutions.
At a young age, I discovered firsthand that people hurt people, and so I didn't trust others. Therefore, I tried to take care of myself, deciding not to depend on anyone who would hurt or disappoint me. Too often our experiences in the world teach us this, and even after we become Christians, it takes a long time to overcome it. It is difficult to learn how to trust God, but we eventually must learn that trying to take care of everything ourselves is too big a task.
CAST YOUR CARES ON THE ONE WHO CARES FOR YOU
First Peter 5:6,7 says, Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Since Jesus invites us to cast all of our care and worries on Him, why do so many of us refuse to let go? Apparently, we are not yet fed up with being miserable.
The only way to have victory in our lives is to play by God's rules, and He says we must quit worrying if we want to have peace. So when things come our way that cause us to be concerned, we need God's help. How do we get it? First Peter 5:6,7 lists two important steps: 1) humble yourselves, and 2) cast your care on Him. That seems pretty clear and simple, yet some continue struggling because they are too bullheaded to ask for help. But the humble get the help. So if your way isn't working, why not try God's way? All of us would be better off if we would learn to lean on God and ask for His help. But as long as we try to do everything ourselves, God will let us. He will not take care of our problems and worries—our cares—until we turn loose of them and give them to Him. Either we are going to do it or God's going to do it, but both of us are not going to do it. Now, casting your care doesn't mean you're to be irresponsible. God will not do for you what you can do yourself. You must do what you can do and then trust God to do what you cannot do. When we humble ourselves and ask for His help, then He is able to release His power in our situations. And it is only then that we can really enjoy life. So the cure for worry is humbling ourselves before God, casting our cares on Him, and trusting Him. Instead of making ourselves miserable trying to figure everything out on our own, God wants us to place our trust in Him and enter into His rest, totally abandoning ourselves to His care. I know that when we are able to believe and say, "God, I trust You," it will literally change our lives. Psalm 37:3(KJV) says, Trust in the Lord, and do good.... God didn't create us to worry about helping ourselves all the time. He wants us to sow good seed by reaching out to help others. When we simply trust God and get busy doing the good things we know to do, then He will bring a harvest of blessings in our lives and meet our needs.
DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF FAITH AND PRAYER
I have learned that my attitude has a lot to do with living a worry-free life. There will always be situations that cause us concern, but with God's help, we can live above all of it and enjoy life. Cast your care on the Lord and say, "God, I trust You, and I'm going to enjoy the life You have given to me." When you give your problems to God, you must also decide to be satisfied with His answers. Trusting God to do what's best for us involves dying to self. Paul said, ...it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). You can trust God to do what's best for you, so you don't have to worry about it. When you get a positive attitude and keep your faith in God, you cannot be defeated.
We must stop trying to make things happen the way we want them to happen and get to the place where we want to please God more than ourselves. The Christ in us has to supercede what we want. Faith and the Word of God will help you overcome worry. Worrying involves negative thoughts but speaking positive things out of your mouth will interrupt those negative thought patterns. When we are full of the Word of God, we can speak it out of our mouths in faith. Faith is stronger than doubt, negativism, and unbelief. Faith has a positive attitude that can overcome your past and lead you into a great future. Faith is a powerful force that cannot be conquered. Another powerful force is prayer. When you're under pressure, it is always best to pray about it instead of talking about it. Prayer is the blueprint for a successful life. During His time on earth, Jesus prayed. He trusted everything to God, even His reputation and life. We can do the same. We don't have to explain all the problems to Him; we can just give them to Him and ask Him to take care of everything. Don't complicate prayer just have confidence in simple, believing prayer.
Look at Paul's instructions in Philippians 4:6,7: Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. If you're a Christian who goes around burdened down all the time, something is wrong. You may have had faith in Christ for salvation, but you haven't moved into walking in faith daily for the life that God has given you. The Bible tells us that God is faithful, that's one of His major characteristics. He can be counted on to come through for us, so we should trust Him totally and completely. When we do, we will be ready for anything that may come our way.
ALLOW GOD TO GIVE YOU PEACE AND REST
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Jesus wants to ease our burdens and give us rest. The Message Bible says it this way: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me, watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28-30). That sounds good, doesn't it? I've had enough heavy stuff in my life, and I want to be free. It's nice to know that we don't have to figure out everything. We need to get comfortable with saying, "I don't have a clue, but I'm not going to worry about it because God is in control. I'm going to live free and light!" When we are overloaded with the cares of this life struggling, laboring, and worrying we need some help. Our minds need to rest from worrying about how to take care of problems. Our emotions need to rest from being upset all the time, and our wills need a rest from stubbornness and rebellion. So we need to be humble enough to call out to God and say, "I need help!" Your beginning doesn't have to dictate your ending. Get God involved in every area of your life and allow Him to lead you into rest.
WORRY OR WORSHIP?
Worry and worship are exact opposites, and we would all be much happier if we learned to become worshippers instead of worriers. Worry opens the door for the devil, but worship is reverence and adoration for God that leads us into His presence. Worship comes from a feeling of love that is so strong that we can hardly express it. God created us to worship Him, and I don't believe we can walk in victory if we don't become worshippers. Sometimes when we don't have what we need or want, the enemy tries to discourage us and keep us from worshipping God. But when we know that God has our best interests at heart, we can worship Him regardless of our circumstances. Remember God is good even when our circumstances are not! God doesn't always give us our heart's desire right away. He wants us to develop a deep, personal relationship with Him and an outrageous love for Him so much so that we can't live without it. This kind of relationship and love brings the worshipful attitude that God wants us to have.
To worship means to reverence, or to defer to. We are to have reverential fear and awe of God. We are to respect and honor Him...and defer to Him submitting and obeying Him, and adapting ourselves to His will. We must realize that Christ living in us has come to lead and guide us into a special lifestyle of worship and victorious living. When Satan throws worry on you, I challenge you to stop what you're doing and get down on your knees before God and begin praising Him. Worship is a spiritual weapon, a warhead or bomb you can use against the enemy. Your prayers and worship will get you heavenly help, and you won't have to fight your own battles. God's grace and power can make things happen with ease that you can't bring about no matter how much you struggle. So stop worrying about everything, give it to God, and live in grace. Grace is not just divine favor, it is power! Don't waste another day of your life in worry. Determine what is your responsibility and what is not. Don't try to take on God's responsibility. When we do what we can do, God steps in and does what we can't. So give yourself and your worries to God and begin enjoying the abundant life He has planned for you.
At a young age, I discovered firsthand that people hurt people, and so I didn't trust others. Therefore, I tried to take care of myself, deciding not to depend on anyone who would hurt or disappoint me. Too often our experiences in the world teach us this, and even after we become Christians, it takes a long time to overcome it. It is difficult to learn how to trust God, but we eventually must learn that trying to take care of everything ourselves is too big a task.
CAST YOUR CARES ON THE ONE WHO CARES FOR YOU
First Peter 5:6,7 says, Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Since Jesus invites us to cast all of our care and worries on Him, why do so many of us refuse to let go? Apparently, we are not yet fed up with being miserable.
The only way to have victory in our lives is to play by God's rules, and He says we must quit worrying if we want to have peace. So when things come our way that cause us to be concerned, we need God's help. How do we get it? First Peter 5:6,7 lists two important steps: 1) humble yourselves, and 2) cast your care on Him. That seems pretty clear and simple, yet some continue struggling because they are too bullheaded to ask for help. But the humble get the help. So if your way isn't working, why not try God's way? All of us would be better off if we would learn to lean on God and ask for His help. But as long as we try to do everything ourselves, God will let us. He will not take care of our problems and worries—our cares—until we turn loose of them and give them to Him. Either we are going to do it or God's going to do it, but both of us are not going to do it. Now, casting your care doesn't mean you're to be irresponsible. God will not do for you what you can do yourself. You must do what you can do and then trust God to do what you cannot do. When we humble ourselves and ask for His help, then He is able to release His power in our situations. And it is only then that we can really enjoy life. So the cure for worry is humbling ourselves before God, casting our cares on Him, and trusting Him. Instead of making ourselves miserable trying to figure everything out on our own, God wants us to place our trust in Him and enter into His rest, totally abandoning ourselves to His care. I know that when we are able to believe and say, "God, I trust You," it will literally change our lives. Psalm 37:3(KJV) says, Trust in the Lord, and do good.... God didn't create us to worry about helping ourselves all the time. He wants us to sow good seed by reaching out to help others. When we simply trust God and get busy doing the good things we know to do, then He will bring a harvest of blessings in our lives and meet our needs.
DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF FAITH AND PRAYER
I have learned that my attitude has a lot to do with living a worry-free life. There will always be situations that cause us concern, but with God's help, we can live above all of it and enjoy life. Cast your care on the Lord and say, "God, I trust You, and I'm going to enjoy the life You have given to me." When you give your problems to God, you must also decide to be satisfied with His answers. Trusting God to do what's best for us involves dying to self. Paul said, ...it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). You can trust God to do what's best for you, so you don't have to worry about it. When you get a positive attitude and keep your faith in God, you cannot be defeated.
We must stop trying to make things happen the way we want them to happen and get to the place where we want to please God more than ourselves. The Christ in us has to supercede what we want. Faith and the Word of God will help you overcome worry. Worrying involves negative thoughts but speaking positive things out of your mouth will interrupt those negative thought patterns. When we are full of the Word of God, we can speak it out of our mouths in faith. Faith is stronger than doubt, negativism, and unbelief. Faith has a positive attitude that can overcome your past and lead you into a great future. Faith is a powerful force that cannot be conquered. Another powerful force is prayer. When you're under pressure, it is always best to pray about it instead of talking about it. Prayer is the blueprint for a successful life. During His time on earth, Jesus prayed. He trusted everything to God, even His reputation and life. We can do the same. We don't have to explain all the problems to Him; we can just give them to Him and ask Him to take care of everything. Don't complicate prayer just have confidence in simple, believing prayer.
Look at Paul's instructions in Philippians 4:6,7: Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. If you're a Christian who goes around burdened down all the time, something is wrong. You may have had faith in Christ for salvation, but you haven't moved into walking in faith daily for the life that God has given you. The Bible tells us that God is faithful, that's one of His major characteristics. He can be counted on to come through for us, so we should trust Him totally and completely. When we do, we will be ready for anything that may come our way.
ALLOW GOD TO GIVE YOU PEACE AND REST
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Jesus wants to ease our burdens and give us rest. The Message Bible says it this way: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me, watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28-30). That sounds good, doesn't it? I've had enough heavy stuff in my life, and I want to be free. It's nice to know that we don't have to figure out everything. We need to get comfortable with saying, "I don't have a clue, but I'm not going to worry about it because God is in control. I'm going to live free and light!" When we are overloaded with the cares of this life struggling, laboring, and worrying we need some help. Our minds need to rest from worrying about how to take care of problems. Our emotions need to rest from being upset all the time, and our wills need a rest from stubbornness and rebellion. So we need to be humble enough to call out to God and say, "I need help!" Your beginning doesn't have to dictate your ending. Get God involved in every area of your life and allow Him to lead you into rest.
WORRY OR WORSHIP?
Worry and worship are exact opposites, and we would all be much happier if we learned to become worshippers instead of worriers. Worry opens the door for the devil, but worship is reverence and adoration for God that leads us into His presence. Worship comes from a feeling of love that is so strong that we can hardly express it. God created us to worship Him, and I don't believe we can walk in victory if we don't become worshippers. Sometimes when we don't have what we need or want, the enemy tries to discourage us and keep us from worshipping God. But when we know that God has our best interests at heart, we can worship Him regardless of our circumstances. Remember God is good even when our circumstances are not! God doesn't always give us our heart's desire right away. He wants us to develop a deep, personal relationship with Him and an outrageous love for Him so much so that we can't live without it. This kind of relationship and love brings the worshipful attitude that God wants us to have.
To worship means to reverence, or to defer to. We are to have reverential fear and awe of God. We are to respect and honor Him...and defer to Him submitting and obeying Him, and adapting ourselves to His will. We must realize that Christ living in us has come to lead and guide us into a special lifestyle of worship and victorious living. When Satan throws worry on you, I challenge you to stop what you're doing and get down on your knees before God and begin praising Him. Worship is a spiritual weapon, a warhead or bomb you can use against the enemy. Your prayers and worship will get you heavenly help, and you won't have to fight your own battles. God's grace and power can make things happen with ease that you can't bring about no matter how much you struggle. So stop worrying about everything, give it to God, and live in grace. Grace is not just divine favor, it is power! Don't waste another day of your life in worry. Determine what is your responsibility and what is not. Don't try to take on God's responsibility. When we do what we can do, God steps in and does what we can't. So give yourself and your worries to God and begin enjoying the abundant life He has planned for you.
Kenneth Copeland: "Don't Worry!"
"Therefore do not worry and be anxious." (Matthew 6:31, Amp)
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.
Yet many of us still act as if it's an option, as if we're free to worry if we want to. But we're not! Worrying is a sin. It's one of those things the Word of God directly commands us not to do.
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!
Your confession every morning should be, "I do not have a care in this world because I've cast every one of them onto my Lord."
Let me illustrate how that works. Let's say you were standing about 20 feet away from me and I tossed my car keys to you. If someone else were to come to me and say, "Brother Copeland, I need the keys to your car. I need to use it." I would say, "I can't help you. I cast my keys over on him. I don't have them anymore."
That's what you need to do with your worries. You need to cast them over on the Lord and not take them back. If Satan brings a worried thought to your mind, saying, "What if this terrible thing happens?" then you can tell him to talk to God about it. It's in His hands, not yours!
Once you do that, changes will start to take place in your life. Problems you've been fretting about for years will start being solved. You'll no longer be tying God's hands with your worrying. His power can begin to operate because you've acted in faith and cast your cares on Him!
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 Study: Psalm 55
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.
Yet many of us still act as if it's an option, as if we're free to worry if we want to. But we're not! Worrying is a sin. It's one of those things the Word of God directly commands us not to do.
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!
Your confession every morning should be, "I do not have a care in this world because I've cast every one of them onto my Lord."
Let me illustrate how that works. Let's say you were standing about 20 feet away from me and I tossed my car keys to you. If someone else were to come to me and say, "Brother Copeland, I need the keys to your car. I need to use it." I would say, "I can't help you. I cast my keys over on him. I don't have them anymore."
That's what you need to do with your worries. You need to cast them over on the Lord and not take them back. If Satan brings a worried thought to your mind, saying, "What if this terrible thing happens?" then you can tell him to talk to God about it. It's in His hands, not yours!
Once you do that, changes will start to take place in your life. Problems you've been fretting about for years will start being solved. You'll no longer be tying God's hands with your worrying. His power can begin to operate because you've acted in faith and cast your cares on Him!
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 Study: Psalm 55
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Under Your Feet"
"The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool."
(Acts 2:34-35)
Even though Satan lost all his authority on this earth the day Jesus rose from the dead, for the past 2,000 years he's been running around as a spiritual outlaw--continuing to kill, steal from, and destroy all who will let him. But, he's not going to be able to do that much longer. There's coming a day when he's going to be put out of business completely. There's coming a day when the evil he's done here on earth will be put totally underfoot by the power of God.
Most believers know that's true. They've shouted and rejoiced over it--but they haven't really understood how it's going to happen. They haven't realized that they are the foot that's going to trample down the works of the devil!
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.
That's what Jesus was telling us when He said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature...lay hands on the sick and...cast out devils" (Mark 16:15-18). He was saying, "Go ye and be My foot." He was saying, 'All power and authority has been given unto Me, both in heaven and in earth. Therefore, you take it and use it to put the devil under."
But instead of obeying Him, we've waited around wondering when God was going to do something about this mess here on earth. We've sat around wondering why it's taking so long for Jesus to come back.
We're the reason it's taking so long! Jesus is waiting on you and me. He's waiting on us to step out in His power, put the devil in his place, and win the world. He's waiting on us to drop our silly doctrinal differences and get busy doing what God said we would do.
The Bible says that one can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight. Every time we get together, we increase our strength astronomically. If we'd just get together and figure out who we are, if we'd realize that we're the feet of Jesus, we could kick Satan out of earth's affairs with ease.
Do you want to hasten Jesus' return? Then quit sitting around staring at the clouds! Start stomping around in the Spirit. Start putting the works of the serpent under your feet and we can wrap this thing up and go home to glory real soon!
Scripture Study: Genesis 3:1-14
(Acts 2:34-35)
Even though Satan lost all his authority on this earth the day Jesus rose from the dead, for the past 2,000 years he's been running around as a spiritual outlaw--continuing to kill, steal from, and destroy all who will let him. But, he's not going to be able to do that much longer. There's coming a day when he's going to be put out of business completely. There's coming a day when the evil he's done here on earth will be put totally underfoot by the power of God.
Most believers know that's true. They've shouted and rejoiced over it--but they haven't really understood how it's going to happen. They haven't realized that they are the foot that's going to trample down the works of the devil!
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.
That's what Jesus was telling us when He said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature...lay hands on the sick and...cast out devils" (Mark 16:15-18). He was saying, "Go ye and be My foot." He was saying, 'All power and authority has been given unto Me, both in heaven and in earth. Therefore, you take it and use it to put the devil under."
But instead of obeying Him, we've waited around wondering when God was going to do something about this mess here on earth. We've sat around wondering why it's taking so long for Jesus to come back.
We're the reason it's taking so long! Jesus is waiting on you and me. He's waiting on us to step out in His power, put the devil in his place, and win the world. He's waiting on us to drop our silly doctrinal differences and get busy doing what God said we would do.
The Bible says that one can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight. Every time we get together, we increase our strength astronomically. If we'd just get together and figure out who we are, if we'd realize that we're the feet of Jesus, we could kick Satan out of earth's affairs with ease.
Do you want to hasten Jesus' return? Then quit sitting around staring at the clouds! Start stomping around in the Spirit. Start putting the works of the serpent under your feet and we can wrap this thing up and go home to glory real soon!
Scripture Study: Genesis 3:1-14
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Joyce Meyer: "Stressed Out? Listen Up!"
I have learned something in my own pursuit of a stress-free life—if I want peace rather than the pressure of stress in my life, I must choose to seek direction from God in every situation.
Our God is a God of peace. He will always lead us toward peace and joy, not toward anxiety and frustration. Therefore, we have to be listening for His voice. By following His voice, we can find peace and overcome the stress that so many are dealing with today.
To find peace in our lives, we simply need to obey the promptings God gives us each day. A prompting is a "knowing" deep down on the inside, telling us what to do. First Kings 19:11,12 refers to this knowing as a still, small voice.
A prompting is not a whack on the head with a hammer! In 1 Kings, the Lord did not use the great and strong wind, the earthquake, or fire to prompt Elijah. His voice came to Elijah as a sound of gentle stillness and a still, small voice. A prompting doesn't even have to be a voice at all—in fact, God often gives direction by speaking to your heart rather than to your ears.
Since a prompting is very gentle, some might question whether it is from God or not. When you're unsure about a prompting, it's often easy to ignore it. One time, after I had been shopping at the mall for three or four hours, I sensed that God was saying, "You need to go home now." I had only purchased half of the eight items on my shopping list, so I ignored the prompting and kept on shopping.
The remaining items on my list were not immediate needs. But, like many determined, goal-oriented people, I was not about to leave that mall until I purchased every item on my list. I had come for eight items, and I was going to leave with eight items! I didn't care if I had to be dragged out of that mall, I wasn't leaving until every item was crossed off my list! And I wasn't going to listen to any voice that said otherwise.
I remember reaching the point of being so tired and upset that I wasn't even able to think clearly. All I wanted to do was finish shopping and get out of there. It was almost more than I could do to remain civil to the other shoppers and clerks in the store. I was stressed out!
Looking back, I can't remember how many times I've done that—stressing out because I've pushed beyond the prompting of the Lord. I can always tell I've gone too far when I'm not able to practice even the most basic manners—politeness, kindness, and self-control.
If I simply had obeyed the prompting of the Lord when I heard that "still, small voice," telling me to go home, I would have easily relieved the stress from the situation. Instead, I bulled my way through in my own determination to achieve my goal, and I ended up bringing stress on myself and everyone else around me.
If we will simply learn to listen to God and do what He says, we will discover that things will go well for us. No matter what the situation, we need to listen to God and obey His voice. Proverbs 3:6 states: In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. You may not understand the reasons for God asking you to do certain things, but as you listen to His voice and obey His direction, you can experience a peaceful calmness as your stress level begins to decrease. So listen up...and de-stress!
Our God is a God of peace. He will always lead us toward peace and joy, not toward anxiety and frustration. Therefore, we have to be listening for His voice. By following His voice, we can find peace and overcome the stress that so many are dealing with today.
To find peace in our lives, we simply need to obey the promptings God gives us each day. A prompting is a "knowing" deep down on the inside, telling us what to do. First Kings 19:11,12 refers to this knowing as a still, small voice.
A prompting is not a whack on the head with a hammer! In 1 Kings, the Lord did not use the great and strong wind, the earthquake, or fire to prompt Elijah. His voice came to Elijah as a sound of gentle stillness and a still, small voice. A prompting doesn't even have to be a voice at all—in fact, God often gives direction by speaking to your heart rather than to your ears.
Since a prompting is very gentle, some might question whether it is from God or not. When you're unsure about a prompting, it's often easy to ignore it. One time, after I had been shopping at the mall for three or four hours, I sensed that God was saying, "You need to go home now." I had only purchased half of the eight items on my shopping list, so I ignored the prompting and kept on shopping.
The remaining items on my list were not immediate needs. But, like many determined, goal-oriented people, I was not about to leave that mall until I purchased every item on my list. I had come for eight items, and I was going to leave with eight items! I didn't care if I had to be dragged out of that mall, I wasn't leaving until every item was crossed off my list! And I wasn't going to listen to any voice that said otherwise.
I remember reaching the point of being so tired and upset that I wasn't even able to think clearly. All I wanted to do was finish shopping and get out of there. It was almost more than I could do to remain civil to the other shoppers and clerks in the store. I was stressed out!
Looking back, I can't remember how many times I've done that—stressing out because I've pushed beyond the prompting of the Lord. I can always tell I've gone too far when I'm not able to practice even the most basic manners—politeness, kindness, and self-control.
If I simply had obeyed the prompting of the Lord when I heard that "still, small voice," telling me to go home, I would have easily relieved the stress from the situation. Instead, I bulled my way through in my own determination to achieve my goal, and I ended up bringing stress on myself and everyone else around me.
If we will simply learn to listen to God and do what He says, we will discover that things will go well for us. No matter what the situation, we need to listen to God and obey His voice. Proverbs 3:6 states: In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. You may not understand the reasons for God asking you to do certain things, but as you listen to His voice and obey His direction, you can experience a peaceful calmness as your stress level begins to decrease. So listen up...and de-stress!
Gloria Copeland: "In Good and Bad Times"
"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 honor him." (Psalm 91:14-15)
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. If you want God to rescue you in the bad times, you have to fellowship with Him in the good times. Why? Because God responds to faith. Our faith, not our need, is what causes Him to act on our behalf. And we'll never be able to develop that kind of faith, that kind of trust and confidence in Him, if we don't spend enough time with Him to get to know Him.
First John 3:20-22 tells us that we have confidence toward God when we do the things that are pleasing in His sight. If we only serve God half-heartedly, then we will not have confidence in Him to deliver us from trouble. When danger surrounds us, instead of being filled with faith, we'll find ourselves paralyzed with fear.
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!
Scripture Study: 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. If you want God to rescue you in the bad times, you have to fellowship with Him in the good times. Why? Because God responds to faith. Our faith, not our need, is what causes Him to act on our behalf. And we'll never be able to develop that kind of faith, that kind of trust and confidence in Him, if we don't spend enough time with Him to get to know Him.
First John 3:20-22 tells us that we have confidence toward God when we do the things that are pleasing in His sight. If we only serve God half-heartedly, then we will not have confidence in Him to deliver us from trouble. When danger surrounds us, instead of being filled with faith, we'll find ourselves paralyzed with fear.
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!
Scripture Study: Psalm 108:1-6
Friday, January 12, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Our Only Hope is Jesus"
"Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption."
(Acts 2:26-27)
Twenty-one years ago, God said something to me that will mark my ministry forever. The only hope that any man has anywhere in the world is faith in Jesus Christ.
In light of what's happening around us today, the truth of the statement is more painfully obvious than ever before. We are a generation with diseases no man can heal, with problems no man can solve. What fleeting successes we have are quickly overshadowed by new and greater crises.
All too often, that's as true for believers as it is for unbelievers. It shouldn't be. But it is. Believers are being killed by the same diseases that are devastating the rest of the world. They're being plagued by the same problems. And many are walking around without hope--just like the rest of the world.
Why? Because the only hope that any man has is faith in Jesus Christ. And the majority of Christians don't know how to live by faith.
Instead of being filled with the Word and with faith, they've been stuffed full of religious tradition and superstition. And they're suffering. When the devil hits them with sickness and disease, with poverty or depression or divorce, they often stand by helplessly as it destroys them. They simply don't know what else to do. The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hos. 4:6).
But you know. Your hope is in Jesus. Trust Him. And tell the world--their hope is in Him too.
Scripture Study: Mark 4:35-41
(Acts 2:26-27)
Twenty-one years ago, God said something to me that will mark my ministry forever. The only hope that any man has anywhere in the world is faith in Jesus Christ.
In light of what's happening around us today, the truth of the statement is more painfully obvious than ever before. We are a generation with diseases no man can heal, with problems no man can solve. What fleeting successes we have are quickly overshadowed by new and greater crises.
All too often, that's as true for believers as it is for unbelievers. It shouldn't be. But it is. Believers are being killed by the same diseases that are devastating the rest of the world. They're being plagued by the same problems. And many are walking around without hope--just like the rest of the world.
Why? Because the only hope that any man has is faith in Jesus Christ. And the majority of Christians don't know how to live by faith.
Instead of being filled with the Word and with faith, they've been stuffed full of religious tradition and superstition. And they're suffering. When the devil hits them with sickness and disease, with poverty or depression or divorce, they often stand by helplessly as it destroys them. They simply don't know what else to do. The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hos. 4:6).
But you know. Your hope is in Jesus. Trust Him. And tell the world--their hope is in Him too.
Scripture Study: Mark 4:35-41
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Don't Look at the Storm"
"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31)
If there's any way the devil can get your eyes away from the Word, he'll do it. He'll cause trouble. He'll make the circumstances around you pitch and roll like a rowboat in a hurricane. He'll do anything he can to get you to concentrate on the realm of the physical senses and the situation around you instead of on the promise of God--because he knows that if he doesn't, you'll take that promise and beat his brains out with it.
That's what he did to Peter. When Peter first jumped out of the boat that day in response to Jesus' word, what happened? He walked right across that water without a problem. His whole being was fastened on that word Jesus had spoken to him, "Come!"
But when he took his eyes off that word, he started looking at the storm. He started looking at the impossible thing he was doing. After all, he was a fisherman. All his training and experience told him when the waves were that high, you were going under. He started to focus on what he knew in the natural instead of what Jesus said. When he did that, his faith slipped out of gear and he started to sink.
Don't let that happen to you. Once you get a revelation from the Word of God, hang onto it. Don't focus on anything else.
The devil will do everything he can to get you to turn loose of it. He'll stir up things around you. He'll try to get you into fear. He'll push every button he can from the past to get you back into your old way of thinking.
But don't let go. Keep your eyes on the Word of God until it's more real inside you than anything else. If you do, you'll be able to walk your way across the water just fine.
Scripture Study: Matthew 14:22-33
If there's any way the devil can get your eyes away from the Word, he'll do it. He'll cause trouble. He'll make the circumstances around you pitch and roll like a rowboat in a hurricane. He'll do anything he can to get you to concentrate on the realm of the physical senses and the situation around you instead of on the promise of God--because he knows that if he doesn't, you'll take that promise and beat his brains out with it.
That's what he did to Peter. When Peter first jumped out of the boat that day in response to Jesus' word, what happened? He walked right across that water without a problem. His whole being was fastened on that word Jesus had spoken to him, "Come!"
But when he took his eyes off that word, he started looking at the storm. He started looking at the impossible thing he was doing. After all, he was a fisherman. All his training and experience told him when the waves were that high, you were going under. He started to focus on what he knew in the natural instead of what Jesus said. When he did that, his faith slipped out of gear and he started to sink.
Don't let that happen to you. Once you get a revelation from the Word of God, hang onto it. Don't focus on anything else.
The devil will do everything he can to get you to turn loose of it. He'll stir up things around you. He'll try to get you into fear. He'll push every button he can from the past to get you back into your old way of thinking.
But don't let go. Keep your eyes on the Word of God until it's more real inside you than anything else. If you do, you'll be able to walk your way across the water just fine.
Scripture Study: Matthew 14:22-33
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Recall God's Mercies"
"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion's fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)
God is faithful. He's full of compassion. His mercies are new every morning. As a believer, you know all that. But simply knowing it is not enough.
For it to do you any good, you have to recall it. You have to remember it again and again in order to rekindle your hope and stir your faith.
So, make it a point to remind yourself of God's faithfulness every morning. Remind yourself of the benefits that are yours in Jesus.
What are those benefits? Psalm 103 spells them out:
1. He forgives all your sins.
2. He heals all your diseases.
3. He redeems your life from destruction.
4. He crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.
5. He satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6. He executes righteousness and judgment for you against oppression. He sets you free.
7. He makes known His ways to you.
8. He gives you His grace and mercy in times of need.
Make it a point every morning this year to say those things out loud to the Lord. Stand before Him in prayer and recall His mercies to you. Keep it up and by the end of this year you'll be stronger in faith and more confident of God's love than you've ever been before.
Don't just settle for knowing God's blessings. Remember them every day and watch them come alive in you.
Scripture Study: Psalm 103:1-17
God is faithful. He's full of compassion. His mercies are new every morning. As a believer, you know all that. But simply knowing it is not enough.
For it to do you any good, you have to recall it. You have to remember it again and again in order to rekindle your hope and stir your faith.
So, make it a point to remind yourself of God's faithfulness every morning. Remind yourself of the benefits that are yours in Jesus.
What are those benefits? Psalm 103 spells them out:
1. He forgives all your sins.
2. He heals all your diseases.
3. He redeems your life from destruction.
4. He crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.
5. He satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6. He executes righteousness and judgment for you against oppression. He sets you free.
7. He makes known His ways to you.
8. He gives you His grace and mercy in times of need.
Make it a point every morning this year to say those things out loud to the Lord. Stand before Him in prayer and recall His mercies to you. Keep it up and by the end of this year you'll be stronger in faith and more confident of God's love than you've ever been before.
Don't just settle for knowing God's blessings. Remember them every day and watch them come alive in you.
Scripture Study: Psalm 103:1-17
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "No Time for Clay Pots"
"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 honor, and some to dishonor." (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" (AMP).
Golden vessel or clay pot, the choice is up to you!
Why then do so many believers choose to do menial work in the kingdom of God? Why are they content to remain clay pots?
Because they lack one thing every golden vessel must have. They lack dedication. They haven't made a quality decision to separate themselves from contaminating influences. They haven't been willing to turn away from the ways of the world and go on with God past the point of no return.
My friend, God is doing some exciting things on this earth right now. He's working signs and wonders, paving the way for Jesus' return. This is a thrilling time, but it's definitely no time for clay pots! So if you haven't yet made the kind of commitment that will turn you into a golden vessel, admit it. Then take the time to get before God and study His Word and get your will in line with His. Let the Holy Spirit deal with you until you're willing to leave the ways of the world behind and walk in higher ways--the ways of God.
Do it now. The hour is late. The glory of God is spilling over the earth in one final thrilling wave. It's not trickling out of clay pots. It's being poured through golden vessels--and that's exactly what God is calling you to be.
Scripture Study: 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" (AMP).
Golden vessel or clay pot, the choice is up to you!
Why then do so many believers choose to do menial work in the kingdom of God? Why are they content to remain clay pots?
Because they lack one thing every golden vessel must have. They lack dedication. They haven't made a quality decision to separate themselves from contaminating influences. They haven't been willing to turn away from the ways of the world and go on with God past the point of no return.
My friend, God is doing some exciting things on this earth right now. He's working signs and wonders, paving the way for Jesus' return. This is a thrilling time, but it's definitely no time for clay pots! So if you haven't yet made the kind of commitment that will turn you into a golden vessel, admit it. Then take the time to get before God and study His Word and get your will in line with His. Let the Holy Spirit deal with you until you're willing to leave the ways of the world behind and walk in higher ways--the ways of God.
Do it now. The hour is late. The glory of God is spilling over the earth in one final thrilling wave. It's not trickling out of clay pots. It's being poured through golden vessels--and that's exactly what God is calling you to be.
Scripture Study: 2 Timothy 2:15-26
Monday, January 8, 2007
Joyce Meyer: "Eight Specific Reasons Why Christians Suffer"
And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory. Romans 8:17.
As Christians, we like the thought of sharing in Christ's glory, but what about sharing in His suffering? Jesus took care of the death penalty once and for all, and we don't ever have to worry about that again. But the Bible teaches that we must suffer times of trial if we are to share in the glory. Is it worth it? Listen to the words of Paul in Romans 8:18: ...For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!
Too often we think we suffer because of our circumstances. We believe that if our circumstances would change, we'd be able to act right. But God wants us to become so mature and stable that we act right even when none of our circumstances are good. There are different levels of faith, and most of the time we want to use our faith to get rid of a problem. But sometimes God's plan is for us to exercise a higher level of faith that will carry us through life's challenges. I believe this requires greater faith than being delivered from a situation. Too often we marvel at the delivering power of God and overlook His keeping, strengthening, and enabling power.
A LACK OF WORD KNOWLEDGE
Many Christians suffer because they're too busy seeking carnal knowledge instead of the knowledge of the Word of God. The Lord Himself said, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge... (Hosea 4:6). Paul was an educated man, with a wealth of carnal knowledge. But when he realized the importance of spiritual knowledge, he said, ...I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Like Paul, we need to realize the importance of learning spiritual things, for Galatians 6:8 says, ...he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
DISOBEDIENCE
Once we know the Word of God, we have a responsibility to be obedient to it. Too many of us intend to be obedient, but sometimes we put it off. Even procrastination is disobedience, and it can cause us to suffer. James 4:7 gives us good advice: Submit yourselves therefore to God... (KJV). When God tells me to do something, I find it helpful to write it down. This serves as a reminder that I must be obedient if I want God's blessings. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
TO PURIFY AND TEST YOUR FAITH
Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they have been faithful to learn and obey the Word of God, and still the trials come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith. [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, so that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed (1 Peter 1:6,7).
A NEED FOR BROKENNESS
The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it's really not a bad word. God does not desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness, and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point. However, having to depend on God shouldn't cause us to feel sorry for ourselves. I once said, Oh, God, I'm so lonely, and I don't have anybody but You. And the Holy Ghost said, "Poor Joyce, you're just stuck with God." I've discovered that having only God is a good position to be in.
TO BUILD COMPASSION
Compassion is born out of experiencing similar problems. The Bible says, ...we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). It comforts me to know that Jesus understands me and has compassion. Going through trials and experiencing God's deliverance better equips us to minister to others. Our pain is never wasted, it brings about compassion that reaches out to other hurting people to say, "I've been there, and God brought me through it. And He'll do the same for you."
TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS
The apostle Paul said there were many things that God allowed him to go through simply as object lessons for other people. ...I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel)... most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God... (Philippians 1:12,14). Even in Paul's imprisonment, his stability and ability to be used of God was evident. If we are to minister to others, we too must face some adverse circumstances. But if we stand in faith and confidence, God will bring us through to victory, and we'll be a great encouragement to others in the process.
BECAUSE OF THE WORD
Sometimes we suffer attacks from the enemy simply because of our involvement with the Word of God. Mark 4:17 speaks of those who hear the Word and endure it for a while, ...then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. When someone receives the Word of God, Satan delights in coming immediately to try to steal what has been sown in the heart. He knows the Word will strengthen us and help us to live a victorious Christian life, and he wants to stop it if he can. So it is important to guard the Word in your heart and not allow the devil to steal it from you.
BECAUSE OF LIVING IN THE WORLD
Many times Christians face trials and suffering simply because we live in a world full of sin. But Jesus said, 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 [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you] (John 16:33). What a promise! Understanding the reason for our suffering and having the assurance of the final glory we'll share should make it a little easier to enjoy our lives... even during the times of sharing in suffering.
As Christians, we like the thought of sharing in Christ's glory, but what about sharing in His suffering? Jesus took care of the death penalty once and for all, and we don't ever have to worry about that again. But the Bible teaches that we must suffer times of trial if we are to share in the glory. Is it worth it? Listen to the words of Paul in Romans 8:18: ...For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!
Too often we think we suffer because of our circumstances. We believe that if our circumstances would change, we'd be able to act right. But God wants us to become so mature and stable that we act right even when none of our circumstances are good. There are different levels of faith, and most of the time we want to use our faith to get rid of a problem. But sometimes God's plan is for us to exercise a higher level of faith that will carry us through life's challenges. I believe this requires greater faith than being delivered from a situation. Too often we marvel at the delivering power of God and overlook His keeping, strengthening, and enabling power.
A LACK OF WORD KNOWLEDGE
Many Christians suffer because they're too busy seeking carnal knowledge instead of the knowledge of the Word of God. The Lord Himself said, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge... (Hosea 4:6). Paul was an educated man, with a wealth of carnal knowledge. But when he realized the importance of spiritual knowledge, he said, ...I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Like Paul, we need to realize the importance of learning spiritual things, for Galatians 6:8 says, ...he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
DISOBEDIENCE
Once we know the Word of God, we have a responsibility to be obedient to it. Too many of us intend to be obedient, but sometimes we put it off. Even procrastination is disobedience, and it can cause us to suffer. James 4:7 gives us good advice: Submit yourselves therefore to God... (KJV). When God tells me to do something, I find it helpful to write it down. This serves as a reminder that I must be obedient if I want God's blessings. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
TO PURIFY AND TEST YOUR FAITH
Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they have been faithful to learn and obey the Word of God, and still the trials come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith. [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, so that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed (1 Peter 1:6,7).
A NEED FOR BROKENNESS
The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it's really not a bad word. God does not desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness, and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point. However, having to depend on God shouldn't cause us to feel sorry for ourselves. I once said, Oh, God, I'm so lonely, and I don't have anybody but You. And the Holy Ghost said, "Poor Joyce, you're just stuck with God." I've discovered that having only God is a good position to be in.
TO BUILD COMPASSION
Compassion is born out of experiencing similar problems. The Bible says, ...we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). It comforts me to know that Jesus understands me and has compassion. Going through trials and experiencing God's deliverance better equips us to minister to others. Our pain is never wasted, it brings about compassion that reaches out to other hurting people to say, "I've been there, and God brought me through it. And He'll do the same for you."
TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS
The apostle Paul said there were many things that God allowed him to go through simply as object lessons for other people. ...I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel)... most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God... (Philippians 1:12,14). Even in Paul's imprisonment, his stability and ability to be used of God was evident. If we are to minister to others, we too must face some adverse circumstances. But if we stand in faith and confidence, God will bring us through to victory, and we'll be a great encouragement to others in the process.
BECAUSE OF THE WORD
Sometimes we suffer attacks from the enemy simply because of our involvement with the Word of God. Mark 4:17 speaks of those who hear the Word and endure it for a while, ...then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. When someone receives the Word of God, Satan delights in coming immediately to try to steal what has been sown in the heart. He knows the Word will strengthen us and help us to live a victorious Christian life, and he wants to stop it if he can. So it is important to guard the Word in your heart and not allow the devil to steal it from you.
BECAUSE OF LIVING IN THE WORLD
Many times Christians face trials and suffering simply because we live in a world full of sin. But Jesus said, 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 [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you] (John 16:33). What a promise! Understanding the reason for our suffering and having the assurance of the final glory we'll share should make it a little easier to enjoy our lives... even during the times of sharing in suffering.
Kenneth Copeland: "Step Across the Faith Line"
"And being not weak in faith, [Abraham] considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." (Romans 4:19-20)
In the years I've spent living by faith, there's something I've learned to do that helps me receive from God in the toughest of situations. It's something I call stepping over the faith line.
A faith line is what you need when you want God to do the "impossible" in your life. It's what you need when you want to be firm in your faith and yet you keep wavering back and forth between your circumstances and God's promises--believing first one, then the other.
It's what can make you like faithful Abraham. You know, Abraham had natural facts to deal with just like we do. He knew there was no natural way for God's promise to him to come true.
Yet the Word says Abraham considered not his own body. In other words, Abraham ignored the natural evidence around him and believed only God's promise.
Somewhere he stepped across the line of faith.
He made an irreversible decision to go with the Word of God. He made a final commitment. He chose to step past the point of no return. And if you and I are ever going to see God do the impossible in our lives, we're going to have to do the same thing!
How do you draw that faith line?
Begin with the Word. Search the promises of God and purposely believe what He has said, and is saying, about your need. Meditate on those promises until faith rises in your heart.
Then draw the line of faith. Draw it in your mind and heart. Draw it across the floor in your prayer room. Say, "In the presence of God, in the presence of all the angels in this room, and in the devils face, I am stepping across the line of faith. From this moment on, I consider this matter done. From this day forward, I give God the praise and the glory in the Name of Jesus.
From that moment on, speak only as if your miracle has already happened. Turn your back on the problems, on the doubts, and turn your face toward Jesus.
God will do the impossible in your life. Dare to step across the faith line!
Scripture Study: Romans 4:13-21
In the years I've spent living by faith, there's something I've learned to do that helps me receive from God in the toughest of situations. It's something I call stepping over the faith line.
A faith line is what you need when you want God to do the "impossible" in your life. It's what you need when you want to be firm in your faith and yet you keep wavering back and forth between your circumstances and God's promises--believing first one, then the other.
It's what can make you like faithful Abraham. You know, Abraham had natural facts to deal with just like we do. He knew there was no natural way for God's promise to him to come true.
Yet the Word says Abraham considered not his own body. In other words, Abraham ignored the natural evidence around him and believed only God's promise.
Somewhere he stepped across the line of faith.
He made an irreversible decision to go with the Word of God. He made a final commitment. He chose to step past the point of no return. And if you and I are ever going to see God do the impossible in our lives, we're going to have to do the same thing!
How do you draw that faith line?
Begin with the Word. Search the promises of God and purposely believe what He has said, and is saying, about your need. Meditate on those promises until faith rises in your heart.
Then draw the line of faith. Draw it in your mind and heart. Draw it across the floor in your prayer room. Say, "In the presence of God, in the presence of all the angels in this room, and in the devils face, I am stepping across the line of faith. From this moment on, I consider this matter done. From this day forward, I give God the praise and the glory in the Name of Jesus.
From that moment on, speak only as if your miracle has already happened. Turn your back on the problems, on the doubts, and turn your face toward Jesus.
God will do the impossible in your life. Dare to step across the faith line!
Scripture Study: Romans 4:13-21
Just One Thing
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
You can learn a lot from the story of Jesus' visit to the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha busied herself preparing a meal, Mary sat at Jesus' feet drinking in each word of what He was teaching. When Martha realized that Mary wasn't helping her, she marched over, interrupted Jesus, and said, "Lord, this isn't fair. I'm in here doing all the work!" Jesus' reply must have stunned her: "Martha, you're stressed out about so many different things. Only one thing really matters, and Mary has chosen what's best." In effect, Jesus was telling Martha to slow down and enjoy the moment. He could easily be saying the same thing to you! Perhaps you're too busy serving God to enjoy the blessings He's bringing into your life. If so, look at your schedule today and choose what is best!
A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for wanting to bless me. Give me eyes to see when I should serve and when I should just sit at Your feet and listen. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her!" (Luke 10:42)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
You can learn a lot from the story of Jesus' visit to the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha busied herself preparing a meal, Mary sat at Jesus' feet drinking in each word of what He was teaching. When Martha realized that Mary wasn't helping her, she marched over, interrupted Jesus, and said, "Lord, this isn't fair. I'm in here doing all the work!" Jesus' reply must have stunned her: "Martha, you're stressed out about so many different things. Only one thing really matters, and Mary has chosen what's best." In effect, Jesus was telling Martha to slow down and enjoy the moment. He could easily be saying the same thing to you! Perhaps you're too busy serving God to enjoy the blessings He's bringing into your life. If so, look at your schedule today and choose what is best!
A Prayer for Today
Lord, thank You for wanting to bless me. Give me eyes to see when I should serve and when I should just sit at Your feet and listen. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "God Has Something to Say"
"The sheep listen to [the Shepherd's] voice and heed it, and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out." (John 10:3, Amp)
Don't ever be so afraid of making a mistake you miss out on the joy of acting on the voice of the Lord. Instead, trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit and let Him show you how. He'll begin by speaking to you about the little things in your life, and as you grow accustomed to hearing and obeying, He'll speak to you about weightier things.
That's how it happened with Gloria and me. When we first accepted Jesus as Lord, we didn't have any idea how to hear God. Our spirits weren't yet trained to distinguish His leading. But since the Bible promised we could do it, we began to approach our prayer time and Bible study time expecting to hear God's direction and He began to give it.
I'll never forget the first time it happened to Gloria. She'd been reading the Bible and she just stopped for a few minutes to see if God would say something to her. Right down on the inside of her, she heard the Lord say, "The light is on in your car."
It didn't occur to her that God would speak to her about something so trivial, so she just brushed that thought aside and went on listening. Pretty soon, He said the same thing again. He kept on repeating it until finally, she got up and walked out to the car. Sure enough, the light was on.
Why would God bother with something as insignificant as a car light? Because He cares! He knew Gloria was home alone that night with two small children, and if that battery had run down, she'd have been stuck there. God was watching out for her, and He told her just exactly what she needed to know right then.
Yet, at the same time, He knew she was a beginner where listening to His voice was concerned, so He gave her an instruction she could follow without much risk. I mean, what if she had gone out there and the light hadn't been on? What if she'd missed it? She would have felt foolish but that wouldn't have hurt anything.
If you'll trust Him, the Holy Spirit will do the same thing for you that He did for Gloria and me. He'll bring you along one step at a time in a way that will help you, not hurt you.
The biggest mistake you can make is to be afraid to follow that inward witness which is the number one way God leads all His children (Rom. 8:14). So don't be afraid. Take time to listen today. Expect to hear in your spirit. God has something to say to you.
Scripture Study: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Don't ever be so afraid of making a mistake you miss out on the joy of acting on the voice of the Lord. Instead, trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit and let Him show you how. He'll begin by speaking to you about the little things in your life, and as you grow accustomed to hearing and obeying, He'll speak to you about weightier things.
That's how it happened with Gloria and me. When we first accepted Jesus as Lord, we didn't have any idea how to hear God. Our spirits weren't yet trained to distinguish His leading. But since the Bible promised we could do it, we began to approach our prayer time and Bible study time expecting to hear God's direction and He began to give it.
I'll never forget the first time it happened to Gloria. She'd been reading the Bible and she just stopped for a few minutes to see if God would say something to her. Right down on the inside of her, she heard the Lord say, "The light is on in your car."
It didn't occur to her that God would speak to her about something so trivial, so she just brushed that thought aside and went on listening. Pretty soon, He said the same thing again. He kept on repeating it until finally, she got up and walked out to the car. Sure enough, the light was on.
Why would God bother with something as insignificant as a car light? Because He cares! He knew Gloria was home alone that night with two small children, and if that battery had run down, she'd have been stuck there. God was watching out for her, and He told her just exactly what she needed to know right then.
Yet, at the same time, He knew she was a beginner where listening to His voice was concerned, so He gave her an instruction she could follow without much risk. I mean, what if she had gone out there and the light hadn't been on? What if she'd missed it? She would have felt foolish but that wouldn't have hurt anything.
If you'll trust Him, the Holy Spirit will do the same thing for you that He did for Gloria and me. He'll bring you along one step at a time in a way that will help you, not hurt you.
The biggest mistake you can make is to be afraid to follow that inward witness which is the number one way God leads all His children (Rom. 8:14). So don't be afraid. Take time to listen today. Expect to hear in your spirit. God has something to say to you.
Scripture Study: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Friday, January 5, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "You are Righteous"
"...not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." (Philippians 3:9)
I don't care how badly you may have messed things up yesterday or how many mistakes you have made, I want you to begin this day knowing you are righteous! Not because of anything you've done but because you've received, by faith in Jesus, the very righteousness of God.
Just look at the kinds of benefits the Word of God says that righteousness will bring:
"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree" (Ps. 92:12).
"When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth" (Prov. 11:10).
"The seed of the righteous shall be delivered" (Prov. 11:21).
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers" (1 Pet. 3:12).
"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield" (Ps. 5:12).
"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Ps. 34:17).
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Ps. 37:25).
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever" (Ps. 37:29).
"The Lord loveth the righteous" (Ps. 146:8).
Don't let the devil rob you of even one of these blessings by telling you you're unworthy of them. Run him off. Shout out loud, "I am the righteousness of God!" Then step out in faith and enjoy the privileges God has prepared for you!
Scripture Study: Romans 3:21-28
I don't care how badly you may have messed things up yesterday or how many mistakes you have made, I want you to begin this day knowing you are righteous! Not because of anything you've done but because you've received, by faith in Jesus, the very righteousness of God.
Just look at the kinds of benefits the Word of God says that righteousness will bring:
"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree" (Ps. 92:12).
"When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth" (Prov. 11:10).
"The seed of the righteous shall be delivered" (Prov. 11:21).
"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers" (1 Pet. 3:12).
"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield" (Ps. 5:12).
"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Ps. 34:17).
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Ps. 37:25).
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever" (Ps. 37:29).
"The Lord loveth the righteous" (Ps. 146:8).
Don't let the devil rob you of even one of these blessings by telling you you're unworthy of them. Run him off. Shout out loud, "I am the righteousness of God!" Then step out in faith and enjoy the privileges God has prepared for you!
Scripture Study: Romans 3:21-28
Pursuing the Dream
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
If you want to live a joyful and fulfilling life, learn to celebrate each moment of each day. All it really takes is a decision on your part to relish the events, people, and tasks that make up everyday life. Of course, you should have goals. God has put dreams and desires in each person's heart. And there will always be another dream, another challenge just over the horizon. Slow down and enjoy each stage of what He is doing in your life. You don't have to make everything happen today. Pursue the goals that God has planted in you, but don't forget to enjoy each stage of the journey!
A Prayer for Today
God, I know that You have planted dreams and goals in me. Help me to pursue them with the awareness that they will happen in Your time, and give me the ability to enjoy where You have me today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
If you want to live a joyful and fulfilling life, learn to celebrate each moment of each day. All it really takes is a decision on your part to relish the events, people, and tasks that make up everyday life. Of course, you should have goals. God has put dreams and desires in each person's heart. And there will always be another dream, another challenge just over the horizon. Slow down and enjoy each stage of what He is doing in your life. You don't have to make everything happen today. Pursue the goals that God has planted in you, but don't forget to enjoy each stage of the journey!
A Prayer for Today
God, I know that You have planted dreams and goals in me. Help me to pursue them with the awareness that they will happen in Your time, and give me the ability to enjoy where You have me today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Let the World Know"
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. ...that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me." (John 17:20,22-23)
Over the years the Church has come up with all kinds of elaborate ways to evangelize the world. We get together and map out plans and strategies and raise money for it. But through it all, we rarely mention the plan that Jesus gave us.
Most believers don't even realize that He gave us the key to winning the world, but He did. He prayed about it right before He went to the Cross. He asked the Father to bring us into a place of such oneness with each other and with Him that the world would know that He had been sent from God.
If you and I and all the rest of the Body of Christ would get together and start loving each other, we'd evangelize the world so fast it would make your head swim. It's true. But until recently, we've been too busy scrapping with one another and getting our feelings hurt to give it much thought.
But, praise God, it's beginning to dawn on some folks now that we need to stop that stuff. We need to start treating Jesus' command that we love one another as a command instead of an alternative. We need to drop our silly arguments and be unified by the Spirit of God.
Do you want to take a step toward evangelizing the world today? Then start praying for oneness. Make up your mind that you're going to start loving your fellow believers instead of criticizing, complaining, and talking ugly about them.
Start confessing that the Church of God is going to rise up together in faith and love as one glorious Body driven by the power of Jesus Himself. We are, you know. Jesus prayed that it would happen, and the Holy Spirit is already bringing it to pass.
Satan would like to stop it, but he can't. It's far more powerful than he is--and it's going to blast a hole in his operation that's big enough to drive a train through. It's going to let the whole world know that Jesus truly is Lord!
Scripture Study: John 17:9-26
Over the years the Church has come up with all kinds of elaborate ways to evangelize the world. We get together and map out plans and strategies and raise money for it. But through it all, we rarely mention the plan that Jesus gave us.
Most believers don't even realize that He gave us the key to winning the world, but He did. He prayed about it right before He went to the Cross. He asked the Father to bring us into a place of such oneness with each other and with Him that the world would know that He had been sent from God.
If you and I and all the rest of the Body of Christ would get together and start loving each other, we'd evangelize the world so fast it would make your head swim. It's true. But until recently, we've been too busy scrapping with one another and getting our feelings hurt to give it much thought.
But, praise God, it's beginning to dawn on some folks now that we need to stop that stuff. We need to start treating Jesus' command that we love one another as a command instead of an alternative. We need to drop our silly arguments and be unified by the Spirit of God.
Do you want to take a step toward evangelizing the world today? Then start praying for oneness. Make up your mind that you're going to start loving your fellow believers instead of criticizing, complaining, and talking ugly about them.
Start confessing that the Church of God is going to rise up together in faith and love as one glorious Body driven by the power of Jesus Himself. We are, you know. Jesus prayed that it would happen, and the Holy Spirit is already bringing it to pass.
Satan would like to stop it, but he can't. It's far more powerful than he is--and it's going to blast a hole in his operation that's big enough to drive a train through. It's going to let the whole world know that Jesus truly is Lord!
Scripture Study: John 17:9-26
Normal Heroes
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Great Bible characters didn't live a life of great exploits every day. They lived most of their lives the same way you do, taking care of the day-to-day things. Take the life of Noah, for instance. It must have been a great day for Noah when the rain finally started falling and his family raced onto the ark. And it was probably the high point of Noah's life when God brought him and his family safely to dry ground after months on the ark. But compared to the 120 long years it took Noah to build the ark, these brief chapters in his life were almost nothing. Noah had to keep his faith strong through all of those ordinary days while building the ark so that when God was ready to do something great through him, Noah was ready too. What does God want to do through you? Being faithful today is another step toward discovering His best.
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You for the examples of heroes in the Bible. Help me to be faithful in the things You have given me to do today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Great Bible characters didn't live a life of great exploits every day. They lived most of their lives the same way you do, taking care of the day-to-day things. Take the life of Noah, for instance. It must have been a great day for Noah when the rain finally started falling and his family raced onto the ark. And it was probably the high point of Noah's life when God brought him and his family safely to dry ground after months on the ark. But compared to the 120 long years it took Noah to build the ark, these brief chapters in his life were almost nothing. Noah had to keep his faith strong through all of those ordinary days while building the ark so that when God was ready to do something great through him, Noah was ready too. What does God want to do through you? Being faithful today is another step toward discovering His best.
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You for the examples of heroes in the Bible. Help me to be faithful in the things You have given me to do today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
"2007 - The Year of the Open Door" (Part 3)
BVOV Audio Podcast
"2007 - The Year of the Open Door" (Part 3)
Kenneth Copeland and Leroy Thompson
Listen Here
"2007 - The Year of the Open Door" (Part 3)
Kenneth Copeland and Leroy Thompson
Listen Here
Joyce Meyer: "Overcoming Grief and Loneliness"
I am told that the number one problem facing people today is grief and loneliness. People encounter major losses in their lives; and sadly, many never get over them. When tragedy occurs and the hurt seems unbearable, Satan sees it as an opportunity to attempt to bring a family or an individual into permanent bondage.
The death of a loved one, divorce, or the severing of a close relationship can bring grief; and most people go through a grieving process. The key to victory is to understand the difference between a normal, balanced "grieving process" and a spirit of grief that will try to attach itself to the hurting person. One helps the grieving person get better with the passing of time; the other causes him to get worse and sink deeper and deeper into the pit of despair.
I believe that one of the reasons why people, especially Christians, get into bondage during these trying times is due to a lack of understanding about the "grieving process." The term simply describes a succession of events that may occur in a person's life when something or someone that means a lot to them is suddenly no longer there.
Obviously, all people do not experience the same things in the same degrees; but we do have emotions that can be wounded and bruised and must be healed. Healing is a process—unless God gives a miracle, which He does at times—but more frequently, He walks His children through things step by step.
Shock and denial are two of the first things a person may encounter when tragedy occurs. Actually, God uses these to protect us from devastation. To illustrate, consider an automobile's shock absorbers. They are designed to cushion the vehicle from unexpected bumps in the road. Without them, it would fall apart from the violence of the blows it encounters during its travels.
People are often the same way. We are traveling on the road of life, and most of us are not expecting bumps and potholes. Therefore, we are not ready for them when they suddenly show up. Our Holy Ghost-installed "shock absorbers" cushion the blow until we can readjust and adapt our thinking to accommodate the sudden change in the ride. Shock and denial are good if they are temporary; however, they become a major problem if people permanently refuse to face reality and to learn how to deal with them.
The next thing people may (and often do) feel is anger—at themselves. They begin to think of things they wish they would or would not have done that might have made the situation better or prevented it. Satan wants us to live in regrets. Who is alive that would not say, "I wish I hadn't done that!" or "I wish I had done this"? Satan seeks to place blame; and it is intended to throw a person into a lifetime of guilt, condemnation, and self-hatred.
The apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:13, ...one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I like the phrase in the Amplified translation, "straining." This tells me that whenever I may have to "press on", there will be opposition from the enemy.
Endings always bring new beginnings.
Satan strives to keep us out of the new place that God has prepared. He wants to trap us in the past and causes us to live in permanent misery. Self-anger and self-blame will accomplish the devil's purpose.
People may also experience anger at the person who left them—even if they died. My aunt told me that after my uncle died, she would sometimes beat his pillow at night and yell, "Why did you leave me?" Obviously, her intellect knew that he did not purposely leave her, but her emotions were speaking. We must realize that emotions have a voice; and when they are wounded, they may react like a wounded animal. Wounded animals can be quite dangerous, and so can wounded emotions be, if they are followed.
The grieving person needs to be taught about this grieving process and some of the things he may experience. He must also be taught to place little or no value on his feelings—and not to follow them. For a person who has experienced a major loss, it is not the time to be making serious decisions nor the time to deal with other issues that may be anxiety producing or emotionally upsetting.
Anger at God is quite common. People frequently ask, "If God is good, all powerful, and full of love for us, why didn't He stop the thing that caused the pain?" Satan seeks to build a wall between God and the hurting person. He seizes the opportunity to say, "God is not good, and He cannot be trusted." However, we know that it is a lie. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. The truth is not in him according to the Word of God.
Verses 12 and 13 of James 1 states, Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.
And verse 17 says, Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
In other words, God is good; and He cannot be anything else. Furthermore, He is not one way one time and another way another time. He does not change. He is good, and that is the way He is. But what about the original question? Since God is good and all-powerful, why didn't He stop this thing before it brought all the hurt and pain?
To be very honest, these are questions for which we do not have completely sufficient answers.
I Corinthians 13:12 says, ...Now I know in part (imperfectly)... Trust always requires unanswered questions!
We want answers to everything, but we must come to the place where we are satisfied to know the One who knows and place our trust in Him. Being mad at God is foolish because He is the only One who can bring the needed help and comfort to the grieving or bereaved person.
Finally, people also get angry at the devil. This is normal and even good if the anger is properly expressed. The only way to repay the devil for hurt and devastation in our personal lives is to aggressively and vehemently do the works of Jesus. I receive much comfort and joy from Romans 12:21, ...overcome (master) evil with good.
People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotions expressed as sobbing and hysteria. These may come and go when least expected. Even people who are normally quite unemotional may experience a great deal of emotion during times of loss.
In general, people are afraid of emotions; and an uncontrolled display of these emotions is even more fearful. I encourage you to "fear not" because it will pass. Good understanding and a lot of help from the Holy Spirit will bring you through this kind of situation.
Confusion, disorientation, and fear are common. Depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many, as well as, physical symptoms caused by the emotional stress, with which the wounded person is dealing. I believe the key word in these situations is balance.
The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed, but he resisted it. He did not sink into it, nor get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings (read Psalm 42:5-11 and Psalm 143). People have often confided to me their discouragement from being made to feel (by others) that they had insufficient faith when they go through experiences like this.
I believe it often takes more faith to go through something victoriously than to be delivered from it. There are some that experience complete deliverance from grief after a great loss, but that does not happen to all people. There are others, and I might even say most of us, who go through very emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs. Those who are walking in faith come out of it, and they come out of it better than when they went in.
In closing, let me say, "Do not lose your hope!" If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to say to you that a new beginning is in front of you. You may go through some things that you will never understand, but you can trust God to work them out for your good. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!
The death of a loved one, divorce, or the severing of a close relationship can bring grief; and most people go through a grieving process. The key to victory is to understand the difference between a normal, balanced "grieving process" and a spirit of grief that will try to attach itself to the hurting person. One helps the grieving person get better with the passing of time; the other causes him to get worse and sink deeper and deeper into the pit of despair.
I believe that one of the reasons why people, especially Christians, get into bondage during these trying times is due to a lack of understanding about the "grieving process." The term simply describes a succession of events that may occur in a person's life when something or someone that means a lot to them is suddenly no longer there.
Obviously, all people do not experience the same things in the same degrees; but we do have emotions that can be wounded and bruised and must be healed. Healing is a process—unless God gives a miracle, which He does at times—but more frequently, He walks His children through things step by step.
Shock and denial are two of the first things a person may encounter when tragedy occurs. Actually, God uses these to protect us from devastation. To illustrate, consider an automobile's shock absorbers. They are designed to cushion the vehicle from unexpected bumps in the road. Without them, it would fall apart from the violence of the blows it encounters during its travels.
People are often the same way. We are traveling on the road of life, and most of us are not expecting bumps and potholes. Therefore, we are not ready for them when they suddenly show up. Our Holy Ghost-installed "shock absorbers" cushion the blow until we can readjust and adapt our thinking to accommodate the sudden change in the ride. Shock and denial are good if they are temporary; however, they become a major problem if people permanently refuse to face reality and to learn how to deal with them.
The next thing people may (and often do) feel is anger—at themselves. They begin to think of things they wish they would or would not have done that might have made the situation better or prevented it. Satan wants us to live in regrets. Who is alive that would not say, "I wish I hadn't done that!" or "I wish I had done this"? Satan seeks to place blame; and it is intended to throw a person into a lifetime of guilt, condemnation, and self-hatred.
The apostle Paul stated in Philippians 3:13, ...one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I like the phrase in the Amplified translation, "straining." This tells me that whenever I may have to "press on", there will be opposition from the enemy.
Endings always bring new beginnings.
Satan strives to keep us out of the new place that God has prepared. He wants to trap us in the past and causes us to live in permanent misery. Self-anger and self-blame will accomplish the devil's purpose.
People may also experience anger at the person who left them—even if they died. My aunt told me that after my uncle died, she would sometimes beat his pillow at night and yell, "Why did you leave me?" Obviously, her intellect knew that he did not purposely leave her, but her emotions were speaking. We must realize that emotions have a voice; and when they are wounded, they may react like a wounded animal. Wounded animals can be quite dangerous, and so can wounded emotions be, if they are followed.
The grieving person needs to be taught about this grieving process and some of the things he may experience. He must also be taught to place little or no value on his feelings—and not to follow them. For a person who has experienced a major loss, it is not the time to be making serious decisions nor the time to deal with other issues that may be anxiety producing or emotionally upsetting.
Anger at God is quite common. People frequently ask, "If God is good, all powerful, and full of love for us, why didn't He stop the thing that caused the pain?" Satan seeks to build a wall between God and the hurting person. He seizes the opportunity to say, "God is not good, and He cannot be trusted." However, we know that it is a lie. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. The truth is not in him according to the Word of God.
Verses 12 and 13 of James 1 states, Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.
And verse 17 says, Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
In other words, God is good; and He cannot be anything else. Furthermore, He is not one way one time and another way another time. He does not change. He is good, and that is the way He is. But what about the original question? Since God is good and all-powerful, why didn't He stop this thing before it brought all the hurt and pain?
To be very honest, these are questions for which we do not have completely sufficient answers.
I Corinthians 13:12 says, ...Now I know in part (imperfectly)... Trust always requires unanswered questions!
We want answers to everything, but we must come to the place where we are satisfied to know the One who knows and place our trust in Him. Being mad at God is foolish because He is the only One who can bring the needed help and comfort to the grieving or bereaved person.
Finally, people also get angry at the devil. This is normal and even good if the anger is properly expressed. The only way to repay the devil for hurt and devastation in our personal lives is to aggressively and vehemently do the works of Jesus. I receive much comfort and joy from Romans 12:21, ...overcome (master) evil with good.
People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotions expressed as sobbing and hysteria. These may come and go when least expected. Even people who are normally quite unemotional may experience a great deal of emotion during times of loss.
In general, people are afraid of emotions; and an uncontrolled display of these emotions is even more fearful. I encourage you to "fear not" because it will pass. Good understanding and a lot of help from the Holy Spirit will bring you through this kind of situation.
Confusion, disorientation, and fear are common. Depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many, as well as, physical symptoms caused by the emotional stress, with which the wounded person is dealing. I believe the key word in these situations is balance.
The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed, but he resisted it. He did not sink into it, nor get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings (read Psalm 42:5-11 and Psalm 143). People have often confided to me their discouragement from being made to feel (by others) that they had insufficient faith when they go through experiences like this.
I believe it often takes more faith to go through something victoriously than to be delivered from it. There are some that experience complete deliverance from grief after a great loss, but that does not happen to all people. There are others, and I might even say most of us, who go through very emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs. Those who are walking in faith come out of it, and they come out of it better than when they went in.
In closing, let me say, "Do not lose your hope!" If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to say to you that a new beginning is in front of you. You may go through some things that you will never understand, but you can trust God to work them out for your good. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!
Kenneth Copeland: "Be a Blessing"
"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." (Psalm 35:27, Amp)
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.
No matter where you are or who you are, God wants to see you delivered from every adverse situation.
Why? Because He loves you and He has a job for you to do. He wants you to help meet the needs of mankind and He's smart enough to know that you can't give away what you don't have. You can't give to spread the gospel or buy food for the hungry when you're broke. You can't go out laying hands on the sick when you're lying in a hospital bed. You can't minister joy to others when you're being held captive by depression. No! You have to be blessed to be a blessing.
If you really want to tap into the riches of God today, make up your mind to be a blessing to others, and before you know it, you'll be receiving more from God than you ever dreamed.
That's what happened to me. I decided years ago, first and foremost, to be a giver. I developed a lifestyle of giving. Today, I literally "live to give." And I don't mind telling you, God dumps blessings on me by the truckload!
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!
Scripture Study: "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.
No matter where you are or who you are, God wants to see you delivered from every adverse situation.
Why? Because He loves you and He has a job for you to do. He wants you to help meet the needs of mankind and He's smart enough to know that you can't give away what you don't have. You can't give to spread the gospel or buy food for the hungry when you're broke. You can't go out laying hands on the sick when you're lying in a hospital bed. You can't minister joy to others when you're being held captive by depression. No! You have to be blessed to be a blessing.
If you really want to tap into the riches of God today, make up your mind to be a blessing to others, and before you know it, you'll be receiving more from God than you ever dreamed.
That's what happened to me. I decided years ago, first and foremost, to be a giver. I developed a lifestyle of giving. Today, I literally "live to give." And I don't mind telling you, God dumps blessings on me by the truckload!
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!
Scripture Study: "Genesis 12:1-4,Genesis 13:1-4"
Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Kenneth Copeland: "Look Up!"
"Consider [Jesus] that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:3)
Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.
Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surrounds us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus.
If you let that happen, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion. And the Word tells us what the results of that is. It says you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."
Jesus put it this way in Mark 4. He said that when the cares of this world enter into your heart and mind, they'll choke the Word and cause it to become unfruitful. And since your faith is the product of the Word, that means your faith will wither. Once that happens, you're headed for disaster.
What can you do to stop this chain reaction of weariness?
Look up! Get your eyes back on Jesus. I remember on the field of athletic competition that when an opponent allowed himself to drop his head, he was no longer dangerous. He could be very easily defeated. So keep your head up. Keep considering Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.
Look up! Get your eyes off the circumstances around you and onto your heavenly source. Don't be afraid you're going to lose everything. God is your Source, not the world. He can take care of you regardless of what happens around you.
If you've gotten weary lately, begin to lift your eyes. Raise your head up instead of looking down. God is up. Jesus is up. The devil is down--under your feet. Look up!
Scripture Study: Isaiah 40:21-31
Look up...because in times like these, your very life may depend on it.
Some time ago, the Lord showed me that a spirit of weariness is trying to work its way into our lives these days through all the pressure and bad news that surrounds us. It's working to get our eyes off the Word of God by bombarding us with negative forces. It's trying to get us to look down at defeat instead of up at Jesus.
If you let that happen, your spirit man will begin to lose his dominion. And the Word tells us what the results of that is. It says you will "be wearied and faint in your minds."
Jesus put it this way in Mark 4. He said that when the cares of this world enter into your heart and mind, they'll choke the Word and cause it to become unfruitful. And since your faith is the product of the Word, that means your faith will wither. Once that happens, you're headed for disaster.
What can you do to stop this chain reaction of weariness?
Look up! Get your eyes back on Jesus. I remember on the field of athletic competition that when an opponent allowed himself to drop his head, he was no longer dangerous. He could be very easily defeated. So keep your head up. Keep considering Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Consider Him instead of the cares of this world. Consider what God says in His Word. Be moved by the thoughts of God. Let His thoughts become your thoughts.
Look up! Get your eyes off the circumstances around you and onto your heavenly source. Don't be afraid you're going to lose everything. God is your Source, not the world. He can take care of you regardless of what happens around you.
If you've gotten weary lately, begin to lift your eyes. Raise your head up instead of looking down. God is up. Jesus is up. The devil is down--under your feet. Look up!
Scripture Study: Isaiah 40:21-31
Enjoy Life
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!
A Prayer for Today
Lord, I know that You have promised to give me everything I need to live a joy-filled life. Thank You for Your blessings, and help me to live a life of joy beginning today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Scripture
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!
A Prayer for Today
Lord, I know that You have promised to give me everything I need to live a joy-filled life. Thank You for Your blessings, and help me to live a life of joy beginning today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Creflo Dollar - Daily Devotional
"...May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance..." (1 Peter 1:2, AMP).
God wants to bless you with His grace and peace beyond what you could imagine. No matter what may be troubling you, lay hold of these things by faith and experience true spiritual blessings from the Lord.
God wants to bless you with His grace and peace beyond what you could imagine. No matter what may be troubling you, lay hold of these things by faith and experience true spiritual blessings from the Lord.
From Veronica: Prayer for For You for 2007
I pray that peace break into your house and that thieves will come to steal your debts. I pray the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
I pray that love will stick to your face like Vaseline and laughter assault your lips! I ask God to cause your clothes to have the smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address! In simple words ...
I pray that love will stick to your face like Vaseline and laughter assault your lips! I ask God to cause your clothes to have the smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had, forget your home address! In simple words ...
May 2007 be the best year of your life!!!
This is the year of completion. It's done in Jesus Name!
Kenneth Copeland: "Happy New Year"
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the New Year.
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?
You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everybody else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on.
If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life!
How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"? That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes.
That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born--so you could start over!
You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all!
How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt 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!
Scripture Study: Romans 10:1-13
Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the New Year.
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?
You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everybody else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on.
If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life!
How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"? That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes.
That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born--so you could start over!
You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all!
How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt 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!
Scripture Study: Romans 10:1-13
Just do it!
Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
Fear not. That is the message David had for his son, Solomon. For many years, David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God told Him that specific job belonged to his son, Solomon. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and even though he knew he had a mandate from God, he was intimidated by the prospect of building a great house of worship, one that would be a dwelling place for the Most High. Your can probably understand his apprehension.
But his father David had some good advice for him. He told his son, "Forget your fear. God is bigger than your problems. He is bigger than the temple you are going to build. He is bigger than any adversity that you might face. So just get busy and do your part and God will do the rest."
Perhaps as this New Year approaches you have some changes that need to be made. Maybe you need a renovation in your marriage, finances, health, or emotions. Whatever your individual needs may be, notice the words of David, "Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you."
A Prayer for Today
God, I'm excited to see what You have planned for me this year. Whatever I face, I will not be intimidated. I will begin this year by seeing myself as You do – happy, healthy, and prosperous. Thank you for the gift of another year. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today's Scripture
"Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not; be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." (I Chronicles 28:20)Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Fear not. That is the message David had for his son, Solomon. For many years, David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God told Him that specific job belonged to his son, Solomon. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and even though he knew he had a mandate from God, he was intimidated by the prospect of building a great house of worship, one that would be a dwelling place for the Most High. Your can probably understand his apprehension.
But his father David had some good advice for him. He told his son, "Forget your fear. God is bigger than your problems. He is bigger than the temple you are going to build. He is bigger than any adversity that you might face. So just get busy and do your part and God will do the rest."
Perhaps as this New Year approaches you have some changes that need to be made. Maybe you need a renovation in your marriage, finances, health, or emotions. Whatever your individual needs may be, notice the words of David, "Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you."
A Prayer for Today
God, I'm excited to see what You have planned for me this year. Whatever I face, I will not be intimidated. I will begin this year by seeing myself as You do – happy, healthy, and prosperous. Thank you for the gift of another year. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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