Meditate on the Word

"And [God] brought [Abram] forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:5-6)

Do you ever have trouble believing the Word of God? Not just agreeing with it mentally, but really believing that what it says will work for you?

I do. There are times when the promises in the Word stagger my mind. There have been times when I've felt so defeated and the circumstances around me looked so bad that it was tough for me to believe I was "more than a conqueror" even though I knew God said I was.

What do you do when your mind staggers like that at the promise of God? You meditate on that promise.

Scriptural meditation simply means thinking about and reflecting on the Word of God. It means pondering a particular scripture and mentally applying it to your own circumstances again and again until that scripture permanently marks your consciousness.

That kind of meditation can affect your life in a way that almost nothing else can. It can, quite literally, alter your mind. That's what happened to Abram.

When God first told him that he was going to father a nation, he was an old man. His wife, Sara, was also old. What's more, she had been barren all her life. How could an aging, childless couple have even one child -- much less a nation full of them? Abram couldn't even imagine such a thing. It contradicted his entire mind-set.

But God knew the mental struggle Abram would have, so He didn't just make him a verbal promise and leave it at that. He gave Abram a picture of that promise to meditate on. He took him out into the starry night, turned his eyes to the sky and said, "So shall thy seed be."

Can't you just see Abram staring out at the stars, trying to count them? Filling the eyes of his heart with the promise of God?

That's what meditation is all about. Taking time to envision the promise of God until it becomes a reality inside you. It's tremendously powerful, and by focusing on the scriptural promises God has given you, you can put it to work in your life just as Abram put it to work in his.

Don't just read the Word. Meditate on it today.

Scripture Study: Romans 4:13-25

What If You Knew You Had Only One Year Left To Live...?

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Keep Paddling Upstream

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)

Do you really believe that you need to watch over your mouth? Most believers don't. You can tell that just by listening to their conversations. They profess, for example, to be trusting God concerning their health. But you're likely to hear them say something like this: "I'm just sure I'm going to get the flu. I get it every year. I'll be sicker than a dog too, you'll see...."

Do people like that have what they say?

Oh yes! Check with them a few weeks later and they'll be quick to tell you that they got just as sick as they said they'd be. But, odds are, if you try to tell them there's any connection between the words they spoke and the illness they suffered, they'll look at you as if you were out of your mind.

Of course, if they'd dig into the Word of God and find out what it has to say about the subject, they'd realize that the words they speak have a tremendous impact on their lives. They'd see that it quite literally determines their future. If you're a born-again believer, you've already experienced the most powerful example of that. You believed with your heart and confessed with your mouth the Lord Jesus and you changed the eternal course of your life. You know firsthand just how powerful your words can be.

Yet, even so, if you're like me, you still find that speaking faith-filled words consistently is tough to do. I've been at it myself for many years now and, despite all the time I've spent on it and all the experiences I've had, it's still something I have to watch all the time.

You see, the world around you is in negative flow. Like a rushing river, it's always pulling at you, trying to get you to flow with it. Living by faith and speaking words of faith is like trying to paddle upstream. You can do it--but it's a great deal of work. And there's never a time you can afford to take a vacation from it. If you relax a little bit you'll just start drifting right back down the river.

Make the decision right now to set a watch over your lips. Determine to consistently fill your mouth with the Word of God.

"Attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings" (Prov. 4:20).

Let God's Word be your watch and everything you say will take you a little further upstream!

Scripture Study: Romans 10:8-17

Put Your Imagination to Work

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

If you have a desire to give, yet financial failures keep holding you back, you may be surprised to learn that what you need is not more money. What you need is a spiritual breakthrough. You need to take the Word of God and shatter the images of poverty and lack within you. You need to replace them with a vision of the sufficiency of God. Then more things, including money, will come.

How? By spending time thinking on the prosperity promises He's provided for you in His Word. By meditating on them. By believing you receive those promises actually being fulfilled in your life.

Begin to see yourself, for example, being a generous giver to people in need. In your mind, see yourself as a giver instead of the one who is always in need. Each time you do, the promise of God will become more real to you and your faith will grow.

"Oh my, Brother Copeland, surely you're not saying I should use my imagination!"

Yes, that's precisely what I'm saying. Why do you think God gave it to you? Coupled with the Word of God, your imagination is a tremendous thing. However, without the Word, your imagination will become worldly and bind you instead of feeding your faith.

Sometimes creating such new images of hope are tough--especially when there are old images of doubt blocking the way. If you've been broke, for instance, all or most all of your life, it may take a while for you to see yourself prospering in God. But you can do it if you stay in the Word.

Just keep meditating the Word of God. Eventually you'll be transformed by the renewing of your mind. When that happens, financial failures will never be able to stop you again.

Scripture Study: 2 Corinthians 8:1-14

Lifebit

If you can’t think of anything nice to say…

keep thinking.
Luke 6:31

Time For A Spiritual Check-up

"I am praying...your body is as healthy as...your soul." 3 John 2 TLB

We all know how important physical health is; here's a plan for keeping your soul in shape:

(a) Don't question your faith, question your doubts. We spend too much time dwelling on our misgivings, experiencing faith as an occasional flash-in-the-pan. God's promises are for 'believers.'

(b) Don't be a 'lone ranger.' It's no accident that the Old Testament contains the story of God's people, and that the Epistles were written to congregations. We grow as we relate - not isolate!

(c) Guard your thought life. If your "thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if [it's] controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace" (Ro 8:6 NCV). Practice mind management!

(d) Fall asleep and wake up immersed in gratitude. It'll transform your day. "In every thing give thanks!" (1Th 5:18).

(e) Ditch anything that distracts you from God. Toss the junk reading material, and if you've got the guts, throw in the TV!

(f) Always err on the side of mercy. Philip Yancey writes: "I marvel at the humility of a God who descends to live inside...his 'flawed' creatures...Do I show that same attitude towards people of whom I disapprove?"

(g) Be specific and don't revert to generalities when discussing your faith. Paul wasn't "ashamed of the Gospel" (Ro 1:16); neither should you be.

(h) Be gracious to the people who irk you. God chose them too! Sometimes it's easier to be gracious to non-believers than to uptight, moralistic Christians. But that just makes you a different kind of judgmental.

(i) Forgive those who've hurt you. Harboring hatred hinders healing, so bring your hurts to God.

Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. Bishop Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from Eastern Bible College and has been preaching the unadulterated gospel for over twenty years. His unique method of preaching and teaching has opened many doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. Bishop Jenkins is the proud husband of Lady Sheila Jenkins and father of Travis, Jamal, Clarrisa and Dionna.

Don't Serve the Problem

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him." (Isaiah 55:7)

You can't win a victory as long as the problem is the biggest thing in your life!

The Lord woke me up to that fact a few years ago. At that time I was facing some difficulties in my ministry that seemed so big to me, I thought about them from morning till night. Even though I was standing against them, I was thinking more about those problems than about the scripture promises I was standing on.

Then I saw something in Matthew 6:24-25:

"Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life."

I'd read that scripture hundreds of times, but that day I saw something I'd never noticed before. I saw that immediately after Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters," He said, "Take no thought." Suddenly it hit me: We serve our thoughts!

That's why Isaiah 55 says for us to forsake our thoughts, and by the Word, take God's thoughts. That's why 2 Corinthians 10:5 says to cast out thoughts that challenge the Word and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Do you want deliverance from your problems today?

Then quit serving them! Quit allowing them to consume your thought life. And don't wait until circumstances change to do it. Instead, realize that circumstances won't ever change until you switch from wrong to right thinking.

I know that's not easy to do, especially in the midst of heavy darkness and trial. But you can do it if you'll do these three things:

First, remember you aren't alone. You have the Word (God's thoughts). You have the Holy Spirit to strengthen you and you have the mind of Christ.

Second, get around people who are full of faith. Instead of rehearsing your problem, let them do the talking. Make yourself listen. Join in with their faith and resist darkness.

Third, praise God. Do whatever it takes to make yourself praise. When you begin to praise, God's presence will turn back those worried thoughts and make them fall!

Your problems are not the biggest thing in your life. Jesus is. Serve Him with your thoughts and He will set you free!

Scripture Study: Isaiah 55

The Art of Confrontation

REF: Hosea 6:1 - 7:16

Hosea is not above speaking words of confrontation. He uses vivid imagery and colorful images to describe the evil behavior of his people. Look at his train of thought:

1. He clarifies the desired relationship he wishes to have (6:1-3)
2. He defines the unacceptable behavior (6:4-5)
3. He highlights his values and priorities (6:6)
4. He lists the conduct that illustrates his point (7:1-14)
5. He reminds the people of their training (7:15)
6. He declares the consequences (7:16)

For six more chapters Hosea continues to detail the people's unacceptable conduct. Then, in chapter 14, he offers words of restoration. The goal is always reconciliation, not excommunication.

When team members drift from goals, leaders owe it to them and to the organization to confront or clarify the situation. This is the only way to stay on track and to maintain respect from the team. Hosea has written the book on it!

Confrontation: It Comes with the Territory

REF: Ezekiel 23:36-39

God told Ezekiel to confront His people using colorful and striking imagery. "Oholah" and "Oholibah" are symbolic names for sinful Israel and Judah. God describes the sins they have committed and demands that Ezekiel confront the people with their rebellion.

At times a leader must confront sinful or destructive behavior in the ranks. No healthy leader enjoys confrontation, but no healthy leader avoids it, either. What can we learn from God and Ezekiel about confrontation?

1. Be compassionate. Ezekiel hurt as he recalled the sins of Israel.
2. Be forthright. Ezekiel spoke honestly and directly to the issue.
3. Be specific. Ezekiel didn't drop hints, but gave specifics about the problem.
4. Be clear. Ezekiel spoke simply about the consequences of such behavior.
5. Be redemptive. Ezekiel communicated for the purpose of restoring the people.
6. Be hopeful. Ezekiel ended with words of hope for the future.
   

How Do Leaders Confront?

REF: 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

Once Paul had identified the sin that plagued the church, as well as what should be done about it, he encouraged the leaders to confront this erring man. Most of us avoid confrontation; only a sadistic person likes it. So, how do we confront in a healthy and effective manner? Try to follow these steps:

1. Address the issue immediately and personally.
2. Confront with the right spirit.
3. Start on a positive note.
4. Outline the problem.
5. Encourage a response.
6. Show that you understand the other person's position.
7. Explain why the action is damaging.
8. Indicate the desired action.
9. Reiterate the positive strengths of the person.
10. Put the issue in the past.
    

Psalm 112:5

"Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice."

Divine Healing

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

One day, when I was working as a flight attendant, a male passenger stopped me and asked for a bag of ice. His face appeared distressed, and I could see that he was in pain. I asked him what was the matter, and he said that he had just had knee surgery and that he had run out of pain medicine. At that moment, I knew that God had put me in this man's path for a purpose. So I promptly walked into the galley, scooped a bunch of ice into a plastic bag, spun the top around and lifted it up to God. I asked God to take away the man's pain and to heal his knee expeditiously. Then I gave the makeshift ice pack to the man and continued to serve surrounding passengers.

I kept an eye on the man, and after I finished my service, I approached him again. I could tell from the look on his face that he was still hurting. Indeed, he confirmed that some of the pain was gone, but not all. He explained that he had experienced several injuries and surgeries on his knee from playing years of tennis.

As I stood in the aisle listening to this man's story, I felt a righteous indignation rise up in me. I simply could not stand to see him in pain. And I felt strongly compelled by the Holy Spirit to pray for this man. So I asked him if I might do so. I believe it was out of sheer desperation that he agreed. So he removed the ice pack, and I knelt in the aisle, right in first class, which was full of on looking passengers. I began to pray softly, out loud. I was uncomfortable with everyone staring, but I continued to pray because I knew I was to step up, be bold, share the heart of Jesus and do what Jesus would have done for this man according to the gospels.

When I finished praying, I looked up at the man, and I asked Him how his knee felt. He slowly opened his eyes and smiled carefully. Then a surprised look appeared across his face, and he said quietly, "All the pain is gone." He smiled big, and he asked me if it was magic. I shared with him it was the healing power of God and that the Father of the universe loved him with an everlasting love so great that He didn't want him to hurt anymore. The man's eyes began to well up with tears. And I asked him whether he knew Jesus. He replied that he was "a non-practicing Methodist." As I began to explain to him about having a personal relationship with Jesus, I wondered whether this man had anyone else to pray for him. Just the thought of the possibility that he might not broke my heart, and I was reminded, once again, that my higher purpose in my workplace was to reach out to others with the heart of Jesus.

What a perfect mission field our workplaces are! When we consider that fulltime workers spend at least 50% of their waking hours on the job, it makes sense that we Christians are to show up for more than a paycheck. The miracle of healing is one way Jesus demonstrated His love for others and boosted their faith throughout the gospels, and He still does today. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Healing opportunities abound, and they are not all physical. Sometimes they are emotional or spiritual.

Ask the Lord to show you who among you is in need of healing, and ask Him to enable you to meet that need through His healing power. You could find that the people He identifies may not have anyone else praying for them.

Margaret D. Mitchell is the founder of the God's Love at Work Foundation and speaks on sharing God's love in the workplace. Her book, "100 Passengers," is an inspirational testimony of her journey out of fear. For more information, visit www.margaretdmitchell.com.

Lifebit

Sometimes what you are doing speaks so loudly…

that what you are saying goes unheard.
1 John 3:8

Think on these...

If you think you are too small to make an impact,
try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.

Doubt sees the obstacles
Faith sees the way;
Doubt sees the blackest night
Faith sees the day;
Doubts dreads to take a step
Faith soars on high;
Doubt questions, “Who believes?”
Faith answers, “I”

Worldly Planning

2 Corinthians 1:17 - Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?

The apostle Paul was discussing his plans to come to the church at Corinth. He was acknowledging the serious nature of his trip and informing the Corinthians that he did not flippantly come to this decision to visit them. It was a matter that had been given serious prayer, not one made in the spur of the moment.

Planning from God's view is a process. It isn't merely an exercise in reason and analysis. It requires entering into the mind of Christ together with our minds to determine which course to take. In the Old Testament, the priests wore breastplates with the urim and thummim in a pouch on their breasts. It was like a roll of dice that the priests were required to perform to know which direction they were to take on a matter. It was the ultimate release of all decisions into God's hand. God did not want the priests to rely on their own intellects for final decisions.

We have an uncanny ability to make decisions based on our own needs and wants. However, God desires that we seek Him to know His plans for us. David was a skilled warrior who never lost a battle. He consulted God on every decision. He knew the results of the battle rested in God's hand. So, if he was to gain victory, he had to know God's mind on the matter. Sometimes this requires more time given to the process in order to hear His voice. Sometimes it may even require fasting and prayer. Sometimes it may require input from other godly friends.

Are you a man or woman who makes decisions based on God's purposes for your life? Do you take every major decision and put it before the throne to determine God's mind on the matter? If so, you will avoid making decisions in a worldly manner.

7 Keys for Growing in the Garden of Friendship

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Fear Not!

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear.

Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.

The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.

David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God.

When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.

Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.

Don't Let Your Faith Slip

Kenneth Copeland

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." (Hebrews 2:1)

Something very serious has been happening to the Body of Christ. We've often let the things which we have heard, the message of faith and righteousness, slip.

I'm not just talking about those believers who've been so surrounded by religion that they've never heard about the power that's theirs in Christ Jesus. I'm talking about those of us who have heard the Word and have known the thrill of living by faith.

In my own life, for example, there were times when I'd pray for healing. I'd say all the right words, "Thank God, I believe I receive..." and all that. But inside I'd be thinking, "I wonder why God isn't healing me?"

You see, even though I'd said that I believed I was healed, I hadn't really. I'd staggered at the promise of God, believing what my body told me instead of the Word of God.

I don't care how long you've been a believer or how long you've been practicing the principles of faith. You can easily slip into unbelief about the promises of God. And, when you do, it will cost you dearly.

"But if slipping into unbelief is so easy," you may say, "how can we avoid it?"

Hebrews 4:11 tells us: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

We must labor! Not by working with our hands and feet or struggling to get God to do something, but by spending time in God's Word--hanging onto the promises of God by faith day after day. We must labor by hearkening to the Word and refusing to let it slip.

Don't get casual about the Word. Don't make the mistake of thinking, "Oh I know all that faith stuff. I know how to receive my healing." Don't slack off or one of these days the devil will catch you unprepared and steal you blind.

Instead, dig more deeply in the Word than ever. Labor! Be diligent to keep your faith from slipping--and you won't have to fall!

Scripture Study: Hebrews 10:23-39

Lifebit

Pray through the storm…

but keep rowing.
Mark 4:35

Think on these…

Do you want to be strong and carry out great exploits…Know God.

Live close enough to God that all else seems small in comparison.

The smallest good deed is better than the greatest of intention.

Don’t let what you can’t do…interfere with what you can do.

All that summer conceals, winter reveals.