“I can’t understand God by feelings. I can’t understand the Lord Jesus Christ by feelings. I can only understand God the Father and Jesus Christ by what the Word says about them. God is everything the Word says He is. We need to get acquainted with Him through the Word.”
“It is a blessed thing to learn that God’s word can never fail. Never harken to human plans. God can work mightily when you persist in believing Him in spite of discouragements from the human standpoint…I am not moved by what I see. I am moved only by what I believe. No man considers how he feels if he believes. The man who believes God has it."
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Faith in Action is Faith That Overcomes!
"When you praise God is the midst of adverse circumstances – that is faith in action."
Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Psalm 33:1 - Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Psalm 9:1 - I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
Psalm 34:1 - I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Geri McGhee
Abiding Life Ministries
Lindale, TX
www.abidinglifeministries.org
Sunday, June 20, 2010
God is Faithful to Perform His Word
God is faithful. You can count on Him. Just as He sends the rain and it blesses the vegetation of the earth, so He sends forth His Word to water our lives to bless us and give increase for His glory. His Word is true. He never fails...and He will never fail you.
Isaiah 55:10-11
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Jeremiah 1:12
The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."
Monday, May 24, 2010
Mature Faith
"Faith as a grain of mustard seed. . ." Matthew 17:20
We have the idea that God rewards us for our faith, it may be so in the initial stages; but we do not earn anything by faith, faith brings us into right relationship with God and gives God His opportunity.
God has frequently to knock the bottom board out of your experience if you are a saint in order to get you into contact with Himself. God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of sentimental enjoyment of His blessings. Your earlier life of faith was narrow and intense, settled around a little sun-spot of experience that had as much of sense as of faith in it, full of light and sweetness; then God withdrew His conscious blessings in order to teach you to walk by faith. You are worth far more to Him now than you were in your days of conscious delight and thrilling testimony.
Faith by its very nature must be tried, and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God's character has to be cleared in our own minds. Faith in its actual working out has to go through spells of unsyllabled isolation. Never confound the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life, much that we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith in the Bible is faith in God against everything that contradicts Him - I will remain true to God's character whatever He may do. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" - this is the most sublime utterance of faith in the whole of the Bible.
-Oswald Chambers
My Utmost for His Highest - October 31st
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Stepping Out in Faith - Crossing The Big Divides In Life
Taking steps of faith are not comfortable to us because, in our sinful nature, we don't live by faith. Yet, to please God we are required to walk in faith- biblical faith, not human faith. Biblical faith and human faith may sound like they are the same thing, or at least very similar, however, they are not. Human faith is believing with our physical senses, which is very limited in ability. Biblical faith is believing God, based on His Word, with our hearts which empowers us to believe things that are beyond the ability of our sense - even to believing things that, to us, are impossible.
The reason for biblical faith is that it allows us to enter into the spiritual realm and access God. When we repent of our sins and turn to Christ, as both our Lord and Savior, He gives each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).We are called to walk in that faith. Without it we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6) and cannot even comprehend His promises or receive His blessings.
Hebrews 11:1 in The Amplified Bible says "that faith is the assurance of things (the confirmation, the title deed) [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]".
So, we can have an assurance, which is a guarantee, of the things that we hope for (based upon the Word of God). Faith is the "proof" of things we don't or can't see (things beyond the ability of our senses) and the conviction or certainty of the fact that this things really exist.
Faith takes hold of the hopes that are in God's reality and brings them into our reality and lives. How do we get this faith? By hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17). When we have faith based on the bible we are to believe before we receive. We can do this because God's Word is totally true and can be totally relied upon - after all, it is God's Word. Therefore, because God says it, we are to believe it - even before we see His promises come to pass in our lives.
It is essential that we live with this type of faith. As a matter of fact, we are to know God's Word and claim His promises until they come to pass in our lives, giving Him thanks and praise in anticipation of the promises being fulfilled. This is true concerning any of our needs - healing (physical, emotional, or spiritual), finances, conquering sinful habits, etc.
Remember Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade? The short video clip below shows a part of that movie where he is attempting to cross a deep chasm to obtain the holy grail and use it to save his father's life. It serves as an interesting illustration about the necessity of exercising faith. Indiana had to believe something was real and that it existed, even though he could not see it. He would never have been able to reach his objective (getting to the other side of the chasm) without first believing in the reality of what was unseen - the bridge. His "faith" was proof that the bridge existed, despite all his senses telling him that it didn't exist. This clip illustrates the nature of faith and, if you will, can even speak to us on a higher level and provide great insight about biblical faith in action.
Bible faith is victorious faith and overcomes all things in Christ. We are victorious and are overcomers when we live and exercise our faith. We also please God and experience His abundant blessings when we do so.
The reason for biblical faith is that it allows us to enter into the spiritual realm and access God. When we repent of our sins and turn to Christ, as both our Lord and Savior, He gives each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).We are called to walk in that faith. Without it we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6) and cannot even comprehend His promises or receive His blessings.
Hebrews 11:1 in The Amplified Bible says "that faith is the assurance of things (the confirmation, the title deed) [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]".
So, we can have an assurance, which is a guarantee, of the things that we hope for (based upon the Word of God). Faith is the "proof" of things we don't or can't see (things beyond the ability of our senses) and the conviction or certainty of the fact that this things really exist.
Faith takes hold of the hopes that are in God's reality and brings them into our reality and lives. How do we get this faith? By hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17). When we have faith based on the bible we are to believe before we receive. We can do this because God's Word is totally true and can be totally relied upon - after all, it is God's Word. Therefore, because God says it, we are to believe it - even before we see His promises come to pass in our lives.
It is essential that we live with this type of faith. As a matter of fact, we are to know God's Word and claim His promises until they come to pass in our lives, giving Him thanks and praise in anticipation of the promises being fulfilled. This is true concerning any of our needs - healing (physical, emotional, or spiritual), finances, conquering sinful habits, etc.
Remember Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade? The short video clip below shows a part of that movie where he is attempting to cross a deep chasm to obtain the holy grail and use it to save his father's life. It serves as an interesting illustration about the necessity of exercising faith. Indiana had to believe something was real and that it existed, even though he could not see it. He would never have been able to reach his objective (getting to the other side of the chasm) without first believing in the reality of what was unseen - the bridge. His "faith" was proof that the bridge existed, despite all his senses telling him that it didn't exist. This clip illustrates the nature of faith and, if you will, can even speak to us on a higher level and provide great insight about biblical faith in action.
Bible faith is victorious faith and overcomes all things in Christ. We are victorious and are overcomers when we live and exercise our faith. We also please God and experience His abundant blessings when we do so.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sowing and Reaping - The Plan for Growth and Success!
A few days ago I wrote a short article titled "Biblical Faith and It's Results" on this blog. In that article I discussed and defined biblical faith as both believing and acting on the Word of God. I also discussed the importance of confession, speaking in line with God's Word, and standing on His Word until His promise is fulfilled in our lives. This involves the principle of sowing and reaping.
I wrote and posted an article recently on one of my other blogs (www.christosourhealer.blogspot.com) titled "The Word is the Necessary Seed for Harvest". My purpose here is not to repeat what was written in that article (please read that article to understand more fully the principle of the "seed"), but simply to highlight that G
od's Word is seed (Luke 8:11). As seed, it contains the "genetic code" for our success concerning both eternal life and living life here on earth more abundantly by being connected with the author and overcomer - God Himself. However, without planting the seed, we will never see a harvest. So, planting it is necessary for it to grow and bear abundant fruit. When we plant the Word of God firmly in our hearts, it must be with full of faith and obedience. In doing so, we will see God grow our faith and bring forth abundant fruit, as well as answered prayer.
We have all seen God answer prayer instantaneously and we have also seen Him answer prayer only after a season - sometimes short and sometimes long. When He answers prayer instantaneously, that can be in the realm of being called a miracle. When an answer is instantaneous, we rejoice and are astounded by God's goodness and faithfulness. Yet, when a prayer isn't answered immediately, we can faint, become weary and even lose our hope, thinking that God has not either heard or answered us. However, this is far from being true!
It is important to point out that there are some prerequisites for answered prayer that I discussed in my other article. These include: walking in obedience to God (John 14:21), praying according to the will of God [the promises in His Word] (Proverbs 4:20-22, 1 John 5:14-15), and cultivating faith in our lives by continually hearing and reading the Word (Romans 10:17).
If we are in the situation where God is not answering our prayers immediately, do not despair - God is at work! A farmer understands that when he plants seed that he must place it in nutrient-rich soil, water it, exposure it to the sun and then wait with patience. The farmer has confidence that the seed is not dormant and is, in fact, busy growing; th
ough he may not see any evidence of growth for a time. It is exactly the same with regard to receiving answers to our prayers. Not every prayer has a manifested answer immediately when we pray. This is also true concerning healing - not every healing is manifested immediately when we pray. But, we can still stand confident that God has answered our prayer, even when we do not see the evidence of it - yet!
God is a God of His Word. He will never go against His Word. He is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). Hebrews 11:1 says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". We need to make sure that we stand in faith and being certain, based upon the Word, that God has granted our request. Like the farmer who planted the seed in fertile soil, we too must wait for it to germinate and then after come to a full harvest, all in due season. During this time, like the farmer we must cultivate it. How do we do this? As I mentioned before, we cultivate our faith by trusting God, walking obediently, and building our faith by continually being in His Word.
There is another component to seeing God's promises coming to pass in our lives. It involves thanksgiving, praise and worship. It may seem very counter-intuitive, but we are to thank Him for the answer to our prayers before they are manifested/revealed. You see, by faith we know we have our request even prior to actually receiving it. When we thank, praise and worship we take an active step into the faith realm and create two things. The first thing we create is a heart full of faith and expectation, one that is eager to receive - this is keeping the soil of our hearts cultivated. The second thing we create is opportunity and initiative to enter into God's dimension with humility and gratitude. In doing so, He loves to grant the requests of His children who call upon His name.
During these seasons when we wait for God to answer our prayers, no matter how short or long they are, we are growing abundantly in our faith. While receiving the answer to our specific prayer is important, it is infinitely more important that we are creating a heart and life inclining itself toward God, hungry for and full of love for Him. Such a life is therefore ready
to receive every great blessing from Him. This is the fruit of the abundant harvest of our lives.
Be confident and full of faith! Whatever we sow, we shall reap (Galatians 6:7-8). When we sow God's Word into our hearts, as we stand in His Word by faith, we will see His promises fulfilled and our prayers answered!
In the name of Jehovah Jireh (God our Provider),
Ross
I wrote and posted an article recently on one of my other blogs (www.christosourhealer.blogspot.com) titled "The Word is the Necessary Seed for Harvest". My purpose here is not to repeat what was written in that article (please read that article to understand more fully the principle of the "seed"), but simply to highlight that G
od's Word is seed (Luke 8:11). As seed, it contains the "genetic code" for our success concerning both eternal life and living life here on earth more abundantly by being connected with the author and overcomer - God Himself. However, without planting the seed, we will never see a harvest. So, planting it is necessary for it to grow and bear abundant fruit. When we plant the Word of God firmly in our hearts, it must be with full of faith and obedience. In doing so, we will see God grow our faith and bring forth abundant fruit, as well as answered prayer.We have all seen God answer prayer instantaneously and we have also seen Him answer prayer only after a season - sometimes short and sometimes long. When He answers prayer instantaneously, that can be in the realm of being called a miracle. When an answer is instantaneous, we rejoice and are astounded by God's goodness and faithfulness. Yet, when a prayer isn't answered immediately, we can faint, become weary and even lose our hope, thinking that God has not either heard or answered us. However, this is far from being true!
It is important to point out that there are some prerequisites for answered prayer that I discussed in my other article. These include: walking in obedience to God (John 14:21), praying according to the will of God [the promises in His Word] (Proverbs 4:20-22, 1 John 5:14-15), and cultivating faith in our lives by continually hearing and reading the Word (Romans 10:17).
If we are in the situation where God is not answering our prayers immediately, do not despair - God is at work! A farmer understands that when he plants seed that he must place it in nutrient-rich soil, water it, exposure it to the sun and then wait with patience. The farmer has confidence that the seed is not dormant and is, in fact, busy growing; th
ough he may not see any evidence of growth for a time. It is exactly the same with regard to receiving answers to our prayers. Not every prayer has a manifested answer immediately when we pray. This is also true concerning healing - not every healing is manifested immediately when we pray. But, we can still stand confident that God has answered our prayer, even when we do not see the evidence of it - yet!God is a God of His Word. He will never go against His Word. He is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). Hebrews 11:1 says: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see". We need to make sure that we stand in faith and being certain, based upon the Word, that God has granted our request. Like the farmer who planted the seed in fertile soil, we too must wait for it to germinate and then after come to a full harvest, all in due season. During this time, like the farmer we must cultivate it. How do we do this? As I mentioned before, we cultivate our faith by trusting God, walking obediently, and building our faith by continually being in His Word.
There is another component to seeing God's promises coming to pass in our lives. It involves thanksgiving, praise and worship. It may seem very counter-intuitive, but we are to thank Him for the answer to our prayers before they are manifested/revealed. You see, by faith we know we have our request even prior to actually receiving it. When we thank, praise and worship we take an active step into the faith realm and create two things. The first thing we create is a heart full of faith and expectation, one that is eager to receive - this is keeping the soil of our hearts cultivated. The second thing we create is opportunity and initiative to enter into God's dimension with humility and gratitude. In doing so, He loves to grant the requests of His children who call upon His name.
During these seasons when we wait for God to answer our prayers, no matter how short or long they are, we are growing abundantly in our faith. While receiving the answer to our specific prayer is important, it is infinitely more important that we are creating a heart and life inclining itself toward God, hungry for and full of love for Him. Such a life is therefore ready
to receive every great blessing from Him. This is the fruit of the abundant harvest of our lives.Be confident and full of faith! Whatever we sow, we shall reap (Galatians 6:7-8). When we sow God's Word into our hearts, as we stand in His Word by faith, we will see His promises fulfilled and our prayers answered!
In the name of Jehovah Jireh (God our Provider),
Ross
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Biblical Faith And It's Results
It is good to know God's Word because through it is the entrance of life and wisdom. Unfortunately, many people think that by simply reading the bible they know it. However, this is not enough nor is it biblical faith.
Biblical faith is to both believe and act on the Word of God. Believing is a prerequisite to receiving. Tragically, this is exactly the opposite of what the world and our senses tell us to do. We are told "I'll believe it when I see it". Yet, this is a materialistic approach to life that is antithetical to our faith and leads to hopelessness and despair.
Hebrews 11:1 says: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " So, there is a realm, the spiritual realm, where faith is something of substance and it is an evidence of something that exists as a real entity in that dimension.
When we read God's Word and acknowledge that it is true, that is a good start. But, faith requires much more than that. Faith is not simply mental assent and mere agreement with God. Faith is acting upon the Word (see James 2:14-24).
So, how do we act upon the Word of God? Well, we must understand that God's Word is true - not just in terms of its veracity but also for its application in our lives. Knowing must turn into believing. Many people want to know it before believing it. However, that is not faith. When we entered into Christ, we turned from our sins and accepted Him as Lord and Savior (when we were born again). At that time, we all had to exercise a degree of faith to do so. It was by the exercised of our faith that we came into a saving relationship with Him and therefore now know God. So, from the start, we have had to exercise faith first and then we know second. That is the way faith always works.
The word "believing" is not mere mental assent, as stated before. In the ancient Greek, the word for 'belief, believe, or believers' is Pisteuo. It is defined as: "to be persuaded of, to place confidence in, to trust, to put reliance upon, not mere credence". Basically, it is a whole-hearted agreement and a "stake-your-life-on it" position that a person takes. Because God's Word says so, we believe it is so and it applies to every so-and-so, LOL.
Unfortunately, a lot of people say that while they have believed some of promises in God's Word, that sometimes they do not work. I hear this especially in the area of answered/unanswered prayers and healing. When we focus on the problem, we will never see the answer. However, when we focus beyond the problem, on God and His promises, we have the answer.
We must accept that if God's Word is true, it is always true in our lives and in every situation. Romans 3:4 says: "Let God be true, and every man a liar". So, if we know that God is not a liar, let's be very careful what we say about Him and His Word. Hebrews 13:8 states: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever". Therefore, He and His promises have not changed and never will.
When we know this we can stand on the Word with boldness and confidence. We must then confess God's Word. In doing so, our faith is now acted upon. Confession is very important. In the ancient Greek, the word for 'confess and confession' is Homologeo. It means "to speak the same thing". So, when we confess, we are to speak the same thing as God does. We are not to speak our doubts, fears, failures, or unbelief. Why? Because speaking these things is not speaking the same thing as God and, it is therefore, not confession that agrees with God and His Word. When we speak God's promises, we are in one accord with Him and are speaking His will into our lives and situations, unimpeded by unbelief. We are also allowing His power to be released in our lives.
You can see that it is very important to be in God's Word, to know it, and to stand on it. Joshua 1:8 says: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful".
When we make ourselves line up with God's Word, in our minds/hearts and with our words (this is what faith is all about), we will then see Him move on our behalf. This is not presumption- not if it is based upon God's Word! Two notes of caution though. First, in order for God's Word to work in us, we have to live a life fully repentant and obedient to Him. Second, we must have faith that God will honor His Word and fulfill it in our lives, in due season. This has to do with the principle of sowing and reaping, which will be the next article I write.
Be encouraged that as we stand on His promises, continually trusting in Him, (even when our situations looks completely contrary and hopeless) He is faithful to move and fulfill the promises contained in His Word in our lives. He will bless, heal, change, rescue, and strengthen. Why? Because He is a God of His Word.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Jesus Conquers Every Fear
(you may want to exercise discretion before showing this video to young children)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Faith
Faith is believing that what lays beyond the seemingly impossible is a Holy God who turns the impossible into the possible for those who dare to stand on His Word.
-Ross
-Ross
How to Stand on God's Word
When we stand on God's Word, we are simply going to God with His promises. We are simply reminding God of His Word and asking Him to give us what belongs to us. We are doing what God told us to do. In fact, in His Word, God invited us to remind Him of His promises.
Isaiah 43:26 - "Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence".
It is scriptural for a believer to take his stand on the Word of God and remind God what He has promised in His Word. In fact, God said to put Him in remembrance of His Word and what He has promised us.
You see, faith believes what God has already said; faith responds to what God has already done; and faith receives what God has already provided.
It is not arrogant for a child to remind his parents of a promise made made to him. That's not arrogance, disobedience, manipulation, or disrespect. It is simply asking for what was already promised.
Therefore, it is not arrogant for us to ask our Heavenly Father for the gifts and benefits He already provided for us. We are just claiming in faith what He has promised in His Word. It does not detract from God's sovereignty to put Him in remembrance of His Word!
Taking a stand on God's Word is not arrogant! And when you stand on God's Word against the devil, you can't be mealy-mouthed and wishy-washy about it! You must know who you are in Christ and take your authority over the devil.
You've got to be strong in the Lord! You've got to boldly declare who you are in Christ. That's not arrogance- that's faith! When we are bold in Christ, we are not taking an arrogant stance against God. We are taking a strong stance against the problem and against our enemy, Satan, based upon the authority of God's Word (Luke 10:19; Phil. 2:9,10).
Let the devil know you are not going to be intimidated by him or his devices. That's not arrogance against God; that's acting boldly in your authority over the devil. It's boldly standing in your place of authority because the Word said that Jesus defeated the devil. And because Satan has been defeated, you can be bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28: 1 - "The wicked man flees though no one pursues him, but the righteous are as bold as lions".
You are dealing with a defeated foe that is already under your feet because he's under Jesus' feet, so you can be bold in your authority! The devil has already been defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ!
Jesus said "...All power is given to me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18). Then He said, "Go you," giving that power to His Church on the earth (Matt 28:19). So why should we we weak and afraid to deal with a defeated foe - when we have the authority in Jesus' Name to put him in his place?
It is not arrogant to scripturally come against the enemy that is trying to steal from us what God has already given us. When you know God's Word, you get bold and strong in the Lord!
But when people don't really know what God's Word says, they don't have the boldness to stand against the devil. And some believers only know what someone thought God's Word said. But if they would study the Word for themselves, they would see for themselves that they have authority over the devil in Jesus' Name!
Some believers aren't sure about their authority in Christ because they are still trying to figure out everything in their natural minds. They say, "This is how I interpret this scripture". Or, "This is what I think this scripture means".
Then they try to explain away the truth of God's Word theologically because it doesn't coincide with what they believe, and they can't figure it out with their natural minds. (1 Cor. 2:14).
But when you are dealing with faith, you can't always figure out the way God works with your natural mind. Faith doesn't always make sense. It is not always logical, and you can't always understand spiritual things mentally. But as long as you walk in obedience to God, you can claim and receive what His Word says belongs to you...
...And I'm going to be bold and declare what the Bible says I have in Christ! It's time to take a strong stand on God's Word! Are there areas in your life where the devil is trying to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)? Then take a bold stand against the devil with the Word! He's under your feet! It doesn't matter what people say - it matters what God's Word says!
And when I find out what God's Word says about any subject, then I know that is God's will. I'm going to claim God's will for my life and walk in it! And I'm going to enjoy the triumph in every circumstance because God promises me the victory!
1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
...Whatever you need, receive it from the Word of God. Boldly declare the Word over your circumstances! Boldly declare your faith, whether you can see your answer, feel it, or taste it! Take it by faith!
You see, when you base your faith on God's Word, you can say, "It's mine! I have my answer now! How can you be that bold in your faith declaration? Because Jesus already made provision for your every need to be met. That's why you can receive your answer in faith when you pray (Mark 11:24).
Grab hold of God's Word with the tenacity of a bulldog with a bone. Don't let go of His Word! Tenaciously hold on to God's promises. That's when you receive results!
Written by Kenneth W. Hagin, "Another Look At Faith", pp. 79-83
Isaiah 43:26 - "Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence".
It is scriptural for a believer to take his stand on the Word of God and remind God what He has promised in His Word. In fact, God said to put Him in remembrance of His Word and what He has promised us.
You see, faith believes what God has already said; faith responds to what God has already done; and faith receives what God has already provided.
It is not arrogant for a child to remind his parents of a promise made made to him. That's not arrogance, disobedience, manipulation, or disrespect. It is simply asking for what was already promised.
Therefore, it is not arrogant for us to ask our Heavenly Father for the gifts and benefits He already provided for us. We are just claiming in faith what He has promised in His Word. It does not detract from God's sovereignty to put Him in remembrance of His Word!
Taking a stand on God's Word is not arrogant! And when you stand on God's Word against the devil, you can't be mealy-mouthed and wishy-washy about it! You must know who you are in Christ and take your authority over the devil.
You've got to be strong in the Lord! You've got to boldly declare who you are in Christ. That's not arrogance- that's faith! When we are bold in Christ, we are not taking an arrogant stance against God. We are taking a strong stance against the problem and against our enemy, Satan, based upon the authority of God's Word (Luke 10:19; Phil. 2:9,10).
Let the devil know you are not going to be intimidated by him or his devices. That's not arrogance against God; that's acting boldly in your authority over the devil. It's boldly standing in your place of authority because the Word said that Jesus defeated the devil. And because Satan has been defeated, you can be bold as a lion.
Proverbs 28: 1 - "The wicked man flees though no one pursues him, but the righteous are as bold as lions".
You are dealing with a defeated foe that is already under your feet because he's under Jesus' feet, so you can be bold in your authority! The devil has already been defeated by the Lord Jesus Christ!
Jesus said "...All power is given to me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18). Then He said, "Go you," giving that power to His Church on the earth (Matt 28:19). So why should we we weak and afraid to deal with a defeated foe - when we have the authority in Jesus' Name to put him in his place?
It is not arrogant to scripturally come against the enemy that is trying to steal from us what God has already given us. When you know God's Word, you get bold and strong in the Lord!
But when people don't really know what God's Word says, they don't have the boldness to stand against the devil. And some believers only know what someone thought God's Word said. But if they would study the Word for themselves, they would see for themselves that they have authority over the devil in Jesus' Name!
Some believers aren't sure about their authority in Christ because they are still trying to figure out everything in their natural minds. They say, "This is how I interpret this scripture". Or, "This is what I think this scripture means".
Then they try to explain away the truth of God's Word theologically because it doesn't coincide with what they believe, and they can't figure it out with their natural minds. (1 Cor. 2:14).
But when you are dealing with faith, you can't always figure out the way God works with your natural mind. Faith doesn't always make sense. It is not always logical, and you can't always understand spiritual things mentally. But as long as you walk in obedience to God, you can claim and receive what His Word says belongs to you...
...And I'm going to be bold and declare what the Bible says I have in Christ! It's time to take a strong stand on God's Word! Are there areas in your life where the devil is trying to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)? Then take a bold stand against the devil with the Word! He's under your feet! It doesn't matter what people say - it matters what God's Word says!
And when I find out what God's Word says about any subject, then I know that is God's will. I'm going to claim God's will for my life and walk in it! And I'm going to enjoy the triumph in every circumstance because God promises me the victory!
1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
...Whatever you need, receive it from the Word of God. Boldly declare the Word over your circumstances! Boldly declare your faith, whether you can see your answer, feel it, or taste it! Take it by faith!
You see, when you base your faith on God's Word, you can say, "It's mine! I have my answer now! How can you be that bold in your faith declaration? Because Jesus already made provision for your every need to be met. That's why you can receive your answer in faith when you pray (Mark 11:24).
Grab hold of God's Word with the tenacity of a bulldog with a bone. Don't let go of His Word! Tenaciously hold on to God's promises. That's when you receive results!
Written by Kenneth W. Hagin, "Another Look At Faith", pp. 79-83
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Faith in God Overcomes Every Problem!
Faith in God does not mean you will never face another problem. Faith in God simply means you know how to deal with problems and triumph over them. Everyone is confronted with problems from time to time in life. But your faith in God allows you to overcome problems-not be overcome by them.
Actually, the first step to victory is recognizing that you have a problem! Only then can you begin to use your faith to reverse the situation! You see, faith is not denial. That's why you must first identify the problem. Then put your faith to work for you. Nothing is too hard for God! But if you never admit you have a problem, you'll never put your faith to work against the problem. Faith does not deny the existence of problems; it just overcomes them by the power of God's Word!
When you are in faith, you realize that problems exist, but you know the greater truth of God's Word that says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57). You know you don't have to be defeated by problems!
Faith-Bible faith - is a matter of making a choice to believe God's Word rather than the problems that confront you. Yes, you will have to stand on God's Word until the problems come in line with the Word. But you don't have to be defeated by problems and negative circumstances!
And sometimes standing on the Word in the midst of trials requires some perseverance and patience. But having done all to stand on God's Word, then begin declaring your faith: "God said it. I believe it! Therefore, I receive my petition according to the Word of God, and I count it as done!
When you can't see your answer, feel it, touch it, or taste it - you must still stand on God's Word, praising Him that He has already answered your prayers! That's real faith in God! Thank God, He will meet your every need.
I don't mean to minimize the problems that confront all of us from time to time. And little problems are just as real to someone as a tremendously big problem is to someone else. We all face problems in life no matter who we are. But what I am saying is that God is bigger than any problems!
But, you see, it is easy to believe God when everything is going smoothly. But strong faith believes God even when things go wrong and the pressures of life seem to press in on every side. Any your faith in God will always be rewarded by victory if you'll just persevere in God!
Taken from "Another Look at Faith" pp.37-38. Written by Kenneth W. Hagin.
The Awesome Power of the Presence of God - Part 1
Kathryn Kuhlman shares so well about the confidence we have about the presence of God in our lives. You will be very blessed.
What Does God Want ?
Kathryn Kuhlman, a very well known woman in years past, greatly used of God in miracles and healings, shares so well her love for God. Enjoy and be blessed!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Language of Faith
The worst enemy is the flesh. The flesh and natural human reasoning will try to limit you to your own ability.
You look at the circumstances, the influences, the problems, the cares; the tests, the storms, and the winds of adversity, and you say that you can't be an overcomer. The language of doubt, the flesh, the senses, and the devil is, "I can't. I haven't the ability or the opportunity or the strength. I have been limited and deprived in life."
But the language of faith says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Paul wrote that to one of the churches.
Some might say, "But Paul was an apostle." Just because Paul was an apostle doesn't mean he had more strength than you do. Being an apostle didn't give him any extra strength. Preachers don't necessarily have any more to draw from than others do. They just have a ministry and an anointing to fulfill that ministry. But ministers have to face the same storms of life that each lay member does.
Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). Paul didn't say he could do all things because he was an apostle. He said he could do all things "through Christ." You are "in Christ" just as much as Paul was.
Second Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." If you have been born again, you are a new creature in Christ too. Christ didn't belong to Paul any more than He belongs to you.
The language of faith says, "I can do all things through Christ. My Heavenly Father strengthens me. I cannot be conquered and I cannot be defeated."
You can do all things through Christ, just as much as Paul could. I'm speaking from a spiritual standpoint. If a test or trail comes against you, it can't whip you, because there aren't enough natural forces in all the world to conquer the Greater One who dwells in you.
1 John 4:4 - "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
This verse declares that you are fortified from within. I've learned how to put the Greater One to work for me. I've learned how to put Him to work in me. Not only am I born of God and made a partaker of His love, but I have dwelling in me the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead.
Therefore, I have God's wisdom, strength, and ability in me. I am learning how to let that wisdom govern my intellect. I am letting the Greater One who dwells within govern my mind and speak through my lips. I am daring to think God's thoughts after Him. I am daring to say in the presence of all my enemies of faith, "God is my Ability".
Psalm 23:4,5 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
1 John 4:4 - You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you in greater than the one who is in the world.
Psalm 23 is for us. You need to make these confessions daily:
1. God prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thank God, the Lord is my ability.
2. He is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
3. In Christ, God has made me greater than my enemies.
4. God had made me to put my heel on the neck of weakness, fear, and inability. I stand and declare that whosoever believes on Christ shall not be put to shame (Rom. 10:11)
5. I cannot be put to shame. The strength of God is mine and in Christ I am greater than my enemies.
I am not trusting in my own strength because the Bible never said a word about my being strong in myself. Paul writes to the Church at Ephesus and said, "Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His MIGHT" (Eph. 6:10). God is your strength and your ability! So many people have the wrong idea about this. They are struggling, trying to put themselves over in life (in their own strength).
This is taken from the Faith Bible Study Course, Chapter 20 "Actions That Correspond With Faith" pp. 148-149, written by Kenneth E. Hagin
You look at the circumstances, the influences, the problems, the cares; the tests, the storms, and the winds of adversity, and you say that you can't be an overcomer. The language of doubt, the flesh, the senses, and the devil is, "I can't. I haven't the ability or the opportunity or the strength. I have been limited and deprived in life."
But the language of faith says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Paul wrote that to one of the churches.
Some might say, "But Paul was an apostle." Just because Paul was an apostle doesn't mean he had more strength than you do. Being an apostle didn't give him any extra strength. Preachers don't necessarily have any more to draw from than others do. They just have a ministry and an anointing to fulfill that ministry. But ministers have to face the same storms of life that each lay member does.
Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). Paul didn't say he could do all things because he was an apostle. He said he could do all things "through Christ." You are "in Christ" just as much as Paul was.
Second Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." If you have been born again, you are a new creature in Christ too. Christ didn't belong to Paul any more than He belongs to you.
The language of faith says, "I can do all things through Christ. My Heavenly Father strengthens me. I cannot be conquered and I cannot be defeated."
You can do all things through Christ, just as much as Paul could. I'm speaking from a spiritual standpoint. If a test or trail comes against you, it can't whip you, because there aren't enough natural forces in all the world to conquer the Greater One who dwells in you.
1 John 4:4 - "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
This verse declares that you are fortified from within. I've learned how to put the Greater One to work for me. I've learned how to put Him to work in me. Not only am I born of God and made a partaker of His love, but I have dwelling in me the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead.
Therefore, I have God's wisdom, strength, and ability in me. I am learning how to let that wisdom govern my intellect. I am letting the Greater One who dwells within govern my mind and speak through my lips. I am daring to think God's thoughts after Him. I am daring to say in the presence of all my enemies of faith, "God is my Ability".
Psalm 23:4,5 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
1 John 4:4 - You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you in greater than the one who is in the world.
Psalm 23 is for us. You need to make these confessions daily:
1. God prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thank God, the Lord is my ability.
2. He is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
3. In Christ, God has made me greater than my enemies.
4. God had made me to put my heel on the neck of weakness, fear, and inability. I stand and declare that whosoever believes on Christ shall not be put to shame (Rom. 10:11)
5. I cannot be put to shame. The strength of God is mine and in Christ I am greater than my enemies.
I am not trusting in my own strength because the Bible never said a word about my being strong in myself. Paul writes to the Church at Ephesus and said, "Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His MIGHT" (Eph. 6:10). God is your strength and your ability! So many people have the wrong idea about this. They are struggling, trying to put themselves over in life (in their own strength).
This is taken from the Faith Bible Study Course, Chapter 20 "Actions That Correspond With Faith" pp. 148-149, written by Kenneth E. Hagin
Do you want to change the world? Then pray!
We can do nothing without prayer. All things can be done by importunate prayer. It surmounts or removes all obstacles, overcomes every resisting force and gains its ends in the face of invincible hindrances.
- E. M. Bounds
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
How To Fight Your Goliath!
"Do Not Shrink Against the Enemy -- Run With God"
by Dr. John Markley
I Samuel 17:48 "David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine."
David had no fear as he came against Goliath because his heart was full of faith. He refused Saul's armor and placed his confidence not in a big sword, but in a big God. David knew that the God he served could and would deliver him because this same God had fought David's battles before.
David came against the giant in the Name of the Lord with a purpose and a cause. That cause was to stand against the spirit that was defiling the armies of the Living God. As David began to maximize and magnify God with his words, he minimized and diminished the giant that was challenging him.
David did not shrink in the sight of the giant even though Goliath threw out frightening threats and disdaining accusations. Instead, David ran towards the giant and the Philistine army with great courage.
We are continually called to face giants in our lives because the enemy is at work. He is still seeking to defile the people of God and their purposes. He makes his mission known with frightening threats and accusations in his effort to reduce us to nothing before the real battle even begins.
The secret to our victory is the same as it was for David. We must have a cause and the Name of the Lord. We must rely upon what we know about God and His Word and our purposes must line up with His Will. (Phil 2:10)
We cannot rely upon someone else's armor, for it will be too weighty and unproved. We must come to believe so much in the Name of the Lord and His purpose that it becomes a power within us. (Mark 11:23)
We cannot shrink back in our darkness and despair. We must be bold and run towards the enemy that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)
God's Word promises that if we resist the enemy, he must flee. He has no choice! (James 4:7)
David said that the battle was the Lord's and he relied totally on that premise. He did not rely on his own strength or ability. He allowed God to work through him with a simple sling and a stone against a mighty giant who held a huge spear, sword, and a javelin. Yet David prevailed without a sword in his own hand.
You may feel very inadequate as you come against the giants in your life. (2 Cor 10:4)
God may only provide you with meager weapons as he did with David. Your natural sling and stone may not look like very much as you view the spear, sword, and the javelin of the enemy.
However, you must not consider what you hold in your hand but what you hold in your heart, for God will honor your faith and your pure motives.
Run with faith towards the enemy and God will stand with you as you fight for His cause and in His Name.
Do Not Shrink Against The enemy!
Run With God!
Written by Dr. John Markley
Abiding Life Ministries
Lindale, TX
http://www.abidinglifeministries.org/
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Cross Is The Best Evidence of God's Love
The God on whom we rely knows what suffering is all about, not merely in the way that God knows everything, but by experience. In the darkest night of the soul Christians have something to hold onto that Job never knew. We know Christ crucified. Christians have learned that when there seems to be no other evidence of God's love, they cannot escape the cross. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"(Rom. 8:32) … When we suffer, there will sometimes be mystery. Will there also be faith? Yes, if our attention is focused more on the cross, and on the God of the cross, than on the suffering itself.
D. A. Carson
Theologian
Trinity Evangelical Seminary
Deerfield, IL
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